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Fourth generation farmer, Adam Agle is no stranger to the long days and hard work it takes to be a successful farmer. The Clark County native has been farming since 1999 when he was just 18 years-old; and has since built up his own farm on the backside of the original family farm where he works along with his dad and uncle to raise row crops on a combined 3000 acres.

Many young farmers are often challenged with the demands of the occupation and raising a growing family. Some, like Adam, find the time to take advantage of opportunities to get involved in their communities and take the initiative to stay abreast of agricultural trends.

Those traits have led Adam to be recognized as the first quarter 2015 Beck’s Young Farm Leader, a program that recognizes young Ohio farmers who are actively engaged in their communities and the agricultural industry.

“Farmers are the face of agriculture in their community,” said Bruce Kettler, Director of Public Relations at Beck’s Hybrids. “Beck’s wants to support the efforts of young farmers like Adam who seek to be educated agriculturalists and maintain best practices for their farm and the environment.”

Adam’s community involvement has included nine years on the Clark County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, six years on the county Farm Bureau Board of Trustees, continued involvement in the Plattsburg United Church of Christ and assisting the local 4-H club as needed.

Recently, Adam joined Ohio Top Farmers; a statewide group that meets a few times throughout the year to hear from industry experts on current topics in agriculture. He utilizes the information from these opportunities and available technology to determine the best practices for his farm.

“We keep changing our chemical program to stay ahead of weed resistance on our operation. My sprayer is set up with an AccuBoom and GPS system to prevent putting too many chemicals on that aren’t needed,” said Adam. “We also use our yield data for fertilizer applications the following year; we variable rate all of our fertilizer and we’re planting with auto steer.”

“I think it’s all very interesting. I think the variable rate technology is only going to increase – the seeding, the chemical used, the fertilizer – all the data that is becoming available is going to make all those processes work so much easier,” said Adam.

Looking to the future, Adam hopes to continually grow his operation, but recognizes it will be hard with current challenges facing the industry such as input cost and land prices.

“I want to grow, find more land, and build on what I have now. I would hope one of the kids would want to farm. They love to be out there now, but it’s a long time down the road,” said Adam. “The perception of the average person of what agriculture is all about is going to become a bigger challenge. Most people don’t realize the steps we go through to do what’s right for the environment.”

“You have to be dedicated, it’s not easy and there’s a lot of challenges. If your heart’s not in it, it doesn’t matter how the numbers work out. You have to want to be out here,” said Adam.

Looking at his resume of service, leadership and the educational opportunities Adam has taken advantage of, it is apparent he wants to be in agriculture and ensure that the future is bright for the next generation.

“I’m excited to see Adam chosen as a Beck’s Young Farm Leader,” said Tommie Price, Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) President and soybean farmer from Putnam County. “OSA is committed to advocating on behalf of Ohio soybean farmers and is proud to have farmers like Adam actively engaged in the industry and serving as a face for agriculture. OSA is proud to recognize young Ohio farmers and encourages other farmers to apply or nominate someone for the Beck’s Young Farm Leader program.”

To apply or nominate someone, visit soyohio.org/becksyoungfarmleader.