As general manager at Precision Planting, Justin Kauffman oversees a global team of agricultural innovators that have created dozens of unique products and solutions to help farmers increase their yield, productivity and profits. He has been a critical factor in the company’s success over the last decade as it has experienced rapid growth and gone through two acquisitions. With his guidance and support, Precision Planting is expanding its footprint in Europe, South America and Australia and is poised to see significant international growth.

Passionate about the expanding role of technology in agriculture, Kauffman leads more than 250 employees who work with independent dealerships and equipment manufacturers to educate crop producers on how to best utilize new technologies in their operations. He led the marketing team in developing the Precision Technology Institute (PTI) in Pontiac, a 200-acre farm with more than 50 active test plots. Now in its second year of operations, the PTI farm has hosted more than 3,000 farmers from around the world, allowing them to experience firsthand the latest research on new planting techniques, equipment and solutions.

Kauffman has also guided Precision Planting’s philanthropic efforts and community involvement in central Illinois, organizing the company’s participation in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home in Peoria, providing contributions to St. Jude and other local charities, and overseeing its support for the Peoria Riverfront Museum as a member of the Visionary Society Council. He sits on the ICC Agriculture Advisory Council, providing direction for the agricultural program at Illinois Central College, and serves as chairman of the Greater Peoria Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Leadership Board. He is also a volunteer and head usher at Bethany Community Church in Washington and an active coach of his son’s youth sports teams. PM