Ford B. West, a leader in the agricultural industry, died on Feb. 14, 2021 at the age of 73.
From his obituary: In 1979, he joined The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) where he was named President in 2005. He was passionate about the industry and his legacy of 34 years with TFI lives on through the Ford B. West Center for Responsible Agriculture, a training center in Owensboro, Kentucky named in recognition of his efforts with ResponsibleAg. In 2013, he was recognized by the Agricultural Retailers Association with the Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2018 Ford was inducted into the Fertilizer Hall of Fame.
The Fertilizer Institute published this statement: “For more than thirty years, Ford West was the face of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). His tireless advocacy for TFI, its members and the Nutrients For Life Foundation (NFLF) was unmatched, and serves as an inspiration today to all who served with him.”
West served on the Asmark Institute board of directors from 2005 to 2013, and Asmark cites his contributions as establishing the vision for the organization.
“Ford was a mentor to me and so many others who were coming into leadership roles in our industry. He helped shape my career with his guidance, which was pure gold,” said Amber Duke, Asmark Institute president and CEO.
Asmark shared a statement upon his passing saying the organization greatly benefited from West’s “positive attitude, affable demeanor and sincere commitment to forging relationships that brought about positive change in the best interests of agriculture – farmers, retailers and manufacturers alike.”
“His leadership inspired leadership,” said Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association as she reflected on working with Ford West on the Asmark board.
The ARA also shared a statement, which included: “Always a professional, Ford held himself and those around him to high standards. He left a lasting impression on the fertilizer and ag retail industry and his legacy will continue to live on through the Ford B. West Center for Responsible Agriculture, a training center in Owensboro, Kentucky, named in recognition of his leading role in the formation of ResponsibleAg”
