Get to know the 2026 Custom Applicator Finalists
IFCA is excited to introduce the four outstanding finalists for our Custom Applicator of the Year Award! These individuals represent the dedication, professionalism and hard work that custom applicators bring to Illinois agriculture every day.
This week, we’re featuring two of our finalists, with the remaining two finalists coming next week. Get to know each of them, learn what drives them to succeed and help us celebrate the people who keep Illinois agriculture moving!
Then, join us on August 26 at the MAGIE Show in Bloomington, Illinois, where we’ll announce the 2026 Custom Applicator of the Year during the Tailgate Party!
Don’t miss the celebration—be sure to register for MAGIE and join us as we recognize the best of the best in our industry!
Custom Applicator of the Year Finalist: Dalissa Moser
For Dalissa Moser, being a custom applicator is about more than covering acres—it’s about treating every field as if it were her own.
Dalissa is an applicator with Helena in Steward, Illinois, and one of this year’s finalists for Custom Applicator of the Year. In her four years as an applicator, she has developed a strong appreciation for both the farmers she serves and the challenges that come with the job. Each year, she covers an average of approximately 27,500 acres, primarily operating a RoGator 1300.
“What motivates me to do my best work is my love for the job and the farmers we service,” Dalissa said. “I go into every field and treat it as though it is my own field.”
During the busy season, there is rarely such a thing as a typical day. Dalissa arrives early to inspect her machine, check the oil and prepare for the day ahead. Once she is in the field, efficiency is always top of mind—from calculating rates to coordinating with tender trucks so everyone can keep moving. At the end of the day, she fuels, inspects and services her machine so it is ready to do it all again the next morning.
That attention to detail is paired with a willingness to adapt. When needed, Dalissa may trade the applicator cab for a semi and haul product to another applicator—or do both jobs in the same day.
“That is part of what makes the job so fun,” she said. “No two days are the same.”
Dalissa is especially proud of the versatility she has developed. She has made it a priority to learn how to work on a wide variety of equipment, knowing that the ability to troubleshoot a sprayer, semi, toolbar or another machine can make a difference when time matters most. She continues to build that knowledge each season so she can help her coworkers and keep operations running efficiently.
Her first machine was a TerraGator 7300 B, while today her favorite is the RoGator 1300 C.
Dalissa’s connection to agriculture doesn’t end when she leaves work. She spends much of her free time on the sheep farm she started in 2020, raising registered Corriedale sheep for show and traveling to state fairs throughout the Midwest. She also enjoys helping her boyfriend bale hay and assisting her dad with professional fireworks displays during the summer.
Whether she
is caring for her own livestock or applying products to a customer’s field, Dalissa brings the same mindset to the job: keep learning, take pride in the work and do everything possible to help others succeed.
Custom Applicator of the Year Finalist: Kevin Barth
For Kevin Barth, doing a job right comes down to a lesson he learned early in life: whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability.
Kevin is a Senior Applicator with CHS – Illinois Newark Agronomy and one of this year’s finalists for Custom Applicator of the Year. With 17 years of spraying experience, Kevin covers an impressive 47,000 acres annually, primarily behind the wheel of his favorite machine, a Hagie STS16.
Kevin credits his father with instilling the work ethic he brings to the job every day.
“Working with my Dad, he taught me to do everything to the best of your ability, so I bring that mentality to my job,” Kevin said.
That means treating his coworkers with respect, caring for equipment as if it were his own and approaching every customer’s field the same way. His goal is to make sure both the farmer and his employer can be proud of the work he has done.
During the busy season, Kevin’s days start early—3:30 a.m. early. After coffee, breakfast and getting ready for the day, he heads to work, finds out where he is needed and gets started. His approach to the rest of the day is straightforward: do his very best until the job is done.
After 17 years in the field, Kevin takes particular pride in the work ethic and problem-solving skills he has developed. He strives to be dependable, assess problems and find solutions without unnecessarily involving others. Whatever task comes his way, Kevin is ready to step up and get it done. Just as importantly, he values being able to communicate with everyone—and bringing a good sense of humor along for the ride.
Kevin began his applicator career operating a TerraGator 9103 Air Flow, while today the Hagie STS16 has earned the distinction of being his favorite machine.
When he’s not covering acres, Kevin enjoys woodworking, yard work, volunteering at the Moose and spending time with his family and grandkids. He and his wife, Connie, also enjoy weekend getaways, visiting family, national landmarks and museums. And when the family gets together, there’s another Kevin specialty that may be in high demand: his famous meatloaf.
Whether he’s tackling thousands of acres, solving a problem in the field or serving up that famous meatloaf, Kevin brings the same philosophy with him: show up, step up and give it your best.