The Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) continues moving in a forward direction, as the organization elected Doug Rebout to serve as president. The election took place during WSA’s annual meeting Thursday during the Wisconsin Corn•Soy Expo at the Kalahari Conference Center.  

“I’m proud to be elected, because as an organization, there are so many positive things we can do in today’s political climate,” said Rebout, who was also reelected to serve a second term as WSA’s District 3 director. “Both at the state and federal, we can continue to be a good voice.”

Rebout replaces Sara Stelter, who stepped down after two successful years guiding WSA’s policy efforts in Madison.  

“Sara did a fantastic job as president. She has brought our organization to new places,” Rebout said. “I’m humbled to step into her role.”  

Stelter, who will remain WSA’s District 2 director, said she was proud of the strides WSA made during her tenure, including strengthening ties with state and national legislators and WSA and the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board’s joint efforts in promoting SoyFoam.

“WSA is in great hands with a strong advocate like Doug. We have an awesome board and some leaders who have really stepped up,” Stelter said. “They’ll have new ideas, which is what we need.”  

Rebout grows soybeans and corn and raises custom heifers near Janesville with his brothers Daniel and David and nephews. He’s also chair of the Wisconsin’s Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. With deep ties to the state’s agriculture community, Rebout’s WSA presidency will be his second stint leading a state commodity board: Rebout previously served three years as president of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association. 

“The issues are usually similar; I’m still saying the same things,” Rebout said. “I’m glad to be able to continue advocating for our industry.”  

Rebout will be supported on the officer team by Vice President Matt Rehberg, Treasurer Dave Coggins and Secretary Daniel Linse.  

“I’m excited for the opportunity because we’re still sort of ‘rebranding’ as an organization,” said Rehberg, who farms in Clinton and has served six years on WSA. “It seemed like a natural flow for me to try a new challenge, and I’m happy an experienced financial professional like Dave is coming onboard as treasurer.”  

With Wisconsin’s 2025 legislative session entering its second month, WSA approved its 2025 legislative agenda during the annual meeting. Through a grassroots process that encourages input from all active members, WSA approved 2025 resolutions, including policies related to: 

• Transportation infrastructure 
• Conservation
• Crop protection
• Biofuels 
• Trade policy
• Animal agriculture
• Improving market access
• Protecting the soybean checkoff

“A successful year to me will mean achieving those policy goals while also expanding our outreach to organizations and businesses and our members and getting more involvement from non-board members when we’re not out advocating,” Rebout said.  

WSA lobbyist Jordan Lamb briefed the members on the latest news from Madison. During the meeting, Tanner Johnson, who sits on the American Soybean Association’s Executive Committee, delivered a federal policy update. Growers also heard soy checkoff reports from state and national leaders.  

WSA delegates will gather in late February and early March in Denver, Colo., for ASA’s Delegate Session during Commodity Classic. 

“It’s so gratifying to work with this board and work with them as they lead and grow. Sara set a really high standard, and Doug is going to continue that momentum,” Executive Director Adam Kask said. “Certainly, there are a lot of challenges facing our industry but we’re fortunate to have a very active board that’s eager to do their part in improving the farm economy for our producers.”