Meet the 2020 OSA Board Leadership


January 3, 2020

At their December board meeting, the Ohio Soybean Association Board elected new board leadership. Learn a little more about the farmers who will be leading OSA in 2020.

President Ryan Rhoades
Q: What are you most excited for OSA to work on in 2020?

A: There are so many potential answers but I have to go with trade because of the dollars left (or taken off) on the table for farmers in Ohio.

Q: Why is it important for OSA to represent Ohio soybean farmers in Columbus and D.C.?

A: We need to lead the conversation because we live out the decisions made in Columbus and D.C. every single day. There is tremendous gratification seeing impactful legislation happen at the hands of farmers for farmers.

Q. What is your favorite movie?

A: This is a very fluid list but to date, I would say Unbroken.

First Vice President Patrick Knouff
Q: What are you most excited for OSA to work on in 2020?

A: Water quality

Q: Why is it important for soybean farmers to become members of OSA? A: The Ohio Soybean Association tries to look out for all farmers’ best interest.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Top Gun

Vice President Jennifer Wilson-Oechsle

Q: What are you most excited for OSA to work on in 2020?

A: Trade and H2Ohio

Q: Why is it important for OSA to represent Ohio soybean farmers in Columbus and D.C.?

A: Someone once asked me why I traveled to D.C. to meet with our representatives, asking “does it really matter?” My response is simple — yes. Having farmer members from OSA meet with our elected officials in D.C. and Columbus keeps agriculture at the forefront in decision making.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Lion King

Treasurer Jeff McKanna
Q: What are you most excited for OSA to work on in 2020?

A: Trade!

Q: Why did you decide to get involved in OSA to begin with?

A: I believe that it is important to promote the soybean products that farmers produce. OSA is a powerful means to do just that.

Q: Why is it important for OSA to represent Ohio soybean farmers in Columbus and D.C.?

A: It is imperative that our government leaders understand the challenges and opportunities soybean farmers encounter.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Castaway

Secretary Rusty Goebel
Q: What are you most excited for OSA to work on in 2020?

A: Water quality is one of the most important issues OSA will continue to work on in Ohio in 2020.

Q: Why did you decide to get involved in OSA to begin with?

A: I enjoy helping with important issues that impact soybean farmers. It is critical for farmers to be involved in decision making so legislators write laws that are usable and based on fact.

Q: Why is it important for soybean farmers to become members of OSA? A: Many farmers are not aware of the many things OSA does. In 2019, OSA supported legislation for water quality, opposed tariffs on soybean exports, advocated for a stronger Renewable Fuel Standard, supported passage of USMCA and mobilized members to set the record straight in Toledo on agriculture.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Blazing Saddles