John W. Lincoln '60, is president of the New York Farm Bureau, Inc., and New York Farm Bureau Member Services, Inc. He also is in a partnership at Linholm Dairy LLC, a registered Holstein dairy farm in Bloomfield, N.Y., with his wife, Anne, daughter, Julie, and son, Michael. In his role as president of the Farm Bureau, Lincoln leads the largest and most influential grassroots membership organization in New York State, with a statewide membership of more than 30,000 families. In this role, Lincoln has become a well-known and well-respected spokesperson for the agricultural industry. His views on issues are sought regularly by legislative leaders, agency personnel, and industry experts at both the state and national levels.

In a time when the agricultural industry is facing a great many challenges and looking to diversify, the New York Farm Viability Institute was formed to help ensure the future success of New York’s agricultural industry. Lincoln has been involved with this organization since its inception has been its chairman for the past three years. In this role, he has presented testimony to Congress, the state legislature, and regulatory agencies on many agricultural issues.

Serving as a member of the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Lincoln also plays an important role representing the agricultural industry on a national level on behalf of the organization’s 6 million member families.

As a member of the USDA Agriculture Trade Advisory Committee, Lincoln has participated in many fact-finding and trade negotiation trips abroad, sharing his expertise and broadening his involvement and influence to the international level. Lincoln has also served as a long-time member for the Farm Family Insurance Company Board of Directors. Farm Family Insurance is New York State’s largest agricultural insurance company.

Since his graduation, Lincoln has continued to serve the college and Cornell. For many years, he was a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council. He has also worked closely with Dean Susan Henry on retaining state funding for the college and its programs, and on resolving budget issues that could significantly impact its programs and research. CALS and the New York Farm Bureau, under Lincoln’s leadership as president, have developed a close working relationship that has enabled both organizations to form a united front to deal with issues of mutual concern. Lincoln has also participated in several Cornell-sponsored Lobby Days.

Lincoln has been a strong supporter of many CALS programs including, but not limited to, the Geneva Experiment Station, the Agriculture in the Classroom program, NY FarmNet, Pro-Dairy, and LEAD NY. The New York Farm Bureau, under Lincoln’s leadership as president, has developed a strong working relationship with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Once again, this has enabled both organizations to work together on issues of mutual interest, benefiting farmers served by this program across New York State. Lincoln has also served on the Board of Directors of LEAD New York for several years. He continues to participate in countless events and fundraisers to benefit CALS programs and to further the goals and objectives of the college.

Lincoln is a member of Ag-Fu, an honorary agricultural society, and Gamma Sigma Delta, the National Agricultural Honor Society. As a student, Lincoln was a member of National Honor Society, Ho-Nun-De-Kah Honor Society, and Alpha Gamma Rho, the national agricultural fraternity. In March 2005, Lincoln was honored as the recipient of the Rodney Lightfoote Agricultural Viability and Innovation Award for Ontario County. This award is presented annually by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, in collaboration with the Ontario County Farm Bureau, for outstanding leadership in championing ideas and efforts to enhance agriculture in Ontario County.

Lincoln is also active in his community. He currently serves as a member of the Ontario County Farmland Protection Board and has been active with the East Bloomfield town government. He has served in many capacities on the Ontario County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, is a member of the St. Bridget’s Church, and a Friend of East Bloomfield Public Library and East Bloomfield Historical Society. Lincoln is also a member of the New York State Agricultural Society, New York Holstein Association, and CALS Alumni Association. He also serves on both Senator Hillary Clinton’s and Congressman Randy Kuhl’s Ag Advisory Committees.

Lincoln lives in Bloomfield, N.Y., with his wife, Anne. They have four children (all of whom are CALS graduates): Julie Pellett ’92, Christie Lincoln ’94, David Lincoln ’96, and Michael Lincoln ’97.