HOLLYWOOD, Florida (December 20, 2023) — The Third Annual GROW Rewards Farmer Conference has come to a close. It was a successful week in Hollywood, FL at the Margaritaville Resort. Landus farmers once again descended from the mild Midwest December to enjoy three days of networking, learning, and socializing. The Landus team filled the agenda with information about agronomy, grain, sustainability, and closed with a consumer panel.
After wrapping up another harvest season, farmers escaped the Midwestern winter for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Upon arrival on Monday, farmers were welcomed with a cocktail reception and dinner. The evening capped off with an award ceremony highlighting outstanding farmers.
Our 2023 award winners
Advancing Data - C & N Farms/Craig Johnson
Runner up - Mike Powers
Craig is always looking at his collected data, regardless of yield results, from year to year to learn where he can be more efficient in the future. He has been grid sampling every four years with 2.5 acre grids to get more out of his sampling results. Craig was an early adopter when it came to the Landus Data Locker and talked to others about the importance of collecting and using data to further advance their farming operations. Whether it be comparing yield data to his planting and downforce maps or working with Landus to figure out what data is available to overlay and be able to the best dry fertilizer recommendations for each farm, Craig never settles for an average crop and is always looking into the future to advance his farming operation by utilizing data.
Inspiring Innovation - Kevin Kroeger
Runner up - Eric Andersen
The Kroeger Brothers operation exemplifies innovation throughout all of their farming practices. They are always looking to put new technology to work, from demonstrating autonomous equipment to trying the newest agronomy products, their goal is not only to increase yields, but also farm more efficiently. They are self-sufficient in all they do, from their own dry fertilizer shed to grain storage. They are excellent farmers and great neighbors.
Landus Leader - Bobby Muir
Runner up - Steve Pinkhinke
Bobby Muir farms with his two brothers in Greene County, Iowa where they farm row crops and run a cow-calf operation. Since the start of the Landus Innovation Connectors in Ralston, Iowa, Bobby has been an advocate and an avid supporter of these events. He encourages farmers to engage in these events and other programs that Landus offers. He actively supports Landus and can be found at every Innovation Connector event in Des Moines. Bobby was the very first Farmer Ambassador for Landus.
Thriving Generations - Mark Schleisman & Family
M&M Farms, established in 1997, is a diversified family farm owned and operated by Mark and Melissa Schleisman. The couple has help from their two sons, Matthew and Landon, and daughter, Brandy, and her husband, Colby. Mark’s father Larry, his uncles, Jim and Jerry, and farm employee, Jacob, are also actively involved. The Schleismans own a 320 head cow-calf herd. They specialize in popcorn production and grow 1,700 acres of popcorn and popcorn seed each year. Mark also sells popcorn seed internationally for ConAgra Foods. They also grow 3,200 acres of corn and soybeans and 100 to 200 acres of small grains and forages.
Day two of the conference opened with a keynote presentation by Chief of Staff, Mary Harrington and Senior Vice President of Administration, Molly Toot. Following opening remarks, presentations covered future Landus marketing plans from Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Ryan Grant; an agronomy panel, moderated by Optimization and Procurement Lead, John King; and a grain panel, moderated by Senior Vice President of Grain, Jon Setterdahl. After lunch farmers were free to spend leisure time poolside before dinner and karaoke finished the day.
The last day of the farmer conference consisted of a Landus farmer panel, moderated by Executive Vice President of Sales, Matt Jones; followed by LANDWERX updates from LANDWERX Director, Brooke Blessington, and DEFENSEWERX CEO, Brad Chedister; policy insights delivered by Vice President of External Affairs, Elizabeth Burns-Thompson; a sustainability overview presented by Senior Vice President of Administration, Molly Toot; and concluded with the always popular consumer panel featuring, Consumer Research Specialist, Ally Perry. The night ended with a final send off from the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band, the Caribbean Chillers.
Thank you to all the farmers who were able to attend the conference. Your participation and engagement were greatly appreciated. Be on the lookout for more information on additional ways to stay connected and grow your farming operation with Landus in 2024.
