Pivot Bio Honors 10 Farmers and Farm Families for the Difference They Make Beyond the Field

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On this National Farmers Day, Pivot Bio is recognizing 10 farmers and farm families for the impact they make, well beyond their farm operations, through its inaugural Rooted in Thanks honors program.

Pivot Bio created Rooted in Thanks to recognize farmers who play an important role in strengthening the communities they call home. The program celebrates those who are known for showing up, lending a hand and stepping into leadership when it’s needed, often without seeking recognition for themselves.

“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. “We created Rooted in Thanks to recognize the farmers who are always willing to step up, help a neighbor or take on a responsibility because their community needs them. These 10 farmers and farm families are great examples of that kind of leadership.”

The inaugural group of honorees were nominated by members of Pivot Bio’s team and partners who work directly with the honorees and see firsthand the roles they play in their communities. These farmers were selected for meaningful, ongoing contributions that range from volunteering as first responders and mentoring young people to supporting schools, addressing food insecurity and helping create opportunities for the next generation.

The 2026 Rooted in Thanks honorees are:

• Paul Duer, Nebraska
  Paul Duer has dedicated years of service to his community through the Staplehurst Volunteer Fire Department, Seward Public Schools Board of Education and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School. His involvement includes supporting local education, emergency response and fundraising efforts, as well as helping advance projects that benefit local families. Most recently, he was involved in an expansion project to convert a former school building into a childcare center.
• Tyson Hegeholz, Nebraska
  Tyson Hegeholz of Seward, Nebraska, is a dedicated supporter of local education and community organizations, regularly volunteering his time to help with maintenance projects at his local school. He also supports fundraising efforts, including initiatives to improve facilities that serve local families. Through his hands-on involvement and willingness to contribute wherever help is needed, Tyson has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to his community.
• Ron and Gina Heley, North Dakota
  Ron and Gina Heley of Lidgerwood, North Dakota, have dedicated many years to strengthening their community through volunteer service, economic development and advocacy for people with disabilities. A former fire chief, Ron remains an active volunteer firefighter, helping train and mentor new members, and has served on a local development organization involved in bringing a grocery store and daycare facility to Lidgerwood. Their son, Matthew, also serves on the Lidgerwood Fire Department, continuing the family's commitment to protecting their community. Gina, who works at Lidgerwood Public School, has helped bring the Rock Your Socks campaign to students and staff, raising awareness of Down syndrome and funds for GiGi's Playhouse, which supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Together, Ron and Gina have helped foster a more inclusive community while supporting organizations and services that improve life for local families.
• Andy and Sara Hull, Missouri
  Andy and Sara Hull of Burlington Junction, Missouri, have played an active role in supporting local families, youth programs and community organizations. A military veteran, Andy is active in the American Legion and serves as president of the local Little League association, helping raise funds for youth baseball, city park improvements and community events. Sara has also taken an active role in efforts to improve the city park. Together, they established Briley's Heart Cart in 2008 at Children's Nebraska in Omaha, bringing interactive bingo games and prizes to hospitalized children, including those unable to leave their rooms. Through ongoing fundraising and community support, Andy and Sara have sustained the program for nearly two decades, giving young patients something to look forward to during difficult hospital stays.
• Jeremy and Elizabeth Jack and Stacie Kroger, Mississippi
  Jeremy and Elizabeth Jack and Stacie Koger in Belzoni, Mississippi, have made investing in people and strengthening their community a priority. Together, they help lead a multigenerational farming business that provides local employment, emphasizes employee training and safety, and shares its experience with others across the ag industry. Elizabeth has also helped create professional development opportunities for women in agriculture, while the family has supported research focused on improving farmers' health and safety. Their commitment extends to rebuilding efforts in the nearby community of Rolling Fork after a catastrophic tornado in 2023. There, they have advocated for and invested in initiatives helping families recover and build a more secure future.
• Jason Lamb and Rodney Lamb, Nebraska
  The Lamb brothers of Merna, Nebraska, have dedicated years to strengthening their community through support for local education, youth development and volunteer service. Both are longtime supporters of the Anselmo-Merna Public School Foundation, helping provide scholarships, classroom grants and resources that benefit local students. They are also actively involved in 4-H and the Custer County Fair, creating opportunities for young people to learn and grow. Their commitment extends to community leadership, including service on the local school board, fair board and volunteer fire department.
• Drew Lock, Missouri
  Drew Lock of La Plata, Missouri, is committed to helping families in need and strengthening the agricultural community. He donates beef raised on his farm to a local school for student lunches and provides beef to a community food bank, helping ensure families have access to nutritious meals. His leadership extends to the Missouri Farm Bureau, the National Corn Growers Association and the local FFA advisory board, where he supports agricultural education and advocates for farmers. Recently appointed to Missouri's State Soil and Water Districts Commission, Drew also helps guide conservation efforts that benefit farmers and communities across the state.
• Kevin Lundebrek, Minnesota
  Kevin Lundebrek of Starbuck, Minnesota, has made protecting the land and water resources surrounding his family's farm a lifelong commitment. Working with local conservation partners, he has implemented practices that reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and protect natural resources for future generations. His efforts have helped safeguard the lakes and waterways that are vital to the surrounding communities. Kevin was named Pope County's 2025 Outstanding Conservationist and was unanimously selected by representatives of 12 West Central Minnesota counties as the region's nominee for the statewide Outstanding Conservationist Award, making him one of eight finalists across Minnesota. His dedication to conservation demonstrates how a farmer's commitment to stewardship can make a lasting difference well beyond their own fields.
• Doug and Angie Myers, Michigan
  For decades, Doug and Angie Myers have demonstrated their commitment to their community through service with the Fredonia Township Fire Department and involvement in local organizations. Their contributions extend beyond emergency response too, including volunteering at community events, supporting local 4-H livestock auctions and lending farm equipment to the county 4-H program. They also lead outreach efforts through their church, finding additional ways to support their neighbors and strengthen community connections. Their longstanding community involvement reflects a commitment to giving back and supporting the people and organizations that make their rural community stronger.
• The Wettstein Family, North Dakota
  The Wettstein family of Lidgerwood, North Dakota, has a long history of community leadership and service. Joe has held several leadership roles with the Knights of Columbus, while Betty is a former school board president who has helped guide improvements at the local retirement center. Their sons, Scott and Brian, continue that commitment to service. Scott serves as training officer for the Lidgerwood Fire Department and is a former chairman of the local Airport Authority, while Brian is active in the Knights of Columbus and contributes his time to community fundraising efforts, including initiatives supporting local rural health care. Together, the family has dedicated years to strengthening the organizations and services their neighbors depend on.

