(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Conservation professional, Brady Lichtenberg, to help lead farmer-focused land stewardship projects as Missouri Soybeans’ conservation programs manager.
In this role, Lichtenberg will work to increase grower and industry awareness about conservation-related issues and challenges and enhance participation in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Bill programs, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) projects, and other opportunities available for production agriculture.
“The conservation programs manager is a key position that focuses on new opportunities to promote and enhance conservation efforts in Missouri’s working agriculture lands,” said Clayton Light, Missouri Soybeans director of conservation agriculture and farm operations. “I’m excited to have Brady join our team because he brings years of experience working in conservation and will get the opportunity to demonstrate the latest practices that are available to farmers.”
Lichtenberg will also work to integrate the benefits of soil, water and wildlife conservation management practices into farmers’ agronomic and economic business plans and goals, as well as grow the impact and return on existing conservation research administered by Missouri Soybeans.
“Growing up in a small farming community, I have always had a passion for the outdoors and conservation,” said Lichtenberg. “I look forward to working with farmers and helping growers incorporate conservation practices into their operation.”
Lichtenberg is a graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in fisheries and wildlife sciences. Before working for Missouri Soybeans, Lichtenberg started his professional career with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Throughout his nearly 10 years of experience with MDC, he held several positions but spent most of his time as a wildlife biologist focusing on wetland habitat management. Lichtenberg also had working opportunities managing and restoring woodland, glade and grassland communities.
“Conservation management is an integral piece of the work we do at Missouri Soybeans,” said Gary Wheeler, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “With the help of Brady, we can implement and provide more conservation programs to our farmers across Missouri. Producers and consumers alike need to maximize their resources and strive to find new ways to be sustainable and continue to be stewards of the land. On behalf of our organization, Brady will work to learn about emerging opportunities and implement those practices on the farm.”
The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council is a statewide, farmer-led organization focused on improving opportunities for Missouri soybean farmers through a combination of research, outreach, education and market development efforts through the soybean checkoff. To learn more, explore mosoy.org.