Custom Operator Crew of the Year Award Nominations Being Accepted

Teamwork is critical during the harvest season. For custom farmers, pulling together, putting in the hours, supporting your crew and going the distance to complete the task at hand is what harvest is all about. It’s tough to find good employees, and at the same time, there are men and women employed by custom farmers who make significant contributions to their crew.

Wisconsin Custom Operators, Inc. (WCO) will honor an entire crew from a custom farming operation who demonstrate excellence in the areas of safety, efficiency, customer service, environmental stewardship, profitability and community engagement. This award is particularly focused on acknowledging and recognizing crew contributions that go above and beyond.

The decision to honor a “crew” versus an individual “employee” is based on the large emphasis custom farmers place on crews or teams in their work culture. 

The crew – made up of both full-time and part-time employees – of a WCO member – are eligible to participate in the annual award selection process. The winning crew will receive $1,000 divided evenly among all members, as well as other prizes and apparel.

“This year has pushed us all to our limits. Farmers and custom farmers are essential workers and the pandemic has added extra precautions and safety measures to our already full plates,” said Ray Liska, WCO vice president.  A good crew is worth their weight in gold and we want to show our appreciation for the many steadfast crews out there.” 

Applications for the WCO Crew of the Year Award will be accepted through Dec. 1. An entire crew, from a WCO member-business, will be honored. The person making the nomination does not have to be a member of WCO. That means that farmers, clients of operators and fellow operators can all make nominations.

Visit https://wiscustomoperators.org/about/outstanding_crew_of_the_year.php for more information including eligibility, criteria and applicati