Two new farmers are being added to a distinguished list of Master Farmers. They join a group of highly respected Ohio producers who have been presented this award since the program was reinstated in 2012.

The Master Farmer award recognizes outstanding farm management, innovation, conservation and leadership. Honorees demonstrate how to farm more effectively, efficiently, environmentally and economically.

The award is named the same year it’s given; however, it acknowledges a lifetime of achievement and not a single year.

History of success
This year’s honorees are highly successful; they operate and manage their farms with a high level of proficiency with a focus on sustainability.

The Master Farmer award recognizes outstanding farm management, innovation, conservation and leadership. Honorees demonstrate how to farm more effectively, efficiently, environmentally and economically.

Jan Layman 

The 2016 Ohio Master Farmers are Dave Brandt of Carroll and Jan Layman of Kenton.

They were nominated by their peers and honored at the Ohio Conservation Tillage Conference March 2 in Ada.

They received a plaque and pin from Ohio Farmer magazine, and this year, Carhartt recognized the honorees by donating jackets.

Row crop farmers
Brandt, with his wife, Kendra, farms almost 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat. He is one of the state’s largest advocates for soil conservation practices, such as no-till and cover crops. He has served in many leadership positions within the industry.

Dave Brandt 

Layman, with his wife, Cindy, farms about 3,700 acres, rotating corn and soybeans. He has been a leader in using no-till farming practices, GPS and variable-rate technologies, weed control programs, marketing, and soil conservation practices. He has also served on several agricultural boards.

Meet the Master Farmers:
Jan and Cindy Layman

Kendra and Dave Brandt