Mr Leonard has, since 1984, owned and operated Leo-Land, a private cattle enterprise based in Holstein, Iowa. Since June 2004, Mr Leonard has also owned and operated Ag-Com Financial, a commercial lending company also based in Holstein.

He has also served as a director of the National Association of Rural Rehabilitation Corporations, serving as liaison between the US Department of Agriculture and the Rural Economic Development groups of each state.

With over 20 years of active political involvement and work on issues affecting economic development, Mr Leonard continues to work closely with policy makers at the state and national levels, All Fuels & Energy said.

Dean Sukowatey, president of the All Fuels & Energy Company, said: Mark has been a great asset for our company since the beginning. He brings extensive agri-business experience and remarkable insight to our company. Mark’s participation will serve our shareholders well. Our entire board is pleased to welcome him.