Latest News From Top Producer Summit

Farmer and philanthropist Howard Buffett held a fireside chat during the 2024 Top Producer Summit to share his experiences visiting the front line of Ukraine over the past two years.

Vanessa O'Brien shares the similar traits held by both farmers and explorers: courage, endurance, resilience and dedication.

Experts are watching global dynamics to understand the input market’s longer-term outlook in the U.S. Among their top concerns are geopolitics, weather and low supply.

No step is too big for Top Producer finalist, PJ Haynie. Deep family roots are the foundation of his farming legacy. 

At Christiansen Land and Cattle, they’re committed to excellence and continuous improvement, a mindset that started when Christine Hamilton’s family homesteaded in South Dakota in 1891.

A farmer and cattle producer in western Iowa, Kelly Garrett’s operation continues to conquer change.

If you weren't able to attend Top Producer Summit in Kansas City, you can still watch the awards banquet.

As a sixth generation Iowa farmer, Pam Johnson has been sharing agriculture’s food, fiber and fuel stories her entire life.

In South Dakota, you’ll find a 130-year-old dairy operation that runs on passion, perseverance and a focus on finding the right people. This dynamic trifecta is what makes up the unparalleled culture of MoDak Dairy.

Working and training with her mother, in 2019 Hallie Shoffner took the lead as CEO and continues to focus on growing the business, searching for opportunities in specialty crops and value-added production.

Use the topics and tools included in The DIRTT Project to jump-start the succession planning process for your operation whether you are just beginning or need to get on track.

The 2024 Top Producer Summit is Feb. 5 to 7 in Kansas City, Mo.

Producers From Arkansas, Iowa and South Dakota Named Finalists for Prestigious Top Producer of the Year Award.

We asked some of our previous Top Producer of the Year awardees to share a bit about what’s happening on their farming operations — looking at both the past year and out on the horizon.

Periods of profitability and loss come in waves and Shay Foulk is sharing three key things to do in 2024 to make the best of it.

As the year comes to a close, Paul Neiffer shares five ways to minimize the impact of income taxes.

Sarah Beth Aubrey shares tips for effective communication and building influence before stepping into a leadership role.

Mark Faust shares objectives in seven key areas that can intensify your operation's vision, divergence and focus.

Rena Striegel's workshop at the upcoming Top Producer Summit will leave attendees with four main takeaways.

How much is a farm at risk from a technical tsunami?

The food system is being reimagined today and farmers can benefit by thinking about how to improve their ability to take advantage of opportunities in the process, says Rob Dongoski with Ernst and Young.

As you look at transitioning leadership and ownership of your farm to the next generation, be ready to tackle entitlement issues. 

Jackie Applegate began her journey in 1992 as the only female chemist at a Bayer manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Mo. Since then, she’s held a variety of global roles.

With a focus on networking and business education, the 2023 Top Producer Summit welcomed farmers and ranchers to Nashville, Tenn., on Jan. 23-25.

We all know one of the most dangerous phrases in business is: We’ve always done it this way.

During the 2024 Top Producer Summit, Top Producer will recognize remarkable farmers who have taken risks, built thriving businesses and given back to their communities. 

Rich Redmond has created a no-nonsense system to supercharge your personal and professional life, whether you are a farmer or the drummer for Jason Aldean.

The Top Producer Women in Agriculture Award will be given to a female producer who is a shining example for her peers.

Follow this strategy to reduce turnover and increase morale on your farm team.

Entrants are judged on entrepreneurial originality, financial and business progress and industry or community leadership.

Create a process to brainstorm, prioritize and implement ideas for your operation.

Life lessons for everyone in our great industry.

As we look ahead, here is what I have seen the best operations do in both good and challenging years.

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.

During the Top Producer Summit, which was held Jan. 23-25 in Nashville, Top Producer honored five farm operations.

MoDak Dairy, a 2023 Top Producer of the Year finalist, takes pride in producing high-quality milk in a sustainable manner that supports a bright future for their family and community.

A tactical approach to communications and marketing begins with answering 6 clarifying questions.

With 200-plus landlords and numerous vendors, agribusiness customers and employees, strong relationships are the core of Engel Family Farms, a 2023 Top Producer of the Year finalist.

Success germinates by prioritizing family and land stewardship for Silent Shade Planting Company, the 2023 Top Producer of the Year.

The food system is undergoing transformation, says Rob Dongoski, Ernst & Young. He pulled back the curtain on three ways it will change and how farmers can be ready during a presentation at the 2023 Top Producer Summit.

If you weren't able to attend Top Producer Summit in Nashville, you can still watch the awards banquet.

Meet these eight cutting-edge and producer-focused companies.

Consumer preferences can totter between fads and trends. For farmers to capitalize on consumer demands, they must be able to sort out which market opportunities to pursue, says Rob Dongoski with Ernst & Young.

From the war in Ukraine to evolving Chinese demand to bumper crops in South America, the trends are shifting for global grain flow. What will the future hold? That will be the topic of a panel at Top Producer Summit.

For 2023, make expanding your business edge a priority by joining Top Producer at its annual Top Producer Summit. 

Todd and Louise Malecha have one mission: Keep everyone on the same page. For their operation, that “same page” is a 587-page business plan. 

For 2023, make expanding your business edge a priority by joining Top Producer at its annual Top Producer Summit. 

The Tomorrow’s Top Producer Horizon Award will be given to a producer under the age of 35, who demonstrate excellence in the business of farming.

“Humbling.” That’s how Todd Malecha describes winning the title of the 2022 Top Producer of the Year award.

During the 2023 Top Producer Summit, Top Producer will recognize remarkable farmers who have taken risks, built thriving businesses and given back to their communities.