2026 Missouri Ag Hall of Fame Inductee
Jim Novinger continues a family farming legacy that began 80 years before Missouri became a state. Now, Jim farms a diversified row crop and cattle operation near the town in Adair County that still bears his family name, Novinger. His father established the present-day Novinger Farm in 1946 and Jim’s mother still manages the books at a spry 97 years old.
Jim earned an agronomy degree from the University of Missouri and worked for Continental Grain Company in the northern United States. After learning and growing in that role, the farm called him home, and in 1981, Jim returned to the operation full-time. In addition to a cow-calf and backgrounding operation, Novinger Farms raises corn, soybeans, wheat and cover crops, incorporating conservation practices and precision agriculture to build efficiency for the next generation.
Jim’s commitment to community is strong. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the MFA Incorporated Board of Directors and has also served in leadership with the local Agri Services and MFA Oil boards, the Watershed Management Commission, Northeast Missouri State Bank, MU Extension Council and at the First Christian Church in Kirksville.
Jim and Lanna have two adult children and their first grandchild is due in April 2026.
About the Missouri Ag Hall of Fame
The Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame recognizes farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders who have made outstanding contributions to Missouri agriculture. Inductees are selected by a committee and honored annually.