John Brewen, Fredericktown, Missouri

Despite witnessing a steep decline in farming in his community, John Brewen raises cattle, hogs, chickens, grain and timber profitably. Early on, he decided the key to success was diversification. Today, as one of the few grain producers in the area, Brewen can command a much higher price for his product, particularly wheat straw. Brewen feeds his animals - including his 400-head cattle herd - with his own grain and purchased feed, all without hormones or antibiotics. To improve his margin, he opened an on-site butcher shop from which he markets his meat. He supplements his soils with manure compost and crop rotation and leaves marginal land in grass. His family is one of the few in the county to be entirely supported by farming activities.

Brewen is a dynamic member of the community, participating in the extension council, 4-H club, Farm Bureau and Future Farmers of America. His children also are very involved with farming programs. The Brewens host FFA events, train children for agricultural competitions and invite local youth groups to the farm.