At 92 years young, John Smet of Viola, Illinois, has spent more than six decades embodying the true meaning of “Farm Strong.” Living just north of Viola, John is best known in the community for his iconic big red barn—a local landmark used for giving directions. This month, he’s being celebrated for a lifetime of dedication to farming, thanks to a heartfelt nomination by his daughter, Shelley Roth.
Smet is the January Farm Strong Winner from CBI Bank & Trust and Farm Country 102.3 WRMJ.
In 1961, John purchased his 80-acre farm from Ruth Veeder for $13,000. The family moved in that March when Shelley was just three months old. John’s determination and work ethic shone through as he made $1,000 payments every January, paying off the farm by the time Shelley turned 13…