During its annual election meeting in St. Louis, the American Soybean Association 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.

Scott Metzger (OH), 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, in addition to producing corn, wheat and malting barley.

Caleb Ragland (KY), who served as the 2025 ASA president, moves to the role of ASA chairman. Former chairman Josh Gackle (ND) rotates off the nine-member executive committee.

The ASA board elected Dave Walton (IA) as ASA vice president, a role that puts him in line to serve as the association’s president in 2027.

In addition, the board elected Jordan Scott (SD) as ASA secretary; Tanner Johnson (WI) as treasurer; Jamie Beyer (MN), Ryan Frieders (IL), Randy Miller (IA), and Jimmie Lee Shaw (SC) as at-large members of the executive committee.

ASA celebrated the advocacy of and said farewell to several directors who retired this year, including Stan Born (IL); Paul Casper (SD); Brad Doyle (AR); Steph Essick (IA); John Fleming (NC); George Goblish (MN); Morey Hill (IA); Don Lutz (WI); Ronnie Russell (MO); Robert Shaffer (IL); Pat Swanson (IA); Jimmy Thomas (NC); and Brad Thykeson (ND).

ASA welcomed 13 new directors who begin their nine-year terms, including Scott Gaffner (IL); Corey Goodhue (IA); Derek Helms (AR); Gary Hendrix (NC); Darin Johnson (MN); Brent Kohls (ND); Andrew Lance (MO); Michael McPherson (NC); Charles Miller (IL); Summer Ory (IA); Brent Swart (IA); Steve Trzebiatowski (WI); and Drew Peterson (SD).