- Candidates
- Login
- Set Up Account
- Create a Job Alert
- Search Tools
- Resources
- Employers
Bonnie Johnson
October 16, 2025
Media ArticleThe Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) presents its prestigious Industry Vision Award to Mark Ripato, former President and CEO of Tenkoz and former President of the Agriculture Division at Wilbur Ellis Company. The award was given during MACA’s Annual Meeting held from September 2 to 4, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.
With nearly 45 years of service in agriculture, Ripato is known for his continuous support of MACA, its people, and its programs. His work reflects his lifelong dedication to preserving, improving, and protecting the crop input industry.
Ripato holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Kentucky and earned master’s degrees in business and management from Salisbury University and McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Even after retiring from Wilbur Ellis Company in 2023, Ripato remains deeply connected to agriculture. He now operates Ripato Farms, which focuses on cattle farming—his lifelong passion. During his address at the MACA Annual Meeting, Ripato humorously shared, “At Ripato Farms, I am the President, CEO, Accountant, Veterinarian, Laborer, Equipment Operator, etc.”
Throughout his career, Ripato has been admired for his leadership and vision. At the event, he offered valuable advice to attendees, sharing the keys to his success and how they helped him contribute to the crop protection industry.
First presented in 1982, the MACA Industry Vision Award honors individuals who dedicate their careers to promoting and protecting agriculture, supporting farmers, and leading with integrity across the crop protection industry.
Mark Ripato’s recognition reflects a lifetime commitment to agricultural excellence, industry collaboration, and inspiring future generations of agriculture professionals.
Photo by: www.agrimarketing.com
