Participant Profiles


Cohort 1


Nathan Eckel

Nathan Eckel

Nominated by Ohio Soybean Council

Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio

Nathan Eckel is a farmer in Perrysburg, Ohio where he resides with his wife and 3 boys, he farms 2000 acres along with feeding 700 head of cattle with his brothers. Nathan currently sits on the board of directors for Luckey Farmers Inc, and the Ohio Soybean Council.

 

Rose HartschuhRose Hartschuh

Nominated by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Hometown: Crawford County, Ohio

Rose Hartschuh farms full-time with her husband, Greg, and twin boys, Dwight and Jordan, in Crawford County. The Hartschuhs raise corn, soybeans, and forage crops in addition to commercial sheep and dairy cattle. Hartschuh is active in agricultural organizations such as Ohio Farm Bureau and the Ohio Expositions Commission.

Sandra Lausecker

Sandra Lausecker

Nominated by Ohio Poultry Association

Hometown: Raymond, Ohio

Third generation egg entrepreneur Sandra Lausecker is the President of Nature Pure and Ohio Natural Eggs, a Founder of Outward Farms and President of the Ohio Poultry Association. She also serves on the board of the American Egg Board and United Egg Producers where she also chairs the Organic Subcommittee. Sandra is a builder and believer in the power of people and value-creation. Her multi-generational insight and vast industry knowledge has evolved the vision and values of her family’s businesses to embrace transparency and added value to their company’s customers, consumers, employees and community in Raymond, Ohio. Sandra is passionate about leading the development and execution of long-term strategies and growing her agricultural roots by focusing on innovation and collaboration in progressive environments to create opportunities necessary for success.

John LinderJohn Linder

Nominated by Ohio Corn and Wheat Assocation

Hometown: Edison, Ohio

John Linder is a multiple generation, multiple commodity producer in Morrow County, Ohio. John farms in partnership with his wife Cheryl and brother Mike. His family operation raises commercial crops of corn, soybeans and soft red winter wheat. The partnership also produces seed soybeans for a commercial seed company. John and his wife Cheryl live on a farm that is adjacent to his brother Mike and both of those farms have become the base of their operation. John and Cheryl have two daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. Family is an integral part of their farm life and that extends further through their part-time and full-time help. On any random off-peak season day, you may find a potluck dinner in their shop.

Mike VidekovichMike Vedkovich

Nominated by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Hometown: Ashville, Ohio

Michael (Mike) Videkovich co-owns and operates Noecker Farms LLC, near Ashville, Ohio, with his wife, Kim, and her parents Ray and Donna Noecker. Noecker Farms currently has a herd of 200 beef cows (plus calves). They grow corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and various forage crops on 1500 acres. Mike joined the family business in 2006. In June of 2020, Mike and Kim started County Line Meats LLC, which sells beef they produce at Noecker Farms directly to consumer.

Chris Weaver

Chris Weaver

Nominated by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Hometown: Lyons, Ohio

Chris Weaver owns and operates a dairy farm in Fulton and Williams counties of Ohio. Bridgewater Dairy Farms group manage 7000 dairy cows on two facilities, farming 5500 acres of corn, alfalfa, soybeans, and wheat. A maintenance division that manages over 100 rolling stock items, and related farm facilities. An accounting office that manages financial statements, loan compliance, and employee benefits. The group consists of over 70 full time employees, with 5 division leaders.

 


Cohort 2


Jenny Cox

Jenny Cox

Nominated by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Hometown: Dresden, Ohio

Jenny Cox of Dresden was elected to represent 24 counties as Southeast Regional trustee for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation in 2017. Cox received a bachelor’s degree in communication and journalism from the Ohio State University and a master’s degree in education from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University. She and her husband, Jared, own Cox Seed Sales selling Pioneer Hi Bred International seed, crop insurance and Pivot Bio. They also own and operate a family farm where they raise corn and soybeans. Cox is a graduate of the AgriPOWER institute. She is a member of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers, Ohio Soybean Association and the Mid-East Career and Technology School Board.

