Emmett Wilson Barker, Jr.
JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) - Emmett Wilson Barker, Jr., age 89 of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 10, 2026. He was a distinguished leader in the agricultural and equipment manufacturing industries whose career was marked by decades of service, innovation, and dedication to American agriculture. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership and accomplishment.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Agriculture, Emmett began his professional career as Public Relations Director for Security Mills in Knoxville, Tennessee. He later became Public Relations Director for the Feed Manufacturers Association, where he served as Chairman of the National Farm City Committee and President of the Agricultural Relations Council. He was also actively involved in the Agriculture Editors Association.
In 1967, Emmett served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Services Association, a vegetable-growing cooperative overseeing approximately 10,000 acres of contract production and representing some 500 low-income farming families. This cooperative was a part of Pictsweet. In recognition of his contributions to agriculture, he was named Man of the Year by the Memphis Agricultural Club.
In 1972, Emmett was approached by the Nixon Committee to Reelect the President and spent six months in Washington, D.C., overseeing fundraising efforts for agribusiness.
He subsequently became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Equipment Manufacturing Institute, now known as the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, an organization representing agricultural, industrial, and construction equipment manufacturers worldwide. Under his leadership, the association underwent significant reorganization and expansion to meet the changing needs of the equipment manufacturing industry. New divisions and product groups were established, and technical and statistical programs were strengthened to support an increasingly global industry.
Throughout his tenure, Emmett represented American agriculture and manufacturing on both national and international stages. Following the end of the Cold War, one of his early assignments was an appointment to a committee accompanying U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz to meet with his counterparts in Russia.
Emmett’s commitment to agriculture extended far beyond his executive responsibilities. He served as Chairman of:
- The Farm Foundation
- Agricultural Electronics Association (founding)
- National Marketing Association
He was the first Chairman of The Good Earth Council, where he organized the first White House recognition honoring farm families for outstanding soil and water conservation practices.
An early volunteer leader of the Food, Land and People Project, Emmett was also the first Chairman of Fundraising for the Ag Day Foundation. His service included:
- Membership on the FFA Foundation Board
- USDA Air Quality Force
- North American-European Committee on Agriculture
He was an early participant in the TransAtlantic Business Dialog and helped organize and advise the Japanese Construction Equipment Association.
His expertise and leadership were further recognized through service as Chairman of:
- Agricultural Committee of the United States Chamber of Commerce
- United Nations standards committee involving equipment
- University of Tennessee Agricultural Development Board
In 2001, Emmett was honored as Agribusiness Leader of the Year by the National Agricultural Marketing Association, a fitting recognition of his lifelong contributions to the industry.
Among his many distinctions, Emmett was named one of the "Hundred Faces of Chicago", with his portrait displayed in the lobby of the Sears Tower, honoring his influence and contributions to the business community.
Emmett’s professional life was characterized by a steadfast commitment to his industry and community.