(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – In efforts to develop Bay Farm Research Facility operations and grow relations with leading agricultural conservation organizations Missouri Soybeans has promoted Clayton Light to director of conservation agriculture and farm operations. Light previously served as the conservation programs manager.
“This new role is a vital step in assuring Missouri Soybeans is at the cutting edge of conservation and new technology in agriculture,” said Gary Wheeler, CEO and executive director. “Clayton will work to position the Bay Farm as a hub for innovative conservation practices and a site for new technology implementation.”
This position will create relationships between agricultural and conservation organizations to ensure the two are working together to achieve similar ecological and environmental goals, consistent with Light’s previous role. The goal is to focus on latest conservation practices to implement for the benefit of Missouri soybean farmers.
The director of conservation agriculture and farm operations will be responsible for managing everyday operations of Bay Farm Research Facility, host tours and field days at Bay Farm Research Facility, work to allocate acreage toward a variety of research projects and showcase new tools and equipment to farmers.
“I am excited to continue serving the farmers of Missouri through this position,” said Light. “The opportunity to experiment with the latest conservation practices and new technologies is something that I am excited to see benefit Missouri agriculture.”
Light earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University in wildlife conservation and management and worked as a wildlife biologist with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for 13 years before joining Missouri Soybeans in a partnership role with Missouri Corn, the Natural Resource Conservation Service and MDC as the conservation programs manager.
The Missouri Soybean Association is a statewide membership organization working to increase the profitability of Missouri soybean farmers through advocacy and education efforts across the state.
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.