JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri soybean farmers have selected a new leadership team for the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council following the organization’s annual summer board meeting.
Kevin Mainord of East Prairie was elected chair of the farmer led council. Joining him on the executive team are Justin Rone of Portageville as vice chair and Nathan White of Norborne as secretary treasurer.
The three officers will help lead the council as it oversees investments of soybean checkoff dollars into research, market development, education and commercialization efforts aimed at improving returns for Missouri soybean producers.
Mainord said he is honored to serve as chair and emphasized the importance of making strategic investments that strengthen the soybean industry, expand market opportunities and deliver long term value for farmers across the state.
He succeeds Mark Lehenbauer of Palmyra, who completed his term as chair after helping guide checkoff investments in research, conservation, market development and educational programs designed to benefit Missouri soybean growers.
Rone moves into the vice chair position after previously serving as secretary treasurer, while White joins the executive committee in the secretary treasurer role. Together, they will work with the council’s 13 member board to direct the use of Missouri soybean checkoff funds.
Missouri Soybeans CEO and Executive Director Casey Wasser said the new officers bring strong leadership experience and a commitment to serving the state’s soybean farmers. He said the farmer directed checkoff program continues to support research, create new demand for soybeans and identify opportunities that strengthen the industry’s future.
The newly elected officers begin their terms with a continued focus on ensuring every soybean checkoff dollar is invested in programs that improve profitability and keep Missouri soybean producers competitive in the years ahead.
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