KFB Farmer of the Year Finalists: Tom Folz of Christian County

Tom Folz and his family raise corn, soybeans, wheat, and tobacco plants on more than 4,500 acres in western Kentucky. In addition to his farming operation, he runs a Beck’s Hybrids dealership, which is an integral part of his business. 

Folz considers sustainability to be an important part of his farming. He implements no till and minimum till practices to gain the benefits of airing out the ground and evening residue all while avoiding any challenge brought on by full-till farming. He soil samples regularly and can use data to create variable rate seed and fertilizer prescriptions. He uses moisture probes under irrigation pivots to maximize water efficiency, and not overuse a scarce resource.

"Farming is in our blood, and we could not imagine doing anything else,” said Folz. “To plant our crops and to watch God take care of them as they grow is so satisfying. I am blessed to see my children have interest in the farm, and want to follow in my footsteps, which is such a blessing.”