30-Plus Years of Fighting for Corn Farmers

There’s no mistaking the impact Mark Lambert has had on the agriculture and corn industry. He’s worked tirelessly for America’s corn farmers for more than 30 years, helping tell the story of production, sustainability, ethanol and more. Mark’s contributions to the industry won’t be forgotten after he retires on January 15, 2021.

“It has been a pleasure working with Mark for so long. We are going to miss his knowledge, his passion for our industry, his relationships with the media and his infectious laugh,” said NCGA CEO Jon Doggett. “Mark is never afraid to share his opinion and truly has been a fighting force when it comes to standing up for and fighting for our members.”

The brains behind one of the most recognizable DC ag-consumer campaigns, Mark’s work on the Corn Farmers Coalition helped bring the farmer's voice to the forefront to educate policymakers in Washington about how innovative corn farmers are. The campaign reached millions of people every year and won multiple National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) awards.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mark my entire career,” said Rodney Weinzierl, Executive Director of Illinois Corn. “In that time, Mark remained fiercely loyal to corn farmers in Illinois and across our nation, constantly pursuing opportunities to improve the lives and livelihoods of corn farmers and their families. Best of all, Mark had a great time while doing it and brought us along for the fun. Congratulations to Mark on his exemplary career!”

While at NCGA, Mark has built strong relationships with farm broadcasters and non-trade reporters, growing our reach year-over-year. He was instrumental in coordinating the American Ethanol NASCAR campaign NCGA was involved in and helped shape the way we communicate and promote sustainability.

Mark started his career as a reporter for Illinois AgriNews and a business reporter for the Peoria Journal Star. From there, Mark went to the Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Corn Marketing Board as the Communications Director for 21 years, before coming to NCGA, where he was a Senior Communications Manager and most recently Communications Director.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Nancy, son Drew, daughter Kenzie, son-in-law Jake and granddaughter Rylan. Mark loves his blues music, and you can often find him in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, supporting his son-in-law’s band. He also loves photography and painting.