Obituary: Bruce Scherr

Bruce Scherr, former president and CEO of Informa Economics, died April 5 in Florida.

Scherr joined what was then Sparks Companies in 1987, eventually reaching the post of president and CEO. During his time at Informa Economics, he led the business to expand its analysis research base beyond its core grain and livestock production focus to include global consulting, ag policy analysis and farmer marketing along with education and training programs. He also developed the company’s macroeconomic forecasts that cover the U.S. and world economic situation. Scherr also served on the boards of directors of many energy-related firms after having served on the North American Electric Corporation from 2002 to 2015. Prior to joining Sparks, he was president of Sparks, Jacobs, Scherr Inc. (SJS), a sister company to Sparks, and president of AgriCommodities Inc., an agriculture consulting firm based in Andover, Mass., which was acquired by SJS. He had also been honored by Purdue University, where he received his master’s degree and Ph.D. in agricultural economics.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, Bruce’s wife Susie requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a favorite charity of theirs since their years in Memphis.