Gary Marshall, CEO of the Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, was named Alumnus of the Year at CAFNR’s 2019 Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony, held Thursday, April 11.

Marshall is a member of the CAFNR Foundation board, and received the CAFNR Citation of Merit Award in 1999. He received his bachelor of science in agricultural economics in 1974 from the University of Missouri.

“Throughout his tenure, Gary has provided vision and guidance with the mission of improving corn grower profitability, building both domestic and foreign markets, fighting for pro-agriculture legislation, educating consumers and improving production practices. His dedication to reinvigorating rural Missouri and expand markets for corn producers helped pave the way for not only Missouri’s farmer-owned ethanol industry, but corn and ethanol producers nationwide. A respected agricultural advocate in Washington, D.C., Gary fought to secure the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) alongside fellow biofuel proponents. Not stopping there, Gary led the charge to establish the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard,” said nominator Morris Heitman, past president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association and fellow CAFNR alumnus. “Investing in future students and alumni, he shows his support for the University’s Extension program, leading Missouri Corn to sponsor several youth activities each year. Under his leadership, Missouri Corn recently invested in CAFNR students, sponsoring a study abroad program for students interested in the grain and oilseed industries. Gary also led the charge to promote Missouri corn farmers and CAFNR graduates through the Missouri Corn Fueled First Down sponsorship of Mizzou football. This promotion helped educate Mizzou fans and graduates alike of the many benefits of Missouri agriculture.”