Bechtold family named 2022 Farm Family of the Year

Bechtold family named 2022 Farm Family of the Year Main Photo

26 Jan 2023


Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Salute to Ag committee are thrilled to announce that the Bechtold family will hold the title of the 2022 Farm Family of the Year. 

The Bechtold family will be recognized for their incredible impact on the Wabash County agriculture industry during Grow Wabash County’s annual Salute to Ag Dinner on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

“Grow Wabash County is proud to honor and recognize Bechtold Farms and the Bechtold family as our 2022 Farm Family of the Year,” Howard Halderman, Ag Committee chair, said. “Our goal is to recognize one of Wabash County’s farm families who set a great example for our industry which feeds the world, protects the environment and makes the world a better place. Across multiple generations and diverse cropping and livestock enterprises the Bechtolds remain an excellent, sustainable farm operation while contributing to their community in a wide variety of ways. ”

The Bechtold Family has operated its farm in Wabash County for over 100 years, starting with Ray Bechtold in 1918. The farm was then taken over by his son Duane Bechtold in 1936 and control of the farm has passed through each Bechtold generation from Bob to Bret who currently runs the farm with the help of his sons Austin and Trent Bechtold.  
Over the last century-plus, the Bechtold’s farm has produced corn, soybeans, wheat and hay as well as raising cattle and sheep. 

“Every year we at Grow Wabash County have the honor of recognizing the people and families in our communities that have and continue to make a great impact on local agriculture,” Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “This year we are thrilled to be celebrating the Bechtold Family who has established an incredible legacy here in Wabash County as an example of why family farms like theirs remain an integral piece of the agricultural community both local and at large.”

The 2023 Salute to Ag Dinner will take place on Wednesday, March 8 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Heartland REMC building, 350 Wedcor Avenue in Wabash. 

Tickets are $25 each and sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from $100 to our $2,500 Platinum Sponsorship. Registration can be done online at www.growwabashcounty.com/ag2023 or by contacting Grow Wabash County via email, info@growwabashcounty.com, or by calling 260-563-5258.
 

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