The AgGateway Annual Conference wrapped up Wednesday in Austin after recognizing some of the members who help make this organization successful in its goals.
President’s Award – Theresa Fitzsimmons, Senior Business Analyst, Bayer US
Launched in 2016, the AgGateway President’s Award is presented to one individual or group that has made consistent and far-reaching positive impacts on organizational achievement over the course of several years.
“It really means a lot for me personally and for Bayer Crop Science. We’ve benefited from the work here at AgGateway for over a decade,” said Fitzsimmons.
AgGateway interview with Theresa Fitzsimmons, Bayer (1:33)
AgGateway in Action Award – U.S. – Zach Leiser, GROWMARK
The AgGateway In Action Awards are designed to recognize some of the hardest-working volunteers in the organization who have driven significant and tangible results over the past year in the organization’s the mission to promote and enable the transition to digital agriculture.
“Being a part of the Field Boundary Working Group has been something I can really sink my teeth into…being able to work collectively to move things forward across the industry is something we’re really excited about,” said Leiser.
AgGateway interview with Zach Leiser, GROWMARK (1:16)
Ron Storms Leadership Award – Kelly Nelson, FarmBelt North
The Ron Storms Leadership Award was created in 2004 to honor one of the early leaders and proponents of electronic connectivity in agriculture and to recognize consistent, outstanding efforts by an AgGateway volunteer member in promoting collaboration among AgGateway teams and advancing initiatives in digital agriculture. “It’s a team effort and I’m humbled to receive this award,” said Nelson, who is part of the AgGateway Digital Resource Center (DRC) team that publishes and maintains AgGateway’s digital resources, in close coordination with the Portfolio Management Center.
AgGateway interview with Kelly Nelson, FarmBelt North (:55)
Ron Farrell Attitude Award – Stuart Rhea, Endless Wonder Consulting
Ron Farrell, who passed away in 2020, was a founder of AgGateway, and for nearly two decades was a catalyst for the connectivity and interoperability initiatives the organization has enabled throughout its history. The Ron Farrell Attitude Award was launched in 2023 to recognize volunteers who make it their personal responsibility to make a difference in the industry. Rhea, who was honored last year with the Ron Storms award, was blown away to be chosen for this honor this year.
“I love what AgGateway is about, I love what they’re trying to accomplish,” said Rhea, who worked for Syngenta until the end of last year but has continued his work in the organization while starting a consulting business.
AgGateway interview with Stuart Rhea, Endless Wonder Consulting (1:23)