USGC Recognizes Grower Leaders Mickey Peterson And Hayden Eicher For Five Years Of Service

From the fields of western Minnesota to those just a couple of counties outside of Washington, D.C., Myron (Mickey) Peterson and Hayden Eicher grow corn in very different parts of the country, yet share the common view that their involvement with the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has shown them how important market development is to the continued success of their family operations.

“We must not only be able to produce a product, but also we need to find a home for our products,” Peterson said. “We are the most efficient producers in the world providing the highest quality product – and the world needs to know our story.”

Peterson grows corn and soybeans in Minnesota as part of a partnership formed between five brothers. He has served on the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council for nearly 17 years, after serving eight and a half years on the board of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

While also serving as a founding member and member of the board of directors for Granite Falls Energy, a 65-million-gallon ethanol plant, Peterson became interested in the Council’s work, particularly in promoting distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS). He said his participation in the Council, particularly with the Value-Added Advisory Team, has given him better insight into the export side of farming, including an awareness of both opportunities and challenges.

“When I became a part of the Council, ethanol and DDGS were somewhat new to the Council’s programming,” Peterson said. “Now these products are being exported worldwide, increasing the value of the corn we produce and giving importing countries more choices.”

Eicher runs what started as a two-dairy farm in northern Virginia where he was born and raised. Staying involved in the farm as he came of age, he worked as a field salesman for a local farmers cooperative, then as a manager for a large agricultural company before retiring in 2019 and starting his own consulting company.

He also came to the Council through his participation in his state corn organization. Eicher first learned about the Council when serving as the president of the Virginia Grain Producers Association. After transitioning to the Virginia Corn Board, he became an official delegate to the Council and eventually joined the Middle East, Africa and South Asia Advisory Team.

“I like doing my homework and I have learned the Council has a great reputation,” Eicher said. “When we meet people in other countries, it is for a purpose. We help improve lives through education and the establishment of long-term relationships. To this day, I am so proud to say I am a part of the Council.”

Both Eicher and Peterson have seen those relationships develop firsthand. Eicher has represented U.S. corn farmers in five different countries. On each mission, he saw the value of making the connection between producers, USGC staff and customers. Peterson echoed how his work with the Council has given him better insights into how USGC staff around the world work to promote U.S. coarse grains, co-products and ethanol.

“It is almost unbelievable that there are so many talented people working in all parts of the world for the Council, who are basically working for the U.S. farmer,” Peterson said. “I continue to stress the importance of the Council everywhere that I have an opportunity.”

The Council recognized both grower leaders for five years of service during the organization’s 17th International Marketing Conference and 60th Annual Membership Meeting in Tampa, Florida. Please join us in thanking them for their work on behalf of U.S. corn farmers and agribusinesses.