Iowa Commercial Applicator of the Year Honorees Announced

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) recognized Joel Metzger of New Century FS in Rockwell City and Shane Kriegel of New Century FS in Brooklyn as the 2026 recipients of the Applicator of the Year Award. 

Commercial applicators in Iowa spend hundreds of hours each year in the field, applying fertilizer and crop protection products on millions of acres. Their work requires precision, professionalism, and a strong commitment to stewardship. The Applicator of the Year Award highlights the often behind-the-scenes, tireless efforts applicators make to care for crops, serve customers, and support their communities.

Shane Kriegel – New Century FS – Brooklyn, Iowa 

Shane Kriegel has served as a commercial applicator with New Century FS for 16 years and works out of the Brooklyn, Iowa location. He is highly respected by the customers he serves and by his colleagues. Throughout his career, Kriegel has embraced change and technology, helping lead efforts within his company to deliver efficient, consistent, and on-time applications for farmer customers. Known for his strong focus on safety and stewardship, he carefully considers wind, temperature, and weather conditions when making sensitive applications. His customer-first mindset drives the quality and consistency of his work, and he is a trusted mentor who helps train and support new commercial applicators.

Joel Metzger – New Century FS – Rockwell City, Iowa 

Joel Metzger has played a key role in the growth and success of the New Century FS Rockwell City location, now in just its second year of operation. Metzger has personally covered more than half of the acres served from the location. This fall, he took on a new challenge by beginning anhydrous ammonia application, earning praise from customers for his willingness to learn and deliver results. Metzger is known for stepping in whenever and wherever help is needed. Beyond the field, he is deeply involved in his community, assisting local youth in preparing cattle for livestock shows, serving on the Northwest Iowa Showdown Committee, and working closely with the Buena Vista County Fair Board.

The Commercial Applicator of the Year Award was presented at the Agribusiness Showcase and Conference and is sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions Wholesale.

Showcase Highlights: Industry Impact And Personal Connections

This week, hundreds of industry leaders and professionals took part in the Agribusiness Showcase & Conference as they gathered to gain insights and new connections, as well as celebrate the best of the agribusiness industry.

Agribusiness Impact Awards

On Tuesday evening, the Agribusiness Impact Award honorees were recognized. This year's recipients are Steve Sukup, Sukup Manufacturing Inc.; Liqui-Grow; and Dave Tierney, Bayer CropScience. Read the full press release about the Impact Award recipients on the AAI website.

Ag Leader Awards

Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Ag Leader Award for Conservation at the Hot Start Breakfast. The awards were presented to agronomists Tyson Miller and Adam Millikin with Stutsmans, and the team at Premier Crop Systems. The award winners were honored for their significant contributions to Iowa State University's Iowa Nitrogen Initiative field trials. Read the full press release on the IDALS website.

The AAI Grain Grading Workshops provide hands-on experience for identifying what is, and what is not, considered grain damage by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). Participants will spend half of the workshop focused on corn and the other half focused on soybeans. 


The workshops are led by an FGIS employee from Kansas City who will briefly explain how official grain grading works along with the mechanisms involved before leading the participants through the various grain damage FGIS is looking for and the implications on the grade of the grain. 

The majority of the workshop will be dedicated to hands-on work with grain samples that contain various types of damage and learning to identify specific damage types. Some of the damage training includes: broken or split grain, odor, insect damage, various molds, cob rot, germ damage, heat damage, etc. Participants also learn official criteria for calculating a grade designation and experience calculating that designation.

The same workshop is held on both days - participants only need to attend one session. 

AAI Member Registration - $130

Non-Member Registration - $155

EACH WORKSHOP IS LIMITED TO 30 PARTICIPANTS

Location:

Ziegler CAT

1500 Ziegler Drive NW

Altoona, Iowa 50009

March 9 & 10

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Lunch is provided.