You sometimes learn the most about someone when you read or listen to what others have to say about them. It wasn’t hard to find people to talk about 2018 Master Farmer Jim Farris, Vincennes, Ind. Many people were ready to voice their support for his nomination to receive the award.

Once you read the letters and listen to a few people talk about Farris, it’s not hard to figure out why. Here’s insight about this hard-working family man, farmer, businessman and community leader, as stated by others.

What others say
• Sense of humor. “Jim is very well respected in this county [Knox] and beyond. He is well-educated as a Purdue graduate — a point he will stress especially with his dad, Joe, since Joe is an IU [Indiana University] graduate! Jim obviously gained his wonderful sense of humor from his dad. Jim was raised knowing that family, faith, education and farming are life’s priorities. Jim and his wife, Karen, have three children, who will obviously maintain that same pride.

“Jim likes to share his wisdom and cost-conscious ways with all those he meets. He uses no-till practices on his farm, along with all the latest ag technology, so that he stays informed. Jim has been a seed dealer for many years now, and as such, he’s always more than willing to share his knowledge about seed choices and the practices that he has used. He is sincerely interested in your farm’s continued success.” — Wally Linneweber, Vincennes, Ind.; 1991 Master Farmer; nominator of Jim Ferris

• Shares knowledge. “I want to highlight some things that stand out to me. [Jim] has very diverse soils and topography. He continually looks for ways to improve the profitability of his farm, and shares his information with neighbors and his large Pioneer [seed] customer base. He is always looking for new agronomic opportunities and yield-enhancing technologies. I always look forward to our visits with Jim. He is always seeking new information and is more than willing to share what he has learned from others. His can-do, positive attitude is contagious.” — Don Villwock, Edwardsport, Ind.; 1985 Master Farmer; Purdue University special assistant to the dean of agriculture

• Good guy. “Yes, Jim is an accomplished businessman, community servant, beloved father, son, brother and friend, but as important as all those things are, I am writing this letter of recommendation simply to say Jim is a ‘good guy’ and a great ambassador for agriculture. It is with that, that I give my heartfelt recommendation for Jim Farris to be named a recipient of the Master Farmer award.” — Larry Holscher, Vincennes, Ind.; 2017 Master Farmer