Floyd Gaibler, the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) longtime director of trade policy and biotechnology, passed away January 21 following complications during surgery.
“Floyd was a good man who loved his work at USGC and in the agriculture community,” says USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “We are deeply saddened by his loss and grateful for the many contributions he made to our industry over a lifetime of work.”
In his role with USGC, Gaibler worked with government officials and the White House to address trade policy issues related to the export of U.S. feed grains and their co-products.
Gaibler’s service to the agricultural sector was long and devoted, spanning more than 30 years in both the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. federal government and numerous positions in the private sector.
He served as deputy undersecretary for farm and foreign agricultural services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In that capacity, he provided leadership and guidance to programs administered by the Farm Service Agency, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Risk Management Agency and major international and food trade issues affecting the Foreign Agricultural Service.
He also worked for House Committee of Agriculture, the Agriculture Retailers Association, the International Dairy Foods Association, the National Cheese Institute/American Butter Institute, and others.
Gaibler was a frequent contributor to Feed & Grain's Global Connection column, which highlights USGC's work around the world. He authored the latest column, Trade Agreement Partners Grab Lion's Share of U.S. GIAF Exports, in our January 2021 issue.
Gaibler was born and raised on the family farm in Farnam, NE, and held a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska.
He is survived by his wife and two children as well as relatives in Nebraska and many devoted friends and colleagues.
Arrangements are pending. Remembrances can be sent to [email protected] or the USGC offices in Washington, D.C., to be passed on to Floyd's family.