TST Farms

Kevin Cox is a farmer with passion for his family, fellow farmers, and all of Indiana agriculture. A grain farmer from Brazil, Indiana, Kevin is known through the industry as someone who teaches, advocates and shares insight to help influence success. His farm, TST Farms, named after his children Trent, Sarah and Trisha, has evolved over time. “I grew up farming, and have also sold seed corn, worked construction and finished feeder pigs,” Kevin says, only partially joking that his wife, Brenda, worked at the hospital so he could afford more pigs.

The operation has now evolved to focus on crops, raising several thousand acres of corn and soybeans. Son Trent farms with him, and they look to trusted friends for seasonal help. “Everyone who helps us out works in town, plus we call in retired guys. We are fortunate to have these reliable people to count on, they are a big part of our success.”

Success also comes from taking care of the land in a part of the state where there are smaller fields and rolling land. “We are very conservation minded, we don’t disturb the soil any more than we have to,” Kevin says, pointing out they care for waterways and are keenly focused on managing erosion while farming efficiently. “We work to produce the most on every acre which means each acre is managed differently,” he says. They do extensive soil testing and variable rate application for every input going into the ground. “We utilize the latest technology and have made major strides in yields over 10 years by this focused management on every acre,” Kevin says. “Even those acres in the less productive parts of the farm can reach their potential.”

Along with being optimistic about his land, Kevin is optimistic about life having gone through a dark chapter five years ago. “I was hit on the chest with a barbell, and that bump turned into cancer,” he shares. He looks at life differently after having gone through four surgeries and chemotherapy. His community rallied around him during this tough time, “When I was at my worst, people showed up at their best to help. Life is fragile and there are no guarantees,” Kevin says.

Kevin’s focus on “tomorrow starting today” is evident in his industry leadership. Early in his career, he began participating in the county Farm Bureau which led to other board service such as at the REMC Board he still serves on 20 years later. He was asked to run for the Farm Credit Mid-America board where he eventually became chair of this organization managing billions of dollars. A self-proclaimed “numbers person,” Kevin put his name in the hat to be part of the Indiana Soybean Alliance board to learn more about where soybean checkoff dollars go.

This experience has broadened his view of the industry. “Soybeans have so much importance in our ag economy,” he emphasizes. “Soy is not just a rotational crop anymore, I’ve been able to see the world-wide impact of soybeans in feeding animals as well as in oils, fuel and plastic.” Kevin’s soybean leadership has enabled him to travel the world as part of his advocacy work.

“I spoke in China at their Aquaculture Conference and also went to Dubai for the World Food Show,” he says, noting the Dubai show brought together a diverse group of individuals yet all were focused on feeding people. “It was fascinating to hear their perspective on how we farm in America, and they like the accountability of knowing how our products are raised.” In fact, at one time soybeans specifically raised for tofu on Kevin’s farm were sold in Japan with the farm’s name and picture on the packaging.

After doing standup comedy and motivational speaking for 10 years, Kevin is willing to speak at events big and small as a way he helps make a difference. “I love to teach and educate, so public speaking is how I can encourage and develop others,” he says. He uses his skills to help paint an accurate picture of agriculture today. He recalls a recent example. “We (the Indiana Soybean Alliance) had sponsored a cooking contest with top chefs from around the world, and there were also panels with renowned experts – yet many of the questions from the audience were directed to me.” People wanted to know about what happens on the farm to produce a safe food product. “I shared that I have the five cutest grandsons, so of course I would not do anything to harm them as they live right here on the farm. I helped get the point across by making it personal.” Lightbulbs went off as people realized that nobody cares more than farmers about the land and sustainable production.

Kevin is working each day to set up his farm as well as all of Indiana agriculture for future success. “Tomorrow starts today, and I am excited about what the future holds.”