NSA Gold Award

A Gold Award is an award that is presented to individuals who have contributed extra-ordinarily to the overall sunflower industry either through their occupation or through the National Sunflower Association. This award is considered to be the highest award that the NSA presents to individuals. We greatly appreciate the contributions of the following Gold Award winners.

2026 ~ Guy Christensen

2025 ~ Steve Kent

2024 ~ Gerald Seiler

2022 ~ Tom Gulya

2021 ~ Robert Majkrzak

2020 ~ Max Dietrich

2018 ~ John Swanson

2017 ~ Joe Caroline

2015 ~ Jim Krogh

2014 ~ Dr. Gary Fick

2013 ~ John McLean

2012 ~ Larry Kleingartner

2009 ~ Duane Berglund

2007 ~ Jerry Miller

2006 ~ Leon Wrage

2005 ~ Curt Stern

2003 ~ Edward J. Campbell

2001 ~ R. A. True

1999 ~ Duane Sondeland

1998 ~ Floyd Anderson

1997 ~ Kenneth Topp

1996 ~ Milt Lakness

1995 ~ Senator Mark Andrews

1994 ~ Dr. Robert Robinson

1993 ~ Dean McBride

1992 ~ Ralph Taylor

1991 ~ Bob Schuler

1990 ~ Marv Kelvberg

1989 ~ Chuck Moses

Gold Award Criteria

Definition: The NSA Gold Award is an award that is presented to individuals who have contributed extra-ordinarily to the overall sunflower industry either through their occupation or through the NSA. This award is considered to be the highest award that the NSA presents to individuals.

Eligibility: Individuals considered for this award must be retired from full-time employment, have become employed in another field (outside of sunflower) or have retired from the NSA board of directors at the time of nomination. Their contribution to sunflower should have been 'above and beyond' the normal requirements and expectations of their job. The individual should have exhibited leadership qualities beyond the normal expectations.

Candidate Recommendations: The NSA board of directors will accept and review candidate letters of recommendation. The candidate letters should clearly outline the person's contributions to sunflower, the work history, key leadership positions in employment and the overall industry. Examples of discoveries, findings, authorship etc. should be included. The letter should be mailed or emailed to the NSA executive director.

Board Review: The NSA board of directors will review all submitted applications and decide if the award is merited. The executive director will inform the submitter of the application of the board's decision.

Presentation: The Gold Award will be awarded during the NSA Summer Seminar which is held annually in June.