AEM names 2024 Hall of Fame inductees

During the finale reception of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Annual Conference in Indian Wells, Calif., held Nov. 13-15, two innovators in the agricultural equipment industry were announced as the newest inductees into the AEM Hall of Fame. The 2024 inductees are Roy Applequist, founder and former president and CEO of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. (GPM), and Al McQuinn, founder and former CEO and chairman of Ag-Chem Equipment.

L-R: AEM Hall of Fame Inductee Roy Applequist, founder and former president and CEO, Great Plains Manufacturing; Todd Stucke, 2024 AEM chairman of the board; John Retherford, a longtime associated who accepted the award on behalf of the family of Al McQuinn, founder and former CEO and chairman of Ag-Chem Equipment. (Photo: Association of Equipment Manufacturers)

Roy Applequist founded GPM in 1976 in Salina, Kan., after interviewing 100 farmers about their equipment needs. This led him to introduce the first 30-ft. folding no-till drill that could be transported full of seed. Under his leadership, the company expanded to include no-till and min-till drills, tillage equipment, and precision planters. In 1986, Applequist also founded Land Pride, a manufacturer of grounds maintenance and dirt-working tools and attachments.

Applequist grew what started as a small agricultural equipment operation into a multi-million-dollar company with facilities in eight Kansas communities, over 2,300 employees and global product distribution. In 2016, GPM was acquired by Kubota Corporation. Applequist then established Applequist Manufacturing, Inc. in 2018, continuing to serve the agricultural community.

Al McQuinn, who passed away October 23, 2024, at the age of 93, began his agricultural career selling fertilizer, which sparked his interest in improving agricultural equipment. Determined to improve the performance of existing row crop sprayers, he worked out of a garage in Jackson, Minn., developing a sparger agitator, a device that recirculates liquid product to keep solubles – which often settled in the solution, leading to water-down applications – suspended in their solution until they are applied. This led to his creation of Ag-Chem Equipment Co., Inc. in 1963.

Under his leadership, Ag-Chem grew into a NASDAQ-listed company with over $300 million in annual revenues and 1,700 employees. He was also a pioneer in precision agriculture, integrating GPS technology, GIS software and variable rate application systems to optimize crop yields. McQuinn’s industry contributions earned him seven patents.

After selling his company to AGCO Corporation in 2000, McQuinn focused his talents on operating an investment company he founded, as well as philanthropic work alongside his wife Mary Agnes.

“AEM is honored to induct Roy Applequist and Al McQuinn into our Hall of Fame, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the industry,” said AEM President Megan Tanel in announcing their induction. “Their achievements inspire the next generation to innovate and drive the industry forward for the benefit of all.

“Roy Applequist revolutionized agricultural equipment with his innovative designs and commitment to engineering excellence,” she continued. “His leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have significantly impacted the industry. Similarly, Al McQuinn’s pioneering creations in precision agriculture transformed agricultural practices, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. He was a visionary in this industry, and his legacy will continue to shape it for generations to come.”

The AEM Hall of Fame has been recognizing luminaries in the agriculture and construction equipment manufacturing industry since 1993. The induction of Applequist and Mcquinn brings the total number of inductees to 71.