Sponsored by DTN and Progressive Farmer magazine, the program recognizes agriculture’s next generation of farmers and ranchers

Media Contact: Dan Miller, Senior Editor, DTN/The Progressive Farmer; 205-613-6088; dan.miller@dtn.com

December 1, 2023

AUSTIN, Texas— Tyler and Megan Knott of Oak Creek, Colorado have been named to the 2024 class of America’s Best Young Farmers and Ranchers. The program is sponsored by DTN/Progressive Farmer.

The Knotts were recognized for their innovative local food marketing under Trout Creek Meats as well as their commitment to sustainable grazing and land conservation on their family ranch, Knott Land and Livestock. The Knott family completed three conservation easements in 2011, 2018, and 2023 with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust which has conserved the ranch in perpetuity.

“This program establishes high standards for its Young Farmer honorees. They must have a sound business plan for growth and profitability and be actively involved in their community,” says Gregg Hillyer, editor-in-chief for Progressive Farmer. “This year’s honorees are inspiring and showcase some of the very best who have chosen production agriculture as their career and life’s passion.”

 Now in its 14^th year, the America’s Best Young Farmers and Ranchers program recognizes the next generation of farmers and ranchers who are demonstrating innovation in business, who are working for the betterment of agriculture and who work for the betterment of their communities.

DTN/ Progressive Farmer selects five honorees each year to be named America’s Best Young Farmers and Ranchers. Tyler and Megan join 70 past and present winners. The Knotts were recognized on November 16, 2023 during an awards program in Austin, Texas and are featured in a special section of the December 2023 issue of Progressive Farmer and as part of a multi-media presentation on DTNPF.com

Trout Creek Meats is owned and operated by Tyler and Megan Knott on their family ranch. Tyler is the fourth generation on the property with his two children actively involved, growing up on the ranch with a storied heritage. Trout Creek Meats directly markets lamb and beef produced on the ranch. The family’s long history in the Yampa Valley includes settling in Mad creek and grazing the slopes of Mt. Werner, which are now the Steamboat Ski Resort. It is a compelling story and consumers have been eager to embrace the family’s conservation ethic. The Knotts do all they can to engage the local community in support of agriculture.

“We want our grandchildren to inherit a world that values food production along with healthy ecology,” said Tyler Knott. “And to understand that those two things can go hand in hand. If we care for our land, it will continue to sustain us”.

About the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust
The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is a nonprofit land conservation organization whose mission is to “…conserve Colorado’s western heritage and working landscapes for the benefit of future generations.” CCALT has worked with over 400 families to conserve more than 770,000 acres to date statewide.

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