The United Soybean Board (USB) has elected Brent Gatton of Bremen, Kentucky, as its new Chair for 2026 during the organization’s December meeting in St. Charles, Missouri. He will lead the board alongside nine newly elected farmer-leaders who will serve on the Executive Committee in the coming year.
Gatton, a fifth-generation farmer who grows soybeans, corn, and wheat with his family, said he is stepping into the role at a critical time for producers. “Farmers have weathered a year of real economic uncertainty, and I’m privileged to step into this role at such a pivotal moment,” he said. Gatton emphasized that the Soy Checkoff will continue prioritizing market protection, innovation, and global expansion to strengthen the value of U.S. soy. His focus as Chair will include advancing investments that drive volume growth and reinforcing U.S. soy’s sustainability advantage in global markets.
The 2026 USB Executive Committee includes:
Brent Gatton (Chair, KY), Matt Gast (Vice Chair, ND), Susan Watkins (Treasurer, VA), Tom Frisch (Secretary, MN), Robb Ewoldt (IA), Tony Mellenthin (WI), Carla Schultz (MI), Don Wyss (IN), Joey Boudreaux (LA), Kyle Durham (MO) and Past Chair Philip Good (MS).
Gatton brings seven years of USB leadership experience, including past roles as Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Chair of both the Value Alignment and Audit & Evaluation Committees. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Kentucky Soybean Board and holds positions on local agricultural and banking boards.
As Chair, Gatton will oversee FY26 investments across food, feed, fuel, industrial uses, exports and sustainable production, aiming to grow demand, support farmer resilience, and increase the value delivered to nearly 500,000 U.S. soybean farmers. He also plans to expand communication efforts, strengthen partnerships with more than 30 state soybean boards and further amplify checkoff-funded research and outreach.
USB Past Chair Philip Good welcomed Gatton’s election, saying he brings the strategic perspective needed for today’s challenges. “Brent brings a deep understanding of what farmers are up against and where the greatest opportunities lie,” Good said, adding that Gatton’s leadership will help guide the board toward a stronger, more resilient future for U.S. soybean farmers.
