NAMA Awards Petersen “Ag Association Leader of the Year”

Bob Petersen [photo by jim barcus photos]

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) has named Bob Petersen the Ag Association Leader of the Year for his work leading the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, from which he retired in September 2024.

In recognizing Petersen, NAMA provided the following citation:

Bob Petersen has spent his career fostering collaboration, advocacy, and education within the agricultural sector. As a founding leader and longtime Executive Director of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, he expanded the organization’s influence, growing its membership to over 700 stakeholders. His leadership in launching the Ag Outlook Forum and securing the relocation of key USDA agencies to Kansas City highlights his lasting impact on national agribusiness policy and workforce development. Petersen’s legacy of service continues to inspire industry professionals and future agricultural leaders.

The Ag Association Leader of the Year award, first awarded in 2018, is among the highest honors in the industry. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in association or commodity organization. Petersen will receive the award at the Agri-Marketing Conference in April 2025.

Background on Bob Petersen

Robert Petersen retired September 1, 2024 following a 50-year career in agriculture, 20 of those serving as principal of Petersen Consulting Services, now Petersen & Company. Petersen spent 20 years in Washington, DC at the helm of a national grain trade organization.  In 2000, he and his family re-located to Kansas City where he held several prominent roles, including president of the Kansas City Board of Trade (2000-2004) and president of the American Royal (2010-2015). He is a native of the Burwell, Nebraska where he was raised on a family ranch.  He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Background on NAMA

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) is the premier organization for professionals in agribusiness marketing and communications. Founded over 60 years ago, NAMA boasts more than 3,500 professional and student members in the agricultural industry across 23 chapters.