With each issue, Top Producer magazine spotlights an innovative farming operation. In 2020, we traveled North, South, East and West—even to Canada. Enjoy this look of the farmers we met this year. You’ll probably find an idea or two to adopt as we look toward 2021.
Families Join Forces and Form MVP Dairy
MVP Dairy, which includes VanTilburg Farms of Celina, Ohio, and McCarty Family Farms of Colby, Kan.,
MVP Dairy is a partnership, which formed in 2017, between the McCarty and VanTilburg families. The operation in Mercer County, Ohio, sells milk directly to Dannon.
Russell Hedrick Harvests Dollars in Yield vs. Profit Farm Battle
Russell Hedrick, Hickory, N.C.
Just barely off the starting line of his farming career in 2012, Russell Hedrick stared at a fork in the road, a precarious split between profit and yield. The path to profit beckoned, while the immediate lure of yield carried heavyweight appeal and turned the young man’s head—almost. At 28, the first-generation producer picked the path less traveled.
Teamwork Drives Belstra Milling Forward
Nick DeKryger of Belstra Milling, DeMotte, Ind.
Instead of standing on its 66-year-old laurels, Belstra Milling Company is focused on its 210 employees and who will be on the team in the future.
July/August
Big Thinker Transforms Farming’s Paradigm
Kristjan Hebert, Moosomin, Saskatchewan
For Kristjan Hebert, farming is an ongoing puzzle of challenges and solutions. Case in point: Put him in a room with a white board and accompanying problem, and watch as the scribbles explode—the issues are defined, previous business protocols are challenged, and big ideas are bulleted.
North Dakota Farmer Focused Beyond the Here and Now
Chase DeWitz, Steele, N.D.
The world rewards risk takers. Yet, the line between calculated risks and reckless deeds is sometimes difficult to define. That’s where hard work, good timing and passion make all the difference. Meet Chase Dewitz. At 14 years old, he forged his path — buying 20 cows with his hard-earned money.
Details Feed Big Picture for Louisiana Farmer
Sam Ross, Pioneer, La.
Sam Ross is the first into the farming fray. Look for the spot where the most work is in progress on the farm, or where a hive of activity is buzzing — and Ross will be found, leading knee-deep in the task.
Proprietary Grass Seed Business Prioritizes Quality
Becky Berger, Hillsboro, Ore.
Whether she’s meeting with potential buyers in China, weighing a new crop option or sitting at a table surrounded by her family council, Becky Meeuwsen Berger knows difficult times don’t define you – they propel you. And, through hard work and focus, no challenge is too great.
Purposeful Transition Guides Indiana Father-Son Team
Jim and James Douglas, Flat Rock, Ind.
Take a look around Douglas Farms and you know this operation is focused on the future. The reason this farm will grow forward is the focus of its leaders, Jim, 66, and James, 33. For years, the father-and-son team never dreamed they would be partners in the farm. But through proactive planning, strong communication and an eye on finances, the two have a solid framework in place.
