The American Soybean Association Board of Directors elected its governing committee during the annual winter board meeting in St. Louis, and new board members immediately began their terms.

Davie Stephens of Clinton, Ky., will serve as 2019 ASA president. Stephens has been an ASA national director since 2012, serving as secretary and most recently vice president. He also represented his fellow state farmers on the Kentucky Soybean Association board from 2006-14, holding positions as treasurer, secretary, vice-president and president. Stephens farms more than 5,000 acres in Kentucky and Tennessee. In addition to soybeans, he grows corn and raises chickens.

Stephens replaces John Heisdorffer, Iowa, as president, and Heisdorffer moves to the role of ASA chairman. Former chairman Ron Moore, Ill., rotates off the nine-member governing committee.

“Davie will transition smoothly into this role, as he has been intrinsically involved in ASA’s heavy trade advocacy this past year, among other issues,” said Ryan Findlay, ASA CEO. “And for those leaders stepping down from the board or resuming other posts, we cannot thank them enough for all they have done during this past year. John Heisdorffer showed true leadership as our president, speaking on behalf of the nation’s soybean farmers in a time of increased media attention and anxiety. We know Davie will provide continuity in that remarkable level of dedication and service to the soy industry.”

The ASA board also elected Bill Gordon, Minn., to serve as vice president, a position that places him in line to serve as the association’s president in 2020. Gordon is a fourth-generation farmer who grows soybeans and corn across two-thousand acres, including 250 acres of buffer strips and wetlands. He is owner of Lindquist Tax and Accounting and owner/partner of CRG Management Company, a full-service business including farm analysis and planning.

In addition, the ASA board voted to elect Bret Davis, Ohio, as secretary and Brad Kremer, Wis., as treasurer; Kevin Scott, SD, Joe Steinkamp, In., Brad Doyle, Ark., and Ronnie Russell, Mo., were elected as at-large members of the governing committee.

New members of the ASA board are Daryl Cates, Ill., David Droste, Ill., and Christopher Hill, Minn.

Source: ASA