The Global Farmer Network is proud to honor American farmer and agricultural advocate Bill Couser as the 2025 recipient of the GFN Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award. Couser was formally recognized during the GFN’s Annual Board Meeting July 31, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa.

A fourth-generation farmer from Nevada, Iowa, Bill Couser has spent his life not only producing food, fuel, and fiber, but also investing in others. As a row crop producer and cattleman, co- founder of Lincolnway Energy, and dedicated biofuels advocate, Couser’s influence on the agricultural sector is as diverse as it is deep. But it’s his unwavering commitment to learning, mentorship, and global connection that sets him apart.

“Bill shows what it means to be a lifelong learner and servant-leader in agriculture,” says Reg Clause, Chairman of the GFN Board. “He’s always the first to ask ‘How can I help?’—and he means it.”

That full-circle moment carries particular significance for this year’s award. Reg Clause, a founding member of GFN and former President of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, served as a role model to Couser early in his career. The award marks a poignant moment in their shared journey; mentor and mentee now united as peers in the Global Farmer Network, bound by decades of mutual respect.

“What a joy to be able to follow Reg [Clause] and Tim [Burrack], and Bill [Northey] and all those founding members who were there at the beginning. They were just true leaders in the world. I remember when they started this group, and being around it for years, because they would always bring members out to our farm,” Couser reflects. “And I remember telling Nancy [wife] that this was the greatest group we ever got to entertain… and now I look at the friendships I have across the world because of Reg and Mary [CEO], and this group, and feel so thankful to be here at this part in my life and career,” he adds.

Throughout his career, Couser has opened not only his gates but also his heart to fellow farmers from around the world. One such connection began when Patience Koku of Nigeria first visited his Iowa farm as a new GFN member in 2018. Their friendship has flourished across years and continents, and in October of 2023, Couser helped Koku modernize her operation by sending her home with a single-row planter, which he built from an old lister seed box for her.

“Bill Couser is the kind of farmer and friend who leaves an imprint on your life and your land. From the first day I visited his farm, he treated me not just as a visitor, but as a peer and a sister in agriculture. That single-row planter he helped me bring back to Nigeria wasn’t just a piece of equipment; it was a symbol of belief in my journey and the future of African farming,” shares Patience Koku. “His generosity and commitment to others are unmatched.”

Another lasting bond formed in 2022 when Couser and Dutch dairy farmer Judith de Vor participated in the same GFN Roundtable cohort. Their connection proved so meaningful that in 2023, Bill and his wife Nancy traveled to the Netherlands to help Judith’s family host a major on-farm event.

“Bill doesn’t just connect with people; he welcomes them into his life. What began as a Roundtable connection grew into a true friendship, built on shared values, curiosity, and respect. Over the years, he has opened his home to me multiple times, hosted me on his farm, and personally arranged tours so I could experience agriculture across Iowa,” shares Judith de Vor, Dutch dairy farmer.

"When Bill and Nancy traveled all the way to our farm in the Netherlands to help us host a big event, it reminded me that this network is more than a community. It’s a family. Bill lives that spirit every day,” de Vor adds.

In addition to his work in the field, Couser has served on various EPA and national biofuel boards, using his voice to advance practical policy and rural innovation. He is known not only for his stewardship of soil and livestock but for stewarding conversations on sustainability, technology, trade, and the next generation of ag leaders.

“When you talk to Bill, you quickly understand that his farm is more than a business, it’s a classroom, a launchpad, a gathering place,” says GFN CEO Mary Boote. “He doesn’t just grow crops and cattle. He grows people.”

Established in 2007, the Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award honors the legacy of Dean Kleckner, the Network’s founding chairman, by recognizing those who demonstrate world-class leadership, vision, and commitment to farmer-led innovation. Couser joins a distinguished list of global recipients who advocate for farmers’ rights to choose the tools, technology, and practices that help them feed the world.

“It’s incredibly humbling,” Couser shares. “To receive an award that bears Dean Kleckner’s name, and to have it presented by Reg Clause, who has played such an important role in my journey, means the world to me. But I hope it’s also a reminder that the best way to lead is to keep showing up.”

Established in 2000, the Global Farmer Network amplifies farmers’ voices in promoting trade, technology, sustainable farming, economic growth, and food security. Currently with 292 members, representing 6 continents, and 69 countries, the Global Farmer Network identifies, engages and supports strong farmer leaders from around the world who work with others to innovate, encourage and lead as full stakeholders in the work that is being done to close the world’s food and nutrition security gap in a regenerative manner.

Previous Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award recipients include:

  • Rosalie Ellasus, Philippines (2007)
  • Jeff Bidstrup, Australia (2008)
  • Jim McCarthy, Ireland (2009)
  • Gabriela Cruz, Portugal (2010)
  • Gilbert arap Bor, Kenya (2011)
  • Rajesh Kumar, India (2012)
  • V. Ravichandran, India (2013)
  • Ian Pigott, United Kingdom (2014)
  • Lydia Sasu, Ghana (2015)
  • Maria “Pilu” Giraudo, Argentina (2016)
  • Motlatsi Musi, South Africa (2017)
  • Gina Gutierrez, Mexico (2018)
  • Patience Koku, Nigeria (2019)
  • Ruramiso Mashumba (2020)
  • Annechien ten Have Mellema, Netherlands (2021)
  • Gabriel Carballal, Uruguay (2021)
  • Joanna Lidback, USA – Vermont (2021)
  • Kornelis “Kees” Huizinga, Ukraine (2022)
  • Marcus Holtköetter, Germany (2023)
  • Shuichi Tokumoto, Japan (2024)