AGCO announces four finalists for Operator of the Year

Four professional applicators have been selected by AGCO Application Equipment as finalists for the 2012 Operator of the Year, a program that recognizes the industry’s top custom applicators in North America and the dedication they demonstrate both on and off the field.

The finalists have been invited to attend the 2012 Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Conference and Expo Nov. 27-29 in San Diego as honorary guests of AGCO.  During the conference, one of these professionals will be named the 2012 Operator of the Year and awarded a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

“Over the past seven years, we’ve received hundreds of remarkable nominations,” said Mark Sharitz, AGCO Application Equipment director of marketing. “This year’s competition is no different. The impressive pool of nominees made it especially challenging to narrow down the field, but we’re proud to have these four gentlemen as this year’s finalists. Each exemplifies the hard work, dedication, leadership and outstanding customer service this award recognizes.”

This year’s finalists are:

click image to zoomCarl Peteren Carl Petersen, Crop Production Services, Pipestone, Minn.—Customer satisfaction is what Petersen has been delivering for the past six years. He was nominated by Ryan Ridl, location manager for Crop Production Services, who said Petersen treats every field as if it were his own. “Known for always giving 100 percent, Carl goes out of his way to make sure the machines are ready for the field and the customer is completely satisfied,” Ridl said. 

When he learned he was a finalist, Petersen said he was pretty shocked. “I feel honored because I take pride in my work and just try to do the best I can for our farmers to fill their needs.” 

click image to zoomGlen Slabaugh Glen Slabaugh, Clunette Elevator Company, Inc., Leesburg, Ind.—Slabaugh marked a milestone this fall by surpassing one million acres applied during his 37-year career.  He was nominated by Jared Haughee, Clunette Elevator Company certified crop adviser, who said: “With his positive attitude and willingness to take on any job, Glen has earned a high level of respect from customers and other applicators alike.”  

Slabaugh said he was honored by the recognition. “It’s a pretty big industry with a lot of good people, so I feel really good about it,” he said. “I’m glad to see this program recognize the applicators who are out there doing this work.”