Dale R. Ludwig

Dale Ludwig grew up on a dairy farm participating in 4-H and FFA judging teams, and showing Holstein cattle. He graduated from the University of Missouri with B.S. degrees in both agricultural economics and animal science. Adding to these experiences, he participated in the Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow (A LOT) program and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce Leadership program.

Ludwig’s first post-graduate employment was in marketing and business management with Monsanto and Cargill. His career then turned to the soybean industry. He became executive director of the Missouri Soybean Association (MSA), the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSM), and the Mid-America Research and Development Foundation (MARDF). He oversaw promotion and research activities supported by the Soybean Checkoff and directed dues-funded membership activities for Missouri soybean farmers.

Currently, Ludwig serves as vice president of the University of Missouri Ag Foundation and treasurer of Missouri Farmers Care. He has served as president of the MU Ag Alumni Association, the MU Alumni Association and the Missouri Ag Research Council. He is past-president of the Missouri 4-H Foundation and is chair emeritus of the Missouri Biotechnology Association.

In 1996, Ludwig received the first MU Tiger Pride Award, was named Alumnus of the Year by MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and was recognized as Ag Leader of the Year by the St. Louis Agri-Business Club. He was touted 2007 Agribusiness Leader of the Year by the National Agri Marketing Association (NAMA).

Throughout his career, Ludwig has invested in dairy operations, including heifer replacements, and show cows. These experiences have undoubtedly contributed to his interest and involvement in service to the Missouri dairy industry.

A major contribution to the Missouri dairy industry came through Ludwig’s role as chair of the Missouri Dairy Growth Council, 2008-2012. He provided crucial leadership supporting business planning grants through the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority. His leadership provided Missouri dairy farmers access to excellent financial analyses and planning in their expansion efforts, many of which resulted in highly successful dairies.

Dale, and his wife Rhonda, own and operate farms in southeast and central Missouri on which they grow soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef cattle. They live near Linn, Missouri with three children, Trent, Claire and Troy.

Dale Ludwig’s nomination was proposed and supported by personnel of MFA, Inc., the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Authority, F & H Food Equipment Company, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and the Missouri Dairy Association.