ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, US — The United Soybean Board (USB) has named Lucas Lentsch, executive vice president at Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), as its new chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1. 

At DMI, which manages the national dairy checkoff, Lentsch liaised between national and local checkoff organizations nationwide. He previously was CEO at Midwest Dairy, a 10-state region, and was South Dakota’s secretary of agriculture from 2013 to 2016.

“American agriculture has never been stronger, with soy playing a vital and proven role across sectors — be it in animal agriculture, food supply chains, or advancing energy independence through biofuels,” Lentsch said. “The soy checkoff is the farmer’s essential voice in the marketplace. It will be a privilege to serve America’s soybean farmers and continue driving value through sustainable soy solutions.”

Lentsch, who grew up on his family’s farm in South Dakota, received a bachelor’s of science degree in agriculture from South Dakota State University and a master’s of business administration degree from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

 In the search for a CEO, USB board members and staff emphasized leadership, strategic acumen, adept staff and program management, and a strong connection to agriculture and soy. 

“Lucas Lentsch is the right leader, at the right time, to continue the meaningful work of the soy checkoff and fulfill our vision of delivering sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day,” said Meagan Kaiser, outgoing chair of the United Soybean Board and CEO Selection Committee chair. “He is a true thought leader and collaborator with a wealth of checkoff program knowledge, deep agricultural roots and comprehensive experience across the farm-to-food value chain.”