USSEC elects South Dakota farmer Mike McCranie as 2026/2027 board chair, reaching 90+ international markets.
Responsible for promoting U.S. Soy in more than 90 international markets, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) announced its 2026/2027 Board of Directors during the Commodity Classic. USSEC is a leadership group tasked with strengthening global market access and elevating the value and reputation of U.S. soy worldwide.
The board is composed of 16 members:
- 4 appointed by the American Soybean Association (ASA), ASA appointments included:
Janna Fritz, Bad Axe, Michigan
Mike Koehne, Greensburg, Indiana
Randy Miller, Lacona, Iowa
Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, Nebo, Illinois (Vice Chair)
- 4 appointed by the United Soybean Board (USB), USB appointments included:
Tim Bardole, Rippey, Iowa
Mike McCranie, Claremont, South Dakota (Chair)
Cindy Pulskamp, Hillsboro, North Dakota
Reggie Strickland, Mount Olive, North Carolina (Second Vice Chair)
- 8 elected to represent trade, industry, and state organizations from USSEC’s exporter and allied member classes. Allied appointments included:
Reese Allemore, Russell Marine Group, New Orleans, Lousiana (Allied)
Clayton Charles, FS Grain LLC (Exporter Class )
Austin DeLong, The DeLong Company (Exporter Class )
Bobby Ewalt, Bunge North America, Inc. (Treasurer) (Exporter Class )
Scott Gaffner, Illinois Soybean Association, Greenville, Illinois (Secretary) (Allied)
Shawn Hulm, J.D. Heiskell & Co. (Exporter Class )
Joel Schreurs, Minnesota Soybean Growers, Tyler, Minnesota (Allied)
Scott Sinner, SB&B Foods, LLC (Exporter Class )
These directors collectively shape USSEC’s strategic direction as the organization works to expand market presence and solidify U.S. Soy’s position as a preferred global supplier.
South Dakota’s Mike McCranie Elected Board Chair
Fourth‑generation South Dakota farmer Mike McCranie, who grows soybeans near Claremont, has been elected USSEC board chair. In this role, McCranie will help guide the organization’s priorities for the coming year as it works to further differentiate and elevate U.S. Soy in global markets.
“This is a huge honor and a role I am personally committed to,” McCranie said. “With 58 percent of the U.S. soybean crop exported in the most recent marketing year, there’s tremendous opportunity to continue building demand and prioritizing international relationships.”
McCranie farms soybeans and corn with his wife, Monica, and their sons, Matthew and Mitchell. He represents the United Soybean Board and serves on USB’s Demand Action Team. He is also active in his church and community, and is a longtime member of the South Dakota Soybean Association and South Dakota Corn Growers Association.
Building Global Relationships Is Key to USSEC’s Mission
USSEC CEO Jim Sutter emphasized the essential role of board leadership in strengthening global buyer confidence.
“Relationships are critical to the work we do, and we are grateful for Mike and all our board leaders who volunteer their time and expertise and understand the power of trust and partnerships,” Sutter said. “From regional conferences to one‑on‑one technical expertise, it’s all about building trust and showcasing how customers benefit from using U.S. Soy.”
As global demand continues to rise, USSEC’s board plays a crucial role in ensuring U.S. soybean farmers remain competitive, connected, and well‑positioned in international markets.