LANSING – The boards of directors for the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and the Michigan Corn Growers Association announced that Jim Zook has been named Executive Director for both organizations.

Zook, who brings more than 30 years of well-rounded experience to the position, assumes his duties June 25 at the Michigan Corn Office in Lansing.

Born and raised on his family?s farm in central Illinois, Zook has a long history and deep understanding of agriculture. He said that accepting the leadership post at Michigan Corn is a return to his roots.

?I have been involved in agriculture my entire life,? said Zook, who has a BS from Illinois State University. ?From sitting with my father behind the wheel of our tractor at age five, to facilitating the first ethanol plant in Michigan, ag has always been my passion.

?This position is an opportunity to use my years of service to the ag community and experience with the development of ethanol facilities in Michigan to provide a different perspective and help strengthen corn?s future statewide and nationally.?

After working in the farm supply business in Wisconsin, Zook moved to Michigan in 1999 to take a position as the Crops Agent for Michigan State University Extension.

Zook is no stranger to the Michigan corn industry.

?I?m one of the old-timers in the ethanol industry here, and I?m proud that I was actively involved in developing a business that has helped Michigan?s economy and added to our nation?s energy supply,? he said.

Zook helped facilitate discussions for Michigan corn processors that eventually led to the corn growers? ability to invest into the Caro facility. He then helped co-found and manage the ethanol facility in Woodbury, and also lent his expertise to other ethanol projects throughout the Midwest.

He hopes to bring that forward-thinking mentality to the Michigan Corn Office to help corn farmers.

?Working through MSU extension, and being involved with other ag research projects, I want to put technologies and projects in place that will help identify new and viable uses for corn and help expand opportunities for our corn farmers,? Zook said.

Jeff Sandborn, Michigan Corn Growers Association president, said the group?s new Executive Director will help shape and define Michigan?s corn industry for years to come.

?These are challenging times in the corn industry, and Jim will bring a unique perspective and wide-ranging experience and knowledge to our association to help address and overcome those challenges,? Sandborn said. ?There is a tremendous energy and excitement around the corn office as we look to the future. We are pleased that Jim is joining our team.?

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