Jeff Wessel, Ph.D. is the founder and operations manager of Corn Belt Ag Services, LLC., a contract research organization, which began operations in 2017 with the purpose of providing clients data needed in product development and advancement decisions. Jeff and his full-time staff of four conduct field experiments in all areas of cropping systems. Dr. Wessel received his Ph.D. in crop sciences from the University of Illinois and has 30 years of field research experience. His experience includes both the private and public sectors. His private sector experience includes both small plot and field scale type trials conducted in collaboration with other crop scientists, sales agronomists, and producers. Additionally, Jeff operated a research farm facility at Joliet Junior College while teaching agricultural.

JP started his career in Southern Illinois with a part-time job working at a perennial greenhouse nursery while he went to junior college for horticulture and greenhouse management. At the nursery he started to do field research and greenhouse trials which was the start of the Alltech Research and Development Company. He finished his associates degree and transferred to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to study agriculture and plant science. He then finished his bachelors degree in Agriculture and enrolled in grad school at Southern with an emphasis on plant propagation. He finished his course work at Carbondale and started working full time at Alltech. JP worked at Alltech for another ten years then moved to North-central Illinois working for SGS Ag Research as a Field Scientist performing field research trials. He spent seven years at SGS before moving to Cornbelt as a Research Trial Manager. Outside of work he likes to hike and camp and spend his time volunteering with Scouting America as a cub scout den leader and boy scout troop leader.

Stephen graduated from Illinois State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in crop science. Since that time, he has worked primarily in field crop research with 13 years of total experience, and ten years’ experience managing trials as a contract researcher. He has been a member of NAICC since 2015 and has appreciated the opportunity to supervise a wide variety of trials including crop protection, fertility, bio stimulants and more. Stephen primarily works with corn, soybean, and wheat, but has various experiences with other specialty crops as well. He has been with Corn Belt Ag Services since 2018 and has enjoyed participating in the growth of the company. When not working at CBAS Stephen manages and operates his small family farm at home with the help of his wife and 3 children. His favorite past times are playing cards (euchre) and reading. Stephen maintains an absolute commitment to his clients and takes delight in the personal relationships developed through years of trust and repeat service.

William came to CBAS in 2022 and serves as the Research Farm Manager. He oversees the day to day equipment operations and assists with all facets of trial execution. William is a graduate of Black Hawk East and has a Bachelor’s degree in Ag Education from Illinois State University. Prior to coming to CBAS, he spent 10 years as an Ag Teacher & FFA advisor. William grew up being involved in the family farming operation, raising row crops, seed corn, and purebred hogs, which he continues to this day. William also serves as the county Farm Bureau President. In his free time, he enjoys boating and snowmobiling.

Bio coming soon.