Ohio Farmers Lead National Agricultural Associations
Two neighbors from Southwest Ohio currently serve as presidents of major national corn and soybean trade organizations.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Agriculture
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Jed Bower and Scott Metzger are serving as the 2025-26 presidents of the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association, respectively. The two farmers operate just 20 miles apart in Southwest Ohio, marking the first time in 25 years that both national leadership roles are held by representatives from the state.
Why it matters
The dual leadership from a single region provides Ohio farmers with significant influence during high-level agricultural policy discussions. These leaders regularly coordinate on strategy while engaging directly with Cabinet officials and White House advisers.
The two presidents manage farms located only 20 miles apart in Washington Court House and Williamsport. This dual leadership marks a return to regional representation last seen 25 years ago.
The players
Jed Bower
He is the president of the National Corn Growers Association and manages a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio.
Scott Metzger
He is the president of the American Soybean Association and is a sixth-generation farmer based near Williamsport, Ohio.
The details
Bower and Metzger coordinate their efforts through agricultural leadership development programs and participation on state boards. Their work involves representing the interests of corn and soybean farmers at the national level.
Timeline
Jed Bower returned to farming in 2005.
Tony Anderson and Fred Yoder held the presidencies approximately 25 years ago.
Bower and Metzger serve as association presidents during the 2025-26 term.
Market Landscape
This alignment follows the precedent set during the 2001 leadership tenure of Tony Anderson and Fred Yoder. The current appointments mark the first time Ohio has simultaneously held these two national leadership positions since that period.
Local farmers gain a direct channel to federal policymakers through this unique regional leadership presence. This access may influence future agricultural regulations and federal policy programs that impact local operations.
The takeaway
The concentration of national leadership in Southwest Ohio underscores the role that regional farmers play in shaping broader domestic agricultural policy. Producers may see these connections as a strategic advantage in communicating local needs to federal decision-makers.
Further reading
For more information on the industry, visit the Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DTN Progressive Farmer.
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