Just north of Delaware County lies Rhoades Farms where Ryan Rhoades operates a grain and livestock operation alongside his father, Wendell, mother, Janet, wife, Amanda and full-time employee, Dave Peterson. Ryan, a third generation farmer, was recently selected as the first quarter winner of the 2014 Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program. Currently in its second year, the Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program is designed to showcase the hard work, dedication and leadership of young Ohio farmers.

“The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) is proud to recognize Ryan and his involvement with the soybean industry,” said Jerry Bambauer, OSA president and soybean farmer from Auglaize County. “Through the Beck’s Young Farm Leader program, OSA and Beck’s Hybrids aim to recognize young Ohio farmers like Ryan who are committed to advancing the industry. We want all OSA members to encourage a young farmer in their community to apply for the Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program.”

Ryan discovered his passion for agriculture from a young age and went on to graduate from Wilmington College in 2002 where he studied Agriculture and Spanish. Until the winter of 2011, Ryan’s farm operated as an LLC. It was then that he joined his father’s operation to become Rhoades Farms in a general partnership. Together, they currently grow 2,300 acres of soybeans, corn and wheat rotation and manage a livestock operation in Marion County. The day-today operations are performed by Ryan and Dave with the grain marketing managed by Wendell. Janet and Amanda primarily handle all the book work to run the farm.

“It most certainly is a team effort for our farm and there is never a dull moment or not enough work to be done,” added Ryan. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world and am happy with the direction we decided to take on our operation two winters ago. Like any business, there have been some struggles, but I hope someday my children have the opportunity to farm.”

Ryan and his wife Amanda currently have three children, Hanah (7), Stone (4), Olive (2) and are expecting a fourth child in July.

Aside from family life and farming, Ryan is involved with Fite Memorial Baptist Church in Marion, Ohio and currently serves as county committee member for the Delaware County office of the Farm Service Agency. He believes there are many challenges and opportunities facing agriculture, and embracing change will be an important factor in whatever the future holds.

“One long-term goal would be to see soybean yields increase by embracing technology, production practices and research to gain a bigger spotlight in today’s cropping system,” said Ryan. “Soybeans are a challenging and unpredictable cash crop with huge potential in yield, exports and remain a strong protein source around the world.”

“I also think it’s important to address any public concerns about soybean farmers and how we produce our crop,” added Ryan. “With approximately three generations of America’s families removed from the farm, this will continue to be a growing issue. How we engage the public will be critical going forward.”

Beck’s Young Farm Leaders are chosen by a selection committee consisting of OSA and Beck’s Hybrids representatives.

“As we enter the second year of our partnership with OSA on the Beck’s Young Farm Leader program, we are excited to recognize Ryan Rhoades as the first quarter winner for 2014,” said Bruce Kettler, Director of Public Relations at Beck’s Hybrids. “One exciting aspect of the applications for this quarter is that we are seeing more applications and growing depth to the applicants. Ryan continues to exemplify the community involvement and dedication that the program intended to highlight.”