“Humbling.” That’s how Todd Malecha describes winning the title of the 2022 Top Producer of the Year award.
Malecha, his wife, Louise, and five of his seven children make up the Malecha Enterprises team in Villard, Minn.
Their operation includes 1,200 milk cows and 1,100 replacement heifers as well as 2,500 acres of diverse crop and forage production. In addition to the dairy operation, the farm includes production of alfalfa, corn, silage, soybeans and hay. They also do custom work and own and operate a gravel pit.
Todd and Louise have seven children, ages 18 to 31. Five of their children and two daughters-in-law are members of the Malecha Enterprises team.
“It’s the legacy that we’re going to lead for the next generation that matters to us,” Todd says.
The annual Top Producer of the Year award in 2022 was sponsored by BASF, Case IH and Rabo AgriFinance
In winning the award, the Malechas received regenerative agriculture consulting from Mitchell Hora, owner of Continuum Ag, courtesy of Rabo AgriFinance. From Case IH, they received the use of a Steiger tractor. BASF provided CEO coaching sessions with Sarah Beth Aubrey of ACT.
Apply for the 2023 Top Producer Awards: Deadline Sept. 30
The 2023 Top Producer Summit will be held Jan. 23–25 in Nashville. During the Summit, Top Producer will recognize remarkable farmers who have taken risks, built thriving businesses and given back to their communities.
The entry deadline for each award is Sept. 30.
2023 Top Producer of the Year
The award honors three producers whose operations are at the forefront of agriculture and crowns one winner. Entrants are judged on entrepreneurial originality (50%), financial and business progress (30%) and industry or community leadership (20%). All three finalists receive trips to the Summit, CEO coaching sessions and other prizes. The winner also receives a lease of a Case IH tractor. Learn more.
2023 Tomorrow’s Top Producer Horizon Award
The award recognizes farmers 35 and under who represent the next generation of esteemed farm leaders. Entrants are judged on entrepreneurial originality (50%), financial and business progress (30%) and leadership (20%). The winner receives a trip to the Summit, a drone and other prizes. Learn more.
2023 EWA Trailblazer Award
This award is given to a female producer who is a shining example for her peers. Entrants are judged on agricultural advocacy (50%), farm business innovation (30%) and industry or community leadership (20%). The winner receives a trip to the Summit and leadership or succession planning consulting sessions. Learn more.
