Monday, November 12, 2012 - Dr. J.B. Penn, Deere & Company

Prior to joining John Deere, Penn had served for more than five years as under secretary for farm and foreign agricultural services for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  He was actively involved in international affairs, including the trade negotiations and overseeing the operation of the farm programs, including risk management initiatives.

Before appointment to the USDA, Penn had an extensive career in the private sector.  He was senior vice president and manager of Sparks Companies, Inc.’s Washington office for more than a dozen years.  Prior to joining Sparks, he was president of Economic Perspectives, Inc.  Penn’s former government experience includes service as deputy administrator for economics of the USDA’s then Economics and Statistics Service and as senior staff economist for the President’s Council of Economic Advisers.

Penn holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Arkansas State University, a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Louisiana State University, and a doctorate in agricultural economics from Purdue University.  He is a member of several professional organizations, a recipient of the Order of Australia, and a fellow of the American Agricultural Economics Association. 

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality, built on a tradition of integrity.