Pivot Bio Celebrates 10 Farmers and Farm Families Making a Difference Beyond the Field
On National Farmers Day, agricultural technology company Pivot Bio is recognizing 10 farmers and farm families across the United States for their outstanding contributions to rural communities through its inaugural Rooted in Thanks honors program. The initiative celebrates farmers whose dedication extends beyond agricultural production to include volunteer service, community leadership, education, conservation, food security and support for families in need.
The Rooted in Thanks program was established to recognize individuals who play an essential role in making their communities stronger, more inclusive and more resilient. These farmers are often the people who step forward when help is needed, support their neighbors during difficult times and dedicate their time and resources to causes that benefit others, frequently without expecting recognition or rewards.
According to Pivot Bio, the inaugural program highlights the importance of recognizing farmers not only for the food and agricultural products they produce but also for their lasting contributions to the people and communities around them.
“Farmers contribute so much beyond what they produce, and much of it happens quietly in their surrounding rural communities,” said Chris Turner, chief commercial officer of Pivot Bio. He explained that Rooted in Thanks was created to acknowledge farmers who consistently help their neighbors, accept community responsibilities and demonstrate leadership when their communities need them most.
The first group of honorees was nominated by Pivot Bio employees and business partners who have firsthand knowledge of their community involvement. Their contributions include serving as volunteer firefighters, supporting local schools, mentoring young people, improving access to nutritious food, promoting conservation and helping create opportunities for future generations.
10 Farmers and Farm Families Recognized for Community Leadership
The 2026 Rooted in Thanks honorees represent several states and demonstrate how farmers can make a meaningful difference through service, generosity and long-term commitment to their communities.
1. Paul Duer – Nebraska
Paul Duer has devoted years to serving his community through the Staplehurst Volunteer Fire Department, Seward Public Schools Board of Education, and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School. His work has supported emergency response, local education, fundraising initiatives and projects designed to improve the quality of life for area families.
One of his recent contributions involved an expansion project to transform a former school building into a childcare center. The initiative reflects his commitment to supporting families and helping provide services that address important community needs.
2. Tyson Hegeholz – Nebraska
Tyson Hegeholz of Seward, Nebraska, is recognized for his continued support of local schools and community organizations. He regularly volunteers his time to assist with school maintenance projects and participates in fundraising efforts to improve facilities used by local families.
Through his practical involvement and willingness to help wherever assistance is needed, Hegeholz has demonstrated that community leadership often begins with consistent, hands-on service.
3. Ron and Gina Heley – North Dakota
Ron and Gina Heley of Lidgerwood, North Dakota, have spent many years supporting community development, volunteer organizations and initiatives that promote inclusion and improve local services.
Ron, a former fire chief, continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter and helps train and mentor new department members. He has also contributed to local economic development efforts, including initiatives that helped bring a grocery store and daycare facility to Lidgerwood. Their son, Matthew, serves with the Lidgerwood Fire Department, extending the family’s commitment to community safety.
Gina works at Lidgerwood Public School and has helped introduce the Rock Your Socks campaign to students and staff. The initiative raises awareness of Down syndrome and generates funds for GiGi’s Playhouse, an organization that supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Together, the Heleys have helped strengthen essential community services while encouraging greater awareness, accessibility and inclusion.
4. Andy and Sara Hull – Missouri
Andy and Sara Hull of Burlington Junction, Missouri, have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting young people, local families and community organizations.
Andy, a military veteran, is active in the American Legion and serves as president of the local Little League association. In these roles, he helps raise funds for youth baseball, city park improvements and community events. Sara also contributes to efforts to enhance the city’s park facilities.
In 2008, the couple established Briley’s Heart Cart at Children’s Nebraska in Omaha. The program brings interactive bingo games and prizes to hospitalized children, including those who cannot leave their rooms. Through sustained fundraising and community support, the Hulls have continued the initiative for nearly two decades, offering young patients moments of happiness and engagement during challenging hospital stays.
5. Jeremy and Elizabeth Jack and Stacie Kroger – Mississippi
Jeremy and Elizabeth Jack and Stacie Kroger of Belzoni, Mississippi, have made community development, employee well-being and agricultural leadership central to their work.
The family helps lead a multigenerational farming business that provides employment opportunities, prioritizes workplace safety and training, and shares knowledge with others in the agricultural industry. Elizabeth has also helped develop professional growth opportunities for women in agriculture, while the family has supported research focused on improving farmers’ health and safety.
Their commitment reaches beyond their immediate community. Following the devastating tornado that struck Rolling Fork in 2023, they supported rebuilding efforts and advocated for initiatives designed to help affected families recover and establish a more secure future.
