Indiana Farms Win Weaver Popcorn Stewardship Awards

Mainstay Farming Partnership and Breisch Farms LLC receive state honors for their agricultural conservation practices.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Organic Food

Screen-print poster illustration of a lush Indiana cornfield at sunrise, highlighting the rich agricultural landscape and conservation stewardship. — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing have named Mainstay Farming Partnership and Breisch Farms LLC as 2026 Stewardship Award winners. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing have awarded the 2026 Stewardship Award to two Hoosier farms. Mainstay Farming Partnership and Breisch Farms LLC were selected from five finalists to receive cash prizes for improving soil health and water quality.

Why it matters

The annual award incentivizes Indiana growers to adopt advanced conservation and nutrient stewardship practices. By recognizing these efforts, the program encourages broader adoption of techniques that improve long-term land sustainability.

Mainstay Farming Partnership in Kewanna received a $20,000 prize, while Greentown-based Breisch Farms LLC was awarded $10,000. These honors are supported by a 70% participation rate among Weaver growers.

The players

Indiana State Department of Agriculture

This state agency oversees Indiana's agricultural industry and manages resource conservation and development programs.

Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing

This family-owned snack food company is a significant producer in the popcorn industry and coordinates grower sustainability awards.

Mainstay Farming Partnership

Based in Kewanna, Indiana, this farm is recognized for its leadership in agricultural conservation and soil health practices.

Breisch Farms LLC

Located in Greentown, Indiana, this agricultural operation was selected for its commitment to nutrient stewardship and sustainability.

The details

Producers submitted applications detailing their nutrient and conservation management, leading to on-site inspections for five finalists. The ISDA selected the winners based on their demonstrated success in improving soil health and regional water quality.

Indiana farmers planted over 1.6 million acres of cover crops throughout 2025.
The award winners were announced on October 23, 2026.

Culture Shift

The Stewardship Award reflects a growing industry-wide movement toward regenerative agriculture and soil preservation. This award aligns with the 1.6 million acres of cover crops planted by Indiana farmers in 2025 as part of the state's ongoing soil health initiatives.

Readers may notice increased local initiatives aimed at improving regional soil and water quality through these recognized farming techniques. These conservation efforts often contribute to the long-term sustainability of the state's agricultural economy and food supply chain.

The takeaway

Farmers can implement soil health practices like cover cropping to qualify for industry recognition and financial support. These stewardship programs highlight the practical benefits of prioritizing long-term environmental sustainability in large-scale operations.