Cape Girareadu soybean farmer and seedsman Matt McCrate was recently selected by a group of his peers to lead the Missouri Soybean Association. Following his official installation, McCrate now serves as president of the statewide advocacy organization for soybean growers.
“I appreciate the confidence the growers have shown in me and I look forward to building upon our efforts to protect not only our opportunity to raise soybeans in Missouri, but also to protect growers’ bottom line as we face ever-increasing regulation, tough markets and high input costs,” McCrate said. “I look forward to bringing growers together as we grow Missouri’s position as a top state for soybeans and soy-based products, from livestock feed to biodiesel.”
McCrate was elected during the Missouri Soybean Association’s February meeting, held at the Capitol in Jefferson City. He was installed last week during the national Commodity Classic conference in New Orleans. McCrate will serve a two-year term as the Association’s president, leading Missouri’s soybean policy, regulatory and outreach efforts on behalf of farmers statewide.
McCrate’s leadership team includes vice-president C. Brooks Hurst, a soybean farmer from Tarkio, Mo., secretary Ronnie Russell of Richmond, Mo. and treasurer Matt Wright of Emden, Mo. The past-president, Tom Raffety of Wyatt, Mo. in Mississippi County, will continue to serve on the board of directors in a term ending in 2017. Soybean farmer Neal Bredehoeft of Alma, Mo. served as the chairman of the nominating committee.
Prior to being named president, McCrate served as the Association’s vice-president. He currently farms in a family partnership, Five Brothers Farms, LLC, and works as a seed representative for Stratton Seed Company. McCrate is also licensed as a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA). Previously, he has served on the Arkansas Seed Dealers Association board of directors, and as the Industry At-Large Representative to the Arkansas Soybean Association board of directors. Most recently, he represented Missouri on the board of directors for the American Soybean Association, retiring in December 2014.
In addition to those responsibilities, McCrate is active in his community, having been recognized as a Master Gardener through the University of Missouri’s Extension program and has a member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife, Alice, reside in Cape Girardeau, Mo. and have three children.
