2025 20 Under 40 Farmer
About
Tony Stierwalt in Pesotum, Illinois, works as a fifth-generation grain farmer raising corn, soybeans, and wheat while also working as a seed salesman for Pro-Harvest Seeds. Passionate about conservation, Tony has adopted cover crops across all his acres, becoming one of the first in his area to push the practice on a large scale. For him, leadership means speaking up with new ideas, even as one of the younger farmers in the room and helping others explore innovative solutions that balance productivity and sustainability. Influenced most by his dad, mom, uncles, and grandfather, Tony is committed to leaving the land better for future generations just like his family has done before him. He sees opportunity in blending old practices like crop rotations and grazing with modern technology to improve soil health and efficiency. Tony hopes his example encourages the next generation to embrace change, take risks, and keep family farms thriving.