Then and Now: 120 Bioeconomy Pioneers look at yesterday, today, inspirations and challenges

Gary Weihs

Then: I was running Weihs Enterprises and building a 6,000 cow dairy in Iowa. At the time we also had 65,000 sows of pork production producing 25,000 baby pigs per week. Corn prices rose and I exited the livestock business altogether, eventually joining ConAgra Foods.

Now: I’m a Partner at Kincannon & Reed. We are the largest Executive Recruiting firm in the world focused on Ag, Food and Bioscience. I lead the Renewables sector. Our firm has recruited many leaders for organizations like Green Plains, Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, Cool Planet, and the National Biodiesel Board, etc.

Inspirations: We enjoy finding leaders who make a real difference for the clients in this sector.

Challenges: Oil prices combined with uncertain public policy are  giant challenges for the entire industry and cellulosic ethanol has been slow to progress.