Howard Martin was inducted into the Farm Equipment Shortline Legends Hall of Fame in 2024. He also earned myriad awards and honors from No-Till Farmer for his development of solutions specific to farmers’ ability to make no-till work. Martin passed away in February 2024. The article below, on Howard Dean Martin’s legacy of innovation and integrity, was written by his son and business partner, Steve Martin.

Editor’s Note: Farm Equipment magazine asked its Alumni Group (comprised of recipients of the Dealership of the Year Award and Hall of Fame) a thought-provoking question that we call the “It’s a Wonderful Life Question.” In the famed Christmas movie, protagonist George Bailey gets to see – via a dramatic intervention by an angel named Clarence Odbody – what the world might have been like had he never been born. Similarly, we asked our award-winning executives to ponder that same challenging question, and to consider how their communities might have been altered had their businesses “failed to launch” or perhaps failed to survive trying times. Here’s what we learned. – Mike Lessiter, editor/publisher.

Howard Martin

Early Life and Family

Howard Dean Martin was born on March 23, 1944, in the hills of north Todd County, Ky., to sharecropper parents Chester and Ellis Shanklin Martin. While his older brother O’Dell embraced music, Howard’s curiosity leaned toward mechanical ingenuity. As a child, he would spend hours tinkering with objects, foreshadowing his future as an innovator.

In 1963, at just 19 years old, Howard eloped with his sweetheart, Linda McGhee. Their marriage spanned over 6 decades, and together, they raised 6 children — 3 biological and 3 adopted—while managing a farm and later establishing a business that would revolutionize the agricultural industry.

Building a Business from the Ground Up

Howard Martin’s path to success was built on determination and resilience.  The farm crisis of the 1980s forced him to restructure, selling much of his equipment and leaving him with only an 8-row planter, a combine, and two tractors. Despite these setbacks, he pressed forward, refining his innovations and ultimately founding Martin Industries.

The Birth of No-Till Innovation

Fascinated by no-till farming, Howard sought to create an attachment that could clear residue from the seedbed with minimal soil disturbance. He worked tirelessly to perfect the design but nearly abandoned the project. However, encouragement from local farmer and inventor Eugene Keeton reignited his determination. In 1988, Howard patented his invention — the Martin Row Cleaner — marking the beginning of the Martin-Till Planting System

Overcoming Challenges and Legal Battles

Howard faced tremendous obstacles in his early business years. A lawsuit from Dawn Equipment nearly led to financial ruin. The case was later overturned as frivolous, with the court ruling in Howard’s favor and awarding him court costs. However, Dawn Equipment’s bankruptcy limited his ability to recover funds. Rather than be discouraged, he doubled down, investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that propelled Martin Industries to the forefront of agricultural innovation.

Dedication to Customers, Employees, and Community

Howard’s business philosophy was built on trust, service, and investment in people. He once wrote, “We feel honored to be able to serve your planter attachment needs, and we hope you will believe they are a good investment for you.” He never sought sales for profit alone but instead focused on creating value for his customers. His legendary promise — “If they can't make it work, I will buy it back” — was a testament to his unwavering commitment. He personally ensured customer satisfaction, often sending family members on overnight drives to deliver improved parts.

Howard was equally committed to his employees, believing that dedication and work ethic were more important than formal education. He looked for employees who aligned with the scripture: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23-24).” He took the time to train employees regardless of their background, ensuring they had opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Howard Martin Slideshow

One employee, hired as a high school dropout, demonstrated a strong work ethic and reliability. Recognizing his potential, Howard invested in him by sending him to multiple training programs, including CNC programming courses. Today, this employee has been with the company for nearly 30 years and runs the manufacturing side in its entirety. Another high school co-op student started in the shipping department and, through mentorship and training, has been with the company for nearly 25 years. Over time, he rose through the ranks and now serves as Vice President of Marketing and Inside Sales, exemplifying Howard’s commitment to investing in dedicated employees and fostering their growth within the company.

Beyond business, Howard’s impact on his community was immeasurable. His company created jobs and helped drive economic growth. A man of deep faith, he and Linda ensured their family attended church multiple times a week. Howard served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Bellview Baptist Church and generously supported causes, often donating anonymously to churches, scholarships, and families in need. His belief that money was merely a tool to serve others defined his approach to giving.       

Recognition and Industry Influence

Howard Martin always credited his dealer partners for refining his designs. Among his top collaborators were Dave Moeller and Phil Needham, whose expertise contributed to perfecting Martin-Till products. His dedication to innovation earned him widespread recognition. He was a two-time recipient of No-Till Farmer’s Best Product of the Year award, also received the prestigious No-Till Living Legend and twice the No-Till Innovator of the Year award from the publication. He was also among the first inductees into the Todd County Hall of Fame. His influence on modern farming techniques continues to shape the agricultural industry today.

A Life of Humility and Faith

Despite his many accomplishments, Howard Martin remained profoundly humble. He always attributed his success to God, believing that his ideas were divinely inspired. His humility was so deep that he wished for his obituary to state he was a "Sharecropper." He did not want his achievements listed, as he believed all credit belonged to God.

What If Howard Martin Had Not Succeeded?

Without his contributions, the progression of no-till farming would have been significantly slower. Farmers would have struggled with residue management, leading to lower yields and greater inefficiencies. The agricultural industry would have missed out on the transformative impact of his inventions, and his community would have lost a source of jobs, economic stability, and philanthropic support.

Conclusion

Howard Martin’s legacy is one of perseverance, innovation, and selfless service. His contributions transformed modern farming, while his generosity enriched the lives of those around him. His story serves as a testament to hard work, faith, and the lasting impact of a visionary leader. Today, his legacy lives on through the Martin-Till Planting System, the farmers he helped, and the community he uplifted.

Related Content

• Howard Martin Recounts Creation of Martin Industries
• Howard Martin’s Early Days in Ag
• Conversations with Ag Equipment’s Entrepreneurs: Martin Industries
• Martin-Till Industries' Timeline
• Remembering Howard Dean Martin (1944-2024) & the No-Till Row Cleaner
• How We Did It Docuseries: Martin Industries
• [Podcast] Conversations with Ag Equipment’s Entrepreneurs: Martin Industries' Steve Martin