AGCO’s 2024
Operator of the Year
To recognize standout application specialists, AGCO is searching for men and women across the country to take home the title of Operator of the Year. After all, we depend on them to protect countless acres of land, ensuring that food reaches every table across the nation. Each of your nominations gets us closer to recognizing the cream of the crop in this trade.
Meet Agco’s 2024
Operator of the Year.
Congratulations to
Randy Bauwens
Big congrats to Randy Bauwens for being named AGCO’s 2024 Operator of the Year!
Well known for his high-quality application work, Randy and his services are specifically requested by growers across 12 south-central Montana counties.
He takes immense pride in his work, as evidenced by the AGCO machines he services—not leaving so much as a streak on the windows.
But what truly separates him? Attention to detail. He’s meticulous when it comes to accuracy and minimizing overlap—all while noting every tight corner, ditch and dike to improve efficiency next time around.
If a producer has questions once a job is done? Randy has the answers. Ensuring every need or request is met, and the customer is always satisfied.
When not applicating, Randy volunteers for the local Edgar Fire Department and serves as a Town and Country representative at surrounding 4-H and FFA livestock sales, as well as attends his beloved grandkids’ basketball and volleyball games.
Congrats on your well-deserved honors, Randy!
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.