Top Farmer Conference: January 10, 2025

As one of the most successful and longest-running management programs specifically crafted for farmers, the Purdue Top Farmer Conference is a one-day event for agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals looking to navigate the complexities of today's agricultural landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to network with peers and hear from farm management experts and agricultural economists from Purdue, Farm Credit Services of America, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Acres, a land value data analytics company.

John Nidlinger

John Nidlinger

Nidlinger Farms

John Nidlinger is the president of Nidlinger Farms in Decatur, Ind. Upon graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, John returned home to Decatur to begin his path of being the fifth generation in his family to farm in the local area.

In addition to farming, John served on Senator Richard Lugar’s personal staff as Agriculture Liaison (1999-2001), and also served as the Indiana Farm Service Agency State Executive Directorfrom 2001-2006. John continued his education by attending Texas A&M’s Executive Program for Agriculture Producers (TEPAP), as well as being an active member of the TEPAP alumni group AAPEX (Association of Agriculture Producer Executives).

In 2017 John was recognized by the Purdue University Department of Agricultural Economics as a recipient of the APEX award. The APEX award is presented to honor individuals with a strong connection to the Department who have made outstanding contributions in their fields. In 2016, John and his wife Nan were named Indiana Master Farmers and the team at Nidlinger Farms Inc. hosted the 2015 Purdue Farm Management Tour. John’s daily responsibilities include grain marketing, landlord relations, and operations management.

John is a member of Zion Friedheim Lutheran Church. He and his wife Nan have three grown children John, Kylene, and Matthew as well as eight grandchildren.


Nidlinger Farms Incorporated LogoNidlinger Farms Incorporated is a sixth generation family farm located in Northeastern Indiana and Northwestern Ohio. Nidlinger Farms specializes in grain farming including corn, soybeans, and wheat. Nidlinger Farms prides itself on the use of innovative technology, exemplary execution, and extreme attention to details.

John Nidlinger

Nidlinger Farms

John Nidlinger

John Nidlinger is the president of Nidlinger Farms in Decatur, Ind. Upon graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, John returned home to Decatur to begin his path of being the fifth generation in his family to farm in the local area.

In addition to farming, John served on Senator Richard Lugar’s personal staff as Agriculture Liaison (1999-2001), and also served as the Indiana Farm Service Agency State Executive Directorfrom 2001-2006. John continued his education by attending Texas A&M’s Executive Program for Agriculture Producers (TEPAP), as well as being an active member of the TEPAP alumni group AAPEX (Association of Agriculture Producer Executives).

In 2017 John was recognized by the Purdue University Department of Agricultural Economics as a recipient of the APEX award. The APEX award is presented to honor individuals with a strong connection to the Department who have made outstanding contributions in their fields. In 2016, John and his wife Nan were named Indiana Master Farmers and the team at Nidlinger Farms Inc. hosted the 2015 Purdue Farm Management Tour. John’s daily responsibilities include grain marketing, landlord relations, and operations management.

John is a member of Zion Friedheim Lutheran Church. He and his wife Nan have three grown children John, Kylene, and Matthew as well as eight grandchildren.


Nidlinger Farms Incorporated LogoNidlinger Farms Incorporated is a sixth generation family farm located in Northeastern Indiana and Northwestern Ohio. Nidlinger Farms specializes in grain farming including corn, soybeans, and wheat. Nidlinger Farms prides itself on the use of innovative technology, exemplary execution, and extreme attention to details.