Claas formally opened the all-new 20,000-square-foot Claas Academy training facility. Located adjacent to the Claas of America headquarters and manufacturing plant in Omaha, the state-of-the-art facility will host on-site and virtual training for the Claas dealer network.

“We at Claas recognize the importance of continuing a high level of service and support. Therefore, we must train our dealer technicians in the best way possible. The Academy will offer Claas dealers a premium training experience in a highly professional learning environment that features innovative technology,”

says Adam Haworth, Director of Services, Claas of America.

Three classrooms provide a focused learning environment and include advanced technology to host both on-site and virtual training to the Claas dealer network. Temperature-controlled equipment bays allow technicians to get practical, hands-on experience with the largest Claas machines, from LEXION combines to JAGUAR forage harvesters and AXION tractors.

The academy expansion will also house the company’s workforce programs, which cultivate learning and engage the local community and technical schools through certification programs. The Claas Academy features an apprentice lab, home to the German-based ICATT apprenticeship program as well as the U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship program.

“Claas is committed to growing the workforce within the ag industry. The Academy will support a wide variety of training priorities from service, product, and parts training to internal sales and leadership development programs,”

says Felicia Nichelson, Head of Academy, Claas of America.

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The prestigious award is presented annually to a farmer cooperative director in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to his/her cooperative’s achievements. Davis has served on the AGP Board of Directors for over 26 years and as AGP Chairman since 2002. During that time, Davis also served as General Manager of Gold‐Eagle Cooperative, a position he held for over 35 years. Overall, he held various roles in the cooperative system for more than 40 years.

“Brad’s leadership as Chairman of the AGP Board reflects his commitment to cooperative values and our mission to serve agriculture. His insights and dedication to collaboration and communication enhance our strategic planning and investment programs, and have been an important part of the ongoing success of AGP”

said AGP CEO Keith Spackler.

Commenting on his award, Davis said, “I’m very honored and humbled to receive this award and I want to sincerely thank the NCFC and its membership.”

He added:

“The AGP Board of Directors and management have a very open and supportive relationship, and it is so rewarding to work with so many outstanding members of the AGP team. I believe the strength of the cooperative model at AGP mirrors a set of shared values we all strive to incorporate into our lives, our businesses, and our relationships. Moreover, I am proud of AGP’s commitment to share successes with its many cooperative owners, employees, and other stakeholders.”

The nominees for the award are examined by a panel of judges representing the NCFC membership and outside experts. Nominees are evaluated on four broad criteria: how well the nominee understands the cooperative; the ability to provide leadership and be a team player; the possession of good business judgment; and the ability to communicate effectively.

The NCFC Director of the Year award includes a dedicated scholarship for agricultural studies in the name of the recipient to an institution of higher learning of choice. Davis chose Iowa State University to receive the scholarship funds.

AGP is a leading agribusiness with primary operations as a major U.S. soybean processor/refiner producing and marketing soybean meal, refined soybean oil, and biodiesel. AGP businesses also include agricultural product trading in domestic and international markets and numerous U.S. grain elevator operations. AGP is owned by local and regional cooperatives representing farmer‐producers across the United States. Corporate headquarters are located in Omaha, Nebraska.

About NCFC

Since 1929, NCFC has been the voice of America’s farmer cooperatives. Their members are regional and national farmer cooperatives, which are in turn composed of nearly 2,000 local farmer cooperatives across the country. NCFC members also include 26 state and regional councils of cooperatives. Farmer cooperatives allow individual farmers the ability to own and lead organizations that are essential for continued competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets.

Source: AG Processing

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