Harold Wolle is a dedicated farmer from Madelia, Minnesota, who has not only cultivated crops but also serves as the president of the Corn Board of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). His story is one of passion for farming, conservation, and advocating for fellow corn farmers.
Wolle’s connection to farming runs deep, with his family tilling the land for 140 years on the very farms they work today. He recently transitioned his farming operation to his son, Matt, who now rents the tillable ground of their 1,800 acres. So, Wolle has witnessed the results of hard work firsthand. He values the tangible outcomes of farming and the connection to the land that it provides.
Wolle’s commitment to conservation is evident on his farm, where he has implemented various practices to protect the environment. This includes maintaining tree rows and dedicating 200 acres of land to native grasses and wildflowers through the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). For Wolle, it is essential to balance productivity with responsible land stewardship.
Beyond farming, Wolle has dedicated a significant portion of his life to advocating for farmers. He currently serves as NCGA president as well as the president of the NCGA Foundation. Not to mention, he is also an executive committee member of NCGA’s Allied Industry Council and the association’s delegate to the U.S. Grains Council. Wolle’s advocacy efforts extend further as he serves on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Ag Advisory Committee, acting as the liaison to the Agriculture Markets Advisory Council and the Renewable Fuels Association. His involvement in these roles underscores his commitment to supporting corn farmers both locally and nationally.
Another critical aspect of Wolle’s work is securing export markets for American corn. He emphasizes the importance of a rules-based trade system and the need to maintain robust international demand for U.S. corn. With an eye on global markets, Harold aims to ensure American corn continues to find its place in the world.
Throughout his journey, Harold Wolle has witnessed substantial changes in agriculture. As he looks to the future, he acknowledges that change is constant. However, with organizations like NCGA and dedicated individuals like himself, he believes that farmers can shape a sustainable and prosperous future for American agriculture.