Adele FlynnAdele Flynn

Nominated by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Hometown: Lorain County, Ohio

Adele Flynn is a full-time farmer in Lorain County. She and her husband Eric, along with their three young children farm approx. 1,100 acres of cash crops and raise beef cattle focused on show, breeding stock and custom freezer beef. Adele is the District 3 State Trustee for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation representing Lorain, Cuyahoga, Erie and Huron counties. She serves on the Centerra Co-op board of directors and is the chairwoman of the Center for Food Innovation NEO.

Grant GatesGrant Gates

Nominated by Ohio AgriBusiness Association

Hometown: Marion County, Ohio

Grant Gates resides in southern Marion County and is currently employed at Morral Companies providing sales and service of a variety of fertilizer products. Grant serves on the Ohio AgriBusiness Association board of directors and currently holds the Vice Chair position. Grant is a graduate of Malone College (now University) in Canton, Ohio and holds a business management degree with a concentration in economics. He and his wife, Amy, have two children: Asher (11) and Gemma (8).

 


Cohort 3


Mike BensmanMike Bensman

Nominated by: Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Hometown: Sidney, Ohio

Mike is a trustee for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation representing members from Auglaize, Logan, Mercer and Shelby counties. He and his wife, Martha, have a grain crop farm plus farm in partnership with his three brothers, Dave, Greg and Dale. For 41 years he has worked at Koenig Equipment Inc. in Botkins, presently serving as manager of equipment delivery. Mike was Soil Conservation Cooperator of the Year in 1990 and is a member of the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, Anna Young Farmers, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.

 

Karin BrightKarin Bright

Nominated by: Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Hometown: Athens, Ohio

Karin is an Ohio Farm Bureau Trustee for the counties of Athens, Gallia, Lawrence, and Meigs. She is a passionate advocate for both agriculture and hunger issues. Serving as the president of the Athens County Food Pantry, she has led the pantry through great changes to better address food insecurity and hunger issues as the pantry received over $650,000 in donations after Joe Burrow’s Heisman Trophy speech referencing hunger in Athens. Karin is a member of the Alexander FFA Alumni and volunteers with Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. A graduate of Ohio University’s College of Business with a degree in marketing she has also completed dual associate degree work in business and financial management at Hocking College. She and her husband, David, farm the Bright Brothers Farm in Clinton County growing corn, wheat, and soybeans.

 

Amy BrowningAmy Browning

Nominated by: Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District

Hometown: Richmond, Ohio

Amy is employed by the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District. Having grown up on a family dairy farm, been a 4-H member, served as a 4-H advisor and 4-H Mom to two kids, agricultural has been an integral part of life. She is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. After graduation, Amy worked at Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) in Arlington, Texas. AMPI was one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the United States and as a result she also worked in collaboration with Dairy MAX, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and the National Dairy Council on campaigns such as “Got Milk?” before returning home to Ohio.

 

Danielle BurchDanielle Burch

Nominated by: Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Hometown: Salem, Ohio

Danielle represents Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, and Stark counties, as trustee for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. She received bachelor’s degrees in political science and history from the University of Mount Union and a master’s degree in the Science of Teaching from Saint Joseph’s University. Danielle and her husband, Andrew, as well as their two children, Doyle and Rose, own Burch Farms raising sustainably grown protein for local consumer consumption, which includes beef, pork, goat, and poultry. In addition to the animals, they raise hay, corn, and oats. She also teaches local juniors and seniors the subjects of American Government, Psychology, Sociology, and Economics at United Local High School.

 

Austin HeilAustin Heil

Nominated by: Ohio Soybean Association

Hometown: Kenton, Ohio

Austin currently serves on the Ohio Soybean Association Board of Trustees. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in ag systems management. Austin’s career path has taken him all over the United States, Canada, and Brazil testing prototype combines and hay tools to eventually serving Ohio as product and technology specialist before starting his business Homestead Precision Farming, which focuses on drones and other precision farm technology. Austin currently works for CNH Industrial as a Precision Tech Support Specialist. He and his dad farm 300 acres of soybeans, corn, and hay. Austin is the proud uncle to several future young farmers.

