Farmer-leaders share their stories of involvement in commodity organizations
Cattlemen’s president-elect enjoys working with others
For Bruce Mershon, his involvement with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association provides an opportunity to be a part of the cattle industry on a broader level and spend time with other livestock producers. Mershon is president-elect of the organization, and next year he will take over as president.
“It’s great to be part of an organization that is growing and is doing good things for our industry,” he says.
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‘Simple dairy farmer’ also IMPA president
PONTIAC, Ill. — The last day of Dairy Month was a typical, busy June day for Don Mackinson.
A new calf was born by 8 a.m. as the family dealt with the aftermath of heavy rains, issues with the water well, getting a motor fixed and silage moved as well as daily dairy chores.
RANDOLPH, Iowa — After retiring from dairy farming in 2010, one of Carl Jardon’s neighbors joked he would have more time to help with the corn board. Eleven years later, he is part of the leadership.
The southwest Iowa farmer serves as the Iowa Corn Growers Association president.
Soybean leader keeps his feet on the ground and in the air
As chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association, Doug Schroeder is on the road anywhere from two to three months a year. Exactly how many depends on how much time he wants to put into the position.
“Pre-COVID, I would say the chairman is gone 60 to 90 days,” he said. “Part of it is how much you want to raise your hand.”
This past year has brought a new presidential administration to Washington, D.C., and also new leadership to Congress. With that in mind, here are brief profiles of a few of the leaders in agriculture at the national level.
Illinois ag leaders discuss their roles in commodity groups
The state’s main crop and livestock organizations rely on farmer-leaders to advocate for policy with legislators, lead meetings and speak for the group.
Missouri ag leaders discuss their roles in commodity groups
The state’s main crop and livestock organizations rely on farmer-leaders to advocate for policy with legislators, lead meetings and speak for the group.
The state’s main crop and livestock organizations rely on farmer-leaders to advocate for policy with legislators, lead meetings and speak for the group.
During his final year of a three-year term, Al Lyman represents Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin for the Federation of State Beef Councils, the checkoff portion of the National Cattlemen’s Association Board where he serves as vice president.
He grew up on a small cow-calf farm in Benton County, Iowa, and met his future bride, Karen, at Iowa State University. Now they call Illinois home. They raise feeder cattle in Henry County in northwestern Illinois as the fifth generation of her family at Hadley Farms near Cambridge.
