This presentation, now in its 17th year, is a partnership between Red Gold and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. The award is presented to Red Gold growers who value improving soil health and water quality on their operations.

Red Gold appreciates partnering with ISDA to formally recognize growers’ continuous good efforts with soil and water conservation practices.

“We have had 100% participation in this program for several years,” said Curt Utterback, Director of Agriculture at Red Gold. “Many of the growers are multi-generational operations and taking care of the land is a top priority for them. They want to ensure that there will be future opportunities for themselves and others. Our growers have a tremendous amount of effort and pride into raising healthy, nutritious food for an ever-growing population, while never losing sight of the land’s needs as well. It is an honor to formally recognize this year’s winners:  Wittmer Farms of Valparaiso, Indiana, secured first place and Wischmeyer Farms of Ottawa, Ohio, secured second place.”

Located in northwest Indiana, Jon Wittmer of Wittmer Farms has put a strong emphasis on not only growing excellent crops, but also on the conservation of the land they farm. On their family farm, they grow corn, seed corn, and seed beans, as well as pumpkins and tomatoes. The Wittmer’s have implemented a multitude of conservation practices to promote soil health and water quality on their farm, such as grass filter strips, grassed waterways, cover crops, reduced tillage, blind inlets, drainage water management structures, small grains, and grade stabilization structures.

“It’s an honor to be selected for the Red Gold Conservation and Stewardship award this year. Being a part of this creates modest competition between some of the best farmers in the Midwest! I am grateful Red Gold partners with the Indiana Department of Agriculture on this,” said Jon Wittmer.

Second place winner, Wischmeyer Farms, is located in northwest Ohio. They grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and tomatoes. On their farm, they have implemented a variety of stewardship and conservation practices, such as small grains, cover crops, grass filter strips, grassed waterways, grass travel lanes for harvest, grade stabilization structures, drainage water management, and blind inlets.

“In participating in the Red Gold Stewardship Program, we have been made more aware of the different conservation programs available, as well as been more innovative to build soil health for future generations,” said Tom Wischmeyer.

The Midwest is leading the pack in soil conservation efforts. Specifically in the Hoosier state, farmers utilize a variety of soil conservation practices and planted more than 1.6 million acres of cover crops in 2025.

“ISDA is proud to partner with Red Gold Tomatoes on the Red Gold Stewardship Award, which honors tomato growers who demonstrate a strong commitment to soil conservation,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agirculture. “Protecting soil health and improving water quality remain top priorities for producers across Indiana and the Midwest. It’s a privilege to recognize Wittmer Farms and Wischmeyer Farms for their leadership and dedication to environmental stewardship.”

As the top winner, Wittmer Farms received a $1500 scholarship, as well as one extra load delivery of tomatoes per day. Wischmeyer Farms was awarded a $750 scholarship and an extra ½ load delivery of tomatoes per day.