Meagan Kaiser to Lead USB

Missouri farmer Meagan Kaiser was recently elected Chair of the United Soybean Board by farmer-leaders representing soybean farmers across the country. With this vote, Kaiser will lead the work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments.

Kaiser is in her seventh year of serving the soy checkoff, where she has served in several leadership roles, including Vice Chair and Treasurer. She also led the Strategic Plan Task Force — the group of farmer-leaders charged with framing and defining the checkoff’s priorities for the future.

Kaiser recognizes the checkoff’s recent successes in expanding the use of soy and knows the organization must continue pushing forward to create value for U.S. soybean farmers. USB continues to invest in research, education and promotion to benefit soybean growers across the U.S. She believes some of the largest opportunities exist in infrastructure and waterway improvements to ensure reliable delivery of soybeans to market destinations. In the past year, USB invested in research and analysis to support several infrastructure projects, including the ongoing lower Mississippi River dredging project that started in 2020 and the renovation and improvement of river locks and dams, as well as aiding in the expansion of the Port of Grays Harbor in Washington.

“We’ve seen production and transportation challenges brought on by drought this past growing season. Farmers’ investments in the checkoff are more critical than ever in enhancing resilience on the farm, building preference for U.S. Soy and providing a reliable supply to our customers,” says Kaiser. “I’m impressed with the strategic direction of our board, and I look forward to working as a collaborative leader alongside our farmer-leaders who represent more than 30 states.”

In addition to her leadership on the checkoff, Kaiser is a soil scientist who is heavily involved in soil health and precision agriculture initiatives. She and her husband grow corn and soybeans on their Missouri farm.

“Meagan’s commitment to USB bodes well for what’s ahead under her leadership to make 2023 a memorable year for the checkoff,” says USB CEO Polly Ruhland. “This past year, growth in renewable diesel, investments in climate-smart agriculture, challenges across our infrastructure ecosystem and global conflicts tested the capability of U.S. agriculture. Our farmer-leaders are dedicated to moving strategically sound projects forward that generate a lasting ROI for our soybean growers.”