National Outstanding Young Farmers of America
2025 Award Banquet
The 2025 National Outstanding Young Farmers (NOYF) of America award banquet was held at the Prairie Meadows Hotel and Casino in Des Moines, Iowa, February 5-8, 2025. Attended by more than 150 farmers from across America the NOYF Class of 2025 was eager to meet each other and OFA alumni.
The NOYF Class of 2025:
Callie & Jacob Feather
Arkansas
Jacob was raised on the family farm in Griffithville, Arkansas, developed a passion for agriculture early on. After earning his MBA, he became a partner in Feather Farms Partnership in 2018, focusing on corn, rice, and soybeans. He diversified the farm with Feather Pecan Company, planting over 2,000 trees and selling directly to consumers. Jacob also builds custom machinery to improve efficiency and experiments with intercropping. A committed community member, he volunteers at Dogwood Cemetery, serves as a firefighter, and is a board member of the Arkansas Pecan Growers Association. Jacob, his wife Callie, and their sons aim to expand the farm for future generations.
Kimberly & James Hawkins
Georgia
James Hawkins, owner of Lanlett Farms in Edgehill, Georgia, is a first-generation farmer with a Business and Accounting degree from Augusta University. Formerly an accountant, he now manages nearly 1,000 acres of row crops and cattle using sustainable practices. James also runs a custom poultry litter business and engages in ag research. He serves as vice-chair of the Farm Service Agency COC, is active in the Glascock County Farm Bureau, and coaches youth sports. A 2023 National Cotton Farmer of the Year, he mentors with the Soil Health Institute. James is a devoted husband and father to Landan and Scarlett.
Mike Singlestad
Minnesota
Mike Singlestad is a fourth-generation farmer from Waseca, Minnesota, with roots dating back to 1946. He earned a degree in Environmental Management from South Dakota State University and returned home in 2012 to farm corn, soybeans, and custom feed pigs. In 2014, he expanded with a new hog barn. Focused on sustainability, Mike uses crop rotation, minimum tillage, solar energy, and efficient manure management. He serves on local boards, including the Waseca County Farm Bureau, and is Secretary of Tuscan Lodge #77. Passionate about ag policy, he advocates for farming and supports local food security and youth education programs.
Olivia & Jacob White
Mississippi
Jacob White, owner of White Farms & Produce in Belden, Mississippi, began farming at age 12 with a garden tiller and a small veggie patch. Today, he manages over 850 acres of row crops and 30 acres of hand-harvested produce, supplying a local cannery and growing cotton, corn, peas, pumpkins, and melons. With a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Mississippi State, Jacob uses sustainable practices like precision land-forming, cover crops, and reduced tillage. He supports local food pantries, leads farm tours, and serves as a county delegate for the Boll Weevil Eradication Committee. Jacob, his wife Olivia, and son Ellis are active in their church and community.
Dayna & Trey Wasserburger
Nebraska
Trey Wasserburger is a first-generation rancher and owner of TD Angus in North Platte, Nebraska. Since founding the operation in 2017, he’s grown it into one of the nation’s largest purebred Angus herds, selling 500 bulls annually and finishing 4,000 cattle in a family-owned feedlot. His “conception to consumer” model supplies beef to Walmart through Sustainable Beef. Trey also farms 480 acres of irrigated corn using sustainable practices. He serves on the North Platte Chamber board, Governor Pillen’s Ag Advisory Board, and coaches youth sports. Trey and his wife Dayna raise four children and are deeply rooted in their community.
Andrea & Zach Heiken
New Jersey
Zachary Heiken, owner of ZRH Farms in Pedricktown, NJ, is a first-generation farmer who began his journey at age eight. Starting with 125 acres in 2005, he has grown his operation to over 4,450 acres of row crops, grains, and vegetables, including peppers, cucumbers, and asparagus. Zach uses drip irrigation, vertical tillage, and cover crops to boost sustainability. He donates produce to food banks and supports Feeding America. An active member of ag boards, including the NJ Vegetable Growers Association, Zach farms alongside his wife Andrea and their three children: Caroline, Evelynn, and Juliette.
Kaci & Bryan Thompson
Ohio
Bryan Thompson and his wife Kaci operate Thompson Grain Farm GP across several counties in south-central Ohio. A sixth-generation farmer, Bryan began with 133 acres in 2003 and has grown the operation to over 4,100 acres of corn and soybeans. He’s embraced precision ag practices, partnered with his father on a grain facility, and co-founded a retail application business covering 200,000+ acres annually. Focused on sustainability, Bryan uses cover crops, strip-till, and tile drainage. He’s active in the Greene County Farm Bureau and local boards, coaches high school basketball, and, with Kaci and their kids Bo and Elsie, stays engaged in church and community.
Clarissa & Adam Egolf
Pennsylvania
Adam Egolf, a fourth-generation farmer, operates Lincoln Highway Farms in Schellsburg, Pennsylvania. Starting in 1996 with just a few animals, he now manages 120 beef cows, 12,000 hogs, and 260,000 ducks, partnering with his father on crops and livestock and his wife Clarissa on the duck operation. The farm grows corn, soybeans, oats, and hay for feed and local sale. Adam practices no-till, cover cropping, streambank fencing, and nutrient management, and holds Beef and Pork Quality Assurance certifications. An active Bedford County Farm Bureau member, he supports FFA programs and farms alongside his wife and daughters, Hailey and Maggie.
Jennifer & Jacob Hoewisch
Wisconsin
Jacob Hoewisch, raised on his family farm, found his passion early when his father and uncle formed Hoewisch Homestead Dairy, LLC. He bought his first 30 acres in high school and built a thriving career in agriculture. With technical diplomas from Fox Valley Tech and experience as an AI technician, Jacob now leads all farm operations. He focuses on sustainability through no-till farming, cover crops, and advanced tech like genomic testing and manure draglines. Alongside his wife Jennifer and their daughters Adalynn, Everlee, and a baby on the way, Jacob is active in ag organizations and committed to community and future growth.
Sara & John Wayne
West Virginia
John and Sara Wayne operate Wayne Cattle, LLC in central West Virginia, a diversified farm they started in 2009. Their operation includes 60 commercial cows, 600 backgrounded calves, hay production, and a thriving retail meat business. They market 55 beeves annually, supply pork and lamb, and sell both direct-to-consumer and wholesale, including to local food banks. Committed to conservation, they’ve partnered with NRCS on rotational grazing, water conservation, and nutrient management, earning the 2021 Conservation Farm Award. Alongside their sons, Kaleb and Michael, the Waynes stay active in their church, 4-H, the Braxton County Fair, and various ag organizations.
