New Era of Leadership in Ag Retail: Eight Executives Driving Innovation and Impact

The agricultural retail industry is undergoing a transformative leadership shift as eight seasoned professionals recently stepped into influential roles across some of the nation’s most respected cooperatives and agribusiness organizations. These appointments come at a pivotal moment for the industry — one marked by increasing regulatory scrutiny, economic uncertainty, technological innovation, and the ever-present need to sustainably feed a growing population.

From regulatory advocacy to digital innovation and operational excellence, these new leaders are united by a clear focus: elevating agriculture’s future by building stronger organizations, more resilient supply chains, and deeper farmer-centric solutions. Let’s take a closer look at each leader, their vision, and the impact they’re poised to make.

Brian Knifong, Agtegra Cooperative — Named Senior Vice President of Agronomy (June 2026)

Agtegra Cooperative announced Brian Knifong as its new Senior Vice President of Agronomy, effective July 1, 2026. The appointment brings one of the industry’s most experienced agronomy and marketing leaders to the executive team of one of the largest farmer-owned cooperatives in the Northern Plains.

With more than 30 years of agricultural experience, Knifong has held leadership roles spanning agronomy, sales, marketing, product development, and customer experience. Most recently, he served as Head of Marketing and Customer Experience for Nutrien Ag Solutions, where he worked closely with sales teams across North America to optimize pricing strategies, strengthen portfolio management, and deliver agronomically focused solutions for growers.

“We look forward to the energy and passion Brian brings for inspiring sales teams and elevating the customer experience,” Agtegra said in announcing the appointment. “His people-first leadership style and proven track record of building collaborative, high-performing teams earned him recognition as the 2026 NAMA Agribusiness Leader of the Year.”

In this role, Knifong will lead the company’s agronomy strategy and drive innovative, customer-focused solutions. He will oversee all aspects of agronomy, including vendor-partner relationships, product portfolio management, procurement, sales and business development.

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Amy Winstead, GreenPoint Ag — Named Chief Executive Officer (May 2026)

GreenPoint Ag selected Amy Winstead as its next Chief Executive Officer in May 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the largest agricultural input suppliers in the Southern United States. The appointment follows an extensive search process and elevates a respected industry leader with deep roots in agronomy, technology, and cooperative agriculture.

Winstead previously served as Senior Vice President of Retail, overseeing a $900 million-plus agribusiness operation across multiple states. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives focused on operational optimization, digital innovation, and customer-focused growth while helping strengthen profitability across the organization.

“Following a thorough and intentional search process, the Board is confident Amy is the right leader to guide GreenPoint Ag into its next chapter,” said Board Chair Leah Anderson. “She brings a strong combination of operational leadership, strategic vision, and servant leadership that aligns exceptionally well with the mission and future of our company.”

With more than two decades of agricultural leadership experience, including roles in extension services and precision agriculture, Winstead is widely recognized for bridging technology and agronomic expertise. Her leadership is expected to further accelerate GreenPoint Ag’s commitment to innovation, grower success, and sustainable growth throughout the cooperative system.

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Carl Kessler, BRANDT Agronomic Services — Named Vice President (April 2026)

BRANDT welcomed industry veteran Carl Kessler as Vice President of BRANDT Agronomic Services in April 2026, entrusting him with leadership of the company’s flagship direct-to-grower retail business in Central Illinois. Kessler succeeds longtime leader John Allen and assumes the role at a time when growers increasingly rely on trusted agronomic partnerships and innovative solutions.

Kessler joins BRANDT after a distinguished 23-year career with Syngenta Crop Protection, where he held progressively larger leadership responsibilities and most recently managed one of the company’s highest-revenue districts in the United States. His experience includes strategic account management, sales leadership, team development, and ag retail collaboration.

“We are all ecstatic to welcome Carl to Team BRANDT,” said Rick Brandt, President and CEO of BRANDT. “We’re looking for Carl to come in and build on that heritage in ways that always keeps us innovating and out front with our farmer customers.”

For Kessler, the move represents a return to his retail roots after beginning his career with Frontier FS Cooperative. “I’ve known BRANDT—and admired their culture—for more than 25 years as a supplier,” he said. “Their unmatched reputation is built by over 70 years of trust, integrity and service with local farmers.”

His appointment underscores BRANDT’s continued focus on strengthening customer relationships while advancing the innovation and service that have defined its retail business for generations.

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Patrick Ewan, Helena Products Group — Named CPDA Chairman (October 2025)

Patrick Ewan, General Manager of Helena Products Group, began his tenure as Chairman of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA) in October 2025, stepping into the role during a time when the crop input sector faces mounting regulatory pressures and environmental complexities.

Ewan is no stranger to industry leadership, having spent years steering Helena’s innovation pipeline with over 50 proprietary brand launches under his belt. At CPDA, he brings a sharp focus on advocacy, transparency, and operational excellence.

