John Linder

John Linder has demonstrated servant leadership in agriculture from Morrow County to the global stage. A fifth-generation grain farmer, he works alongside his family raising corn, soybeans, seed soybeans, and wheat—balancing land stewardship with decades of industry leadership.

He served as chair of Ohio’s Corn Checkoff and held numerous roles with the National Corn Growers Association, eventually becoming President. In that role, he defended U.S. market access, challenged trade restrictions on biotech, and built global alliances through MAIZALL, working especially with leaders in Brazil and Argentina.

Linder also served two terms on the AgCredit board and remains active on the Morrow County FSA committee, advocating for practical farm program implementation. A devoted church member, he led youth-focused service projects and supported Ohio’s first state-approved parochial ag program. Known for his steady leadership, humility, and results-driven mindset, Linder is both a champion tractor puller and a champion for Ohio agriculture.