The award ceremony at this year’s Executive Conference, the event for leaders in the animal protein sector, featured the annually presented Rising Star Award sponsored by Farm Credit, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
In its third year, the Rising Star Award is presented to a protein industry newcomer who is striving towards innovation, collaboration and success for not only their business but the wider sector. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has had a multi-faceted and distinguished career in the food industry, while supporting and advocating for others in the sector.
Since its inception, Farm Credit has sponsored the Rising Star honor, joining Expana’s initiative to highlight the next generation of the industry. Phillip Figi, VP Corporate Protein – Poultry Industry for Farm Credit Services of America was on stage to honor the winner. “Honoring the next generation in food and agriculture is about investing in the future of our industry,” said Figi. “The Farm Credit system strongly believes that by celebrating emerging leaders through initiatives like the Rising Star Award, we’re fostering innovation, resilience and a sustainable future for food production.”
This year’s recipient is Reid Linder, National Sales Manager at Cooper Farms. According to Joe Wourms, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Cooper, Reid has quickly learned the ins-and-outs of the industry. “He’s a natural people-person. Reid starts building relationships in his first meeting with a new potential customer,” shared Wourms.
“I am truly grateful to be part of such a great industry,” said Linder on winning the award. “This award serves as a reminder of all the great people I get to work with daily and to be recognized by them means the world to me..”
After awarding the Rising Star to Linder, Expana gave an esteemed member of the industry their recognition with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s recipient Jeff Paschall is Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fieldale Farms. With 30 years of experience at Fieldale, a family-owned poultry company that processes over three million chickens each week and brings in over $1.2 billion annually, Jeff had all the qualifications for this great honor.
Since joining the company in 1992, Jeff has dedicated himself to building the Springer Mountain Farms brand, guiding it to national prominence while staying true to the Fieldale company’s values. However, Jeff’s story really begins on his family farm in Western Kentucky that he still maintains to this day.
“Jeff Paschall is the kind of person every industry hopes to have in its ranks — a wise mentor, a steady hand and a loyal friend,” said Russ Whitman, Director of Market Reporting at Expana. “He has poured his energy, his time and his heart into his work, his faith, his family and his community. Jeff carries the values of hard work, honesty and community with him in everything he does.”
The 50th Executive Conference will be held on April 20-22 2026, at the Wynn in Las Vegas, NV. If you know someone you want to highlight for next year, we are currently accepting new applications for the Rising Star award.
To nominate a rising star for the 2026 award, please visit: https://www.expanamarkets.com/events/executive-conference/rising-star/.
To save your spot at next year’s Executive Conference, please visit: https://www.expanamarkets.com/exec-50/
Written by Robyn Gow
