The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) held its annual meeting, reelecting three board members and selecting new leadership for the upcoming year.
Bryan Severs, an Illinois farmer from Vermillion County, was elected to chair the organization. A third-generation producer who raises soybeans, corn, and cattle, Severs joined the SSGA board in 2024 and played a role in hiring Executive Director Randy Duckworth.
"I really appreciate everybody's vote and confidence to do the job," Severs said. "I hope I can help further advance the goals of SSGA."
Jake Noll of Richland IFC was elected vice-chair, while Jordan Atchison of Puris was selected as secretary/treasurer. The board also reelected Atchison, Eric Kresin of Scoular, and Bob Sinner of SB&B Foods, Inc.
The organization honored outgoing Director Darwin Rader, who retired from Zeeland Farm Services at the end of 2024. Curt Petrich of HC International was elected to complete Rader's remaining term.
Continuing board members include Chuck Kunisch of Michigan Agricultural Commodities and Gail Donkers from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.
SSGA also recognized four individuals with its fifth annual Alliance Honors, including former Executive Director Eric Wenberg, who retired in September 2024 after five years of leadership.
The annual meeting preceded SSGA's transportation event, Transportation Go!, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Minneapolis.
Severs expressed enthusiasm for the organization's future, stating, "We're excited to work with our international buyers and tackle transportation issues alongside our new executive director and board members."
