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

 

2024 Women in Ag Award Winner
Pam Johnson
Iowa

Read more here!

2023 EWA Trailblazer Award Winner
Marcia Ruff
Circleville, Ohio

Read more here!

2022 EWA Trailblazer Award Winner
Susan Weaver Ford

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2021 EWA Trailblazer Award Winner
Jennie Schmidt

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2020 EWA Trailblazer Award Winner
Macey Wessels & Shelly Boshart Davis

Read more here!

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

Read more here!

2020 Tomorrow's Top Producer Horizon Award Winner
Chase Dewitz

Read more here!

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