Four farmers were recently elected to the Missouri Soybean Council board of directors, including new director Darrell Aldrich of Excelsior Springs. As directors, they’ll represent growers in their area in overseeing soybean checkoff investments in Missouri as part of the 13-member board.
Kyle Durham of Norborne, Tim Gottman of Monroe City and Kevin Mainord of East Prairie were elected to additional three-year terms on the board serving districts 2, 3 and 7, respectively. The new terms begin in July.
“The strength of the soybean checkoff has been and continues to be in farmer leaders elected by their peers to oversee MSMC’s mission,” said Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council chairman Kyle Durham of Norborne. “I look forward to working with my fellow farmers as we strive to empower Missouri soybean farmers through innovation.”
The board of directors’ election process is overseen by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, including accepting nominations and registering soybean farmers to vote, and managing the election itself. All three farmers were elected by acclimation.
Aldrich will fill the seat held by long-time leader Cecil DeMott of Rock Port. DeMott is retiring from the board of directors due to term limits after being first elected to the board in 2009.
Committee assignments for farmers newly elected and continuing their service to the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council will be determined during the summer board of directors meeting, currently being planned for July.
The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council is a statewide, farmer-led organization working to improve opportunities for Missouri soybean farmers though a combination of research, outreach, education and market development efforts supported by the soy checkoff. Learn more online by exploring mosoy.org.