Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council unveils strategic plan to propel industry growth

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council unveiled Dec. 9 its new strategic plan for fiscal years 2025–’28, a forward-thinking blueprint designed to advance the soybean industry.

Outlined in the plan is a clear roadmap of objectives and tactics to achieve a newly revised mission statement for the next three years:

“We are committed to serving the Missouri soybean farmer through demand growth, innovative research and proactive education.”

“MSMC has a generational legacy of forward-thinking investments that deliver value back to farmers,” said Mark Lehenbauer, MSMC chairman.

“Our new strategic plan builds on this foundation, representing the next step in our commitment to high-impact initiatives that drive meaningful results for Missouri soybean farmers and the broader agricultural industry,” he said.

As agriculture faces increasingly complex challenges influenced by global markets, MSMC’s strategy emphasizes collaboration among farmers, researchers and public-private partners.

It prioritizes investments that address pressing industry needs and position the soybean checkoff for sustained growth.

The strategic plan’s focus includes:

• Enhancing the competitiveness of Missouri soybeans in domestic and global markets.

• Advancing research to improve soybean quality and performance.

• Strengthening outreach to connect with and support farmers.

“This strategic plan reflects the passion and commitment of Missouri’s soybean farmers to lead the industry with innovation and purpose,” said Gary Wheeler, CEO and executive director of MSMC.

“It’s a testament to the vision of our farmer board, ensuring that every checkoff dollar invested drives impactful outcomes—from cutting-edge research and education to expanding markets and improving sustainability,” Wheeler added. “Together, we’re charting a course for long-term success for our farmers and the agricultural community.”