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.

Want to pay it forward? Nominate your operator below!

AGCO Operator of the Year 2024
2024 Hero
NOMINATE YOUR OPERATOR TODAY.

Is your operator always there for you? Do they go above and beyond to ensure the success of your crops? Let’s recognize their efforts! Tell us how your operator goes the extra mile in the application below. If selected, your nominee will be invited to attend this year’s ARA Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 2–4. One special operator will be named Operator of the Year at the conference. Nominating your operator takes only a few minutes, and the winner will take home a brand new side-by-side UTV or cash equivalent. Nominations close September 30.

Thank you for helping recognize outstanding operators. We truly appreciate your thoughtful nominations.

Nominate Download official rules

OPERATOR OF THE YEAR APPLICATION

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Nominators must be a legal resident of 50 U.S. / D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec), age 18+ and the age of majority in his/her state/province/territory of residence (19+ in AL, BC, NE, NB, NL, NT, NS, NU and YT; 21+ in MS). Candidates must (i) be an employee or owner of an ag-retailer or other company that provides custom application of agricultural chemicals; (ii) legally reside in the 50 U.S. / D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec); and (iii) age 18+ and the age of majority in his/her state/province/territory of residence. Void in Quebec, outside the 50 U.S./D.C. and Canada, and where prohibited. Nomination Period starts at 12:00:01 AM ET on 8/14/25; ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 9/30/25. For details on how to nominate a candidate, prizes and Official Rules, click here. There is no limit to the number of nominations a nominator may submit, however, a nominator may only submit one (1) nomination for any one (1) candidate. A Nominator may not submit a nomination for themselves. Sponsors: AGCO Corporation, 4205 River Green Parkway, Duluth, GA 30096 and AGCO Canada Limited, 515 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK, S4N 6S1.
sprayer

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

2024 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

previous winner

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.