Next-Generation Farmers
Entrants are judged on entrepreneurial originality, financial and business progress and industry or community leadership.
By diversifying into specialty crops and direct-to-consumer sales, the Thomas family is connecting the next generation to the soil and their community.
Consolidation risk is not limited to smaller operations. Succession gaps, management transitions and strategic exits are driving consolidation regardless of size.
The Neumillers, an Illinois potato farm family, share a 70-year legacy of farming, family and passing the torch to the next generation.
Whether it’s growing specialty crops, running a podcast or launching AgList, fifth-generation farmer Tim Nuss blends tradition with innovation, earning him the 2026 Top Producer Next Gen Award.
Kansas farmers Matt and Janna Splitter built their 13,000-acre operation through calculated risk, strong relationships and relentless efficiency, earning recognition as a 2026 Top Producer of the Year finalist.
Economists say cash rent acre expansion comes at too high of a cost with low commodity prices and high input prices.
At a White House roundtable with farmers, a rice producer’s candid message stole the spotlight. Meet Meryl Kennedy, the rice producer who had a powerful message for President Trump last week.
Outstanding producers from California, Kansas, Ohio, Oregon and Wisconsin will be recognized for excellence, leadership and innovation.
California grape grower Jennifer Thomson saw nearly every grape go unsold in 2024. But through grit and determination, she fought back — and this year, she found a home for her entire crop, defying odds and carrying her family’s legacy.
Lucas Bradshaw suffered serious head trauma following a collision while traveling to a JV baseball game. Today, he’s back on the farm helping his family bring in the harvest.
At just 10 years old, Jackson Laux has gone from riding with his grandpa to farming his own acres — while also becoming John Deere’s first-ever Chief Tractor Kid. And now he’s teaming up with NFL quarterback Brock Purdy and John Deere to make a difference.
Chemistry allows me to go beyond traditional ag that often is stuck in the past. My goal is to ensure the next student who loves chemistry sees a future in ag – not illegal drug trade.
“From Bright Leaf to Berkshires” is helping some farmers make that leap.
When you grow up on a farm, certain phrases become ingrained in your vocabulary, like “feed the calves” or “fix the fence” or “mow the grass,” but one phrase, in particular, is notably absent.
“The 1980s farm crisis didn’t just damage balance sheets. It’s changed the interest of being involved in agriculture. That gap is being realized today in board rooms, field offices, agronomy teams and more,” said Aaron Locker, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed.
We caught up with past Top Producer award winners as they reflect on the past and share what they wish they had known when they were just starting out in agriculture.
Nelson & Sons Farm in Louisiana, alongside the National Black Growers Council, is cultivating the next generation of black row crop farmers through in-field experience and customized youth programming.
Here are four pieces of gray-haired wisdom from the auction price guy.
Freshly graduated from Western Illinois University, Paige Pence is getting an entirely new learning experience this summer as she gets her feet wet farming the 4,500 acres originally pieced together by her first-generation farmer parents.
Caleb Ragland is hopeful his boys will have the opportunity to be the 10th generation to carry on the family’s farming roots, but he’s concerned the fallout from trade disruptions, high input costs and low commodity prices could deliver a death blow to that dream.
Strong succession is driven by leaders who are willing to plan boldly, act decisively and invest in their next generation. Your family and your operation are counting on you.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Brittany Hukill wasn’t planning to take over the family farm so soon. But that became her reality after losing her father when she was a teenager and then her grandpa when she was in college.
“We must ensure that we make a way for young and beginning farmers to fill our boots,” said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
How do you know when it’s time to start transitioning your operation to the next generation? Rena Striegel, president of Transition Point Business Partners, says to aim for a decade.
Aaron Blackmon, a North Carolina extension agent and first-generation farmer, discovered his passion through mentorship and now carries on a farm’s legacy with dedication.
What’s the long-term difference between starting a retirement plan at age 20 versus 40? Farm CPA Paul Neiffer crunches the numbers.