CENTENNIAL, Colo. — More than 250 farmers, ranchers, ag professionals and local business professionals gathered on May 9 to recognize some of the best and brightest individuals in Colorado agriculture. The reception was held to recognize the inaugural class of the Who’s Who in Agriculture, a joint program between the Colorado Farm Bureau and the Denver Business Journal highlighting excellence in Colorado’s agriculture industry.
The first of its kind program recognized 41 individuals and families that are the movers and shakers of the state’s second-largest industry. Participants included ag producers, CEO’s, lawyers and other individuals who provide leadership and influence in the industry.
“We couldn’t have been happier with the outcome,” said Shawn Martini, Vice President of Advocacy for the Colorado Farm Bureau. “This was a great first class of honorees that really showcased the industry’s best and brightest. We are already excited about next year’s program.”
The reception was held at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver and featured a networking hour and an “armchair discussion” with former Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilask and Chief Operating Officer of Ardent Mills, Bill Stoufer. In a wide-ranging discussion moderated by Grey Avery of the Denver Business Journal, the pair touched on everything from technology in agriculture, trade and climate change, to immigration, farm policy and the ag economy.
The program also featured a speech from Robert Sakata of Sakata Farms located in Brighton. The Sakata family was given the Trailblazer Award for longstanding and dedicated leadership and service to the agriculture industry. Robert discussed the things he felt helped propel his farm to one of the top producers in the state but was careful to explain that the ag industry is full of talented and dedicated leaders.
“Its amazing to look at the accomplishments everyone in this room has had,” he said.
The Who’s Who in Agriculture was the first of its kind in the country and recognized individuals whose position, knowledge or expertise guides the sector. Nominees were accepted from any field, including (but not limited to) crop production, livestock production, water, education, biotech, agribusiness and food/nutrition.
— Colorado Farm Bureau
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