2026 Farm Family of the Year announced

GREENCASTLE, Ind. — AgriNews and Beck’s are proud to announce the Poynter Family of Putnam County as the 2026 Indiana Farm Family of the Year.

The distinction honors a family that excels in agriculture, innovation and community leadership. The program is in its 29th year.

Two additional families were honored as runners-up: Cates Farming Inc. of Fountain County and Howell Farms of Henry County.

“The Poynter family represents everything that is right about Indiana agriculture,” said Scott Beck, president of Beck’s.

“They combine a strong work ethic with innovation, faith and a genuine commitment to serving others. Their willingness to adopt new technology while staying rooted in family and community makes them an outstanding example for agriculture today and for future generations.”

Doing It Right

The Poynter family grows corn and soybeans in Putnam County. Ray and Heather Poynter farm alongside their sons, Noah and Jonathan, and daughter-in-law Ashley, Jonathan’s wife.

“Our family has been farming some of the same ground since the 1960s,” Ray said. “In 1991, I farmed my first crop with my dad, who passed away in 2015. He always said, “Do it right, or don’t do it at all.’

“That’s taking care of the ground, taking care of fertility, taking care of equipment. That philosophy goes into everything we do.”

Heather and Ray are active members of the Putnam County Farm Bureau, where they help lead community events like the annual Putnam County Ag Day.

Ray served as beef barn superintendent for the Putnam County 4-H program, dedicating years of service to youth development and livestock education, while serving many years on the Putnam County Fair Board.

Care For Others

The entire family is involved in supporting local 4-H programs and agricultural education.

Noah and Jonathan earned their FAA drone licenses and operate a spray drone dealership and custom application business called Poynter Aerial Ag.

Beyond the farm, the Poynters are active in their local church and Warehouse Gym community. They are passionate about mental health outreach in the community.

“I am proud that we work together as a family,” Heather said. “The fact that the boys are working with us and taking care of what God provided for us, seeing our boys grow up here and build their lives — we couldn’t ask for more than that.”