CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (March 10, 2026) – A pair of sisters who returned to their family farm and made it profitable by creating novel dairy products are the recipients of the 2026 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism.
Amy and Beth Marcoot, owners of Greenville-based Marcoot Jersey Creamery, accepted the honor during a ceremony at the 2026 AgTech Summit hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park. The prize honors a grower/producer/farmer who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices.
One of the company’s most profitable and innovative products is Dog-O’s dog ice cream, which is sold at pet retailers nationwide.
“If you would have asked me 16 years ago if we would have been making dog ice cream I would have said you were crazy,” Beth Marcoot said.
The Marcoot sisters, University of Illinois graduates who run the business and the farm together, describe themselves as “advocates and cheerleaders for all of agriculture” and are passionate about getting people on the farm. (Amy’s degree is from the College of Applied Health Sciences and Beth’s from the College of ACES).
The Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism was established in 2021 in honor of Glen “GB” Brandt, a legendary figure in the field of Illinois agriculture, who passed away in late 2020. The BRANDT Foundation partners with the University of Illinois to provide the winner with a $10,000 prize.
Marcoot Jersey Creamery plans to use the prize money to purchase a new piece of equipment that automates cutting cheese, a process currently completed manually. While the equipment creates efficiency, the Marcoot team also reflected how important it is to build a positive culture for its staff.
“This check does more than what $10,000 can articulate well,” said Beth Marcoot, who runs the business side of Marcoot Jersey Creamery. “We are so excited to have this opportunity so much sooner than what we thought.”
“Glen Brandt was the consummate entrepreneur,” said Karl Barnhart, Vice President, The BRANDT Foundation. “When there was no solution, he invented one. And that’s the spirit we see in Amy and Beth Marcoot. When the family farm’s succession was uncertain, they took on the responsibility, diversified into cheesemaking, and transformed the entire operation. GB would be proud of the 2026 winners of the GB Prize.”
Previous Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism winners include Roger Bock (2025), Andrew and Karlie Bowman (2024), Eric Miller (2023), and Matt Riggs, (2022).
About The BRANDT Foundation
The BRANDT Foundation was established in 2012 as a philanthropic extension of BRANDT, Inc. The Brandt family has always stood with their communities and as their company grew, so did the opportunities to give back. The BRANDT Foundation offers donations, grants, and support to charities, organizations, and communities that reside in the same area of the company; geographically and industry-related.
About the AgTech Innovation Summit
Produced by the University of Illinois Research Park, the AgTech Innovation Summit is an interactive conference where participants learn and share knowledge about the current state of AgTech and get a look into the future through dynamic panels, inspiring keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. One of the premier AgTech hubs in the nation, Champaign-Urbana is uniquely positioned to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and industry for learning, networking, and advancing this sector.