Based in Savannah, Illinois, Neumiller Farms has become a staple in the agricultural world, with additional farm locations spread throughout Illinois along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The sandy soil found near the rivers provides the ideal conditions for growing potatoes, a crop that has been part of the Neumiller family story for generations. Katie explained that her great-grandfather first grew potatoes in Eastern Europe before immigrating to the United States. The family later farmed in Wisconsin before eventually establishing roots in Savannah more than 50 years ago.
Today, Neumiller Farms continues as a multi-generational operation, with Katie working side-by-side alongside her husband, parents, and extended family members. The close-knit nature of the business became one of the key inspirations behind this year’s Super Bowl commercial from Frito-Lay, titled “The Last Season.” The commercial focused on the emotional process of passing down a family farm from one generation to the next, particularly highlighting the bond between a father and daughter.
Katie shared that being selected as the inspiration for the commercial was both surprising and deeply meaningful. Farming has always been a quiet, hardworking lifestyle for her family, making it difficult to imagine their story reaching millions of viewers during one of the biggest television events in the country. Yet the themes presented in the commercial resonated with many people who understand the importance of family traditions and the uncertainty surrounding the future of family farms.
The relationship between Neumiller Farms and Frito-Lay stretches back more than seven decades. Katie explained that the partnership began with her grandfather through a simple handshake agreement long before the company became the global brand it is today. Over the years, the relationship grew alongside the farm itself, with Frito-Lay helping push growers toward higher standards while Neumiller Farms expanded to meet those expectations.
Nathan and Katie also discussed how accurately the commercial reflected her real-life relationship with her father. From spending countless hours together during planting and harvest seasons to sharing lighthearted moments around the farm, many scenes in the commercial mirrored memories from her childhood. Growing up immersed in farm life created a strong bond built on years of working together toward common goals.
The conversation also explored the realities of working in a family business. Katie described how difficult it can be to separate work life from personal life when family members are together both at the office and at home. Holiday gatherings often turn into planning meetings for the next day’s planting schedules or crew assignments. At the same time, she emphasized that the shared dedication and understanding among family members are also what make the operation successful.
Succession planning became another major topic throughout the discussion. Katie noted that while her father is beginning to slow down slightly, farming remains both his career and his passion. Even with future plans in place, she expects he will always want to remain involved in the daily operations of the farm. For many farming families, passing down responsibility is not as simple as handing over the keys—it is a gradual transition shaped by decades of dedication to the land.
Beyond the Super Bowl spotlight, Katie also spoke about the importance of helping consumers better understand where their food comes from. She explained that farming remains deeply connected to nature, relying on soil, sunshine, and water to produce crops that eventually become products found in kitchens across the country. Potatoes, she noted, are simple at their core, and even potato chips contain only a few ingredients.
Nathan closed the episode by reflecting on how relatable and inspiring the Neumiller family story has become. Their commitment to preserving a farming legacy while adapting for future generations captured the attention of millions during the Super Bowl, but at its heart, the story remains one of family, hard work, and a shared love for agriculture.
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