Iowa native makes TIME 100 most influential people list
Her first job was detasseling corn, now she's CEO of Land O'Lakes. Iowa native Beth Ford made the Time 100 Most Influential People list for 2024.
Who is Beth Ford?
Ford, 60, is a Sioux City native and Iowa State graduate.
She became CEO of Land O'Lakes, an agribusiness cooperative of thousands of farmers, in 2018. Her appointment made her the first openly gay woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, according to Time.
What makes Beth Ford influential?
Ford has been a vocal advocate for farmers during her tenure at Land O'Lakes. The citation in Time, written by BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, said Ford has been, "at the forefront of a national effort to invest in America’s rural communities." He cited work from expanding broadband coverage to helping farmers adapt to the changing climate, strengthening trade efforts and building agricultural funding.
This isn't Ford's first time on a Time 100 list. She made the Time 100 climate leaders list in 2023 for her work increase sustainable practices in agriculture and rural America.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Land O'Lakes CEO Beth Ford makes TIME 100 most influential people list
