Horsager, former chairman of the board and director of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange and president of Horsager Trading Company, takes over as president and chief executive officer after the May 31 retirement of James H. Lindau. Lindau served the exchange for 12 years.
Horsager brings more than 15 years experience in the grain industry to the head post at the MGE. John C. Miller, MGE chairman of the board and president of Miller Milling, said, "We were fortunate to attract Kent to this position. Though the field of candidates was strong, he was an obvious choice due to his experience and track record with the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. We're confident in Kent's ability to lead the MGE into the 21st century."
Horsager was elected to the MGE board of directors in 1991 and served as chairman from 1996-1999. During his tenure, the Exchange experienced a dramatic trading volume increase and launched several new contracts-black tiger and white shrimp, durum wheat and Twin Cities electricity. Horsager also encouraged the exploration of Internet and online trading technologies. As president of Horsager Trading Company from 1987-2000, he managed the commercial brokerage firm and focused on trading futures, options and spreads.
In addition to his extensive involvement with the MGE, Horsager's dedication to the industry is evident in his membership in several industry organizations. These include the National Futures Association, National Introducing Brokers Association, National/Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Minneapolis Grain Shippers and Farm Bureau. He is also a past member of the Chicago Board of Trade.
Horsager said, "I am excited about this opportunity to work with the quality staff, board and membership at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. The Exchange has a rich history of providing price discovery and risk transfer services and I look forward to working together to expand our offerings and add value for our members and market users."
Prior to owning Horsager Trading Company, Horsager served as an economics lecturer at the University of Mainz in Germersheim, Germany, a marketing consultant for the Superior Farming Company in Germersheim, Germany, and a merchant for the International Oilseed Processing Group of Cargill, Inc.
Horsager is a Minnesota native. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Minnesota in 1984 and a Masters of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of California, Davis, in 1986.
The Minneapolis Grain Exchange, established in 1881, is the only market for futures and options on hard red spring wheat, white wheat, durum wheat, black tiger shrimp, white shrimp, on- and off-peak Twin Cities electricity and cottonseed. For more information about the MGE, visit www.mgex.com.
