Richard “Dick” Trainor McGuire, a distinguished leader and lifelong advocate for agriculture, passed away on Jan. 2, 2025, at the age of 102. Born on Nov. 3, 1922, Dick grew up on his family farm in Cambridge, New York, known as Penope Farms, where his passion for agriculture developed. A 1942 graduate from what was then known as Morrisville Ag & Tech, Dick earned a degree in dairy science & rural engineering. He returned to Penope Farms and continued to contribute to the agriculture industry and community throughout his life.
Over time, Dick’s leadership extended beyond his own farm and touched many individuals in the agriculture industry nationwide. He served as president of the New York State Farm Bureau for 14 years, then served on the Board of Directors for 12 years. He represented the American Farm Bureau and the United States Department of Agriculture in several international affairs, such as the official U.S. delegation to the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) negotiations in 1978 and a strategic goodwill mission to Russia in 1979 to explore and discuss the best agricultural practices with the Soviet Union.
In 1980, Dick became president of the Farm Family Insurance Companies, which operated across 10 states. He later represented the American Farm Bureau and New York State on a trade mission to Japan in 1982. Dick continued his involvement in government affairs in 1984 when he was also appointed to the United States delegation by President Ronald Reagan for a European trade mission.
In 1989, Dick took on the culminating role of his career when he was named Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets for New York State under Governor Mario Cuomo. He served in this role from 1989 to 1995. His widespread accomplishments and advocacy earned him great respect and recognition from many.
During and after his extensive career, Dick served as the curator of “The Museums at Penope Farms,” which showcases farm life and agricultural history. SUNY Morrisville President David Rogers visited the museums a few years ago and described the experience as “a deeply moving and tactile tribute to life on the farm and family life in the 19th and 20th centuries.”
Dick’s lifelong commitment to agricultural advocacy, passion, leadership and community stands as a true testament to who he was. Many in the agricultural community will attest that he was considered one of the most influential people in New York agriculture during his time. In honor of his great service and leadership, SUNY Morrisville will be inducting him as the first-ever member of the Alumni Hall of Fame during Mustang Weekend, held Sept. 12-13, 2025.
