The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is pleased to announce John Mesko as senior director of the organization. Mesko leads SHP leveraging a farmer-focused mission, a strong internal team and a growing community of collaboration.
Mesko is expanding the resource base for the important work of building soil health and creating a sustainable future for farming and food.
“The national discussion about soil health in agriculture has ushered improvements in farming practices with the potential to mitigate climate change, revitalize rural communities and feed the world. The Soil Health Partnership’s leading work of bringing together nonprofit, government, and commercial interests in support of farmer-led understanding and promotion of these practices is at the heart of this discussion,” Mesko says.
The SHP network now spans over 16 states and 100 partner organizations at the federal, state and county levels including state government, commodity associations, nonprofits, foundations and private companies.
“I am thrilled to serve with such an outstanding, motivated group of experts at SHP, and grateful for the support and encouragement of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA),” comments Mesko.
“We are eager to have John Mesko lead the program and the strong SHP national team to continue building on the success of the past five years. John’s extensive background in agriculture is an asset to SHP and the farmers we serve. SHP is a vital, farmer-led program, that is supported by a diverse group of organizations including our founding members: The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund and Bayer,” comments NCGA Vice President, Production and Sustainability Nathan Fields.
Mesko previously served as the Development Director for SHP.
He holds a BS degree in Agronomy and an MS degree in Agricultural Economics, both from Purdue University. His diverse career in agriculture includes successful experience in sales, marketing, research, business development, farm management, university extension and nonprofit management.
He grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Minnesota, gaining a passion for farming and tremendous respect for farmers.
Mesko resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has two daughters and enjoys competitive indoor rowing.
