Recognizing the 2026 Indiana Master Farmers
Written by Morgan French, Communication and Marketing Specialist
On July 7, 2026, the Beck Agricultural Center welcomed the family and friends of the 2026 Indiana Master Farmer class to celebrate the legacy these farmers have continued or built. Presented by Indiana Prairie Farmer and Purdue University Extension, the Indiana Master Farmers are evaluated on three pillars: farming successes, conservation adoption and community service and leadership. This year’s Master Farmer judges included Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture; Michael Langemeier, director, Center for Commercial Agriculture and professor of agricultural economics; and Don Villwock, 1985 Indiana Master Farmer, Purdue ag econ alumnus, Vincennes University Board Trustee and owner/operator of Villwock Farms.
The Master Farmer program began in 1925, was paused during the Great Depression and was revived in 1968. The 59th class of Indiana Master Farmers included Stan and Ann Armstrong of Springville, Susan Brocksmith of Vincennes, Dale and Lisa Koester of Wadesville and Rodney and Natasha Rulon of Arcadia. The Honorary Master Farmer was Barry Fisher of Greencastle.
Stan and Ann Armstrong, Springville
Stan and Ann Armstrong are fifth-generation farmers who have stewarded the Lawrence County family farm while building a respected Angus and Angus-Simmental cattle operation known for its emphasis on genetics, conservation and long-term sustainability. Through innovative herd management, diversified farm enterprises and a commitment to soil and pasture stewardship, they have strengthened both their operation and the surrounding agricultural community. Equally dedicated to serving others, the Armstrongs have been active leaders in agricultural organizations, conservation initiatives and local education, mentoring fellow producers and advocating for the next generation of agriculture.
Susan Brocksmith, Vincennes
Susan Brocksmith has helped build and strengthen her family’s Vincennes farming operation through a commitment to conservation, innovation and sustainable agriculture. A dedicated advocate for soil and water stewardship, she has welcomed farmers to her operation to share conservation practices and encourage their adoption across Indiana. Beyond the farm, Brocksmith has made a lasting impact through leadership in agriculture, higher education and community service, mentoring future agricultural leaders while advancing the long-term success of Indiana agriculture.
Dale and Lisa Koester, Wadesville
Dale and Lisa Koester have helped transform their family’s Posey County dairy and grain operation through a commitment to innovation, technology adoption and long-term sustainability. From implementing robotic milking systems and conservation practices to embracing precision agriculture, they have positioned their multigenerational farm for continued success. Beyond their operation, the Koesters have demonstrated outstanding leadership by serving local, state and national agricultural organizations, Purdue University and their community, helping strengthen Indiana agriculture while mentoring and supporting the next generation of producers.
Rodney and Natasha Rulon, Arcadia
Rodney and Natasha Rulon have helped transform their family’s Arcadia farming operation into a nationally recognized model for conservation, precision agriculture and data-driven decision-making. Through their leadership in adopting no-till, cover crops, precision technology and soil health practices, they have demonstrated how environmental stewardship and farm profitability can go hand in hand. Equally committed to serving others, the Rulons regularly open their farm for educational events, mentor fellow producers and young farmers and share their experiences to advance conservation and strengthen Indiana agriculture.
Barry Fisher, Greencastle
Barry Fisher, the 2026 Honorary Indiana Master Farmer, has devoted his career to advancing soil health and conservation across Indiana and the Midwest. During nearly four decades with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, he helped pioneer collaborative conservation initiatives, expand the adoption of cover crops and no-till systems and establish the agency’s Soil Health Division. Through research, on-farm demonstrations and education, Fisher has empowered farmers, conservation professionals and policymakers with practical, science-based approaches that continue to strengthen the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
Stan and Ann Armstrong, Springville
Stan and Ann Armstrong are fifth-generation farmers who have stewarded the Lawrence County family farm while building a respected Angus and Angus-Simmental cattle operation known for its emphasis on genetics, conservation and long-term sustainability. Through innovative herd management, diversified farm enterprises and a commitment to soil and pasture stewardship, they have strengthened both their operation and the surrounding agricultural community. Equally dedicated to serving others, the Armstrongs have been active leaders in agricultural organizations, conservation initiatives and local education, mentoring fellow producers and advocating for the next generation of agriculture.
