(Des Moines) Governor Kim Reynolds on Saturday released a statement on the death of longtime Iowa agriculture leader and Adams County farmer Ray Gaesser, who died Saturday following a farm accident.
Reynolds said Gaesser was a close friend to her and her husband, Kevin, and described him as someone who was like family to many Iowans.
In a statement, Reynolds said Gaesser would be remembered as a farmer, innovator and advocate who made significant contributions to biofuels and conservation.
Reynolds said she had the opportunity to work with Gaesser over the years and was proud to appoint him to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission. Gaesser completed his term as chair of the commission in July.
Gaesser’s family announced his death Saturday on his Facebook page, saying he had been injured in a farm accident that morning and had died.
Gaesser was a former president of the American Soybean Association and held leadership roles with several agricultural organizations, including Solutions from the Land and the North American Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance.
Reynolds offered her condolences to Gaesser’s wife, Elaine, and their family.
