John R. Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John R. Block
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| 21st United States Secretary of Agriculture | |
| In office January 23, 1981 – February 14, 1986 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Robert Bergland |
| Succeeded by | Richard E. Lyng |
| Illinois Director of Agriculture | |
| In office February 3, 1977 – January 22, 1981 |
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| Governor | James R. Thompson |
| Preceded by | Pud Williams |
| Succeeded by | Larry Werries |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 15, 1935 Galesburg, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Susan Rathje "Sue" Block |
| Children | Hans Block Cynthia Block Christine Block |
| Alma mater | U.S. Military Academy |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Unit | 101st Airborne |
John Rusling Block, born on February 15, 1935, is a well-known American leader who served as the United States Secretary of Agriculture under President Ronald Reagan. After his time in government, he worked as a lobbyist, representing different groups.
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Early Life and Education
John Block was born in Galesburg, Illinois, on February 15, 1935. His family had German roots and lived in a rural area. When he was young, his home did not even have electricity.
He attended the West Point, a famous military school, and graduated in 1957. After West Point, he served in the 101st Airborne Division, a special unit of the United States Army. Later, he became very successful in the business of farming and food, known as agribusiness.
Public Service Career
John Block is a member of the Republican Party. His success in agriculture helped him become the Director of Agriculture for the state of Illinois. This important role then led to him being chosen as the United States Secretary of Agriculture for President Ronald Reagan's team.
Key Actions as Secretary of Agriculture
As Secretary, John Block was involved in creating the 1985 Farm Bill Act. This was a big law that helped guide farming and food policies in the United States.
During his time as Secretary, many farmers faced tough times. A federal court case, Coleman vs. Block, helped farmers get more information about ways to manage their farm debts. The court ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give farmers better notice about their options. This decision helped many farmers reorganize their debts. Later, a new law called the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 was passed, which made changes to help farmers even more.
Agriculture in the Classroom Program
In 1981, Secretary Block started an important program called "Agriculture in the Classroom." He invited leaders from farming and education to work together. Their goal was to teach people, especially students, about the importance of agriculture.
The program officially began on March 21, 1983, with a special "Declaration of Principle." This document explained the purpose of the program and was signed by all seven former Secretaries of Agriculture who were still living. Today, "Agriculture in the Classroom" programs exist in every U.S. state and many territories. Other countries, like Canada, have also started similar programs to teach about farming.
After Government Service
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After leaving his government role, John Block worked as an executive at John Deere, a company famous for making farm equipment. He also became the President of Food Distributors International. In 1992, he received the Horatio Alger Award, which honors people who have achieved success despite challenges.
He has also been active in global programs that help provide food around the world. In 2004, he joined the Board of Directors for "Digital Angel," an internet company. He has also served on the board of World Food Program USA, a group that supports the United Nations World Food Program in its efforts to end hunger worldwide.
John Block is also a Senior Policy Adviser at Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode Matz. This is a law and lobbying firm in Washington that helps groups who work with the USDA and other federal agencies. Since 2008, he has been on the Board of Directors for Aemetis, a company focused on renewable fuels.
Family Life
John Block married Suzanne Rathje, also known as "Sue" Block. They had three children: a son named Hans and two daughters named Cynthia and Christine. He was a very large farmer near Knoxville, Illinois, and his children went to public school there. He later had another daughter, Savannah, with his second wife. They live in Dunn Loring, Virginia.
