(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
Iowa farmers tapped for American Soybean Association leadership
February 9, 2026
Five Iowa farmers were recently welcomed and selected to work on behalf of more than 500,000 U.S. soybean farmers as they took their seats with the American Soybean Association (ASA).
During its annual election meeting in St. Louis, the ASA Board of Directors voted in the executive committee members who will lead the organization through the coming year’s top advocacy priorities, including the farm economy, biofuels, inputs, trade, markets and other critical policy issues for U.S. soybean farmers.
The ASA board elected Iowa farmer Dave Walton as ASA vice president, a role that puts him in line to serve as the association’s president in 2027.
Ohio farmer Scott Metzger, who previously served as ASA vice president, will serve as the 2026 ASA president. Metzger began serving on ASA's board of directors in December 2017. He farms 1,400 acres of soybeans, and also grows corn, wheat and malting barley.
Caleb Ragland, of Kentucky, who served as the 2025 ASA president, moves to the role of ASA chairman. Former chairman Josh Gackle of North Dakota rotated off the nine-member executive committee.
The board also elected Jordan Scott of South Dakota as ASA secretary; Tanner Johnson of Wisconsin as treasurer; Jamie Beyer (Minn.), Ryan Frieders (Ill.), Randy Miller (Iowa), and Jimmie Lee Shaw (S.C.) as at-large members of the executive committee.
ASA welcomed 13 new directors who begin their nine-year terms, including Scott Gaffner (Ill.); Corey Goodhue (Iowa); Derek Helms (Ark.); Gary Hendrix (N.C.); Darin Johnson (Minn.); Brent Kohls (N.D.); Andrew Lance (Mo.); Michael McPherson (N.C.); Charles Miller (Ill.); Summer Ory (Iowa); Brent Swart (Iowa); Steve Trzebiatowski (Wis.); and Drew Peterson (S.D.).
ASA celebrated the advocacy of and said farewell to several directors who retired in 2025, including Iowa farmers Steph Essick, Morey Hill and Pat Swanson. Stan Born (Ill.); Paul Casper (S.C.); Brad Doyle (Ark.); John Fleming (N.C.); George Goblish (Minn.); Don Lutz (Wis.); Ronnie Russell (Mo.); Robert Shaffer (Ill.); Jimmy Thomas (N.C.) and Brad Thykeson (N.D.) were also recognized for their service to the ASA board.
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