Don Borgman, farmer and former Director of Industry Relations for North America AT John Deere, was recognized by the Illinois Corn Growers Association for his work in support of the ethanol industry during their Annual Meeting at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center last month. He was presented with the Ethanol Award which seeks to celebrate the contributions of individuals that promote the ethanol industry.                                                                                

“Don and John Deere have left a legacy in the ethanol industry,” said Kenneth Hartman, Jr., Waterloo farmer and immediate past president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association.  “Don helped create a coalition of agribusiness and farmers to benefit the ethanol industry, understanding that to build markets for farmers meant building markets for John Deere.  Don viewed farmers not just as customers, but as partners in bettering the overall health of the agricultural industry.”

Borgman is a third generation corn and soybean farmer on a Missouri Century Farm located in West Central Missouri.  He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1974, studying Economics and Journalism.  He was employed by John Deere for 40 years while he continued to farm and was instrumental in John Deere’s efforts in biofuels and soil conservation.

Borgman has also served on the boards of directors of several businesses and industry organizations.  He has collected several honors in his long career in agriculture, and most recently received the American Farm Bureau’s highest honor, their Distinguished Service Award, for his lifetime of achievements.