(Jefferson City, Mo.) – Two of Missouri’s agricultural organizations, Missouri Soybean and Missouri Corn, are growing their involvement in environmental and sustainability programs with the addition of a shared team member focused on those and other stewardship programs. Darrick Steen, a lifelong Missourian, began work full time this month on behalf of farmers raising the state’s top crops.
“We all desire abundant food and clean water, and by practicing good land stewardship Missouri farmers are accomplishing both. However, continually improving our sustainability while minimizing government regulation of our farms into the future will be no small task. It will require the support and commitment of producers and industry partners working together” Steen said. “I’ve been fortunate to work on behalf of Missouri farmers for the past decade and greatly look forward to the new opportunities ahead with Missouri Soybean and Missouri Corn and all of agriculture in Missouri.”
In his role as the director of environmental programs, Steen will represent Missouri’s soybean and corn growers on important issues, oversee stewardship programs and serve as a technical resource. He’ll work closely with other state and national agricultural organizations to ensure Missouri’s producers continue to be actively engaged in discussions about best management practices, water quality and soil health programs and other stewardship activities.
“We’re continuing to build the team to best serve our growers,” said Gary Wheeler, executive director and CEO for the Missouri Soybean Association and Merchandising Council. “Darrick’s combination of personal and professional experience makes him a great asset to Missouri agriculture and the farmers will benefit from having him as both their advocate and resource.”
Steen has worked with Missouri Soybean and Missouri Corn on stewardship and regulatory issues in a limited capacity over the past year. Prior to joining the teams at Missouri Soybean and Missouri Corn, Steen worked on agricultural regulatory, permitting and environmental issues for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and as a consultant for Barr Engineering Co. He is a licensed professional engineer.
Steen, along with his wife Courtney and their children, owns and operates a farm in Miller County in addition to his work on behalf of Missouri farmers. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, from which he earned a degree in agricultural engineering.
To learn more about stewardship, sustainability and environmental programs from Missouri Soybean and Missouri Corn, visit the organizations online or contact Darrick Steen at DSteen@MoSoy.org.
The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council is a statewide, farmer-led organization working to improve opportunities for Missouri soybean farmers though a combination of research, outreach, education and market development efforts supported by the soy checkoff. The Missouri Soybean Association is a statewide membership organization designed to increase the profitability of Missouri soybean farmers through policy, advocacy and education efforts across the state. To learn more, visit mosoy.org.
