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KEVIN BRUSSELL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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Kevin Brussell was part of the organic community for many years. He served as the superintendent of Organic Dairy Research at the University of New Hampshire, overseeing the first working organic dairy farm at a land grant University. Through the Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative, under OFARM (Organic Farmers' Agency for Relationship Marketing), Kevin provided leadership in the volatile area of organic commodity crop production and sales. Kevin received the Spirit of Organic Award from the Organic Trade Association in 2008, recognizing his broad influence on the expansion of organic agriculture.  |
Kevin took leadership roles with the Illinois Sustainable Agricultural Society, the Southeastern Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Association, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and the Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. He served as president of Ag Organics. He also helped coordinate on-farm research and demonstration projects with the University of Illinois Agro Ecology Program, and was a part of the research committee for the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (CFAR), and co-chair of the CFAR Rural Economic Development working group.
Promoting crop diversity, Kevin helped to establish and was elected president of the Buckwheat Growers of Illinois and the Illinois Wheat Growers Association. As founding board member of the Illinois Chapter of the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), he served on, and chaired, the certification committee. He became a certified organic farm and processing inspector, and has taught "Transitioning to Organics" seminars at major organic conferences across the country. Kevin provided impetus for the formation of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Association (NODPA), then served as a non-producer board member for that organization.
Kevin had an infectious enthusiasm for organics and enjoyed sharing his knowledge. He put his heart and soul into helping others be successful.
Kevin is missed throughout the organic community. MOSES extends sympathy to the Brussell family for its loss.
Memorial Guest Book
March 20, 2012
Kevin was my cousin so I've known him since we were both kids. As I watched him grow up I always knew that farming was in his blood. As a young man he became interested in natural and alternative healing methods and I still sleep on the magnetic mattress pad I got from him as well as use his magnets on my knees when they get sore. Unlike many cousins we stayed connected as adults and my sister Sharon and I shared many fun ski vacations with Kevin in the Colorado mountains. I will never forget how he made a special trip to see my sister and helped cheer her up when her husband was dying of cancer. Kevin was a very caring and fun-loving person and we miss him very much. I am proud of his many contributions to the organic and sustainable farming movement and happy to support this effort in his memory. Barbara Brussell
March 1, 2012
This is in memory of Kevin, with gratitude for all that he and Juli did, and continue to do, to help new organic farmers get started. The dance of life continues...please use this gift to support new farmers and way you see fit. Thank you, Terra.
February 20, 2012
Intelligent thought, right action, good humor...thank you, Juli, for marrying Kevin- so that your family could know him, too. What a good man... Shelley Bryan
February 16, 2012
I knew Kevin for many years, and always enjoyed catching up with him whenever we met at organic agriculture events, which occurred either many times in a year, or every other year. Kevin had a great way of putting everything in perspective, whenever there was a challenge, well, he felt no problem, we can find a solution! The last time I spent some time with him was at the Bodega Brewery in La Crosse, on Wed night before the Organic Farming Conference. I was in there with a friend, trialing out the microbrews and when I turned around to put my coat on my stool..there was Kevin sitting next to me! Well, many beers and a few hours of conversation later, we had reacquainted and I was so happy to hear of his return back to WI. While my husband and I are very happy to have Juli nearby to us in WI, we all miss Kevin. Friend of Kevin and Juli
February 13, 2012
Juli, No words, only tears, those that show my heart for the loss of Kevin, your true love. How I wish I could be at the MOSES Conference to just hug and love on you. Kevin was a true treasure to you and to the organic community. He will be missed. My love to you, my Dear. Debi Kelly, University of Missouri
February 11, 2012
We definitely are missing the easy laugh and semi-regular visits of "Mr Buckwheatseed." He was a hard-working icon of the organic movement but more importantly just a plain, good-hearted person. Our hearts go out to his family. Please know that he lives on in our memories. Bruce Bowman
February 10, 2012
I knew Kevin when he was at UNH! He and my husband Chuck became very close colleagues during Kevin's tenure there. I knew Kevin in a more social realm and as a friend. He was always inquisitive about my life and activities; an intentional listener, avid encourager, lover of good beer (which I am not), and he appreciated a good meal around great conversation. I miss his positive outlook and zest for healthy and sustainable agriculture. His mind was full of information about preserving the land that God created. Chuck and I were looking forward to spending time with him and "Jewels" as their new farm in Wisconsin is only a short 30 minute ride from our home. I miss him and those wonderfully polished boots that always seemed to grace his feet. Rest well, good friend but know you are sorely missed by a great cadre of people. See you on the other side, friend! Sandy Schwab
December 21, 2011
With loving memory of Kevin, and warm thoughts to Juli. I am grateful to have known Kevin as a friend and worked with him. We all miss a great leader of the sustainable and organic agriculture movements. Best, Renee Hunt