The new AGCO-sponsored award recognizes educators who prepare students for careers in agricultural mechanics and technology.

News at a Glance

• Ben Brand of Social Circle High School in Georgia is the inaugural recipient of AGCO’s Agricultural Mechanics Teacher of the Year award.
• The new AGCO-sponsored award recognizes educators preparing students for careers in agricultural mechanics and agricultural technology.
• Ben Brand has taught agricultural mechanics for more than 20 years, providing hands-on instruction and connecting students with industry credentials, employers and technical colleges.
• Agricultural mechanics programs help students build technical skills, confidence and problem-solving abilities while preparing the next generation of agricultural technicians and leaders.
• AGCO supports that talent pipeline through educational partnerships, technician talent programs and dealer training, with additional information available at AGTechnician.com.

DULUTH, Ga., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) named Ben Brand of Social Circle High School in Social Circle, Georgia, the inaugural Agricultural Mechanics Teacher of the Year. AGCO is the title sponsor of the new award, which recognizes educators preparing students for careers in agricultural mechanics and ag technology.

Brand has taught agricultural mechanics for more than 20 years, with hands-on instruction in welding, fabrication, small-engine repair, electrical systems, construction and agricultural equipment operation. Brand’s nomination noted his emphasis on shop safety, industry-recognized credentials and connections to internships and skilled-trades careers.

“Agricultural mechanics teachers help students build the technical skills, confidence and problem-solving abilities our industry needs,” said Ash Alt, Manager, Aftersales Technical Training at AGCO. “Recognizing educators like Ben Brand reflects AGCO’s commitment to the people and programs preparing the next generation of agricultural technicians and leaders.”

Nominees were evaluated for instructional excellence, student impact, industry engagement, leadership and dedication. Brand is also the advisor for the Social Circle High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter and the school’s current Teacher of the Year. His students earn Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour certifications, compete in agricultural mechanics events and connect with local employers and technical colleges.

“Receiving this inaugural award is an incredible honor,” Brand said. “I hope this recognition brings attention to the importance of agricultural mechanics and the impact these programs have on students.”

Brand will be recognized at the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association summer conference, the Georgia FFA State Convention and an awards luncheon at AGCO’s global headquarters in Duluth. He will also receive a $1,500 cash prize.

To learn more about AGCO’s educational partnerships, technician talent pipelines, and dealer training programs, visit AGTechnician.com.

About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) is a global leader in agricultural machinery and precision agriculture technologies. Driven by a Farmer-First strategy, AGCO delivers value through its differentiated leading brands, Fendt™, Massey Ferguson™, PTx™ and Valtra™.  AGCO’s high-performance equipment and smart farming solutions, including brand-agnostic retrofit technologies and autonomous offerings, empower farmers to drive productivity while sustainably feeding the world. For more information, visit www.agcocorp.com.  

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SOURCE AGCO Corporation