Mainord elected chair of Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council

Mainord

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council announced July 27 that it has elected a new officer team to lead the organization for the coming year.

During the council’s annual summer board meeting, farmer-leaders elected Kevin Mainord of East Prairie as chair, Justin Rone of Portageville as vice chair and Nathan White of Norborne as secretary-treasurer.

The newly elected officers will help guide the farmer-led organization as it invests soybean checkoff dollars in research, market development, education and commercialization programs that improve the profitability of Missouri soybean farmers.

“I’m honored to serve as chair of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council,” Mainord said. “Missouri soybean farmers make a significant investment through the soybean checkoff, and I look forward to working alongside our board and staff to ensure every dollar is invested strategically to strengthen our industry, create new market opportunities and provide long-term value back to our farmers.”

Mainord succeeds Mark Lehenbauer of Palmyra, who completed his term as chair after providing strong leadership for the council.

During his tenure, the council expanded investments in soybean research, market development, conservation and educational initiatives while continuing to advance innovative projects that benefit Missouri soybean farmers.

Rone, who previously served as secretary-treasurer, was elected vice chair, while White joins the executive committee as secretary-treasurer.

Together, the three officers will work alongside the 13-member farmer-led board to oversee the investment of Missouri soybean checkoff funds.

“Kevin, Justin and Nathan each bring valuable leadership experience and a strong commitment to serving Missouri soybean farmers,” said Casey Wasser, CEO and executive director of Missouri Soybeans. “The soybean checkoff has a long history of delivering results through farmer-led investments, and I’m confident this officer team will continue building on that success by advancing research, creating demand and expanding opportunities for Missouri’s soybean industry.”

As the new officer team begins its term, MSMC said it remains focused on one goal: maximizing the value of every soybean checkoff dollar.

Under the leadership of Mainord, Rone and White, the council said it will build on its strong foundation, ensuring Missouri soybean farmers remain competitive, innovative and profitable for generations to come.