 

Jon MillerJon Miller

Nominated by: Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association

Hometown: Pleasantville, Ohio

Jon is the chair for the Ohio Corn Checkoff (Marketing Program) and represents Ohio corn growers in Fairfield, Franklin, Licking and Pickaway counties. On the farm, there are currently three generations of Miller family members involved in day-to-day operations. Together they grow corn, wheat, soybeans, and have a straw/hay operation. Jon and his family also have a custom application operation and are seed dealers. Jon has participated in the DuPont Leadership New Century Farmers program and the NCGA/Syngenta Leadership at Its Best program. He is president of the National Corn Growers Association PAC and a member of other action teams within the association. Jon and his wife, Mindy, and have three children, Carley, Cara, and Carter.


Cohort 4


Matt BrownMatt Brown 

Yield Innovations 

Matt is the Supply Chain Lead for Yield Innovations, an agronomy services company in London, Ohio. While Matt did not grow up on a farm, his feet were always firmly planted in agriculture. His first job was at the age of 13 with a farm market that ignited his passion for agriculture and helping customers, which inspired him to pursue a part-time position with Sunrise Cooperative while attending college. Upon graduation from Wilmington College with a degree in Agronomy, Matt began his career. After graduation Matt was a custom applicator, worked at the grain elevator, and the liquid plant supervisor at Sunrise Cooperative.  He then worked at TriAg Products where he has fulfilled many positions including Sales Agronomist and Operations Manager. He recently started with Yield Innovations in his current position as Supply Chain Lead. Matt and his wife, Jamie, reside in New Carlisle, where she is a sixth-grade science teacher at Miami East Local Schools.

Kari BurkeyKari Burkey 

Farm Credit Mid-America 

Kari is the Director of Retail Operations in East Ohio with Farm Credit Mid-America. Before her Farm Credit career, Kari worked for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation as an Organization Director. Growing up, she was very involved in 4-H and FFA and worked alongside her family on their diversified farm. After college, Kari left her small town with an aspiration to see the world and explore new places – lived in three different states and took advantage of every opportunity to travel. During this time, she realized her passion for agriculture and desire to raise her family in a rural community. Kari and her husband Dave moved back to Ohio to her family farm, where they built and now operate KD Guest Ranch. Along with their three children, Braylie, Bronc and Colt, they host guests from all over the country on their ranch. Kari is involved with her local community, church and serves as a 4-H advisor.

Jenna GregorichJenna Gregorich 

Ohio Poultry Association 

Jenna is the Bird Health Program Manager at the Ohio Poultry Association (OPA), which is a non-profit trade organization that represents more than 1,000 egg, chicken and turkey farmers across the state. In this role, she closely with Ohio’s poultry producers and regulatory agencies such as the ODA and USDA, focusing on Avian Influenza preparedness and response, the NPIP program, and workforce development initiatives. While Jenna did not grow up on a farm, she has always had a love of animals and owned donkeys and llamas. As a result, she became involved in 4-H and began showing cattle. Attended The Ohio State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and then a master’s in poultry science. During college, Jenna interned at the OPA and was hired on full time upon graduation. She left OPA to work in the commercial broiler industry but returned for her current position. Jenna is a member of her county farm bureau and served as first Young Agricultural Professional (YAP) board member with the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. She and her husband, Travis own a cow/calf operation in Coshocton County and have two children, Vera and Tanner.

Stacy IrwinStacy Irwin 

K & S Millwright Inc 

Stacy co-owns K&S Millwrights Inc. with her husband, Gary.  K&S specializes in grain storage and handling facilities, they design, install and service commercial and on-farm grain storage systems. Stacy has a unique background in agriculture, as she married into a farming family that raises hogs, corn, wheat, and soybeans. Throughout their marriage, she and Gary began to grow their own operation and purchased their current farm, started a cow/calf operation, and raised two sons, Curtis and Ryan all while working as a nurse practitioner. Stacy continues work alongside her husband and sons, raising hay, row crops and cows on their East Rochester farm. In 2013 Stacy and Gary purchased K&S Millwrights, and she eventually left full-time nursing to work at their ag business (she still works as a casual/part-time nurse practitioner). She is President of the Columbiana County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees, is President of the United FFA Alumni and Supporters, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan. Stacy has recently been selected to serve on the Policy and Development Committee for the Ohio Farm Bureau for the upcoming annual meeting. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Malone University and a master’s degree in nursing from Kent State University.

