2023 Operation of the Year Awards

THE AMERICAN FARMER DESERVES OUR THANKS

Parallel Ag will give away the keys to two FREE Manitou Telehandlers.
Who will be the Operation of the Year in the Midwest and the Southern Plains?

We proudly introduce the 2023 Operation of the Year Awards to recognize the agricultural achievements of two outstanding individuals, families, or companies with a new Manitou 841 Telehandler for a FREE one year lease! Parallel Ag will present two separate awards; one in the Southern Plains and one in the Midwest.

Designed to honor men, women and families that support the agricultural industry everyday through their involvement in farming, ranching and other ag-related ventures. Finalists were selected from a pool of nominees this past Spring that had to qualify in at least 2 out of the 4 criteria points; innovation, productivity, legacy, or community service. They have since provided video interviews of their operation to share on social media that will allow for an online contest to select the winner.

WHO WILL WIN A MANITOU TELEHANDLER? VOTE NOW THROUGH JULY 10

Operation of the Year Finalists (Midwest)



Bill Wendel Pleasant Hill, MO	Kyle & Carrie Hurley Curlew, IA	Ryan Sims Sweet Springs, MO
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Bill Wendel

Pleasant Hill, MO

Kyle & Carrie Hurley

Curlew, IA

Ryan Sims

Sweet Springs, MO

View Full Length Interview

VOTE FOR OPERATION OF THE YEAR 2023 (MIDWEST)

Operation of the Year Finalists (Southern Plains)



Love Hay Co. McClave, CO	CR Freeman Hobart, OK	Dale Kitchens Slaton, TX
View Full Length Interview	View Full Length Interview	View Full Length Interview

Love Hay Co.

McClave, CO

CR Freeman

Hobart, OK

Dale Kitchens

Slaton, TX

View Full Length Interview

VOTE FOR OPERATION OF THE YEAR 2023 (SOUTHERN PLAINS)

Do you want to learn more about what makes these six operations worthy of the 2023 awards?

Qualifications for finalists were as follows:

A nominee must be a farmer or rancher that qualify for at least 2 out of the 4 criteria points listed below. It may be an individual, family, or partnership/company. While contest is open to all areas, a region will be selected for a nominee by Parallel Ag that best fits, if they live outside the following states; Southern Plains (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas) and Midwest (Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota).

Parallel Ag welcomed all nominations and self-nominations for the 2023 Operation of the Year awards. After nominations closed, a committee chose the top three outstanding nominees for both areas. Those selected went through a video interview process (when available – links below each candidates photo/name), and ultimately the winners will be chosen through an online voting system by their peers and the agricultural community. Parallel Ag and Manitou Group are proud to present this prestigious and unique program and look forward to honoring some of the best people in the industry with the 2023 Operation of the Year Awards.

Innovation

The world of agriculture is constantly evolving. Through research and technology, farmers are able to do more with less, work more efficiently, operate on lower margins, and be more successful each season. Who do you know that has applied modern to their highest advantage, or implemented creative ways to gain a competitive edge?

Productivity

Agricultural productivity is viewed relatively. Therefore, it isn’t necessary to work hundreds of acres or have dozens of employees, because the size of a farm or operation isn’t a direct indicator of high productivity. Instead, we measure by the amount of crops produced compared to the amount of time, effort and money put into growing the crops. The candidates we seek will produce the best quality and quantity from the opportunities before them. Do you know someone who has been a leader in agricultural productivity?

Legacy

Our society cannot survive without agriculture, yet it’s increasingly difficult to transition a family farm, sizable ranch or even larger ag-based endeavor to the next generation. Candidates for these awards may have significant family involvement or chosen successors to help carry on the important task of feeding the world. Does someone come to mind when you think of a farmer preparing for the future of agriculture?

Community Service

Farming has never been for the faint of heart, and those who earn a living in this industry understand hard times better than most. By nature, the life of a farmer has always been about helping others. It’s about our friends, our neighbors and our communities. From donating time, money, services, crops, equipment or more, we often hear of farmers who are helping others more than what they can do for themselves. Who do you picture when think of someone who serves their community with the same dedication that they have for working in agriculture.