Harvest Awards

Boots on the Ground

For the Boots on the Ground award category, farmers were encouraged to nominate a retailer who doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk – literally.

2025 Winner

Kent Jourdan, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Indiana

Known for vigilantly scouting his customers’ fields, offering sound agronomic recommendations and staying ahead of the curve.

“I’m out and about every day. It’s important in my role to serve as a good support system for farmers; to share knowledge and information with them to be successful. That helps establish loyalty and they even become good friends.”

Jourdan was nominated by his customer and neighbor, Mat Seifert. The two have been working together as Seifert aims to grow his operation as a new farmer. Jourdan helps Seifert evaluate and place products, navigate seasonal challenges and more.

“I farm on the side, just a few acres,” Jourdan said. “I understand what it’s like to start out on a smaller scale. We have that in common and it’s helped form our relationship. As Mat grows his operation, I appreciate him giving me the opportunity to grow my business. I feel honored that he recognized me for this award.”

Community Cultivator

This award recognizes a farmer or retailer who doesn't chase recognition but earns it by showing up to lend a hand to others in the community.

2025 Winner

Brandon Hall, West Central FS, Illinois

Recognized for his commitment to agricultural education and mentorship to the next generation.

Hall serves as the president of his local FFA alumni and supporters chapter, vice chair of the Black Hawk College East Foundation, chair of the Knox County Farm Bureau Young Leaders and chairman of the Cover Crop Project. He also volunteers to support the local FFA chapter’s soil judging team and supports the Turn the Bag Blue & Gold program with Brevant seeds.

“For me, giving back to the community is what lights my fire,” Hall said. “I feel very whole when I have opportunities to give back or volunteer. I serve in a lot of different capacities, and the people in these organizations are the leaders of the community. I’m a firm believer that if you surround yourself with good people, good things just happen. My circle is full of very strong, competitive and driven individuals. That’s what really drives me to give back to the community. It’s not to win awards. It’s because I love doing it.”

Overall MVP

Recognizing a farmer or retailer who is dedicated to the work and to the win — relentlessly pursing success personally and for others.

2025 Winner

Mark Fordice, Corn & Soybean Farmer, Indiana

His “mentorship to others and his willingness to jump in to help” made him the ideal candidate for this award.

As he was harvesting corn, Fordice spotted smoke about a half-mile away from his field. He quickly sprung to action and got in a tractor that already had a tillage tool attached. With the help of his brother, they alerted the local volunteer fire department and headed toward the fire.

As a former volunteer firefighter himself, Fordice said he was glad to be in the right place at the right time to lend a hand to his neighbor and save his neighbor’s crop. He emphasized the importance of community in times like this.

“In my community, we take care of each other,” Fordice said. “That’s just the way it is. I grew up here, and it was always instilled in me to look out for my neighbors. This was a community effort. It was a situation where we were in the right place when we needed to be there.”