INDIANA – Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 AgriVision Award, the highest agricultural honor presented by the State of Indiana. This award, now in its 19th year, was established by the lieutenant governor and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to recognize Indiana’s agricultural leaders who are ensuring Indiana is, and remains, a global center for food and agricultural innovation and commercialization.
The AgriVision Award is open to any Indiana resident and all sectors of the agriculture industry—from bioenergy to livestock to the agbiosciences. Any person or organization may submit a nomination through July 1, 2026.
“Indiana agriculture continues to benefit from leaders who make a lasting difference,” said Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. “As we celebrate past Agrivision Award recipients, we’re also excited to recognize another outstanding Hoosier this August.”
Previous AgriVision Award winners have included individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry, whether it’s developing a new technology, managing an agribusiness or organization, or working to address a global issue.
“Indiana’s agricultural sector keeps moving forward because of the innovators who translate their vision into success,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “I’m eager to see how this year’s honorees continue to shape and strengthen our industry.”
Award nominations are currently being accepted and close on July 1. To nominate an individual, you must complete a form found on the ISDA website and email it to the department. Once a winner has been selected, the award will be presented by Lt. Gov. Beckwith and ISDA Director Lamb during the Celebration of Agriculture at the 2026 Indiana State Fair.
Previous AgriVision Award winners include:
- Keith Lambright and Mark Sigler (2025)
- John Baugh and Ed Ebert (2024)
- Beth Archer and Cindy Hoye (2023)
- Gary Truitt and Dr. Karen Plaut (2022)
- Doug Leman and Dr. Robert Waltz (2021)
- Garwood Orchards and MPS Egg Farms (2020)
- Stan Poe family and Terry L. Tucker (2019)
- Jerry Seger family and Tim and Jim Craig (2018)
- Beth Bechdol and Dr. Jay Akridge (2017)
- Dr. Bret Marsh and John Hardin (2016)
- Don Orr and Don Villwock (2015)
- Adam Moody (2014)
- Norman McCowan (2013)
- Kip Tom (2012)
- Vic Lechtenberg (2011)
- JoAnn Brouillette (2010)
- Brian Reichert and John Swisher (2009)
- Charles “Shorty” Whittington (2008)
- Lawrence “Sonny” Beck (2007)
Click here or visit ISDA.IN.GOV to learn more about the award or to nominate someone.
