Tom Strachota Leadership Award
BY Dairyland Seed Marketing Team
Honoring Tom Strachota, the visionary leader who turned Dairyland Seed into a world-class plant breeding organization, the Dairyland Seed team is looking for nominations for the 2024 Tom Strachota Leadership Award.
The Tom Strachota Leadership Award began in 2018 to annually highlight an exemplary leader in agriculture who demonstrates a legacy of outstanding performance over a career. This award, which honors Tom’s life and legacy, seeks to award and encourage individuals who embody the same qualities Tom lived by—a dedication approach to business that prioritizes respect and integrity. Beginning in 2024, nominations are open to all Dairyland Seed Dealers, Direct Buyers, and employees.
“At Dairyland Seed, we want to continue championing individuals that enhance the farming community,” says General Manager Chris Pritchett. “The Tom Strachota Award helps us keep service and respect top of mind in our day-to-day lives.”
The Tom Strachota Leadership Award recognizes a person who demonstrates achievements in the following areas:
- Leadership: A passion for agriculture and for those dedicated to its daily advancement
- Community Service: Outstanding community service, with special respect to the agricultural community
- Integrity: Consistently high standards of loyalty, integrity, and decency
- Agriculture: Significant achievement in or contributions to the world of agriculture
Tom Strachota was the third-generation family member to lead Dairyland Seed. He served as CEO for over 20 years and his leadership helped Dairyland Seed become a world class plant breeding organization. Tom passed away on November 21, 2016. His fiery passion and unwavering energy will forever remain at the heart of our legacy. The Tom Strachota Leadership Award is a tribute to a man who left a mark on not just a company, but an entire industry.
Throughout his career, Tom was involved in various leadership roles within the seed industry, and the American Seed Trade Association. He was an emeritus member of the University of Wisconsin’s College of Agriculture and Life Science’s (CALS) Board of Visitors, and in 2002 he was awarded the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Tom served on several community and business boards near West Bend including serving as the 2015 Co-Chair of the United Way of Washington County with his wife Patty.
Tom is admired and remembered for being a true visionary in the agricultural industry. This award helps remember Tom’s legacy for people who go above and beyond and have a strong contribution to agriculture.
T.J. Strachota, Northern Region Sales Manager, and Tom’s son, says, “Of all the things my dad accomplished while working for Dairyland Seed, he was most proud of the relationships with people he met through the business. He truly cared about all the people that work here, and all the customers and friends he met along the way.”
Deadline for entries is Monday, December 2. To submit an entry, please contact a Dairyland Seed District Sales Manager with your nominee and a short explanation on why they represent a leader in agriculture. The Dairyland Seed’s Leadership Team will review the nominations, and the winner will be announced in January.