Susan Brocksmith, Vincennes
Susan Brocksmith has helped build and strengthen her family’s Vincennes farming operation through a commitment to conservation, innovation and sustainable agriculture. A dedicated advocate for soil and water stewardship, she has welcomed farmers to her operation to share conservation practices and encourage their adoption across Indiana. Beyond the farm, Brocksmith has made a lasting impact through leadership in agriculture, higher education and community service, mentoring future agricultural leaders while advancing the long-term success of Indiana agriculture.
Dale and Lisa Koester, Wadesville
Dale and Lisa Koester have helped transform their family’s Posey County dairy and grain operation through a commitment to innovation, technology adoption and long-term sustainability. From implementing robotic milking systems and conservation practices to embracing precision agriculture, they have positioned their multigenerational farm for continued success. Beyond their operation, the Koesters have demonstrated outstanding leadership by serving local, state and national agricultural organizations, Purdue University and their community, helping strengthen Indiana agriculture while mentoring and supporting the next generation of producers.
Rodney and Natasha Rulon, Arcadia
Rodney and Natasha Rulon have helped transform their family’s Arcadia farming operation into a nationally recognized model for conservation, precision agriculture and data-driven decision-making. Through their leadership in adopting no-till, cover crops, precision technology and soil health practices, they have demonstrated how environmental stewardship and farm profitability can go hand in hand. Equally committed to serving others, the Rulons regularly open their farm for educational events, mentor fellow producers and young farmers and share their experiences to advance conservation and strengthen Indiana agriculture.
Barry Fisher, Greencastle
Barry Fisher, the 2026 Honorary Indiana Master Farmer, has devoted his career to advancing soil health and conservation across Indiana and the Midwest. During nearly four decades with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, he helped pioneer collaborative conservation initiatives, expand the adoption of cover crops and no-till systems and establish the agency’s Soil Health Division. Through research, on-farm demonstrations and education, Fisher has empowered farmers, conservation professionals and policymakers with practical, science-based approaches that continue to strengthen the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
Each farmer was introduced with a short video about their life, produced by Carol Witt, an agricultural communication student at Purdue. Following the video, Allison Lynch, senior editor for Indiana Prairie Farmer, and Engel presented each Master Farmer with a commemorative plaque. The recipients then reflected on the honor and shared their gratitude for being selected.
Following the awards presentation, Ken Foster, professor of agricultural economics and director of the Purdue Farm Policy Study Group, moderated a panel discussion with the recipients. While conservation was a defining theme among the 2026 class of Indiana Master Farmers, the discussion also highlighted the importance of advocating for agriculture, supporting fellow farmers and maintaining strong relationships within their communities.
Alongside recognizing this year’s Master Farmers, the event highlighted two local growers: Atchley Family Farm and Prairie View Farms.
Based in Lafayette, IN, Atchley Family Farm is a first-generation regenerative market farm focused on building healthy soils through no-till practices. Prairie View Farms is a sweet corn farm based in Battle Ground, IN, with sweet corn wagons selling fresh-picked corn across Indiana. The farms provided fresh produce that attendees were encouraged to take home after the ceremony. We are grateful to have local farmers share their harvest while showcasing the innovation, stewardship and resilience that strengthen agriculture across Indiana.
Is there someone you have in mind to nominate for the 2027 Indiana Master Farmer class? The application window is open until Jan. 15, 2027. Reach out to Allison Lynch, Indiana Prairie Farmer senior editor, at allison.lynch@farmprogress.com for more details.
