BAKER, Raymond

BAKER

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/8/2015 at 00:43:52

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, December 25, 2014, Page 1 & 2

2015 MACS Hall-of-Fame class announced

The Mount Ayr Community Schools Hall of Fame was established to create a lasting tribute to groups and individuals who have brought honor to themselves, their schools and their communities. The Hall seeks to recognize those who have accomplished extraordinary feats in extra-curricular activities, those who have made significant contributions to the school and graduates who have distinguished themselves in life after high school. Listed are newest inductees of the Mount Ayr Community School's Hall of Fame of 2015, Raymond Baker, Larry Giles, Mark Larsen and Chet Roed.

Raymond Baker
(Director of Research and Corn Breeding, Pioneer Hybrid)
Raymond Baker was a 1924 graduate of Beaconsfield High School. He attended Iowa State University where he won the 1928 Banner Trophy for highest yielding corn in the state. Raymond became a tenant farmer for Henry A. Wallace, and was also the second employee of Pioneer Hybrid. When Wallace became Secretary of Agriculture in 1933, Baker became solely responsible for the seed corn program. He was the director of research & corn breeding at Pioneer Seeds from 1928-71, and later served on their board. Under his direction, the annual research budget grew from $2,000 in 1932 to $53,484,000 by 1988.

Mr. Baker was personally responsible for average yield increases from 30 bushels per acre to 140 bushels per acre by the time he retired. He and Henry A. Wallace are considered the most influential men in the development of hybrid seed corn.

Raymond was given 10 shares of Pioneer stock in lieu of salary. He purchased additional stock over the years, and upon his death in 1999 gave Iowa State University a stock gift worth $80-90 million, the largest individual gift ever given to ISU.

Individuals and groups from any school which is now part of the Mount Ayr Community School district are eligible for selection to the Hall of Fame.

The committee relies on nominations submitted by the public. For information submitting nominations, please refer to the school website or contact the Mount Ayr Record-News.

The formal induction will take place next fall as part of the homecoming week festivities. The Hall of Fame banquet and induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 26.

Photograph courtesy of Mount Ayr Record-News

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2015

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