PRINCETON, Ky. — The Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) elected its officers and established its strategy and agenda for 2021 during the organization’s annual meeting on November 30. Due to COVID related restrictions and challenges regarding in person gatherings, the annual meeting was conducted virtually.
During the annual meeting, Jonathan Miller, of Island, was elected chairman. Miller previously served as the STC secretary-treasurer from 2019-2020. Miller and his wife, Cindy, have two kids and raise soybeans, corn, and wheat. He is also a director on the Kentucky Soybean Association Board. Kentucky’s is also represented on the STC board by Allen Pace of LaCenter.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as chairman of the Soy Transportation Coalition,” said Miller. “Whether it is promoting the deepening of the lower Mississippi River, sustainable funding for our inland waterway system, more cost-effective ways to maintain our rural roads and bridges, or advocating for any other part of our supply chain, I am proud of how the STC continues to help promote a transportation system that will allow farmers to remain profitable. I look forward to continuing this important work.”
Chris Brossart of North Dakota, was elected vice-chairman and Tim Gottman from Missouri, was elected secretary-treasurer.
During the meeting, the STC board discussed and emphasized the various strategies and initiatives the organization seeks to continue to advance in 2021. These initiatives include:
- Continuing to support and encourage the project underway to deepen the lower Mississippi River
- Increasing the implementation of innovative and economical methods for repairing and replacing rural bridges
- Promoting the greater access to barge transportation along the Missouri River for the soybean industry
- Promoting the greater use of soy-based concrete and asphalt sealants and enhancers throughout the soybean supply chain
- Continuing to advocate for sufficient and sustainable funding for locks and dams along the inland waterway system
- Promoting the greater utilization of containers – particularly along the inland waterway system – for soybean exports
“It is a privilege to work on behalf of such a thoughtful and professional group of farmers,” explains Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. “I look forward to working with Chairman Miller, Vice Chairman Brossart, and Secretary-Treasurer Gottman throughout this upcoming year on an aggressive agenda to benefit the soybean supply chain.”
For more information on soybean farming in Kentucky, visit www.kysoy.org.
— Kentucky Soybean Board and Association
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