Brad Dillan finishes out year as Agri-Business Association chairman

    Brad Dillan of Imperial has one word for the past year as he served as chairman for the Nebraska Agri-Business Association—challenging.
    The changing of the guard, as Dillan handed over the chairmanship, took place at the association’s 44th summer convention Aug. 24-25 in Kearney with record attendance.
    Dillan, whose membership in the association spans 30 years, said one of the biggest aspects the NABA is involved in is education of its many members, including fertilizer and ag chemical dealers, equipment dealers and wholesalers.
    They also watch state legislation closely “to protect our interests,” he said, and work closely with a number of state agencies.
    But the past year with COVID “threw all the rules out the door,” he said.
    He credited Gov. Pete Ricketts for “stepping up” and letting state agencies know agriculture was not shutting down. He said that included putting “holds” on license renewals last year but allowing license-holders to still operate. Renewals of CDLs were also suspended during the year.
    Regarding sprayer applicators, he said state agencies worked out a system of private testing for new licenses and new hires.
    Dillan said he gained a lot serving as chairman.
    “I really gained knowledge of how the industry works together and how all the entities are intertwined in agriculture,” he said.
    Dillan has been on the NABA board six years, and will serve one more year as its past chairman.
     Dan Stork was elected 2021-22 chairman of the association. He is a sales representative with Syngenta Crop Protection in York.
    Stork thanked outgoing chairman Dillan for his service and leadership during a year with multiple challenges.
    “Brad’s steady leadership kept our organization on track and focused on providing service to our membership,” Stork said.
    The two-day convention also featured educational training on drone application, the carbon offset market and government policy issues concerning agriculture.
    Guest speakers included Congressman Adrian Smith from Nebraska’s Third District, Sam Pendleton with Rantizo, Dr. Nick Ward with Ward Laboratories and Richard Gupton from the Agricultural Retailers Association.
    Annual awards presented included:
    Robert L. Anderson Industry Person of the Year—Rex Riedy, Sales Specialist with Landmark Implement in Grand Island. This award honors an NABA member their exemplary service to the industry. Riedy has trained and worked with countless applicators and retailers throughout Nebraska with over 40 years working in agriculture.
    Industry Partner Award—Dr. Charles Wortmann, University of Nebraska Agronomy and Horticulture Department. The award goes to individuals who have contributed to agriculture in a significant way through their profession. Wortmann’s research, presentations and recommendations have led to improved farming practices to protect soil and water.
    The Nebraska Agri-Business Association is a trade association representing agricultural retailers, applicators, distributors and manufacturers of agriculture input products, supplying and servicing Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. Members produce, sell and provide custom application of fertilizer and crop protection chemicals.