Great Plains Mfg. Appoints David Disberger as President & CEO

Dec 15, 2022

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. (GPM), has announced that David Disberger will succeed Linda Salem in her role as President and CEO of the company following her semi-retirement on January 1, 2023. A 36-year veteran of the industrial sector, Disberger steps into this role from his current position as Great Plain Manufacturing Executive Vice President, a role he has held since 2020. In this role, David had oversight responsibility for manufacturing operations, Great Plains International, Great Plains Ag Division, and Great Plains Trucking – all preparing him for the leadership of the overall company. Salem will work in an advisory capacity during 2023 to ensure an orderly transition in GPM leadership and operations.

“Great Plains’ mission is strongly centered around customer satisfaction, taking care of our employees, and ensuring sustained profits are achieved. I look forward to carrying on our mission alongside our great team of leaders at Great Plains Mfg., ” said Disberger.

Salem’s semi-retirement comes after more than a 28-year career with GPM, having first joined the company as Director of Financial Reporting and holding several leadership positions that led to her role as President and CEO in 2013.

“It has been an honor to lead this vibrant organization for so many years. The transition to ownership by Kubota North America Corporation in 2016 provided an opportunity for tremendous growth and an expanded role in our customers’ satisfaction,” said Salem. “During this time, the company grew rapidly, doubling its manufacturing footprint and forecasting sales of nearly $1 billion dollars for 2023. I am confident the strong leadership team here, led by David, will continue that same growth and success.”

This transition comes at a time of significant growth and investment in GPM. The company recently completed a construction equipment (CE) manufacturing facility in Salina, KS, with an initial Phase I investment of $53 million. The second phase of the CE facility expansion, a $124 million investment, is underway.

Source : Farm Equipment

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.