You’ve taken the risks and built a successful business.
You give back to your industry and your local community.
Your story would help others push themselves to achieve success.
The Top Producer of the Year Award identifies and honors agricultural producers from whom our readers can learn business concepts, ranging from value-added ventures to succession plans to overcoming adversity. If these characteristics can be used to describe you, then you should apply to be the 2027 Top Producer of the Year.
Entrants will be judged on:
- entrepreneurial originality (50%)
- financial and business progress (30%)
- industry or community leadership (20%)
Any farmer or rancher who derives at least half of his/her income from farming and farm-related ventures may apply.
Prizes: The 2027 Top Producer of the Year finalists will receive a trip for two and be recognized at Top Producer Summit, Feb. 15 to 17, 2027, in Nashville, Tenn. Additional prizes will be awarded depending on sponsors.
For details, email: meckelkamp@farmjournal.com.
Click here to download the 2027 application
Profiles of Past Winners
2026 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Alsum Farms and Produce, Friesland, Wis.
Finalists: Dalton Farms, Wakeman, Ohio and Splitter Farms, Sterling, Kan.
2025 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Marc Arnusch, Prospect Valley, Colo.
Finalists: Mark Hanna, Joice, Iowa, and Chase Larson, Belleville, Kan.
2024 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Christiansen Land and Cattle, Kimball, S.D.
Finalists: Garrett Land & Cattle, Arion, Iowa, and PJ Haynie, Reedville, Va.
2023 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Silent Shade Planting Company, Belzoni, Miss.
Finalists: MoDak Dairy, Goodwin, S.D., and Engel Family Farms, Hanover, Va.
2022 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Malecha Enterprises, Villard, Minn.
Finalists: Clearwater Farms, Nezperce, Idaho, and Seven Springs Farms, Joe Nichols, Cadiz, Ky.
2021 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: LongView Farms, Nevada, Iowa
Finalists: DX Ranch, Gettysburg, S.D., and Came Farms, Salina, Kan.
2020 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Kristjan Hebert, Moosomin, Saskatchewan
Finalists: Sam Ross, Pioneer, La., and Becky Berger, Hillsboro, Ore.
2019 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Jimmy Tosh, Henry, Tenn.
Finalists: Chris Adams, Grand Forks, N.D., and Ron Rabou, Albin, Wyo.
2018 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Frank Howey, Monroe, N.C.
Finalists: Bailey Family Farms, Iola, Ill., and Jeremie Pavelski, Heartland Farms, Hancock, Wis.
2017 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Chalmers and Lori Anne Carr, Ridge Spring, S.C.
Finalists: Richard and Roderick Gumz, Endeavor, Wis., and John Pagel, Kewaunee, Wis.
2016 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Donald and Cheri De Jong, Hartley, Texas
Finalists: Ron and Zoey Brooks and Brooks Farms, Waupaca, Wis., and Annie Dee and Dee River Ranch, Aliceville, Ala.
2015 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Bill, Albert, Bernard and David Peterson and Peterson Farms, Loretto, Ky.
Finalists: Stan Boshart and SJB Farms, Tangent, Ore., and Roric Paulman and Paulman Farms, Sutherland, Neb.
2014 Top Producer of the Year
Winner: Lee Lubbers, Gregory, S.D.
Finalists: Jay and Cara Myers, Colfax, N.D., and Joe Zumwalt, Warsaw, Ill.
2013
- Luke Brubaker; Mount Joy, Pa.
- John Carroll; Illinois and Brazil
- Dave Nelson; Fort Dodge, Iowa
2012
- Gregg Halverson; Grand Forks, N.D.
- Tim Richter; Lime Springs, Iowa
- Mike Stamp; Decatur, Mich.
2011
- Jim Kline; Hartford City, Ind.
- Jake Clark; Grand Ledge, Mich.
- Justin Crownover; Sunray, Texas
2010
- Donny DeLine; Charleston, Mo.
- Schmidt Farms; Sudlersville, Md.
- Hudye Farms; Burlington, Colo.
2009
- Lon Frahm; Colby, Kan.
- Andy & Beth Snider; Hart, Mich.
- Duncanson Growers; Mapleton, Minn.
2008
- Dave Minich, Logansport, Ind.
- Star Rock Farms, Conestoga, Penn.
- Leroy Shatto,Osborn, Mo.
2007
- Kip Tom, Leesburg, Ind.
- Joe Nichols, Wallonia, Ky.
- Randy Hughes, Janesville, Wis.
2006
- Chad Olsen, Hendricks, Minn.
- Dean Walker, Orofino, Ida.
- Rick Rosentreter, Carlinville, Ill.
2005
- Steve Irsik, Ingalls, Kan.
- Bill Kubecka, Palacios, Tex.
- Craig Yunker, Elba, N.Y.
2004
- Brian Mitchell, Elkhart, Kan.
- Kevin Green, DeWitt, Iowa
- Jay Garetson, Copeland, Kan.
2003
- Dean Folkvord, Three Forks, Mont.
- Keith Masser, Sacramento, Pa.
- Tim Dewey, Cimarron, Kan.
2002
- Melvin Winger, Johnson, Kan.
- Jerry Hostetter, Ephrata, Pa.
- Jay Clasing, Ruthven, Iowa
2001
- Ben Riensche, Jesup, Iowa
- John Moser, Greeley, Colo.
- Gene Veliquette, Williamsburg, Mich.
2000
- Marty Klinker, Fairfield, Mont.
- Donnie Young, Ulysses, Kan.
- Steve and Lola Raska, Great Falls, Mont.
