Indiana Young Farmers Honored With 2025 INFB Leadership Awards

By Andi Anderson

Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has announced the winners of its 2025 Young Farmers & Ag Professionals (YF&AP) awards, recognizing young leaders for their contributions to agriculture and community leadership.

A panel of judges evaluated participants on professional growth, leadership, and involvement.

Cody and Samantha Otten of Tippecanoe County received the Rising Star Award. The Ottens, who operate a corn and soybean farm, have been active leaders in Tippecanoe County Farm Bureau, doubling membership engagement over the past two years.

They also serve on local fair committees and the county Farm Bureau planning team. In addition to managing Otten Family Farms, Cody owns Red Dirt Excavation, while Samantha, a Purdue graduate in agricultural economics, works as an ag loan officer.

They will receive $2,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Portland, Oregon, for the 2026 Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference.

Megan Espinda of Henry County won the Excellence in Agriculture Award, honoring her work as an agricultural liaison with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. She plays a key role connecting farmers with regulators to ensure policies balance environmental stewardship and economic sustainability.

Espinda is also active as a Farm Bureau education coordinator and serves on multiple state agricultural boards. She will receive $11,000 in cash prizes and will represent Indiana at the 2026 American Farm Bureau convention in Anaheim, California.

Brock and Laura Kiesler of Floyd and Washington counties earned the Achievement Award, which honors young farmers managing farm operations as their primary income. Brock manages a diversified hay, row crop, and cattle farm, while Laura teaches and helps manage their direct-to-consumer pork business.

Both are heavily involved in Farm Bureau leadership, with Brock serving as District 10 state representative and state board member. They will receive $11,000 in cash prizes, the David L. Leising Memorial Award, and will compete nationally at the 2026 convention.

Winners and finalists will be formally recognized at the Indiana Ag Gathering in December. The awards celebrate the dedication of Indiana’s young farmers who are shaping the future of agriculture through leadership, innovation, and community service.

Photo Credit: indiana-farm-bureau