The Award, now in its sixth year, is given to a Hoosier who has demonstrated exemplary leadership to maximize the potential of Indiana agriculture.

“Kip’s vision and innovative spirit are what the AgriVision Award represents,” Lt. Governor Skillman said. “He has led the growth of Tom Farms, taking the family business from its very conservative and traditional beginnings beginning in 1950 to an early adapter of more aggressive business principles and technologies in the industry today. Because of Kip’s vision, his family business is the leader in seed corn production and provides services globally to Monsanto and DuPont.”

A life-long resident of Kosciusko County, Kip Tom grew up on his family’s farm in the community his ancestors homesteaded in 1837. Kip raised his own family on this same farm. Today his family’s business is a leader in agriculture production globally. Tom Farms’ seed corn production operations include those in the United States and Argentina.

Tom Farms also provides products and services to various other Indiana companies such as Red Gold. Kip serves on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation serving with Governor Mitch Daniels. He also serves as and advisor to the Indiana Department of Agriculture and is a member of the ISDA Indiana Grown program.