The American Soybean Association announced today that Steve Wellman from Syracuse, Nebraska, is President and Alan Kemper from Lafayette, Indiana, is confirmed as Chairman. Also elected was Danny Murphy from Canton, Mississippi, to serve as First Vice President, an office that places Murphy in line to be ASA President in 2013.

Also elected were Randy Mann from Auburn, Kentucky, as Secretary, and 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 on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 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 fair farm bill provisions for growers, promoting more ag trade and continuing ASA’s leadership development programs,” Wellman said. “Global demand for soy has increased 145 percent since 1990 and it is anticipated demand will continue to increase. Policy including a 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.”