Tyler MillerTyler Miller 

Ohio Soybean Council 

Tyler is a 4th generation farmer in Crawford County, Ohio where he owns and operates his family farm with his father. Little Scioto Farms is a row crop grain farm consisting of corn, wheat, and soybeans. Tyler currently serving his second term on the Ohio Soybean Council and is the Chair of the Demand Committee. His committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending soybean checkoff investments that drives more demand for Ohio soybeans and soybean products. Tyler also serves nationally on the USSEC Governance Committee and the Soy Transportation Coalition.  He and his wife Kelly are the proud parents of two boys, Brooks and Nolan. Tyler has been active in his county’s 4-H program and is looking forward to the years when his boys are old enough to be involved. 

Liza MusselmanElizabeth (Liza) Musselman 

Vermeer Heartland 

Liza is a Controller for Vermeer Heartland, a full-service dealer of Vermeer industrial equipment across Southern Ohio, West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Eastern Tennessee, where she oversees their daily accounting operations, including the accounting, payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable departments. Outside of the office, she and her husband, Bennett, farm in Pickaway, Madison, and Franklin counties alongside their two children, Lane and Levi, and Bennett’s family. Their operation is 100% no-till consisting of corn, soybeans, and wheat along with the implementation of cover crops on all acres. Liza also owns and operates Elizabeth Musselman Photography, is a 4-H advisor and will begin a term on Pickaway County Soil and Water board in 2025. She is an active community member at the local and state level. She has participated in the American Soybean Association’s Corteva Young Leaders Program, Co-Chaired the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Ag Professionals committee, participated in the Emerging Leaders Program of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Association, and Co-Chair of Cultivating a Cure. Liza has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Franklin University.

 

Olivia RinesmithOlivia Rinesmith 

Stratovation Group 

Olivia is a marketing specialist with Stratovation Group, an innovative marketing agency that assists companies in understanding and attacking problems through research, consulting, and marketing services. She works directly with the company’s largest agricultural clients to assist in all marketing and communications efforts to drive success for their businesses. Growing up on her family’s 3rd generation grain operation in London, Ohio, Olivia was actively involved within her local 4-H and FFA programs where she exhibited sheep. Now, she serves as a 4-H advisor and a member of her home county’s livestock committee. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Agricultural Communication. Throughout her time as a Buckeye, Olivia was involved in agricultural-based organizations, such as Saddle and Sirloin, Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, and the Livestock Judging Team. Olivia currently lives on her family farm.

 

John SettlemyreJohn Settlemyre 

Ohio Corn & Wheat 

John is a fifth-generation farmer in western Ohio where he grows corn and soybeans on his family farm that spans across the lines of several counties. Ever the entrepreneur, John joined his family in business at Settlemyre Seed Co. (SSC) to source, purchase, and construct a vegetable oil extraction plant, as well as to do farming for the company’s seed production. He began purchasing farm real estate to expand his family operation which eventually led to building a vegetable oil plant and the establishment of Settlemyre Industries, Inc. John is a graduate of The Ohio State University with an agricultural economics degree. John is the current President and Chair of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association Ethanol Action Team as well as the Clinton County Port Authority and Clinton Country Soil and Water Conservation District. Off the farm, he enjoys flying Cessna 182s.


 
Kyle WallsKyle Walls 

Ohio farm Bureau Federation 

Kyle is a distribution manager for AgReliant Genetics LLC for the eastern and southern markets of the US managing the seed distribution points for multiple brands. He and his wife, Ashton, are first generation farmers in Knox County. Together have built and manage a herd of cow-calf Mexican Corriente cattle, which are primarily used for competitive rodeo events. They also raise conventional and organic row crops, hay, and horses. The Walls have two daughters. He is a state trustee for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, representing Knox, Licking, Coshocton, and Holmes counties. Kyle has previously served on the Ohio Cattlemen's board of directors as Vice-President as well as served co-chair for the Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals State Committee. He is a graduate of Indiana University, where he received a business management degree.

 

 


QUESTIONS? 

Contact: Jenny Cox | cox.1820@osu.edu | agone.osu.edu