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Matt Aultman comes from a long line of Ohio farmers that have a history of raising multiple crops and livestock to meet the demands of consumers. It is his continued determination and ability to embrace change over the past 15 years that has earned him recognition by the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) and Beck’s Hybrids. Matt was recently named second quarter winner of the Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program. Now in its second year, the program was created to recognize young Ohio farmers who showcase hard work, dedication, and leadership on and off the farm.

“Beck’s Hybrids is proud to partner with OSA on the Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program,” said Bruce Kettler, Director of Public Relations at Beck’s Hybrids. “We want to be sure and recognize young Ohio farmers who are actively contributing to the community as well as the agriculture industry.”

Matt, his wife Morgan, his parents, and grandparents farm 679 acres of soybeans, corn and wheat in Darke County. Although Matt is not farming full-time, he remains busy working for a family-owned grain and feed mill as the grain, feed and seed manager. The Aultman family has created a legacy as they have resided on the same land since the mid- 1800’s.

“Each year we are given a clean slate to do something new or different,” regarding his favorite part about agriculture. In addition to farming soybeans, corn and wheat, Matt also raises specialty crops for the fall market including pumpkins, gourds, squash and mums.

When Matt is not farming or working at the feed mill, he is very involved in his community and taking care of his two young children, Sophia (7) and William (3). He serves as Chairman of the Darke County Chamber of Commerce and the current Vice President of the Darke County Fair Board. Matt is the Cloverbud advisor of 26 children in Darke County’s largest 4- H club, columnist for a multi-county agriculture paper called “My Rural Life of Western Ohio” and one of three on the county’s Farm Service Agency committee.

He sits on the Darke County Extension Advisory Council and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Adams Township Zoning Board. Matt also serves as the President of Agriculture for a Clean Environment, a bicounty conservation group. Matt sums up his involvement by stating,

“I believe if you are in the business of agriculture that you need to be involved and have a voice to protect our (farmers) way of life.”

As a soybean farmer, Matt also believes that several long-term and short-term goals are needed to build upon future opportunities. “My short-term goal is to raise a better soybean crop through conservation and cover crop practices.” said Matt. “Implementing conservation practices will improve the land and therefore make it a more viable option for me with the higher price of land in my area.”

Matt believes it is each farmer’s duty to be stewards of their land and the surrounding properties. As a long-term goal, Matt wants to get more involved in the Ohio Certified Seed program, a voluntary certification program managed by the Ohio Seed Improvement Association. In addition, he would like to work with varieties developed and raised in Ohio to market an Ohio Proud product.

“Supporting state research and development is the future of agriculture in Ohio,” said Matt. “Agriculture is the number one business for Ohio and this is a key to keeping it that way.”

One of the Beck’s Young Farm Leaders will be selected as the 2014 Beck’s Young Farm Leader of the Year and receive a trip for two ($2,000 value) to the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Arizona. Beck’s Young Farm Leaders may also be chosen to attend OSA and/or Beck’s Hybrids leadership training programs, board meetings, events and other relevant activities.

“I congratulate Matt on being chosen as a Beck’s Young Farm Leader,” said Jerry Bambauer, OSA president and soybean farmer from Auglaize County. “One way Matt showcases his commitment to agriculture is through involvement with his community and OSA commends Matt on his leadership.”