The Hoosier Farmer

The Poynters of Putnam County are this year’s Farm Family of the Year, an award sponsored by Indiana AgriNews and Beck’s Hybrids.

Heather and Ray are active members of Putnam County Farm Bureau and farm 5,000 acres of corn and soybeans. They have organized community education events, including mental health programming for farmers and the annual Putnam County Ag Day.

Dedicated to youth development and livestock education, Ray was the longtime beef barn superintendent for the Putnam County 4-H program.

Indiana AgriNews Executive Editor James Henry said Heather and Ray set a foundation of hard work and community service, and their sons, Jonathan and Noah, have carried that legacy forward with fresh ideas and technology — particularly their groundbreaking use of drones for crop applications and media production.

In 2022, Noah and Jonathan earned their FAA drone licenses, allowing the farm to begin doing its own fungicide applications. This not only streamlined their operation but also grew into a custom spraying business that serves other local farmers.

Noah operates Noah Poynter Media, creating professional drone videos and photos that showcase agriculture and the local community.

“The family divides responsibilities strategically, but works side by side during planting, harvest and critical decision-making, ensuring the farm thrives as a true family operation,” said Henry. “Their story is one of tradition and innovation, family and faith, service and excellence.”

Ray and Heather Poynter, Noah Poynter and his girlfriend, Jenna Cords, Ashley and Jonathan Poynter and INFB President Randy Kron. The Poynters were named the 2025 Farm Family of the Year at the Indiana Ag Gathering

Contact Editor

Robert Herrington

(317) 692-7871

RHerrington@infb.org