USGC Remembers Richard W. Krajeck

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) sadly shares the passing of Richard W. Krajeck, former USGC executive vice president.

“The Council family lost one of its giants with the passing of Richard Krajeck,” said Tom Sleight, retired USGC president and chief executive officer. “USGC as a whole is better for his massive contributions that course throughout the DNA of the organization.

“When I joined the Council, I knew much about agriculture but nothing about working for and managing an association. Richard taught me nexus between the two, and his lessons guided each and every day that I was president and CEO. We all learned much from Richard and we are grateful to him forever.”

Born and raised on a dairy farm near Madison, Wisconsin, Krajeck made his way to Washington, D.C., working for The Wilderness Society. In 1979, he joined the Council as the director of administration, later transitioning to the director of domestic operations. In this role, he was responsible for supporting the Council’s work in the areas of budget and finances, communications and public relations, administration, membership expansion as well as liaising with state producers groups and assisting with the program and implementation of the Council’s annual meetings.

In 1982, he assumed even more responsibilities as the executive director. In 1991, he transitioned to executive vice president. He led negotiations with the China Ministry of Commerce and Nanjing Feed Bureau to build the first joint China/U.S. agricultural pilot project, a premix feedmill. Among many other accomplishments, he also was the lead negotiator for a model farms project in Algeria, another groundbreaking project for agricultural cooperation in a tense part of the world.

Within the Council, he established a standard for quiet quality, working as a member-driven organization, meticulous attention to detail, complete transparency and modeling behavior – guiding principles that continue to define the organization today. Cary Sifferath, USGC senior director of global programs noted that while Krajeck ran a tight ship, he is also widely known for his friendly smile and laugh.

“Richard had a gregarious larger-than-life laugh; you could hear it all the way down the hallway. It always put a smile on your face,” echoed Tim Tierney, USGC director of strategic marketing/ethanol, North Asia, who recalled Krajeck making a point to compliment a presentation only a few months after Tierney started in a new role as the USGC director in Japan. “Richard’s genuine comments had a lasting impact and invigorated my passion for the Council’s mission and work in Japan.”

After 21 years working for the Council, Krajeck departed the organization in 2000.

“I have traveled a long way from the dairy farm in Wisconsin to being part of an international organization, traveling around the world and managing a staff of 100 worldwide,” Krajeck wrote as he left the Council. “My years at the Council have been a great adventure filled with great opportunities, great people, and mostly, great fun.”

The Council extends our sympathies to Krajeck’s family and friends.

“Upon sharing the news of Richard’s passing with former colleagues, condolences from around the globe have come in,” said Helen Elmore, USGC director of finance and administration. “He is remembered fondly by his colleagues as a mentor to many, a consummate professional to all, and a wonderful person.”

Read Krajeck’s obituary here.