Aug. 30, 2016 08:33 AM

AGCO is now accepting nominations for 2016 Operator of the Year, which recognizes hard-working applicators across the country.

This item has been supplied by a forage marketer and has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hay & Forage Grower.

AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO) is now accepting nominations for 2016 Operator of the Year, which recognizes hard-working applicators across the country. These professionals spend long hours in the field every season, using technologically advanced application machinery like a RoGator® or a TerraGator® to accurately and efficiently apply fertilizer and crop protection products on millions of crop acres, helping farmers achieve their best possible yield. This year’s winner will receive a grand prize of a brand new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.

“We’re proud to have recognized the industry’s top application professionals for 10 years, and look forward to meeting even more of them this year. This award highlights the important part these professionals play in helping farmers meet the challenge of providing food, fiber and fuel to the world,” stated Richard Kohnen, director of tactical marketing at AGCO. The company is now in its 11th year as the sole sponsor of the program.

The Operator of the Year program is open to all ag retailers and custom applicators in the United States, regardless of the machine brands in their application fleets.** A panel of judges from AGCO will evaluate nominees based on their performance — both on and off the field — including criteria such as skill, dedication and customer service as well as community involvement.

“While we can select only one winner, everyone in agriculture succeeds with the expertise and effort these professionals contribute to our industry. In the past, managers and customers of applicator finalists told us their nominee had extensive knowledge of their customers’ operations and the willingness to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job,” Kohnen stated. “Even though these custom applicators have very demanding schedules, they treat every field like it’s their own, and many also are community leaders.”

Ag retailers can submit nominations for the 2016 Operator of the Year at www.applylikeapro.com/oty before Monday, Oct. 31, 2016. All nominees will receive a certificate from AGCO recognizing their nomination for this prestigious award. The list of nominees will be narrowed to four finalists who will be invited as AGCO’s guests at the 2016 Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Conference & Expo on Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, 2016 in Orlando, Fla. At the conference, the 11th Annual Operator of the Year winner will be announced and presented with the grand prize of a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.*