2025 20 Under 40 Farmer
About
Living in Oneida, Illinois, Krista Swanson serves as the Chief Economist for the National Corn Growers Association, while also farming corn and soybeans and raising her four children with her husband on the farm. As a lifelong learner and advocate, Krista believes leadership is about vision, strategy, and building strong relationships that will benefit all of agriculture. She sees Illinois as uniquely positioned with fertile soils, strong transportation networks, and global market opportunities, including emerging demand for sustainable aviation fuel. Influenced by mentors from FFA through grad school, Krista now pays it forward by mentoring students young professionals, and future leaders in agriculture. At home and in her career, she strives to set an example for her children and others: that agriculture thrives when knowledge, innovation, and community work together.