A soybean farmer in Atchison County is taking the reins of an advocacy organization for soybean growers in the Show-Me State. C. Brooks Hurst now leads the Missouri Soybean Association as president.
“I look forward to bringing farmers together to strengthen the soybean industry in our state,” Hurst said. “We’re an economic engine for Missouri and it’s vital that we protect farmers’ freedom to operate and competitive advantage in the global marketplace.”
Hurst was elected to his one-year term as president at a Missouri Soybean Association meeting held at the end of January. He was installed into office at the Commodity Classic Conference.
The University of Missouri graduate previously served as the association’s vice-president and currently is Missouri’s representative on the American Soybean Association’s Board of Directors. He farms with his family near Tarkio.
On behalf of farmers in the state, Hurst will lead Missouri’s soybean policy, regulatory and outreach efforts.
“Missouri has always been right up front in biodiesel, and I’m really looking forward to continuing our work to make sure we have that market long-term,” Hurst said. “Our farmers invested in developing biodiesel and bringing it to market, and one of my goals is to ensure we make them whole by ensuring the Governor pays — in full — the state’s outstanding debt to the Missouri Qualified Biodiesel Producer Incentive Fund.”
The leadership team at the Missouri Soybean Association includes Ronnie Russell as vice-president, Matt Wright as secretary and Renee Fordyce as treasurer.
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
