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Author: Truterra
Farmers and agricultural retailers across the nation are taking the lead in implementing regenerative initiatives that are transforming the agricultural landscape and fostering a more prosperous world. Truterra recently recognized several change makers at our Partners in Excellence Summit in Clearwater, Florida. We hope you’ll find them as inspiring as we do.
Farmer Advocacy Award, Kevin Mauler, American Plains Co-op
As part of a multi-generational farm, Kevin Mauler is committed to ensuring the health and vitality of crops while finding effective and sustainable solutions to combat plant disease. Mauler embraces cutting-edge technologies, such as variable rate seed and fertilizer applications, which helps establish innovation as his core approach to agriculture. Along with his work in the field, Kevin Mauler contributes to herbicide and seed trials, fungicide trials, grid soil samples, holds leadership roles on various boards, and helps organize Kids Ag Day events. His passion for agriculture, coupled with his innovative spirit and dedication to community engagement, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Barton County's agricultural landscape.
Innovative Farmer of the Year, John Meier, Farmers Pride
John Meier is continually looking for new ways to increase soil health and sustainable farming practices, from biologicals to cover crops. This continual drive for improvement is all to ensure his farm is managed sustainably for future generations. John is a commercial pilot first and a farmer second, but he spends his free time learning and researching new concepts he sees online or reads about.
Conservation Agronomist MVP, Amy Haak, Country Visions Cooperative
Country Visions Cooperative joined Truterra for the 2023 crop season, and in just one year has helped farmers enter thousands of acres of data in the Truterra sustainability programs. This was achieved largely through the efforts of Nutrient Management Team Leader, Amy Haak. Haak spearheaded the implementation of the Truterra programs, beginning with trainings for agronomy staff at nine locations and covering information on sustainability markets, market conditions, and how to help farmers find the Truterra sustainability program that best fits their needs.
Her work included plot day presentations and conversations with growers at meetings, and even an app demonstration at a Between the Lakes Demonstration Farm field day. Amy Haak continues to set the standard for a dedicated conservation agronomist.
Innovative Retailer of the Year, American Plains Co-op
American Plains Co-op, formerly Great Bend Co-op, is based in Central Kansas and has locations across Central Kansas and North Central Oklahoma. This thriving co-op has an innovation and precision ag team who go above and beyond to bring enrichment and local data to their growers through a large research and innovation plot showcasing multiple crops and varieties, technology, and research that can be implemented on a larger scale. Partnering with local Pheasants Forever and the Kansas Dept of Wildlife and Parks, American Plains Co-op is implementing a long-term conservation plot at their location South of Great Bend to host native grasses, wetland plants, and a cover crop area with wildlife-friendly crops during the growing season, and a planting-type trial area. This plot will be available for local conservation groups to tour with growers who are looking at implementing conservation on their own land.
The American Plains Co-op team led the nation in dollars returned to growers in 2021 and has continued to urge their growers to continue their participation in the carbon program, sustainability work, and collecting crucial data. American Plains Co-op is a leader in implementing innovation, creating long-term sustainability strategies for local growers, and focusing on creating value for the local patrons and members.
Truterra Retailer of the Year, Mercer Landmark
Mercer Landmark is a 100% farmer-owned cooperative, dedicated to helping answer their customer-owners’ questions about sustainable agriculture. From hundreds of meetings with farmers, Mercer Landmark has assisted with cover crop test plots, soil health sampling, and opened up opportunities to share about soil health. Through presentations and meetings, the Mercer Landmark team helped enroll over 32,000 acres into the Truterra sustainability programs. Educating young producers has been a great success for Mercer, and they are launching a program, Landmark University, to continue educating customers on conservation, planting tips, spray clinics, grain, and much more. Mercer Landmark is committed to being a leader in the ever-changing landscape of sustainable agriculture.
Interested in learning more? Check out truterraag.com/articles to read about our programs, partnerships, results, and more!
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