We'd Like To Mention

The Progressive Farmer January 2025 issue congratulates and profiles our newest class of America's Best Young Farmers and Ranchers (ABYFR). Now in its 15th year, the program recognizes exceptional under-40-year-olds who have chosen agriculture as their career and way of life. Nominations are judged on the operations' overall business plan as well as the farmers' involvement in the community and the ag industry.

In November, we brought together the honorees in San Antonio, Texas, at the historic Menger Hotel, a few steps away from The Alamo. There, they met each other for the first time and participated in a workshop led by Family Business Matters columnist Lance Woodbury. It focused on multiple topics such as managing strategic performance, guiding principles of a family business, dealing with conflict, peer networks and more. They also heard from 2014 ABYFR alum Jeremy Jack on the lessons he's learned over the past 10 years as CEO/COO of the Silent Shade Planting Co., in Belzoni, Mississippi. And, the group learned the latest commodity markets outlook from DTN Lead Analyst Rhett Montgomery.

I'm always amazed at how quickly everyone begins to feel comfortable around one another as they share their farming experiences, challenges and personal lives. They arrive as strangers and, two days later, leave as lifelong friends.

One thing honorees persistently have in common is a passion for farming and family, and an entrepreneurial spirit to drive profitability and long-term success. Each may take a different path, but all desire to leave a legacy for the generations that follow. You'll learn what paths the 2025 ABYFR class are taking starting on page 16 of the Progressive Farmer January 2025 magazine issue, and their stories can be found at https://www.dtnpf.com/…

We're already seeking nominations for our 2026 class. If you know someone (you can nominate yourself or family member) or would like more information, contact Senior Editor Dan Miller at dan.miller@dtn.com.

WE'D ALSO LIKE TO MENTION:

REMEMBERING THE TOOL MAN

When Jim Moffet opened the door to the building where he and his wife, Phyllis, kept their collection, I was as giddy as a young boy who had been given the keys to the candy shop. Inside was a lifetime of antique country store items, kitchen collectibles and farm tools gathered over the years at swap meets, antique stores, junk piles, farm auctions, flea markets and who knows where else.

Like most collectors, the Moffets accumulated a little bit of everything that provided a glimpse of country life at the turn of the 20th century. Each item is an ingenious piece of simplicity, ingenuity and engineering -- necessary everyday tools and devices designed to make farm life just a bit easier and the workload a little lighter.

Jim immediately started quizzing me as I scanned the meticulously grouped and displayed pieces. With a twinkle in his eye and a slight grin, he would pick up an item and ask, "Do you know what this is?" I come from a family of antique lovers and have spent time looking at odd contraptions and doohickeys, but I was no match for someone with Jim's knowledge.

From that first encounter on their Modesto, Illinois, farm nearly 20 years ago, the Moffets have been sharing their love and expertise of old tools. Wanting no credit or fanfare, you have unknowingly been enjoying their collection in Progressive Farmer's "Tools From the Past." Jim also was the one who identified many of the "mystery tools" from photos readers would send to us for identification.

Sadly, Jim passed away in October at the age of 95. Fortunately, we still have more of the couple's collection to share. Nothing would please Jim more. We extend our deepest sympathies to Phyllis and her family.

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-- Email Gregg Hillyer at gregg.hillyer@dtn.com, or follow Gregg on social platform X @GreggHillyer

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