
EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD
Presented By
PURPOSE
Awarded to a company or an individual who has made a significant contribution to agriculture in the Inland Northwest.
CRITERIA
Awarded annually at the Spokane Ag Expo and Pacific Northwest Farm Forum for promoting and supporting the agricultural industry through one or more of the following:
· Innovation in Agriculture
· Economic and/or Environmental Stewardship Contribution to Agriculture
· Positive Impact on Agriculture
· Industry Awareness and Outreach
Nominations for the award are closed for the 2026 award.
Persons may nominate as many individuals, groups or organizations as they like.

2025 Winner
Jay Allert
Jay Allert, local cattleman and agricultural enthusiast has been selected as the 2025 ‘Excellence In Agriculture’ Award recipient. His passion for agriculture embodies the dedication to the growth and very survival of this critical industry to our region and our nation. Starting at an early age on his family’s cattle ranch south of Rosalia, Jay began to build a successful career that includes cattle ranch management, president of Aslin-Finch, a regional seed company and volunteer leadership roles in several agricultural organizations including the Agribusiness Council of Greater Spokane Incorporated and the Spokane Ag Show. Behind Jay’s humble approach and infectious sense of humor is a strong champion
for presenting the importance of agriculture to an urban community that is largely unfamiliar with the impact that the ag business has on our local and national economies. Atop all of these achievements, Jay’s legacy is to the youth of our region, their education and opportunity to grow in the challenging business of agriculture.
2024 Recipient
Jennie Wagner
2023 Recipient
Ben and Janet Barstow
2022 Recipient
Brad Hoyt
2021 Recipient
Ty Meyer
2020 Recipient
Marci Green
2019 Recipient
Mary Palmer Sullivan
2018 Recipients
Individual/Organization Award: Paul Dashiell
Youth Award: Goldendale High School FFA
Legacy Award: Dixie Riddle
2017 Recipients
Individual/Organization Award: Kara Kaelber, Franklin Conservation District
Youth Award: Luke Moore
Legacy Award: Randy Suess
2016 Recipients
Individual/Organization Award: Shepard’s Grain
Youth Award: Lacrosse FFA Marketing Team

