#United States #St. Louis #United Soybean Board #Courtney Knupp #Soy Checkoff

Courtney Knupp Begins Her Role as CEO of United Soybean Board

On October 1, 2026, Courtney Knupp officially started her tenure as chief executive officer of the United Soybean Board (USB). This move marks a significant transition in the leadership of the national Soy Checkoff program. Knupp's appointment was confirmed by USB’s board of farmer-leaders back in July, and it takes effect as of today.

A New chapter Begins

Brent Gatton, the chair of USB, expressed optimism about Knupp's leadership, describing the day as the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Soy Checkoff program. Gatton highlighted that Courtney brings not only energy but also a comprehensive vision for the future, which gives the organization and its members confidence moving forward. He stated, “Courtney's energy and vision give us every reason to be optimistic about what's ahead.”

Knupp's first directive involves engaging with farmer-leaders and staff members across various Qualified State Soybean Boards to focus on diversifying the demand for U.S. soybeans. This is critical as she aims to enhance markets for soybean oil, feed, and biofuels while also exploring future demand.

Diverse Experience in Agriculture

Before taking on this vital role, Knupp served as the Director of Global Supply Chain at the National Security Council. In that position, she was responsible for coordinating U.S. policies to boost the resilience of agriculture and food sectors nationwide. Her broad expertise spans nearly two decades, encompassing agriculture, public policy, international trade, and market development.

Knupp's professional journey includes roles at the National Pork Board, the U.S. Soybean Export Council, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, she brings a personal connection to agriculture, having grown up on her family's soybean farm in Iowa. She holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and international agriculture from Iowa State University, further solidifying her credentials for this leadership post.

Commitment to American Agriculture

Expressing her motivation for accepting this role, Knupp stated, “Taking this job is really the culmination of bringing all my experiences together to work most effectively for farmers.” It is evident that her commitment to American agriculture is the driving force of her professional pursuits.

Her approach indicates a strategic outlook where she intends to build upon the existing momentum of the Soy Checkoff program, which is pivotal for U.S. soybean farmers to meet the challenges ahead.

United Soybean Board's Mission

The United Soybean Board, comprising 77 farmer-leaders, advocates for U.S. soybean farmers by striving to increase demand and ensure resilience within farming practices. Their ultimate aim is to maximize the value farmer’s achieve from their investments in the Soy Checkoff program.

The organization fosters strategic partnerships across various segments, including research and market education, thereby enhancing the reputation and value of U.S. soy to its customers.

Residents can learn more about the United Soybean Board's efforts, initiatives, and ongoing projects by visiting their official website. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, Knupp's leadership is anticipated to set the stage for innovations and improvements in the soybean sector.

Stay tuned for the upcoming changes and growth that Courtney Knupp will bring to the USB and the broader agricultural community.