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 Sep. 14, 2010 Source: Mid America CropLife Association news release The Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) honored several industry, media and academic leaders at its recent annual meeting in West Des Moines, IA. The Association's Industry Vision Award was presented to Ron Utterback, vice president, crop protection, seed and farm supply for MFA Incorporated located in Columbia, MO. The award is presented annually to an industry leader who provides exemplary vision on the issues affecting Midwestern agriculture. A long time supporter of MACA, Utterback served as the 2002-2003 MACA president, on various committees and whenever asked, is willing to assist. In 1997, Ron worked to have "A Career in Precision Agriculture" developed and distributed. The 12 minute video features various industry recruiters explaining the technical aspects of ag retail and the education opportunities available to prepare potential employees for this technical field. He also worked with the Industry Communications Committee to have the "Careers in Precision Ag" brochure developed and distributed that provides information about training and scholarships for preparing for a career in precision agriculture. During his term as 2002-2003 MACA president the "Survey Form for Public Warehousing of Crop Protection Products" was updated and distributed. Under his leadership the "Homeland Security Seminar" was held Nov. 6, 2003. It featured 13 speakers from government agencies and industry representatives with 89 people from 26 states attending the seminar. Utterback is also known for encouraging his employees and others in the industry to get involved with MACA or other agricultural associations by serving on a committee or as a member of the board of directors. The MACA Educator of the Year Award went to Dr. Jay Akridge, Purdue University's Dean of Agriculture. Akridge was appointed to the position in January 2009. As dean he is responsible for administering academic programs in the College of Agriculture, the Indiana Agricultural Experiment Station, the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service and a number of state regulatory services, including the State Chemist's Office and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Prior to being named dean, Dr. Akridge was the James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics and served as director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business and the MS-MBA in food and agribusiness management (a partnership with the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University). Dr. Akridge was named a University Faculty Scholar in 2000. In 1996, he received the Charles Murphy Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching -- Purdue's highest teaching award. He was added to the Purdue University Book of Great Teachers in 2003 and was also awarded the USDA Food and Ag Science Excellence in Teaching Award that year. His research has examined the buying behavior of commercial agricultural producers, innovations in marketing strategies by agribusiness firms, and adoption of new technology by agribusiness. He has worked with agribusiness managers in the areas of strategy and marketing in more than 20 countries. The award was first presented in 1978. It is designed to recognize demonstrated evidence of significant contributions to American agriculture, especially in the MACA region. Dr. Akridge received his doctorate in agricultural economics in 1986 from Purdue University specializing in marketing and finance. His master's degree in agricultural economics with an emphasis in agribusiness management and finance is also from Purdue. Dr. Akridge earned his bachelor's degree -- a double major in agriculture and business administration -- in 1982 from Murray State University in Murray, KY. A native Kentuckian, his family owns and operates a third-generation retail farm supply store in Fredonia, KY. The Ruth White Media Award is presented to an individual who's demonstrated an evidence of consistent, objective and accurate reporting on American agriculture and the myriad of issues involved in modern agriculture, including the crop life industry. This year's winner is Karen McMahon, editor-in-chief for Farm industry News. Karen grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in northwest Iowa near Le Mars, where she was active in 4-H and did her share of chores for her dad. She went off to college at South Dakota State University, where she received her journalism degree. She began her career by returning to her northwest Iowa farm roots to become farm editor for a daily newspaper. After sharpening her writing skills she covered the pork industry including Hog Farm Management magazine, the National Pork Producers Council, Farm JournalHogs Today, and later served as managing editor of National Hog Farmer and for the past 12 years, Farm Industry News. In 2000, she served as president of the American Agricultural Editors' Association, a group of more than 400 professional farm writers. McMahon has attended MACA annual meetings in the past and has written about crop protection issues over the years. She is a well-respected and award-winning agricultural journalist for more than two decades. The CropLife Ambassador of the Year Award was first presented in 1993 and is designed to recognize an ambassador for their efforts in promoting the crop protection industry through presentations to students or consumers. This year's recipient is Tom Rutherford of Oil Dri Corporation, where he serves as vice president & general manager for crop and horticultural products and is based in Chicago, IL. Tom has been an ambassador since November 2004. He's made 18 presentations with 13 done in the last two years and he has recruited one ambassador. Teacher responses have shown that Tom's presentations are well received by teachers as well as students. Finally, MACA president John McKinney presented the association's most coveted award: the Dean Roy Achievement Award, named in honor of one of the organization's founders for "Exceptional Service to MACA and the CropLife Industry" for contributing the most by their selfless service. The winner is selected in secret by the serving president, and McKinney selected Rob Dittmer as the 2010 recipient. McKinney cited Dittmer's long time involvement with MACA. Currently, Rob serves as a key account manager for DuPont Crop, based in Broomfield, CO. "Rob is reliable and diligent as he works for the benefit of MACA and the crop protection industry," stated McKinney. "Rob is tactful, motivated and energetic. He takes time to think things through and is willing to ask questions on issues." As a chairman of the MACA Golf Tournament he makes sure everyone has a great time and ensures the tournament is set up correctly. He's also been very helpful in planning the program for the last several MACA Annual Meetings. He knows that MACA is stronger because of more input and works to get others involved to experience the benefits of being a member of MACA. "Dittmer's strength is that he is optimistic and works tirelessly to make sure that MACA members realize benefits," concluded McKinney. "He believes in MACA and is willing to give his time." Dittmer is the 29th person to receive the Dean Roy Award. Tweet |
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