1992 - Richard "Dick" Reade - National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame

Richard “Dick” Reade — National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame

World War II Service: Began aviation training in a PT-17 Stearman; served as a reconnaissance pilot flying the F-5 (P-38) in the Pacific Theater.
Education: After the war, completed a degree in agriculture at Iowa State University, blending his passion for aviation with agriculture.

Pioneering Ag Pilot: In 1948, became the first ag pilot to apply toxaphene spray by air to control an army worm outbreak.
Entrepreneurship: In 1949, founded Mid-Continent Aerial Sprayers in Traer, Iowa; moved operations to Hayti, Missouri in 1951.

Technical Innovations: Developed a quick-change liquid/dry system for the 450 hp Stearman, increasing efficiency for operators across the industry.
Large-Scale Operations: Managed major state and federal spray projects—including a large Canadian budworm control program using over 50 Stearmans.
Brand Leadership: In 1959, Mid-Continent became the first Grumman Ag-Cat distributor—Dick named the aircraft “Ag-Cat.”

National Leadership: Played a central role in founding the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) in the late 1960s; served as the first president.
Awards for Service:
- First NAAA Agrinaut Award (1967) for role in forming the association.
- NAAA William O. Marsh Safety Award (1979) for outstanding achievements in ag aviation safety.
- NAAA Outstanding Service Award (1986) for exemplary service.
- Agrinaut Award to Mid-Continent (1987) for developing an innovative “hopper rinse” system, improving environmental safety and aircraft hygiene.
Longtime Service: Remained deeply involved with NAAA throughout his career, shaping policy and standards for the industry.

Industry Impact: Under Dick’s leadership, Mid-Continent supplied over 2,500 aircraft (new and used) to ag aviation operators worldwide during the 1960s–1980s.
Global Influence: Mid-Continent served over 50 countries and operated a large US aerial application fleet with business partners.
Industry Thought Leadership: Shared experience and guidance widely through the “Plane-Talk” column in the company’s Planegram newsletter.

Workers’ Compensation Reform: Worked to drastically reduce workers’ compensation rates for ag pilots in several Delta states, in some cases lowering rates by 75–80%.
EPA & Certification: Consulted on the creation of reasonable, fair guidelines for aerial applicator certification and regulatory manuals as new rules were introduced.
State Leadership & Recognition: Served as a member of the Missouri Governor’s Ag Council and the state Pesticide Committee.
Community Service: Member of the Paul Harris Rotary Foundation and the El Kahir Shrine.

Museum & Heritage:
- Founding board member of both the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum and the National Agricultural Aviation Museum in Jackson, Mississippi.
- Helped organize and support preservation of ag aviation’s history and served on the board since the museum’s inception.
- Organizer of the National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame Golf Tournament.

50+ Years’ Dedication: Instrumental in building Mid-Continent into a world-leading agricultural aviation business.
Impactful Author: His “Plane-Talk” articles have educated and connected ag pilots globally.
Industry Pillar: Dick Reade’s vision, advocacy, and technical advances left an enduring benefit and legacy for agricultural aviation, both in the US and worldwide.