MACA Recognizes Industry Leaders, Educators, and Innovators at 2026 Annual Meeting; Elects New Leadership Team

The Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) honored several outstanding individuals and organizations during its 2026 Annual Meeting, held Sept. 8-10 in Omaha, NE. The association presented awards recognizing excellence in agricultural education, industry leadership, service, and communications, while also announcing its newly elected officers and board members for 2026-27.

Dr. Rodrigo Werle Named 2026 Educator of the Year

MACA recognized Dr. Rodrigo Werle, Associate Professor and Extension Cropping Systems Weed Scientist in the Department of Plant & Agroecosystem Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as its 2026 Educator of the Year.

The award honors individuals who have made substantial contributions to agricultural education through research, publications, outreach, and public engagement. Werle was recognized for developing an integrated research and Extension program focused on practical, science-based weed management solutions that improve decision-making for growers and agricultural professionals.

Through his WiscWeeds program, Werle collaborates with farmers, crop consultants, retailers, crop protection companies, Extension educators, and commodity groups to address real-world production challenges. His research has focused on weed management in corn, soybean, and small grain systems, with particular emphasis on herbicide stewardship, herbicide resistance management, cover crops, and precision herbicide application technologies.

Since joining UW-Madison, Werle and his team have conducted more than 500 field and greenhouse research trials, secured more than $5 million in grants and industry support, delivered more than 260 Extension presentations, produced 130 educational videos and 70 technical bulletins, and organized 45 field days and educational workshops. He has also authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.

In addition to his research and outreach efforts, Werle has distinguished himself as a mentor, having graduated 10 M.S. and seven Ph.D. students while continuing to advise graduate students and support undergraduate and international scholars.

David Flakne Receives Industry Vision Award

MACA presented its prestigious Industry Vision Award to David Flakne, Head of U.S. State Affairs for Syngenta Crop Protection.

Flakne’s career in agriculture spans more than four decades. Since joining Syngenta, formerly Ciba-Geigy, in 1982, he has held leadership positions in sales and marketing, environmental and public affairs, and regulatory affairs.

For the past 30 years, Flakne has worked extensively in legislative and regulatory affairs, product stewardship initiatives, and natural resource and water quality programs. His responsibilities have included public policy related to pesticide registration, pesticide use, product chemistry, environmental fate, public health, and toxicology.

A longtime supporter of MACA, Flakne has contributed to the association through committee leadership, task force participation, strategic planning, board service, and a term as MACA president.

First presented in 1982, the Industry Vision Award recognizes individuals whose careers have advanced and protected the interests of the crop protection industry while supporting agriculture and demonstrating leadership across the industry.

Drew Ratterman Earns Dean Roy Achievement Award

Drew Ratterman of Corteva Agriscience was honored with MACA’s highest individual recognition, the Dean Roy Achievement Award.

Established in 1982, the award honors exceptional service to both MACA and the agricultural industry. Named after former MACA President Dean Roy, Ratterman becomes the 44th recipient of the organization’s most coveted honor.

A longtime MACA member, Ratterman currently serves on the association’s Education Committee and chairs the Young Leader Scholarship Program. Over the years, he has been a strong advocate for leadership development initiatives, hosting scholarship recipients, supporting MACA’s Agriculture Academy program, and helping recruit speakers and new members.

“Drew exemplifies the spirit of the Dean Roy Achievement Award,” said MACA President Aaron Deardorff. “His unwavering commitment to MACA and the industry, paired with never ending pursuit to professional development of others, makes him an outstanding recipient. We are grateful for his continued service and leadership.”

Farm4Profit Media Honored with First Industry Impact of the Year Award

MACA also introduced a new honor in 2026, awarding Farm4Profit Media with its inaugural Industry Impact of the Year Award.

The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated sustained impact on advancing agriculture across the Midwest through leadership, advocacy, innovation, education, public policy, communications, or industry collaboration.

Founded by farmers for farmers, Farm4Profit Media has become one of agriculture’s most influential digital media brands. The company reaches more than 400,000 followers across its platforms and has generated more than 111 million social media impressions, 59 million YouTube views, and over 6 million podcast downloads.

Its flagship Farm4Profit Podcast has featured hundreds of agricultural innovators, producers, and industry leaders and ranks among Spotify’s Top 1% video podcasts.

Through podcasts, social media content, video production, live events, and industry partnerships, Farm4Profit has built a substantial platform dedicated to education, storytelling, and connecting the agricultural community.

MACA Elects 2026-27 Leadership Team

During the annual meeting, members also approved MACA’s 2026-27 Board of Directors and officer slate.

Matt Lawrence of Valent USA was elected president. Joining him on the executive team are Aaron Locker of Kincannon & Reed as vice president and Keith Miller of Albaugh LLC as secretary-treasurer.

“MACA is on the move with a lot of valuable programs for our members and their employees, including Agriculture Academy, Lunch & Learn sessions, the Young Leader Scholarship Program and our Developing Professionals Program,” Lawrence said following his election. “We will continue to build on our successes and this coming year we will be refocusing our efforts on the distribution & warehousing area of our membership.”

Lawrence added that the association plans to continue strengthening programs that support members while reinforcing the foundation that has guided MACA since its inception.

Outgoing President Aaron Deardorff of Syngenta Crop Protection will remain involved as immediate past president.

Also elected to three-year board terms were Jane Hanson of Rosen’s Inc., Patrick Murray of Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Jerry Van Oort of Russell and Associates.

Continuing board members include Brian Clark of Schuetz Container Systems Inc.; Drew Ratterman of Corteva Agriscience; Tim Elliott of Gharda Chemical; Matt Wagner of GreenLeaf Inc.; Sarah Betzold of BASF; and Randy Stookey of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association.

With new leadership in place and a slate of award winners reflecting contributions across research, public policy, communications, and industry service, MACA used its 2026 annual meeting to spotlight the people and organizations helping shape the future of Midwestern agriculture.