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United Soybean Board’s new CEO outlines vision for U.S. soybean growth

The new CEO of the United Soybean Board says increasing demand for U.S. soybeans is needed to help improve farmer profitability.

Courtney Knupp tells Brownfield that includes market diversification and value-added opportunities.

“There’s a lot of versatility in this product, and we need to capture more opportunities to impact U.S. consumers and keep that product at home,” she says.

She says maintaining global competitiveness remains a top priority for the organization.

“We really need to work with long-term investments that create the markets and demand of the future, making sure that we have the opportunity to sell at value beyond price for every bushel that we continue to produce in this country,” she says. “Our farmers are ready to be our global ambassadors.”

Knupp currently serves as the director of global supply chain at the National Security Council and has nearly two decades of experience in agriculture, trade, public policy and development. She has also held positions with the USDA, National Pork Board, United Soybean Export Council, National Pork Producers Council, BASF and Elanco Animal Health. She was raised on her family’s farm in Iowa and is a graduate of Iowa State University. 

Knupp will begin her new role on October 1 and succeeds Lucas Letnsch who resigned earlier this year.

AUDIO: Courtney Knupp