AGCO Names 2025 North American Technician of the Year

AGCO named Kyle Hildebrand of Ag West Ltd. in Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada, its 2025 North American Technician of the Year following a three-day competition in Jackson, Minnesota.

Hildebrand received the award July 30 at AGCO’s Fendt Lodge in Jackson and earned a $5,000 grand prize. He competed against five other finalists nominated by AGCO dealerships in the United States and Canada.

The competition used six real-world scenarios to evaluate technicians’ diagnostic abilities, product knowledge, critical thinking, and customer service skills. This year’s competition focused on the Fendt Rogator sprayer.

Hildebrand is a service technician at Ag West Ltd. and works on Rogators and other AGCO equipment. He said helping local growers through seeding, spraying, and harvest seasons is a primary part of his work.

"Receiving this award is a huge honor, because this competition was definitely not easy," said Hildebrand. "Working on Rogators and other AGCO equipment and helping local growers get through critical seeding, spraying, and harvest seasons every year is what I love to do. I'm grateful to my team at Ag West Ltd. for supporting my training and development."

The Technician of the Year program is in its fourth year and recognizes North American AGCO dealer technicians for diagnostic and technical abilities, continuing education, and customer service skills.

"Our technicians are the backbone of our dealer network and serve as the critical link in keeping farmers' equipment up and running during vital field operations," said Ash Alt, manager, aftersales technical training at AGCO. "Kyle exemplifies the very best of AGCO service and truly delivers on our Farmer-First strategy, combining deep technical skill with a true commitment to our farmers' success. We are proud to honor him with this well-deserved award."

Runner-up honors went to Eldon Kalinocha of Full Line Ag Sales Ltd. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Justin Bohl of Butler Machinery in Chadron, Nebraska; Malcolm Klassen of LMS Ag Equipment in Stanley, Manitoba; Josh Kirsch of Ag Revolution (Ag Rev) in Vincennes, Indiana; and AJ Odquist of Plevna Implement in Kokomo, Indiana.

AGCO said the competition is part of its efforts to support technician training. Other programs include the AGCO NexTECH vocational college program and the AGCO Service Technician A.A.S. associate degree program at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.

AGCO said technicians who service its Fendt and Massey Ferguson equipment and PTx technology require specialized training, and the company works with dealers and regional educational institutions to identify and develop technicians.

Future Technician of the Year competitions are expected to cover other AGCO brands and equipment.