The Missouri Soybean Association selected Shelby County farmer Matt Wright as its new president.

Wright is a soybean grower from Emden and represents District 3 on the board. He has been a board member for more than 10 years, serving in various other leadership roles, including vice president. This is his first term serving as the president.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the new president for the Missouri Soybean Association,” Wright said in a news release. “As the advocacy arm of Missouri soybeans, I am proud of the strong grassroots support we have developed and continue to grow each year. Our impact, as we work together as farmers and agricultural advocates, will create a strong future for soy in our state.”

Other soybean growers elected for the top positions include Renee Fordyce, a farmer and rural health professional from Bethany. She was elected vice president and represents District 1. Fordyce previously served as the association’s secretary.

Peter Rost Jr. from District 7, a farmer from New Madrid, is the association’s new secretary. Also joining the executive committee as treasurer is Cody Brock, representing District 2 from Norborne.

Mershon leads state cattlemen’s group

The Missouri Cattlemen's Association elected Bruce Mershon of Jackson County as its president during the organization’s annual meeting.

"I'm incredibly grateful to the members for the opportunity to help lead MCA in 2022,” Mershon said in a news release. "Working together, we can meet the challenges facing our industry and improve the livelihood of Missouri cattle producers."

Serving with Mershon are David Dick, Pettis County, as president-elect; Chuck Miller, Miller County, as vice president; Marvin Dieckman, Benton County, as treasurer; and Charlie Besher, Bollinger County as secretary.

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association also elected regional vice presidents, including:

Region 1. Joseph Lolli, Macon County

Region 3. Jeff Reed, Wayne County

Region 4. Deb Thummel, Worth County

Region 5. Alex Haun, Johnson County

Region 6. Warren Love, St. Clair County

Region 7. Josh Worthington, Dade County

The Region 2 vice president position is vacant.

Ag literacy in classroom

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council gifted 900 "Pod to Plate'' books to all second grade classrooms in the Jefferson City School District in Jefferson City, Mo. These books will encourage agricultural education at the primary level, sharing the life cycle of soybean plant.

“Missouri Soybeans strongly supports youth in agriculture and agricultural education,” said Gary Wheeler, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “We are proud to put books in the hands of next-generation leaders and place STEM-related content into the classroom. At the Center for Soy Innovation, we encourage groups of all ages to visit us to learn more about soybean production and products. We hope to host these second graders at the center for a field trip soon and create a deeper connection to Missouri agriculture.”

The JC Schools Foundation works to secure funds to reach goals set by the school district. This gift will support literacy efforts across the district. The district literacy initiative helps with reading, leadership development and more.

“It is important for our community to see the support from organizations like Missouri Soybeans,” said Peyton Orban, development manager of the JC Schools Foundation. “This fundamental gift will enhance the foundation of success for our students.”