ANKENY, Iowa — Chris Brossart, a Wolford, N.D., farmer, on Nov. 30, 2020, was elected vice chairman of the Soy Transportation Coalition. The STC also elected Jonathan Miller of Island, Ky., as its chairman at its annual meeting, conducted virtually due to COVID-19.
The STC used the meeting to establish its strategy and agenda for 2021.
Brossart raises soybeans, corn, spring wheat, malting barley and canola. He and his wife, Jennie, have three children. He is a director of the North Dakota Soybean Council and currently serves as its vice chairman.
“The Soy Transportation Coalition has done a wonderful job staying abreast of the various transportation opportunities and challenges that impact farmers,” Brossart said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work on behalf of my fellow soybean producers in helping ensure we remain the most competitive in the global marketplace.”
Joel Schreurs of Tyler, Minn., concluded a two-year term as vice chairman, and reached his nine-year limit for total service on the STC board.
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During the meeting, the STC board discussed and emphasized the various strategies and initiatives the organization seeks to continue to advance in 2021. These initiatives include:
Continue to support and encourage the project underway to deepen the lower Mississippi River.
Increase the implementation of innovative and economical methods for repairing and replacing rural bridges. The STC established a program for $10,000 grants to 13 soybean states, or $130,000 for projects. The group has a group of engineers studying top ten ways to repair or replace bridges that have languished due to reduced federal investments.
Promote the greater access to barge transportation along the Missouri River for the soybean industry.
Promoting the greater use of soy-based concrete and asphalt sealants and enhancers throughout the soybean supply chain.
Continuing to advocate for sufficient and sustainable funding for locks and dams along the inland waterway system.
Promoting the greater use of containers — particularly along the inland waterway system — for soybean exports.
Established in 2007, the Ankeny, Iowa-based coalition includes 13 state soybean boards, the American Soybean Association, and the United Soybean Board. Its purpose is to ensure a transportation system that delivers cost effective, reliable, and competitive service.
