Master farmers shine at Purdue tour

By Andi Anderson

The 2024 Purdue Farm Management Tour and Master Farmer Reception took place on July 17 in Randolph County, east central Indiana.

This free event provided nearly 150 farmers and agribusiness community members with valuable insights into successful farm management practices.

The tour began at 9:00 a.m. at the Clements-Miller Farm near Lynn, hosted by Rex Clements and Wade Miller. They shared how their farm is prepared for a smooth transition between generations, highlighting the importance of improved drainage management in their ongoing success.

This session provided attendees with practical knowledge on sustaining a farm’s productivity across generations.

At 1:00 p.m., the Goltstein family presented their experiences in managing Union Go Dairy at Willow's Edge event center in Winchester. The Goltsteins discussed integrating three next-generation family members into their dairy operation, emphasizing their evolving production and risk management strategies.

As they collaborate with Dannon, the exclusive buyer of their milk, the family has adapted to meet the demands of modern dairy farming. Attendees gained a comprehensive view of a modern dairy operation and the challenges and opportunities involved.

The tour concluded in the mid-afternoon, leading into the Indiana Master Farmer Reception at 4:00 p.m. at Willow's Edge. The 2024 Indiana Master Farmer honorees were celebrated during this event, which included a panel discussion.

This year’s honorees included Tim Gauck from Greensburg, Troy and Lisa Furrer from Wolcott, Ron and Sherry Cash from Greencastle, Keith and Darla Schoettmer from Tipton, along with Honorary Master Farmers Steve Nichols from Delphi and Harry Pearson from Hartford City.

The Master Farmer program is a cherished tradition in Indiana, recognizing farmers who excel in agricultural production while also contributing significantly to their communities and the broader agricultural industry.

The Purdue Farm Management Tour 2024 successfully highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing and community in sustaining and advancing Indiana agriculture.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages