Producers from Colorado, Iowa and Kansas named finalists for Top Producer of the Year Award
Lenexa, Kan., (Jan. 13, 2025) – Farm Journal’s annual Top Producer Summit, agriculture’s premier educational and networking event for forward-thinking farmers and ranchers, is set for Feb. 17-19, at the Loews Hotel in Kansas City. The event will bring producers of nearly a dozen commodities together to share business opportunities and ideas for taking their operations to the next level.
“The Top Producer Summit program is geared for the farmers, ranchers and growers that have the attitude and aptitude it takes to build elite farming operations,” said Margy Eckelkamp, brand leader of Top Producer. “The speakers and workshops we have planned are foundational to the Top Producer experience, but attendees always tell us the networking and relationships they build with other like-minded farmers is what keeps them coming back every year.”
Some of the nation’s most outstanding farming operations will be recognized at the event. Finalists for the 2025 Top Producer of the Year Award include:
- Marc Arnusch, Marc Arnusch Farms, Keenesburg, Colo.
- Mark Hanna, Hanna Farms, Joice, Iowa
- Chase Larson, Bestifor Farms, Belleville, Kan.
Two additional producers will be recognized for their leadership of successful farming operations at the event. Kimberly Ratcliff, Caney Creek Ranch, Oakwood, Texas, will be recognized as the 2025 Women in Ag award winner, and Dalton Dilldine, Dilldine Farms, Blytheville, Ark., is the 2025 Next Gen Award winner.
Mixing business with fun, the 2025 Top Producer Summit will feature industry-leading speakers on finance, innovative management practices, human resources, technology and succession planning. All attendees will enjoy a night out and live music at the PBR Bar in Kansas City’s vibrant Power and Light District.
Agenda highlights for the event include:
- The Future of Farming with technologist and entrepreneur Byron Reese
- Outlook for the ag economy with KC Federal Reserve economist Nate Kauffman and other leading economists
- How 2025’s weather forecast will shape the growing season with Eric Snodgrass
- Need-to-know farm input pricing trends with Stone X’s Josh Linville and Rabobank’s Sam Taylor
- Hot topics panel with Upstream Ag Insights’ Shane Thomas, RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney, and CHS’ Ken Zuckerberg
- Developing creative leaders to overcome challenges with Zach Arend
On Monday, Feb. 17, attendees have the opportunity to attend a preconference workshop on “How to Win in Turbulent Times” to sharpen their business management skills; or experience an off-site tour of Kansas City including stops at Arrowhead Stadium for a behind-the scenes look at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs, lunch at locally-owned Gates Bar-B-Q and a tour and tasting at Boulevard Brewing Co. Charlene Finck also will be honored during the event as she celebrates her retirement after 35 years of dedication and service to Farm Journal.
Top Producer Summit is supported by platinum sponsors BASF and Rabo Agrifinance.
Silver sponsors for the event include AGCO/FENDT, EarthOptics and New Leaf.
Bronze sponsors are CLA, Corteva Agriscience, Golden Harvest, Nutrien, Ostara, Taranis, Total Acre and Tracer Minnerals
The deadline to make reservations at the Loews Hotel at the discounted conference rate is Monday, Jan. 21. To learn more or register for Top Producer Summit, go to tpsummit.com.
About Farm Journal
Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. The company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences and tradeshows; nationally broadcast television and radio programs; and an array of data-driven, paid information products. Farm Journal owns the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. Trust In Food is a Farm Journal division dedicated to accelerating the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative agriculture in ways that work for producers and enhance connection to consumers. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity, Farm Journal Foundation, dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.
Register now for Top Producer Summit 2025, use code NEWYEAR for 20% off!
