White Honored for Years of Service to Agriculture

Jere White was recently honored by the Kansas Corn Growers Association for his years of service to Kansas agriculture. White is retiring as executive director of the Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA), positions he has held since 1988. He has also served as executive director of the Kansas Corn Commission since 2000. Personally White continues to recover from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident in September 2012.

Last week, White received the “Ear of Agriculture” award from Kansas Corn Growers Association President Bob Timmons, Fredonia, which is the highest honor to be awarded by the KCGA. The presentation took place at the Kansas Corn Producers Dinner in Manhattan on Feb. 12. White also received a plaque from KGSPA and letters of appreciation from several agricultural groups.

Upon accepting the awards, White encouraged growers to speak out on issues.

“If you want your thoughts to be considered, it is important to express yourself,” White said. “We are facing a lot of big issues in agriculture. When you have the opportunity, it is your obligation to speak up. Don’t take anything for granted.”

KCGA President Bob Timmons said that while White is retiring, he will remain important to the association.

“Jere’s history and knowledge of the association and Kansas agriculture is vast,” Timmons said. “He will continue to be a valued advisor to the state’s Corn Growers Association.”

White was also recognized by KCGA Past President Don Lundquist, Lindsborg and Roger Pine of Lawrence who is a past president of both KCGA and the National Corn Growers Association.

“Jere has played a key role in the Triazine Network. I don’t know if many people appreciate what he has accomplished on this issue,” Pine said. “I think it’s fair to say if it had not been for Jere’s work with the Triazine Network we probably wouldn’t have atrazine available to control weeds today.”

Senator Pat Roberts participated in the retirement recognition provided a videotaped greeting for White.

“Your ability to represent growers’ interests combined with your outstanding humor is a genuine talent that is true to your Kansas upbringing,” Roberts said. “The strength and drive you have shown over the last two years only confirms what we have known all along. You are a fighter.”

White is a former member of the Kansas Corn Commission and is a past board member of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He served on the National Corn Growers Association Biotechnology Working Group, the U.S. Grains Council’s Board of Directors and the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City. Since the 1970s, Jere has been active in promoting feedgrains and their uses, especially the livestock and ethanol industries.

White was a founder and the chairman of the Triazine Network, a national coalition of growers involved with the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation of the triazine herbicides, atrazine and simazine. In the past 20 years, he has played a pivotal role in representing growers in these issues.