John Block began life as a grain and hog farmer from west central Illinois, who became who served as a leader in the Illinois Farm Bureau, then became director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture under Governor Jim Thompson before being selected by Ronald Reagan to serve as his Secretary of Agriculture.
Interview Links
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Early life, Director of Ag for IL, US Sec. of Agriculture
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Secretary of Agriculture with Reagan Administration
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
Reflections on the state of agriculture in 2009
Transcript
Videos
Photos
Caption
Country School, undated, 12 kids, 8 grades, 1 teacher.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Unknown
Caption
John Block's graduation photo for West Point, Class of 1957.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1957
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Farm visit.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Illinois team to China, included Cong Ed Madigan (later Sec of Ag), Orville Bentley (later Asst. Sec Education USDA), Hans Beckerer (later CEO Deer
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Farm visit With President Reagan.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
[
Caption
In the cabinet room at the White House. "A Lighter Moment."
Where:
In Cabinet Room at the White House.
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
President Reagan signs the Farm Bill. From left to right in the rear are Senator Strom Thurmond (South Carolina), Congressman Ben Gilman (New York) and John Block.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1985
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Speaking in Indiana with Senator Dick Lugar.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
A little country music.
Where:
atrium of USDA
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Shaking hands with Governor Jim Thompson.
Where:
Illinois State Fair
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
My father and I reviewing farm strategy.
Where:
Unknown
When:
June 17, 1980
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Farm Secretary of Ag that advised on writing 1985 Farm Bill. Clifford Harden, Orville Freeman, John Block, Earl Butz, Bob Bergland.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1985
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Press conference after signing grain agreement with Russia.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
President Francois Mitterrand of France visits Block farm in Illinois.
Where:
Block's farm
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
On a farm with President Reagan.
Where:
Pana, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Having a lighter moment.
Where:
Cabinet Room at the White House
When:
May 18, 1984
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Ed Butz, Dick Lynz (Block's successor) and John Block.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Press conference announcing administration in Farm Program.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1985
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
My father and I.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
My son, Hans - in the office at the farm.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
My son, Hans, me and Gene Shores harvesting corn on our farm.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
I am inspecting a wheat field ready to harvest.
Where:
Unknown
When:
2004
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Checking the corn.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
My son and I.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Soybean harvest.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo