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Former Illinois Ag Director Larry Werries dies
Former Illinois Director of Agriculture Larry Werries has died. Werries was appointed by Governor James Thompson in 1981 and served as director for 9-years, a state record.
He farmed with his family in Chapin and Concord for nearly 20 years prior to his appointment. During his tenure at the Illinois Department of Agriculture, he served as chairman of the Midwest Directors followed by two terms as President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). He led several trade promotion exchanges to China, Europe, Canada and Mexico and hosted President Ronald Reagan on his farm in 1982 where the IDOA was awarded the Presidential “E” Award for Excellence in Promoting Exports.
Werries also served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the USDA before moving to Chicago where he was a member of Chicago Farmers and served on an advisory committee for the Chicago School of Ag Sciences. He eventually returned to the Jacksonville area as a realtor and upon retirement there served as a consultant to the American Farmland Trust.
Werries grew up as an active member in 4-H and FFA before earning a degree in Agriculture Business from the University of Illinois. He was very active in his community having also served as President of the Morgan County Pork Producers, a member of the Morgan County Farm Bureau and recipient of multiple U of I Alumni Awards, to name a few.
*Photo provided by Airsman-Hires Funeral Homes.
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