Earl Butz

Date of Birth: July 3, 1909

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 2, 2008

Biography

Earl Lauer Butz was an influential figure in American agriculture, best known for his tenure as the United States Secretary of Agriculture under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Born in Albion, Indiana, Butz grew up on a family farm, which sparked his lifelong interest in agriculture. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in agriculture and later earned a Ph.D. in agricultural economics. Butz’s career in public service began with his work at the Department of Agriculture, where he quickly ascended the ranks due to his expertise and commitment to agricultural development. As Secretary of Agriculture, Butz played a pivotal role in transforming American farming practices. He was a proponent of industrial-scale agriculture and famously encouraged farmers to “plant fencerow to fencerow.” His policies aimed to increase production and efficiency, leading to significant changes in the U.S. agricultural landscape. However, his career was not without controversy. Butz resigned in 1976 after making a racially insensitive remark that was widely publicized. Despite this, his impact on American agriculture remains significant.

5 Interesting Facts about Earl Butz

1. Earl Butz was the first Republican Secretary of Agriculture since the Hoover administration.

2. He played a crucial role in the expansion of U.S. farm exports during the 1970s.

3. Butz was a strong advocate for the use of hybrid seeds and chemical fertilizers.

4. He served as dean of agriculture at Purdue University before his appointment as Secretary of Agriculture.

5. Earl Butz’s tenure saw the introduction of policies that significantly increased the scale and mechanization of farming.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Earl Butz

1. “Get big or get out.”

2. “Plant fencerow to fencerow.”

3. “Feed grain is what drives the American agricultural engine.”

4. “Too many farmers are trying to farm too much land with too little capital and too little equipment.”

5. “We must adapt our agricultural practices to the realities of the modern world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Earl Butz’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from his investments and consulting work after his public service.