St. Louis, Mo… Canton, Miss., soybean farmer and American Soybean Association (ASA) President Danny Murphy welcomed Senator and fellow Mississippian Thad Cochran to his new post as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today.

"A former Chairman and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee for more than three decades, Ranking Member Cochran has been a tireless advocate for American agriculture," said Murphy. "ASA has worked closely with the Ranking Member throughout his tenure on the Committee, including during his service as Chairman from 2003 to 2005. He has been a strong leader on risk management, export, conservation, food aid, and agricultural research programs important to all farmers, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him and his staff as Ranking Member."

Announced on Thursday, Sen. Cochran takes over the ranking membership from Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, who had held the position since 2011.

"Senator Roberts has worked diligently in the interests of soybean farmers and rural America for the past five years, and ASA owes him many, many thanks," Murphy said. "His bipartisan work as Ranking Member alongside Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow on the farm bill and countless other pieces of legislation has had a direct impact on the success and profitability not only of soybean farmers, but all of agriculture. Our farmers have seen unprecedented success under his watch, and we thank him for his dedication and look forward to working with him on the committee for many years to come."

ASA 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 voluntary farmer membership by farmers in 30 states where soybeans are grown.

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For more information contact:

Danny Murphy, ASA President, 601-906-3809, dpmurphy@bellsouth.net
Patrick Delaney, ASA Communications Director, 202-969-7040, pdelaney@soy.org