OUTSTANDING FARMERS 2025: Young farmer carries on family legacy across 7,000 acres in Bell City

BELL CITY — Dallas Kluesner, 22, of rural Bell City is being honored as the Salute to Ag Young Farmer. Three Rivers College will recognize Kluesner and others being honored during a dinner Friday at the Westwood Event Center.

A man of a few words, Kluesner is carrying on the family tradition of working on 7,000 acres of farmland located in the Bell City, Advance and Sturdivant regions.

Kluesner’s favorite part of farming is getting to “hang out” with his family and being outdoors.

“I love getting to be outside,” he said.

He’s helped on the farm all his life, but he started working there full-time when he was 12 years old.

His family raises row crops like corn, soybeans and wheat.

His grandfather, Larry G. Strobel, who died Oct. 25, was a chemical engineer. He returned home to Bell City in 1964 to take over the family farm.

Kluesner was nominated for the Young Farmer honor by childhood friend Andrew Dennis. He’s known Kluesner since they were in the seventh grade.

Dennis works at Yield-Plus Inc. in Scott City.

Dennis describes Kluesner as a hard worker who is continuing his family’s legacy on the farm.

Kluesner “really enjoys hunting ducks and deer and sports,” Dennis said,

Salute to Ag is a celebration of Southeast Missouri farmers, ranchers, families, and industry leaders.