TOP PRODUCER
AWARD BANQUET
Monday, February 9, 2026
6:00 PM
Renaissance Nashville Hotel
What are Top Producer Awards?
The Top Producer Awards Ceremony, held during the Top Producer Summit, celebrates innovative farmers who are growing more than crops - they're growing their businesses, their people, and the future of agriculture. These leaders take bold risks, build resilient operations, give back to their communities, and inspire the next generation.
This award honors three producers whose operations are pushing agriculture forward and crowns one winner. Finalists are building strong businesses, taking smart risks, and leading their industry or community.
They're growing their farms and helping shape the future of the industry.
Entrants are judged on entrepreneurial originality (50%), financial and business progress (30%) and industry or community leadership (20%). Finalists receive trips to the Summit, CEO coaching sessions and other prizes.
Deadline to enter: Sept. 1, 2025
This award recognizes producers 40 and under who are stepping into leadership and steering agriculture forward, representing the next generation of leaders. These farmers are building smart, scalable operations while embracing innovation and continuous growth.
This award celebrates those preparing to lead and ready to change the future of farming.
Entrants are judged on entrepreneurial originality (50%), financial and business progress (30%) and leadership (20%).
Deadline to enter: Sept. 1, 2025
This award honors a female producer who leads with purpose, innovation, and advocacy. She's not only growing a successful farm business but also paving the way for others and elevating the voice of women in agriculture.
This award recognizes women who are changing the industry and empowering others to grow.
Entrants are judged on agricultural advocacy (50%), farm business innovation (30%) and industry or community leadership (20%).
Deadline to enter: Sept. 1, 2025
2025 TOP PRODUCER AWARD WINNERS
Top Producer of the Year Winner
Marc Arnusch Farms
Marc Arnusch
Top Produce NEXT GEN Winner
Dilldine Farms
Dalton Dilldine
Top Producer Women in Ag Winner
Ratcliff Premium Meats
Kimberly Ratcliff
Scroll below to meet all of our previous nominees and winners through the years!
2023 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Silent Shade Planting Company
Jeremy & Elizabeth Jack
2022 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Todd & Louise Malecha
2021 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Longview Farms -- The Henry's
2020 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Kristjan Hebert
2019 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Jimmy Tosh
2018 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Frank Howey
2017 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Chalmers & Lori Anne Carr
2016 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Donald & Cheri De Jong
2015 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Peterson Farms
2014 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Lee Lubbers
2013 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Luke Brubaker
2012 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Greg Halverson
2011 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Jim Kline
2010 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Donny DeLine
2009 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Lon Frahm
2008 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Dave Minich
2007 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Kip Tom
2006 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Chad Olsen
2005 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Steve Irsik
2004 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Brian Mitchell
2003 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Dean Folkvord
2002 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Melvin Winger
2001 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Ben Riensche
2000 Top Producer of the Year Winner
Marty Klinker
Top Producer Women in Ag Award Winners Through the Years
2023 EWA Trailblazer Award Winner
Marcia Ruff
Circleville, Ohio
2022 EWA Trailblazer Award Winner
Susan Weaver Ford
2021 EWA Trailblazer Award Winner
Jennie Schmidt
2020 EWA Trailblazer Award Winner
Macey Wessels & Shelly Boshart Davis
2019 EWA Trailblazer Award Winner
April Hemmes
Top Producer NEXT GEN Award Winners Through the Years
2024 NEXT GEN Award Winner
Hallie Shoffner
2023 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Trey Wasserburger from North Platte, Neb
2022 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Martin Angus
2021 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Matt Splitter
2020 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Chase Dewitz
2019 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Anthony Schwarck
2018 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Maggie Holub
2017 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Cody Goodknight
2016 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Chris Noble
2015 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Matt Sims
2014 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Jeremy Weaver
2013 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Joanna Carraway
2012 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Michael Daniels
