ARA Announces Final Selection of 2026 Rising Stars and Launch of Fan Favorite Video Contest
Oct 06 2026
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) has announced the final selection of eighteen Rising Stars as part of the 2026 Rising Stars Award Program, sponsored by Atticus. The overall winner will win a trip to the Top Producer Summit from Feb. 15-17, 2027, in Nashville, Tennessee. As part of the program, Atticus has also launched the Fan Favorite Video Contest to help highlight this year's honorees. The Rising Stars Program provides ARA member companies with a valuable opportunity to recognize employees for their contributions to the industry. The Rising Stars will be honored in front of hundreds of agricultural professionals at the annual ARA Conference & Expo, while also gaining opportunities to develop their leadership skills.
The 2026 Rising Stars are:
Wes Baddeley — Asmus Farm Supply, Inc
Dillon Foes — River Valley Cooperative
Nick Frese — GROWMARK, Inc.
Sadie Frey — Agtegra Cooperative
Nick Halbur — Bushel
Zane Harman — Land View, Inc.
Ty Jackson — Land View, Inc. / Two Rivers Terminal, LLC
Nathan Joraanstad — Bushel
Zane Kendrick — Southern States Cooperative
Hunter Kerns — Southern States Cooperative
Courtney Lorsbach — GROWMARK, Inc.
Tilly Marlatt — Taranis
Matt O'Leary — Insight FS
Raymond Seal — Marion Ag. Service, Inc.
Katie Staton — Taranis
Hunter Walls — MFA Incorporated
Michael Whipple — Grow West
Karlene Wolfe — Taranis
Starting today, the Rising Stars will participate in the Fan Favorite Video Contest for a chance to win a YETI Roadie Hard Cooler and Atticus swag. The public can vote on their favorite video here until November 6. The Fan Favorite Video Contest winner and overall winner of the Rising Stars Program will be announced at the 2026 ARA Conference & Expo, taking place from December 1 - 3 in Austin, Texas.
Early bird registration is currently open for all interested conference attendees. Learn more about and register for the 2026 ARA Conference & Expo here.
Learn more about the Rising Stars program here.
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