End of Year Photo Contest Winners

Maddox Farms | St. Joseph, Illinois

Each planting season, Clayton's wife Tara brings their daughter Maia to visit him in the field, capturing a snapshot of the moment. These visits are special, as Maia gets excited to ride in the tractor or combine, making for memorable—and often funny—photos.

Clayton graduated from the University of Illinois College of ACES in 2015 and has been farming ever since. In 2020, he stepped into a managerial role, working alongside his father as a partner. Together, they share the responsibilities and costs of running the farm, from equipment and labor to making crucial decisions about fertility and seed. Farming truly is a family operation for the Maddoxes, as Clayton and Tara hope one of their two daughters will take an interest in carrying on the legacy.

Beyond farming, Clayton has another job working as a Land Broker with Keller Williams Realty in Champaign, Illinois. Diversifying his income helps him support both his family and the farm. While farming will always be his greatest passion, Clayton believes in the importance of financial security to sustain their agricultural roots.

For Clayton Maddox, farming is about more than growing crops—it's about growing a future, steeped in family tradition and thoughtful planning.

Clay Hill Farm | Woodhull, Illinois

Harvest season is more than just hard work—it’s about teamwork, tradition, and the beauty of life on the farm. This stunning photo, showcasing the grain cart, semi, and a classic 4020 tractor running the auger against a breathtaking sky, perfectly captures the essence of harvest.

Taken at Clay Hill Farm by Makenna, this snapshot is a glimpse into the daily operations of a family farm that grows corn, soybeans, and even tends to 16 chickens. The farm is managed by Kevin, with support from his niece (Makenna), who has been working on the farm since she was 14. Harvest is a bustling time, bringing together many hands and shifting roles. From running the cart and bringing meals to the field to simply giving rides, every contribution matters.

A fun fact about the farm: in the winter, their shop transforms into a home for snowmobiles, ready for adventures when the weather allows.

This photo and story remind us of the dedication, teamwork, and beauty that define life on the farm during harvest season.

Dave Kestel | Manhattan, Illinois

Dave Kestel, a farmer from Manhattan, Illinois, captured this year’s third place photo in the IL Corn photo contest. When asked about his inspiration, Dave shared, "I’m young at heart and love Christmas lights." The photo features a patriotic twist, with an American flag painted on the barn and a floodlit manger scene. Another highlight of the display is a Christmas tree atop a grain bin—a tradition started by his father over 30 years ago. Originally using a real tree, Dave and his brother transitioned to creating it from conduit pipe to carry on the tradition.

Farming is a family affair for Dave, who grows corn and soybeans, raises feeder steers, and employs innovative practices like strip-till, no-till, and fertility plots. He also achieved a milestone this year by surpassing 300 bushels per acre in the National Corn Growers Association yield contest. Dave farms alongside his daughter Frankie, who represents the fifth generation on their family farm. Frankie recently made him a proud grandpa to Finley, who already enjoys riding along during planting and harvest. In addition to farming, Dave has spent 30 years as a Pioneer Seeds sales representative, a role he takes pride in for their history and remaining to be a U.S. company.