Lee Pemberton Named 2023 Operator of the Year

Lee Pemberton of Makin’ Trax Contractors in Hollock, Minn. was named 2023 Operator of the Year at the 2023 Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Annual Conference and Expo.

This award is from AGCO Corporation’s application team and recognizes the skills, dedication and customer service demonstrated by application professionals in their local communities.

“AGCO celebrates all applicator operators for the critical services they provide our farmers and food supply,” said David Fickel, application senior marketing manager for AGCO’s Fendt brand. “Lee Pemberton and all our finalists are great representatives of the dedicated professionals who work long hours to ensure healthy yields across so many farms in the U.S. AGCO is proud to be associated with these men and women and recognize them with this award.”

Pemberton is a farmer and has nearly 30 years of experience as a professional applicator. He was nominated for the award by his colleagues who recognize his ability to care for his equipment, his deep field knowledge and the guidance and consideration he provides. 

“He’s been in all the fields around here at one time or another, and he’s always happy to help make sure our team is in the right place with the right equipment and product,” said Jason Volk, Pemberton’s supervisor. “Lee is also very active in his community, once serving as a hospital board member and continuing to devote thousands of hours each year as a member of the local ambulance squad.”

Operator of the Year finalists also included Matt Keehr of Centra Sota Co-op in Pierz, Minnesota and Brian Leone of Leone Grain & Supply in Arlington, Illinois. 

“I was just honored to be nominated alongside Matt and Brian,” Pemberton said. “They’re both such talented operators and good people. Our profession is really very well represented by them.”