2026 Board of Directors Elections

Age: 58

Farming Operation

Chris is the co-owner, with his wife Jill, of Oak Hill Farms, a fifth-generation family operation cultivating approximately 3,600 acres with corn, soybeans, wheat and chia seed. His youngest son joined the farm in 2021. The farm owns about one-third of its land, leasing the remainder from 23 different landowners—some of which they have farmed with for over 30 years. Most of the wheat and soybean is grown for seed production, while chia seeds are produced for human consumption. Committed to sustainability and profitability, Oak Hill Farms employs precision technology, variable rate seeding and fertilization, near 100% no-till and on-farm research to improve their farming methods and profitability.

Additionally, they own Heartland Chia, a vertically integrated business that contracts production with farmers, purchases, processes and markets chia seed from both Oak Hill Farms and other farms across several states. Heartland Chia handles the distribution to retail customers, food distributors and food manufacturers.

Education

University of Kentucky, B.S in Agronomy, Graduate of The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP)

Board Experience

• Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority Board, member, 2025 to present
• Franklin-Simpson Planning and Zoning Administration Board, Vice-Chair, 2019-2025
• Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors, Director, 2000-2001 & 2003-2005
• Kentucky Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Committee, Member, 2000-2004, Chair, 2003
• Kentucky Small Grain Growers Promotion Council, member, 2008 to present
• Kentucky Soybean Association Board of Directors
  • Director, 1991-1999 & 2010-2018
  • Treasurer, 1996-1999
• Simpson County Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors, President
• University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Alumni Association Board Member, Vice-Chair, 1996-2004

Community and Industry Involvement

• First Baptist Church, Deacon
• Franklin-Simpson FFA Alumni Association
• Kentucky Corn Growers Association, member
• Kentucky Soybean Association, member
• Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association
• Simpson County Extension Council, former board member
• Southern States Simpson Co-op Board of Directors, former board member
• Syngenta/American Soybean Association Leadership Program, graduate

Biographical Information

I grew up on our family’s farm graduating high school in 1986, during a particularly challenging time in agriculture. After earning my degree from the University of Kentucky in 1990, I decided to return home to farm. I began by leasing 360 acres from my parents. The initial years were difficult but the lessons learned enhanced my management and production skills. Today, our farm is committed to sustainable production practices and management to improve both the land we farm and the surrounding environment. I have consistently strived to add value to our products including specialty soybeans for the Japanese market, seed production, and recently, chia seed. In 2012, we secured the opportunity to license and commercialize new varieties adapted to the midwestern US. We contract with our own and other farms for production and then market the chia nationwide under our Heartland Chia brand as the only domestically grown chia seed.

Early in my career, I benefited from leadership development programs and opportunities with the Soybean Association, Corn Growers, and Farm Bureau. In 1994, I won the Kentucky, and then the American Farm Bureau, Discussion Meet and in 2004, my wife Jill and I were named first runner-up for the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Award. I truly believe in Faith, Family, and Farming. I enjoy the opportunity to serve in leadership roles within the agricultural sector, as well as in community organizations, to give back and support the advancement of my local community, state and country.

Why do you want to serve on the Farm Credit Mid-America Board?

Whether it involves grain, livestock, or other forms of farming, agriculture is currently in a period of transition and uncertainty. It’s vital to support and fund farmers and agribusinesses to ensure their success through this time. Over the years, Farm Credit has played a key role in helping both new and experienced farmers realize their goals in agriculture and related businesses. Farm Credit assisted my wife and me in buying our first farm and has been crucial in growing our business. My diverse business experience helps me to view opportunities beyond the farm gate. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in organizations that offered valuable training and professional development, enabling me to improve both as a farmer and as a representative for agriculture. Taking on the role of a Farm Credit director would allow me to give back, hopefully helping others achieve their dreams.