Ohio Farmers Lead National Agricultural Associations
The simultaneous presidency of national corn and soybean groups creates a consolidated regional voice in federal policy.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Agriculture
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Ohio farmers Jed Bower and Scott Metzger currently serve as the presidents of the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association. Their dual leadership marks the first time in 25 years that Ohio producers have simultaneously held these national association presidencies.
Why it matters
This rare regional alignment brings localized agricultural perspectives to the forefront of national policy discussions. By coordinating leadership across both corn and soybean sectors, these growers aim to maintain a cohesive presence when communicating with White House advisers and Cabinet officials on industry-wide priorities.
The current dual leadership marks 25 years since Ohio producers Tony Anderson and Fred Yoder simultaneously led the two national organizations. The current presidents manage their respective operations just 20 miles apart in Southwest Ohio.
The players
Jed Bower
The president of the National Corn Growers Association and a producer based near Washington Court House, Ohio.
Scott Metzger
The president of the American Soybean Association and a sixth-generation farmer operating near Williamsport, Ohio.
National Corn Growers Association
A national trade organization representing corn producers in agricultural policy and market development.
American Soybean Association
A national industry group that represents the interests of soybean farmers in federal policy and advocacy.
The details
Bower, who farms near Washington Court House, and Metzger, a sixth-generation farmer near Williamsport, leverage local collaboration built through state boards and leadership programs. This geographic proximity allows for consistent coordination when they engage in national agricultural policy advocacy. They operate by communicating directly with Cabinet officials and White House advisers to represent the interests of corn and soybean producers at the highest levels of government.
Timeline
2001: Tony Anderson and Fred Yoder held the national association presidencies.
2005: Jed Bower returned to full-time farming.
2025-26: Bower and Metzger serve their current terms as national association presidents.
Market Landscape
The current alignment mirrors the 2001 dual leadership of the NCGA and ASA by Ohio producers. It represents a rare return to that concentrated representative configuration after two and a half decades of geographic and organizational dispersal.
Operators in the agricultural sector should note that federal policy advocacy may currently reflect a more unified regional approach from corn and soybean leadership. Keep track of joint policy positions emerging from these associations throughout the remainder of the 2025-26 term.
The takeaway
The simultaneous leadership of these two major associations offers Ohio operators a clear channel to influence national agricultural policy. Keep an eye on joint statements issued by the organizations to identify upcoming shifts in federal regulatory priorities for corn and soy.
Further reading
For broader context on current industry shifts, explore the Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DTN Progressive Farmer.
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