“Our mission is clear — advocate for regulatory efficiency, protect market access through science-based stewardship, and ensure our members’ voices are heard at every level of government,” said Ewan. “The four pillars of CPDA effectively bring attention to the difficulties faced by farmers, making it easier for lawmakers and people unfamiliar with agriculture to grasp the challenges confronting the industry.”

Ewan’s leadership coincides with CPDA’s newly unveiled five-year strategic plan, which promises to deepen engagement with policymakers, enhance member services, and champion sustainable growth across the agrotechnology supply chain.

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Natasha Lilly, The Equity — Appointed Chief Financial Officer (October 2025)

In October 2025, The Equity, one of Illinois’ largest and most respected ag retailers, named Natasha Lilly as its new Chief Financial Officer. A 15-year veteran of the organization, Lilly embodies the concept of homegrown leadership. Her journey from hardware store associate to technology strategist and now CFO exemplifies adaptability and innovation.

“I am honored to step into the role of CFO at The Equity,” said Lilly. “I look forward to working with our talented team to build on our financial stability, drive strategic growth, and continue serving our cooperative customer-owners with excellence.”

Lilly’s appointment signals a new era of data-driven decision-making and digital transformation. Her plans include advancing real-time analytics, evaluating key vendor partnerships, and integrating artificial intelligence to streamline operations and financial planning.

Her work extends beyond The Equity, with leadership roles in AgGateway and AgCIO — organizations focused on improving digital connectivity in agriculture. Lilly’s unique blend of technical and financial acumen positions her as a pivotal force in shaping the future of digitally enabled cooperatives.

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Eric Heismeyer, Landus — Named CEO (September 2025)

Landus welcomed Eric Heismeyer as its new Chief Executive Officer on September 3, 2025, at a crucial juncture for Iowa’s largest farmer-owned cooperative. A former executive at ADM and Bunge, Heismeyer is charged with executing the 2026 Operating Plan — a blueprint focused on performance, discipline, and growth.

“Eric is not joining Landus to reset the course, but to accelerate the progress already underway,” said Board Chair Tim Kolder. “His experience leading complex agricultural businesses and building cultures of accountability makes him the right leader at the right time.”

Heismeyer is committed to executing on five key initiatives — from empowering employees to enhancing operational rigor and boosting acre-by-acre value for farmer-owners.

“Together, we’ll grow a stronger, smarter, more connected cooperative,” Heismeyer said. “Landus is poised to deliver disciplined execution and sustainable growth that benefits every farmer and community we touch.”

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Bob Huffman, MFA Incorporated — Assumed Role as CEO (September 2025)

MFA Inc. began a new chapter under the leadership of Bob Huffman, who officially took over as President and CEO on September 1, 2025. With more than two decades of industry experience, Huffman succeeds longtime leader Ernie Verslues, who is retiring after 38 years with the cooperative.

“This cooperative has a proud history and a clear mission to deliver value-added products, services, and expertise to its customers,” said Huffman. “I look forward to working with the team to build on that legacy.”

Previously the CEO of a Minnesota-based dairy co-op, Huffman is known for spearheading operational expansion and revenue growth. His approach emphasizes innovation, company culture, and a firm belief in the cooperative model.

“Along with a deep understanding and belief in agricultural cooperatives, Bob delivers a passion for innovation and a commitment to strong company culture,” said Board Chairman Don Schlesselman. “He also brings a proven record of performance-driven leadership.”

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G.Rey Reinhardt, J.R. Simplot Company — Named President, AgriBusiness Group (November 2024)

In November 2024, the J.R. Simplot Company appointed G.Rey Reinhardt as President of its AgriBusiness Group, following the retirement announcement of Doug Stone. Reinhardt stepped into the role after previously leading business development and optimization efforts across Simplot’s agriculture segments.

“I’m honored and grateful for this opportunity and will dedicate myself to serving our customers, employees, and the Company,” said Reinhardt. “Simplot AgriBusiness will strive to fulfil our vision by operating as a customer-centric organization, rooted in phosphate expertise, while utilizing technology and innovation to help feed the world.”

Reinhardt’s extensive experience — from roles at Nutrien to legal and operational leadership — prepares him to continue Simplot’s strategic growth and elevate the company’s position in mining, manufacturing, and ag retail services.

“G.Rey will step in with the experience and skills to help ensure a smooth transition and keep the positive momentum Doug and the Company have established,” said CEO Garrett Lofto.

A Cohesive Vision for Agriculture’s Future

From digital transformation and regulatory advocacy to cooperative growth, customer experience, and agronomic innovation, these eight leaders represent the breadth of expertise shaping the next chapter of agricultural retail.

Whether guiding billion-dollar organizations, strengthening grower relationships, modernizing operations, or advancing technology adoption, each executive brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today. Their appointments reflect an industry that continues to evolve while remaining grounded in the principles of stewardship, service, and farmer success.

As GreenPoint Ag Board Chair Leah Anderson said of new CEO Amy Winstead, effective leadership requires a blend of “operational leadership, strategic vision, and servant leadership.” Those qualities are evident across all eight of these appointments and will play a critical role in helping ag retailers navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing future.