AGCO’s 2025
Operator of the Year
AGCO deeply appreciates the relentless efforts of operators across the country. These specialists help our crops thrive, and consistently show up for their community. That’s why we’re seeking the very best to name one outstanding individual as Operator of the Year. These professionals play a crucial role in the success of farmers and we want to recognize their hard work and dedication. Every nomination allows us to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond in the field.
Meet the 2025 front-runners for
operator of the year
Meet the people behind the crop: 2025 finalists for Operator of the Year are here!
Behind every crop is a remarkable operator. These leaders are in the driver’s seat. We have carefully reviewed each nomination and are proud to recognize the dedication and impact of all who were nominated. To all of the operators, AGCO is deeply appreciative of your work. It takes many hands to make crops successful and the dedication of skilled operators contributes greatly.
We have narrowed down the exceptional nominations to the following finalists: John Berken, Adam Pettermann and Jeffery Coffey.
John Berken
Hometown - Jennings, LA
Adam Pettermann
Hometown - Trumbull, NE
Jeffery Coffey
Hometown - Charleston, IL
Come back soon to see the ARA Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 2-4 and who is named Operator of the Year! The lucky winner will take home a new side-by-side UTV or cash equivalent.
Since 2006, AGCO has honored the hard work of ag retailers and custom applicators in North America with the Operator of the Year program. These dedicated men and women are evaluated based on their performance both on and off the field, including criteria such as skill, dedication, customer service, and community involvement. These professionals spend untold hours in the field every season, using technology advanced application machinery to apply fertilizer and crop protection products on millions of crop acres. This helps ensure growers/farmers achieve their best possible yield. They help feed the world, and AGCO believes it is important to recognize them year after year.
2024 Operator of the Year Finalists
A very special thanks to our runner-ups Jeff Jablonski and Travis Hughes! Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all of us at AGCO.
2023 AGCO’s Operator of the Year
Congratulations to
Lee Pemberton
Lee Pemberton lives in Hallock, MN where he works at Makin’ Trax Contractors. Aside from over 25 years of hard work as an operator, he is a devoted father and grandfather, attending their various extracurricular activities and even including them in hunting trips. He consistently puts in over 5,000 hours a year working for his community’s volunteer ambulance and serves on the hospital board.
Lee Pemberton was crowned at last year’s ARA Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida, and took home a new side-by-side UTV or cash equivalent. Thank you to all our nominators last year.
We acknowledge and celebrate every hardworking applicator professional every day and we’re already looking forward to next year’s nominees.