The Kentucky Soybean Association (KSA) is proud to announce that farmer-leader Randy Mann from Auburn, Kentucky, has been re-elected to serve as Secretary for the American Soybean Association (ASA).


Mann is also representing Kentucky by serving as Vice-Chairman of the US Soybean Export Council.  In the past he has held the office of Chairman of ASA's Trade Policy & International Affairs Committee. He has also served on the ASA Membership & Corporate Relations Committee for two years, Strategic Planning Committee for one year, and Classic Commodity Committee for three years.

Mann joined the KSA in 1994, and has held several leadership positions including Vice President for three years and State President for two years. He also served as Vice Chairman on the Promotion Board for four years, and was Chairman for two years.

Mann and his wife, Anne, raise soybeans, corn, wheat, barley and hay on their family farm.  They also have a feeder-calf operation. The couple have two children, Katie and Alex.

The Board of Directors of the ASA has confirmed Steve Wellman from Syracuse, Neb., as President and Alan Kemper from Lafayette, Ind., as Chairman. Board members also elected Danny Murphy from Canton, Miss., to serve as First Vice President.  Also elected was Bob Henry from Robinson, Kansas, as Treasurer.

Four Vice Presidents were also elected: Ray Gaesser from Corning, Iowa; Bob Worth from Lake Benton, Minnesota; Richard Wilkins from Greenwood, Delaware and Wade Cowan from Brownfield, Texas. These soybean farmer-leaders form the nine-member ASA Executive Committee. Elections were held this month, during ASA's winter Board of Director's meeting in Saint Louis.

"My goals include increasing demand for soybeans and soybean products, addressing regulatory issues to keep farmers competitive globally, seeking farm bill provisions for growers, promote more ag trade and continuing ASA's leadership and development programs," Wellman said. 

"Global demand for soy has increased 145% since 1990's and it is anticipated demand will continue to increase. Policy including sound crop insurance program complemented by a revenue program that does not distort planting decisions is needed to help ensure the U.S. soybean farmer can manage production and price risk while producing soybeans to meet the needs of our consumers domestically and internationally."

ASA is a national, not-for-profit, grassroots membership organization that develops and implements policies to increase the profitability of its members and the entire soybean industry. ASA was founded in 1920 and represents all U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international issues of importance to the soybean industry. ASA's advocacy efforts are made possible through the voluntary membership in ASA by over 22,500 farmers in 31 states where soybeans are grown.  For more information on the ASA visit www.soygrowers.com.

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