Kansas City, Mo., (Nov. 12, 2026) – Farm Journal has announced the 2027 Top Producer Award honorees, recognizing five outstanding agricultural leaders whose vision, business acumen and determination are setting a high standard for American agriculture. From building value-added enterprises and embracing emerging technologies to navigating adversity and creating opportunities for the next generation, this year’s honorees exemplify what it takes to build successful, resilient farming businesses.

The awards include three finalists for the prestigious Top Producer of the Year Award, along with the recipients of the Next Generation Award and Women in Agriculture Award. All five honorees will be recognized at the 2027 Top Producer Summit, an executive-level event bringing together some of the nation’s most progressive farmers and ranchers.

These annual awards take on even more importance at this year’s Top Producer Summit on Feb. 15-17 in Nashville, TN. The theme of this year’s event is Legacy Through Leadership, a recognition of the immediate challenges facing agriculture and the need for the country’s business-minded farmers, ranchers and growers to rise to the challenges to build the next generation of agriculture. Discussions will cover protecting land rights to navigating global trade dynamics, and how to build a modern farm business through family offices and relying on peers in a way few producers do today.

“The strongest legacies aren’t inherited. They’re built through bold decisions, purposeful leadership, and a willingness to invest in what’s next,” said Margy Eckelkamp, brand leader of Top Producer. “This year’s honorees have taken different paths to success, but they share a commitment to building stronger businesses, creating opportunities and moving agriculture forward.”

2027 Top Producer of the Year Award Finalists

Mark Crave, Crave Brothers Farm and Farmstead Cheese, Waterloo, Wis. – As the managing partner of this multigenerational dairy and cheese operation, Crave oversees a business milking approximately 2,300 cows and farming approximately 3,400 acres. The family has built a vertically integrated operation, converting more than 75% of its milk into fresh cheeses for national retail markets in 2025. Known for pioneering investments in cheese production and renewable energy, the business has continued to evolve through expanded processing capacity, professional management and a successful transition welcoming three next-generation family members into ownership.

Jerrod “Butch” Lind, Lind Farms, Wheatland, Wyo. – Starting with a $35,000 operating note at age 18, Lind has built a diversified, fully irrigated operation spanning approximately 2,700 acres of corn, wheat, dry beans, sugar beets, oats and millet. After devastating hail losses forced him to liquidate his original operation in 2001, Lind rebuilt through strategic partnerships and disciplined business management. Today, his data-driven approach to crop planning, cost management and forward contracting supports a thriving operation, while his service on agricultural boards and involvement in local youth programs reflect his commitment to the industry and community.

Shawn Peebles, Augusta, Ark. – A third-generation farmer, Peebles rebuilt his farming business after losing a 3,000-acre conventional operation in 2008. Starting over with just 200 rented acres, he has grown a certified organic operation to approximately 1,800 acres producing sweet potatoes, rice, pumpkins, peas, corn and soybeans. His buyer-first production strategy, combined with a 66,000-square-foot sweet potato washing and shipping facility, has created opportunities in specialty and contract crop markets. Beyond his operation, Peebles advocates for organic agriculture and supports industry innovation through leadership, farm tours and research partnerships.

The 2027 Top Producer of the Year Award is sponsored by BASF and FENDT.

2027 Next Generation Award Winner

Quint Pottinger, New Haven, Ky., is the 2027 Next Generation Award winner. An eighth-generation farmer, Pottinger purchased his first 80 acres from his grandmother in 2012 and has since grown Pottinger Creek Estate into a diversified 2,200-acre operation producing five crops.

Focused on technology and value-added agriculture, Pottinger has invested in autonomous farming equipment to reduce capital costs while developing on-farm milling and malting capabilities to serve Kentucky’s craft distilling industry. His long-term vision extends beyond crop production to building a more connected, community-focused food system through local beef processing and retail opportunities.

The 2027 Next Generation Award is sponsored by FENDT.

2027 Women in Agriculture Award Winner

Emily Mullen, Okeana, Ohio, is the 2027 Women in Agriculture Award winner. A fourth-generation dairy farmer, Mullen returned to her family’s farm, established in 1898, and launched The Mullen Dairy & Creamery in 2020. She has since developed a successful direct-to-consumer business producing more than 30 flavored milk varieties distributed through bakeries, grocery stores, and approximately 20 local retailers.

Through diversification and strategic investments, Mullen has expanded the operation’s revenue opportunities while introducing robotic milking technology and optimizing herd management. Her commitment to the next generation extends beyond the farm through MDC Hands, Hoofs & Heart, a nonprofit connecting more than 25 local youth with hands-on dairy experiences annually. She also actively promotes agricultural education through farm tours, industry outreach and community engagement.

The 2027 Women in Agriculture Award is sponsored by the United Soybean Board.

The 2027 Top Producer Award honorees will be celebrated at the 2027 Top Producer Summit, where the Top Producer of the Year will be announced and all award recipients formally recognized.

More than an awards celebration, the Summit brings together forward-thinking producers from across the country to share insights, challenge conventional thinking and explore strategies for navigating agriculture’s evolving business landscape. Through executive-level programming and peer-to-peer connections, attendees gain practical perspectives on leadership, profitability, technology and long-term business growth. Learn more about the Top Producer Summit at www.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 initiative dedicated to accelerating the adoption of conservation practices 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.