Indiana is seeking nominations for its highest honor in agriculture, recognizing the innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders whose work is helping shape the future of farming and food production.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has opened nominations for the 2026 AgriVision Award, an annual recognition presented to Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state’s agricultural industry. Now in its 19th year, the award honors leaders whose vision and achievements have helped strengthen Indiana’s role as a national and global leader in agriculture and food innovation.
The award is open to Indiana residents across all areas of agriculture, including livestock production, bioenergy, agribusiness and the rapidly growing agbiosciences sector. Nominations will be accepted through July 1.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Indiana’s economy. The state ranks among the nation’s leading producers of corn, soybeans, poultry and pork, while also serving as a hub for agricultural research and food manufacturing.
Don Lamb, ISDA Director, said the award recognizes the visionaries who continue to drive the industry’s growth.
“Indiana’s agricultural sector keeps moving forward because of the innovators who translate their vision into success,” Lamb said in a statement. “I’m eager to see how this year’s honorees continue to shape and strengthen our industry.”
The AgriVision Award has historically recognized a diverse group of agricultural leaders, from farmers and agribusiness executives to researchers, educators and industry advocates. Past recipients have been honored for developing new technologies, leading major agricultural enterprises and addressing challenges facing food production around the world.
The 2026 recipient will be announced later this year and formally recognized during the Celebration of Agriculture event at the Indiana State Fair.
Since its inception in 2007, the AgriVision Award has been presented to the following individuals and organizations:
2025: Keith Lambright and Mark Sigler
2024: John Baugh and Ed Ebert
2023: Beth Archer and Cindy Hoye
2022: Gary Truitt and Dr. Karen Plaut
2021: Doug Leman and Dr. Robert Waltz
2020: Garwood Orchards and MPS Egg Farms
2019: Stan Poe family and Terry L. Tucker
2018: Jerry Seger family and Tim and Jim Craig
2017: Beth Bechdol and Dr. Jay Akridge
2016: Dr. Bret Marsh and John Hardin
2015: Don Orr and Don Villwock
2014: Adam Moody
2013: Norman McCowan
2012: Kip Tom
2011: Vic Lechtenberg
2010: JoAnn Brouillette
2009: Brian Reichert and John Swisher
2008: Charles “Shorty” Whittington
2007: Lawrence “Sonny” Beck
CLICK HERE to learn more about the award or to nominate someone.