6. Jason Lamb and Rodney Lamb – Nebraska
The Lamb brothers of Merna, Nebraska, have dedicated years to education, youth development and community service.
Both brothers support the Anselmo-Merna Public School Foundation, which provides scholarships, classroom grants and other resources to benefit students. They are also involved in 4-H and the Custer County Fair, helping create opportunities for young people to develop skills, gain confidence and participate in agricultural and community activities.
Their leadership extends to public service, with involvement in the local school board, fair board and volunteer fire department. Their efforts demonstrate the important role farmers can play in supporting education, youth engagement and community institutions.
7. Drew Lock – Missouri
Drew Lock of La Plata, Missouri, combines agricultural leadership with efforts to address food insecurity and promote agricultural education.
He donates beef raised on his farm to a local school for student lunches and supplies beef to a community food bank, helping families access nutritious food. His involvement in the Missouri Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association and local FFA advisory board also allows him to advocate for farmers and support the development of future agricultural professionals.
Recently appointed to Missouri’s State Soil and Water Districts Commission, Lock also contributes to conservation-related decision-making that affects farmers, natural resources and communities throughout the state.
8. Kevin Lundebrek – Minnesota
Kevin Lundebrek of Starbuck, Minnesota, has made environmental stewardship a central part of his farming practices. Working with local conservation partners, he has adopted measures to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and protect natural resources for future generations.
His conservation efforts help safeguard the lakes and waterways that support surrounding communities and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the region.
Lundebrek’s work received recognition when he was named Pope County’s 2025 Outstanding Conservationist. Representatives from 12 West Central Minnesota counties unanimously selected him as their regional nominee for the statewide Outstanding Conservationist Award, making him one of eight finalists across Minnesota.
His recognition highlights how responsible land management can deliver benefits that extend well beyond individual farms.
9. Doug and Angie Myers – Michigan
Doug and Angie Myers have spent decades supporting their community through the Fredonia Township Fire Department and various local organizations.
Their contributions include volunteering at community events, supporting local 4-H livestock auctions and lending farm equipment to the county’s 4-H program. They also lead outreach initiatives through their church, creating additional opportunities to help neighbors and strengthen relationships within the community.
Their longstanding service reflects a commitment to supporting local institutions and ensuring that rural communities continue to have access to the resources, volunteers and connections they need.
10. The Wettstein Family – North Dakota
The Wettstein family of Lidgerwood, North Dakota, has built a strong tradition of public service and community leadership across generations.
Joe has held several leadership positions with the Knights of Columbus, while Betty, a former school board president, has contributed to improvements at the local retirement center.
Their sons, Scott and Brian, have continued the family’s commitment to service. Scott serves as training officer for the Lidgerwood Fire Department and previously chaired the local Airport Authority. Brian is active in the Knights of Columbus and participates in community fundraising efforts, including initiatives supporting rural health care.
Together, the Wettsteins have helped strengthen organizations and essential services that local residents depend on.
$25,000 in Donations to Support Local Nonprofits
Beyond recognizing the honorees, Pivot Bio is using the Rooted in Thanks program to provide direct financial support to community organizations.
The company will distribute a total of $25,000 to nonprofit organizations selected by the 10 honorees. The recipients will reflect causes that matter to the farmers and address priorities within their communities.
In the coming weeks, the honorees will join Pivot Bio representatives for visits to the selected nonprofits. During these visits, they will present the donations and learn more about the organizations’ activities and the people they serve.
Turner emphasized that the program is intended to recognize individuals who consistently give their time, share their knowledge and take responsibility when their communities need support. He noted that the initiative also allows Pivot Bio to direct resources toward the organizations that these farmers believe are helping their communities thrive.
Strengthening Rural Communities Through Recognition and Support
The Rooted in Thanks program reflects Pivot Bio’s broader commitment to supporting farmers, improving agricultural sustainability and recognizing the importance of strong rural communities.
While farmers are widely recognized for producing food and supporting the agricultural economy, their contributions frequently extend into education, public safety, conservation, youth development, health care and charitable service. Through their volunteer work and leadership, they help maintain essential services, create opportunities for young people and strengthen the social connections that allow rural communities to prosper.
By honoring 10 farmers and farm families, Pivot Bio is highlighting the value of these often-unnoticed contributions. The program also demonstrates how recognition can be paired with practical assistance to help local organizations continue their work.
As the inaugural honorees prepare to present donations to nonprofit organizations of their choice, Rooted in Thanks underscores a central message: farming is about more than cultivating crops and managing agricultural operations. It is also about building relationships, supporting neighbors and investing in the future of the places farmers call home.
Through this initiative, Pivot Bio aims to celebrate the people whose generosity and leadership make a difference far beyond their fields, while helping provide resources to the organizations working every day to make rural communities stronger, healthier and more resilient.
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