United Prairie, a full-service ag retailer headquartered in Tolono, Illinois, has been recognized for its exceptional achievements in digital transformation. The company was named the 2024 recipient of The Scoop's prestigious Business Innovation Award. 

The Business Innovation Award highlights ag retailers who excel in leveraging digital tools to enhance their business operations. Recipients demonstrate outstanding integration of enterprise resource planning, agronomics, and business data to improve customer service and foster sustainability. Each year, the award spotlights a single ag retail location and its team, showcasing their leadership in advancing the industry.

Margy Eckelkamp, editor of The Scoop, emphasized the vital role of ag retailers in modern agriculture: “Ag retailers are the trusted adviser to farmers, and it is essential they evolve their products, services, and customer relationships to optimize opportunities in the field. It is our goal to highlight the work being done to create digitally enabled and meaningful business relationships and show excellence in the ag retail business.” 

Founded in 1996, United Prairie has grown from four locations to 14 across east-central Illinois. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including dry fertilizer, seed, and custom spraying and application. United Prairie’s leadership attributes its success to its dedicated team and customer-centric approach. “Our focus every day is to increase our customer’s return on investment and provide a better customer experience,” said Curt Miller, CEO of United Prairie. “On behalf of all our dedicated employees and our loyal customers, we are grateful for this achievement. Our employees are blessed with talent, and they know if they are given talent, they have the responsibility to use it.” 

United Prairie’s recognition underscores the importance of digital transformation in ag retail, setting a benchmark for the industry and inspiring other organizations to pursue innovation and sustainability.

Our sincerest congratulations to United Prairie! Asmark is proud to work with this remarkably innovative retailer and its dedicated employees.