‘Ethanol Answer Man’ Larry Johnson remembered
Former Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) President and ethanol pioneer Larry Johnson passed away over the weekend. In addition to his work as a director of MCGA and the National Corn Growers Association, Johnson is widely recognized as a pivotal figure in the rise of ethanol in Minnesota.
Following the 1980s farm crisis, ethanol represented an emerging market for corn farmers when it was desperately needed, but in its infancy, much was still unknown about the commodity. Johnson took it upon himself to address the many questions posed by each stakeholder, from farmers to auto repair shops to policymakers.
“As we got to discussing ethanol, we quickly learned we have a lot more questions than answers,” said former MCGA director Jerry Ploehn. “Larry decided it was time to dig into it and understand ethanol fully, from beginning to end. He was the man who decided to be the leader.”
Ploehn said Johnson’s decision to take the reins in the ethanol education effort was to the benefit of corn farmers and the future of the ethanol industry. In the leadership role, Johnson learned the ins and outs of ethanol and its potential, earning him the reputation as the “Ethanol Answer Man”—a distinction he never took lightly.
“From the time he took on this role to the time he retired, he was highly thought of not only with farmers and within the industry, but also with politicians and beyond,” Ploehn said.
In addition to understanding and communicating the benefits of ethanol, Johnson also had a unique ability to connect with both proponents and benefits of the homegrown fuel, according to Yvonne Simon, a former MCGA staff member and co-owner of Crystal Collection Reindeer farm.
Shortly after starting with MCGA, Simon was asked to join Johnson, who worked with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at the time, on a Minnesota tour to promote ethanol. She was instantly impressed with Johnson’s approach to discussing ethanol at a time when it was still met with skepticism.
“A large part of his effectiveness was that he was just a very likeable person,” Simon said. “He was warm, he listened to people, he didn’t act critical. He was just there to share his message.”
Former MCGA director Richard Peterson also remembers Johnson’s ability to connect with individuals of myriad backgrounds, which helped build support for ethanol at all levels.
“He was everywhere. He was at the gas stations speaking with mechanics, he was at the state legislature, he was at the State Fair,” Peterson said. “And when you ran into him, he always knew who you were.”
Johnson also met with his fellow farmers to promote not only the potential of ethanol, but also the importance of farmer ownership in its production. His message resonated with many, as the majority of ethanol plants were farmer-owned co-ops as the industry began to flourish.
Making the most of ethanol for farmers was at the heart of Johnson’s mission in promoting it, according to Ploehn.
“He had a connection with Minnesota’s corn growers, and when you are out there working for yourself, your friends and your neighbors, it helped him devote all the time he did to the whole picture of ethanol.”
You can read Johnson’s obituary here.
