Clare Porter’s record was one of service to agriculture and the rural community. He was an agricultural extension agent, superintendent of agricultural experimental fields, and secretary of the Crop Improvement Association in Kansas and Nebraska. Additionally, he organized a progressive, farmer owned and operated seed production and merchandising organization. Porter promoted agriculture and productive public relations and helped establish the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Nebraska is a great agricultural state and growing greater every year. The objectives of the Nebraska Hall are: "To gather and compile the history of achievements in agriculture and the territory and State of Nebraska. To preserve and exhibit the records of these achievements and the portraits of the men and women who achieved them in a permanent hall."
Throughout the years this organization has honored those who have had the vision, the drive and the qualities of leadership that make Nebraska the great agricultural state it is today. Clare Porter richly deserves to join this group.
I'll start off by saying I've known Clare Porter since he came to Nebraska in 1947. I'm proud to be his friend and a co-worker in agriculture over many years. We've had some good discussions and arguments. Although we don't always agree, I respect his judgment, especially when he picked a Kansas Beauty Queen winner to be his bride. (Georgiana, you've done a wonderful job with him.)
Your program provides some information about Clare.
Clare graduated from Kansas State University. Before coming to Nebraska, he was a County Extension Agent in Kansas and Assistant Secretary of the Kansas Crop Improvement Association. He came here in 1947 as Secretary of the Nebraska Association and in 1958 became manager of NC+ -- a position he holds today.
The list of honors and recognitions is long – three honorary academic societies, Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta and Sigma Xi. He was a member of a National Livestock Judging team that were champions in Chicago.
He is a past president of the International Crop Improvement Association. He served as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. He and Georgiana are members of the St. Paul Methodist Church. He is also a church Elder.
Clare has been honored by the Nebraska Agri-business Club, Gamma Sigma Delta, AS SAR BEN and the Nebraska Crop Investment Association. There are many other honors and recognitions he has received. He is a member of Rotary Club, the YMCA and on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement.
Clare Porter's contributions to Agriculture have been many and effective. I will cite only two that in my mind represent the forward thinking and drive Clare has contributed to the betterment of Nebraska Agriculture.
During his tenure as Secretary of the Crop Improvement Association he was largely responsible for three developments.
1. The Drill box survey that put emphasis on seed quality to improve yields and market quality of our grain products. This resulted in more use of certified seed and increased income through recognition of the quality of Nebraska products.
2. There was a time when some seed trade representatives felt that the College of Agriculture should get out of the seed breeding program and the production of hybrid seed. Clare and Don Hanway fought this battle together and, with the backing of a group of outstanding members in the Crop Improvement Association, they won their cause and the Department of Agronomy continues to be a leader in plant breeding.
3. Together with Dr. F.D. Keim, Clare developed the foundation seed program in Nebraska that continues to be an important segment of the seed industry in the state.
Another example of Clare's vision and leadership is the formation of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources that reorganized the College of Agriculture within the University structure. Clare was chairman (also a prime mover in its establishment) of the Ag Builders Organization which provided the leadership that resulted in legislation creating the institute and a Vice Chancellor position to strengthen agriculture's place in the University. Eighteen different farm groups and organizations joined together on a common front to accomplish the change.
This joining of the farm organizations in a common cause and other related interests supporting the move resulted in placing agriculture in its leading position today. Clare Porter spearheaded this action and deserves much credit for its success.
One of his outstanding qualities is the ability to choose leaders in any job he accomplishes. He believes in strong leadership and the directors who work with him attest to this.
The organization he now heads is successful. Other have patterned after it.
Clare has been a great influence in Nebraska's growth.
Let's just sum it up by saying – "Clare Porter – you richly deserve to be an Honoree in the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement." Congratulations!!!
