Agtegra Cooperative announced two executive appointments, naming Brian Knifong as senior vice president of agronomy and Heath Harrison as South Region manager.
Knifong will assume his role July 1, 2026, leading the company’s agronomy strategy and customer-focused solutions. Harrison will provide operational leadership to Agtegra’s southern locations.
New agronomy leader brings 30 years of experience
Knifong joins the executive leadership team with more than 30 years of experience in the agricultural industry. He will oversee all aspects of agronomy, including vendor-partner relationships, product portfolio management, procurement, sales and business development.
He began his career with Missouri Farmers Association in custom application and sales before working for BASF. Knifong later spent 20 years at Nutrien Ag Solutions in Loveland, Colorado, in several leadership roles.
Most recently, he served as head of marketing and customer experience, partnering with the North American sales team on pricing strategies, portfolio management, product positioning and grower programs. Before that, he was director of marketing and product development for Loveland Products.
Knifong received the 2026 NAMA Agribusiness Leader of the Year award. He attended the University of Central Missouri, where he met his wife, Amy. They have two children.
Operations veteran to lead southern region
Harrison brings more than 26 years of experience leading teams across grain, feed and transportation organizations. He will focus on operational leadership, strategic growth and team development.
“Heath’s leadership, industry experience, and strong safety background will be a great complement to Agtegra Operations. We’re excited to welcome him to the team,” said Mike Rizor, Agtegra chief operating officer.
Harrison most recently held sales roles with Dome Technology and Safety Made Simple. He studied agricultural economics at the University of California, Davis, and business management at Orange Coast College.
Harrison and his wife, Kelly, have been married for 28 years and have three children.
