Meet Our Final Two Custom Applicator of the Year Finalsts
Last week, we introduced you to two of the outstanding individuals in the running for IFCA’s 2026 Custom Applicator of the Year Award. This week, we’re excited to introduce you to our final two finalists!
Each of our four finalists demonstrates the hard work, professionalism, skill and dedication that make custom applicators such an important part of Illinois agriculture. We’re proud to recognize their accomplishments and share their stories with you.
After meeting our final two, there’s only one thing left to do—crown a winner!
Join us August 26 at the MAGIE Show in Bloomington, Illinois, where the 2026 Custom Applicator of the Year will be announced during the Tailgate Party.
Haven’t registered for MAGIE yet? Be sure to register and join us as we celebrate our finalists and announce this year’s winner!
Custom Applicator of the Year Finalist: Brian Wilson
For Brian Wilson, there’s a simple standard behind every application: do it right the first time.
Brian is an applicator with BCS, LLC in Arrowsmith, Illinois, and one of this year’s finalists for Custom Applicator of the Year. With six years of spraying experience, Brian covers an average of 33,000 acres annually, primarily operating his favorite machine, a John Deere R4045.
Brian’s motivation comes from knowing growers are depending on him to protect both their crops and their investment.
“Input costs are high, leaving no room for error,” Brian said. “Every acre needs to be applied accurately and precisely.”
That responsibility shapes how Brian approaches every day during the busy season. His mornings typically begin before sunrise with a look at the weather forecast. Once at work, he reviews the day’s field list for crop and chemistry changes and carefully checks his machine before heading to the field.
From there, Brian focuses on one field, one border and one obstacle at a time. If he is unfamiliar with a field, he takes the time to thoroughly study the maps before beginning. Throughout the day, he continually monitors his applications for accuracy and stays in communication with the office as weather conditions and priorities change.
When the last acre is finished, Brian’s work still isn’t done. He cleans his application equipment, refills fluids, greases the machine as needed and checks for anything that needs attention so he is ready to go again the next morning.
Brian takes particular pride in the quality of his work and the reputation he has built with customers. He understands that every application reflects not only on him, but also on his company.
“I strive for compliments, not complaints,” Brian said.
His first application machine was a Hagie STS16, while today his favorite seat is behind the wheel of the John Deere R4045.
When Brian isn’t covering acres, he enjoys camping with his family. With his wife also working in the agriculture industry, finding time to get away can sometimes be a challenge—but they make it work whenever they can.
Whether he’s preparing his machine before sunrise, navigating a challenging field or checking that final application of the day, Brian keeps his focus where it matters most: accuracy, dependability and doing every acre right the first time.
Custom Applicator of the Year Finalist: Anthony Glenn
For Anthony Glenn, being a custom applicator isn’t just about serving customers—it’s about serving the farmers, friends and community he has known for much of his life.
Anthony is an applicator with SunAG and one of this year’s finalists for Custom Applicator of the Year. With an impressive 25 years of spraying experience, Anthony covers an average of 15,000 acres annually and has built lasting relationships with many of the growers he serves.
“The farmers and helping out with the community and people I grew up with” are what motivate Anthony to do his best work. Having known many of his customers his entire life gives him a personal connection to the acres he covers and the people depending on him.
During the busy season, Anthony knows long days come with the territory. A typical day may stretch from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., whether he is knocking out acres in the field or working to keep equipment running.
But for Anthony, that’s part of the satisfaction.
Whether he’s applying or turning wrenches, he enjoys staying busy and takes particular pride in maintaining equipment. In fact, one of Anthony’s proudest accomplishments is keeping a 26-year-old TerraGator running and reliable.
“I love that machine,” Anthony said, noting that even after all those years, it remains one of the most reliable pieces of equipment at his location.
Anthony’s history with TerraGators goes back to the beginning of his career. His first machine was a 2500 Big A TerraGator, and decades later, a TerraGator still holds the title as his favorite machine to operate.
And apparently, 14-hour days of operating and maintaining equipment don’t cure Anthony of his desire to turn a wrench. When he’s away from work, he enjoys working on old tractors for farmers throughout his local area.
After 25 years in the applicator seat, Anthony’s dedication remains rooted in the same things that have always mattered: taking care of his equipment, taking care of his customers and taking pride in serving his community.