Wittmer Farms of Valparaiso won the 2025 Red Gold Stewardship award from the tomato and ketchup giant.

Red Gold and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture recognized the farm, which grows corn, soybeans, pumpkins and tomatoes, as its first-place winner. Wischmeyer Farms of Ottawa, Ohio took home second place.

The award is meant to recognize soil and water conservation efforts. It goes to Red Gold growers who follow practices that improve soil health and water quality.

"We have had 100% participation in this program for several years," said Curt Utterback, director of agriculture at Red Gold, an Indiana-based agriculatural company that sells its tomatoes to restaurants and at supermarkets nationwide. "Many of the growers are multi-generational operations and taking care of the land

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