The recognition is designed not only to celebrate what these farmers do, but also to help them extend their impact. Through the Rooted in Thanks honors, Pivot Bio will distribute a total of $25,000 to nonprofit organizations selected by the honorees that support causes close to their hearts and their communities. In the coming weeks, the farmers will join Pivot Bio representatives for visits to the nonprofits, where they’ll present the donations and learn more about the work happening in their communities.

“The people we’re recognizing are the ones others know they can count on,” Turner said. “They give their time, share what they know and step in when something needs to get done. Rooted in Thanks gives us a way to thank them for what they already do and, just as importantly, put resources behind the people and organizations they believe are making their communities stronger.”

For Pivot Bio, improving the lives of farmers and the health of the planet starts at the community level, and Rooted in Thanks puts that commitment into action. By recognizing farmers for their leadership beyond the field and supporting the local causes they value, the program celebrates the relationships and efforts that help rural communities thrive.

About Pivot Bio

Pivot Bio, one of the world’s leading agtech companies, delivers patented crop nutrition technologies that harness the power of nature to help farmers reliably and productively grow the food the world needs in the face of increasing volatility. Currently available in North America and soon in Brazil, the company’s products represent a breakthrough innovation and one of the agriculture industry’s most promising solutions. Pivot Bio has been recognized three times by TIME magazine on its annual list of Best Inventions, by Fast Company on its World Changing Ideas and World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies lists, by CNBC on its Disruptor 50 list, by Fortune on its Impact 20 list, and by MIT Technology Review as one of 15 climate tech companies to watch. For more information, visit PivotBio.com.