Agricultural Business Council Honors J.B. Dillingham Awardees
The Agricultural Business Council’s 16th Annual Jay B. Dillingham Awards Luncheon at Union Station drew a capacity crowd to honor this year’s recipients Dr. David Nichols, Kansas State University, and Robert Petersen, former Chairman and later Executive Director of the Council from 2010-2024. But the event also drew the largest group ever of previous Dillingham Award honorees. “Eleven in all,” noted Kristie Larson, chair of the Council’s Board of Directors.
Larson also commented that the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City ranks among the most prominent and influential city ag councils in the U.S., with strong economic impact, broad membership and a proven record of advocacy and networking. She is backed up by Morning Ag Clips, a national daily publication, that has placed the KC Ag Council in the top tier of regional ag councils in terms of influence, reach and economic contribution. “It is on par with or exceeds many other metro-area ag councils in size and scope; and its advocacy work is widely recognized by state and federal agricultural agencies,” says Morning Ag Clips.
Networking and connecting opportunities are key assets members of the Council enjoy. Talking about his grandfather J.B. Dillingham, guest speaker Bill Dillingham focused on J.B.’s ‘connecting’ prowess that helped him recruit key leaders and experts to build the American Royal into one of the premier horse and livestock shows in the U.S.
Dillingham Award recipient Dr. David Nichols, Kansas State University, was introduced by Russell Plaschka, PhD, President/CEO of the Kansas Cooperative Council, who described Dr. Nichols as a man who “dedicated his life to animal health and always put students first; he truly cared for them.” Dr. Plaschka suggested Dr. Nichols deserves a place on Mount Rushmore.
In his remarks, Dr. Nichols said he was humbled to accept the award. He recalled meeting J.B. Dillingham, and felt he was “in the presence of greatness.” The world, he said, needs a few more Dillinghams. Dr. Nichols said there was more to be done in animal production and health. However, given the caliber of his students, he boasted, continued advancements in agriculture and animal health would surely occur. “The success of my students makes me proud.”
Over a distinguished career, Dr. Nichols has received numerous accolades, including the University Presidential Award for Outstanding Advising, the Commerce Bank Outstanding Teaching Award and the Dave Mugler Distinguished Faculty Award. A strong supporter of youth livestock programs, he serves on the boards of the Kansas Junior Livestock Show and the American Royal. He joined the KSU faculty in 1981 and served in K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry for more than four decades.
Sara Wyant, an award-winning agricultural journalist and founder of Agri-Pulse Communications Inc., introduced Bob Petersen, saying she was fortunate to have met him and “proud to call him a friend.” Wyant recalled that earlier in her career she met often with Petersen in Washington D.C. to talk about agriculture in general from planting and production to policy making. In an industry where relationships are important, she said, “Bob was the ultimate networker.”
Petersen is widely recognized for his leadership and service in the agricultural community. After a distinguished 50-year career in agriculture, he retired in 2024. Prior to his arrival in Kansas City, Petersen spent two decades in Washington, D.C., leading a national grain trade organization. When he left the Capitol for Kansas City, he launched Petersen Consulting Services, a firm specializing in agricultural public relations. He also served as president of the Kansas City Board of Trade and the American Royal.
Petersen made a point of recognizing Gina Bowman, one of the first recipients of the Dillingham Award in 2009, for her role in the conception and launch of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City. Petersen said she had the vision, and the ag community in Kansas City had the “ingredients to build on her initiative.” Recently, the National Agri-Marketing Association honored Petersen as the Ag Association Leader of the Year in 2025.
This year’s J.B. Dillingham Award Luncheon – which Bob Petersen called his “favorite event” and Kristie Larson described as “a beautiful day” – was sponsored by the American Royal and John Deere.