Mr. Rust is a life long resident of Pope County, Minnesota.  After completing high school at Glenwood, he worked briefly in construction prior to military training in the Air National Guard.  In 1973 he accepted a position with Clyde Machines Inc. as production coordinator for technical assemblies, manufacturing commercial de-icing and ground support equipment for major airlines world-wide.  In 1981, Mr. Rust returned to his agricultural roots establishing a diversified grain and hog operation (Cedar Nook Farms).  Exiting the livestock enterprise in 1996 and full-time grain farming in 2004, he is presently semi-retired, while still helping a close friend on his farm.

Gerald has served on several local boards and councils and most recently was a founding member and director/governor (1993-2001) of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co. in Benson, MN.  In 1998, he was again involved as a founder of Diversified Energy Co. in Morris, MN serving as governor and Board Chairman from 1998-2005.  During his involvement with the ethanol industry he has been active in the Minnesota Coalition for Ethanol, Minnesota Corn Co-products Export Group, U.S. Grains Council, Minnesota Shippers Association, and currently chairs the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the Outreach Center at the University of MN, Morris Campus.  Gerald has been a steering member of Otter Tail Ag Enterprises LLC since February 2005 and was elected as an interim governor in August, 2005.

Gerald and wife, Diane, have two adult daughters and two grandchildren.  As avid motorcyclists they enjoy touring, travel of all types and time with family.