Four Michigan farm families will be inducted into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame during the 2026 induction ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Hastings.
The ceremony will include recognition of the honorees, remarks from state and national leaders, and food and entertainment. It is open to family, friends, fellow farmers, and community members.
This year's inductees are Dennis and Dawn Iott of Kalkaska, Darrell and Kathy Newton of Nashville, Darwin and Kathy Sneller of Sebewaing, and Phil and Becky Wenger of Middleville.
Each year, the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame honors farmers who have set high standards in production agriculture, helped promote the industry, and have served their community, state, and nation.
"Honorees have not only established high standards in production agriculture, but have also contributed to the advancement of agriculture and made a difference in their communities, state, and nation," the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame wrote in a statement. "The 2026 inductees represent the many ways Michigan farmers have strengthened agriculture and their communities through generations of dedication."
The 2026 inductees
Dennis and Dawn Iott (Northwest Michigan County Farm Bureau)
Dennis and Dawn of Iott Seed Farm have been farming for more than 45 years, growing roughly 27 million pounds of seed potatoes each year along with wheat and rye. Under Dennis' guidance, the farm has tripled its seed potato production.
Their accomplishments have been recognized with Frito-Lay's Seed Supplier of the Year award in 2026, Kalkaska Business of the Year in 2025, and Michigan Association of Conservation Districts Farm of the Year honors in 2024. Dennis has also served as chairman of the Kalkaska Conservation District and president of the Potato Growers of Michigan.
Darrell and Kathy Newton (Barry County Farm Bureau)
Darrell and Kathy farmed about 2,000 acres and maintained a cow-calf operation for more than 45 years before they retired from farming in 2021. Their commitment to agriculture and their community includes service on the Farm Bureau County Committee Board and as 4-H leaders.
Their contributions have been recognized with the Barn Again Award in 1988, sponsored by the National Trust Historic Preservation and Successful Farming Magazine, and the Barry County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award in 2005.
Darwin and Kathy Sneller (Huron County Farm Bureau)
Darwin and Kathy Sneller of Starward Farms have been farming for more than 50 years on a 943-acre registered Holstein dairy and cash crop operation. The farm, which began around 1952, includes roughly 100 milking cows and produces corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and sugarbeets.
Darwin served as president of the Holstein Association at the county, district, and state levels, and as a leader with the Huron County Promotions group. He has also served as a 4-H leader and a dairy judging coach. Their accomplishments have been recognized with the Holstein Master Breeder award in 2018 and the MHA Distinguished Person Award in 2026.
Phil and Becky Wenger (Barry County Farm Bureau)
Phil and Becky Wenger began farming in 1976, building an operation that included a 150-head dairy and 1,400 acres of cash crops. Since 1992, their operation has focused on growing grains, corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, as well as raising dairy steers.
Phil adapted corn planters to help local farmers promote minimum tillage at planting and provides custom field work, including planting, harvesting, and round baling. He worked at the local school until 2012 and served on the Caledonia Farmer's Elevator Board, while the family has been active in their United Methodist Church.
The farm is on track to become a Centennial Farm in 2027, with their son preparing to take over the operation as the fourth generation.