August 7, 2025

Iowa Corn Farmers Elected to Leadership with U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council

Last week, the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council (USGBC) held its 65th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to advocate for key agricultural export and trade issues and priorities. While in attendance, Iowa Corn farmer leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding international trade markets.

Two Iowa Corn farmers were elected to leadership positions where they will help to set the direction for USGBC and represent grain producers nationally and internationally alongside current Iowa Corn farmer, Curt Mether who is serving as an At-Large Director at USGBC. Those individuals and their elected titles were:

Greg Alber: At-Large Director

Jolene Riessen: Corn Sector Director

Two Iowa Corn members were also appointed to serve as advisory team leaders at the Council:

Stu Swanson: Western Hemisphere Advisory Team Lead

Keaton Krueger: Innovation and Sustainability Advisory Team Vice Lead

“It is incredibly important that Iowa Corn farmers have a seat at the table when it comes to guiding the work of the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Ralph Lents. “These meetings allow us to connect with growers from across the country and staff from across the world, giving us an opportunity to discuss expanding export markets to their greatest potential. Our partnership and checkoff investment in the Council is vital to the continued expansion of markets for Iowa grown corn and corn products, and it is exciting to have so many Iowa corn farmers active in leadership roles.”

Through active participation in the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, Iowa Corn continues to champion the interests of Iowa’s corn farmers and contribute to the overall advancement of grain and bioproducts exports. For more information on Iowa Corn, visit iowacorn.org.