“We present these awards to Hoosiers who have shown exceptional vision, innovation and leadership,” Bruce Kettler explained before announcing the winners of the 2019 AgriVision awards. Kettler is director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. This is the 13th year ISDA has presented the AgriVision award.

“Sometimes we only present one, but there were just so many outstanding nominees that we awarded two this year,” Kettler said. Visit the ISDA website for information on how you can nominate someone for the 2020 AgriVision award.

The 2019 winners are Stan Poe, Johnson County, and Terry Tucker, Kosciusko County. Poe and his family manage a widely known sheep flock, producing quality Hampshire stock for producers across the country. He’s served in a number of leadership roles during his career and received multiple awards.

His family includes his wife, Carol; four sons, Stanley, Cameron, Keegan and Kalin; and their families.

ALL ABOUT DUCK: Terry Tucker, Kosciusko County, Ind., told the audience after receiving his AgriVision award that his family is vital to the success of Maple Leaf Farms, now a global company.

Tucker took over the reins of Maple Leaf Farms from his father-in-law, Donald Wentzel, who started the business in 1958. Tucker joined the company in 1963. Today it’s an international business, working with other farmers to produce duck and market it worldwide through various channels, including online. The business sells duck and duck products in 46 countries.   

Tucker’s family includes his wife, Sandra, and sons Scott and John, who are currently co-presidents of the business.