There’s a shift in leadership ahead of a season of change, as the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) has elected a new officer team for 2024-2025 to represent the state’s nearly 17,000 soybean growers.  

Transitioning from secretary/treasurer to president, Fox Lake farmer Jonathan Gibbs will take over for former president Pat Mullooly, of Clinton, to lead the organization’s efforts to investment in production research, market development and new uses for soybeans. The election was held during WSMB’s September board meeting.  

“I’ve been on the board since 2013,” Gibbs said. “We’ve been through a lot of changes. Pat Mullooly, our former president, was a great leader and respecting his time and what he desires during his time on the board, he was looking to make a transition, and I am looking forward to the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead.” 

While he’s stepping down from his lead role, Mullooly will remain active as a member of the board. Other changes in leadership include Matt Wagenson, who is shifting into Andy Bensend’s former role as vice president. 

“I am most excited about the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes and making sure our checkoff dollars are getting exported out of Wisconsin and into our farmers’ pockets,” Wagenson said. 

Steve Wilkens of Random Lake was elected to serve in Gibbs’ former role as treasurer/secretary.  

In his new role as president, Gibbs says he’s looking forward to exploring the many ways the checkoff can help farmers’ bottom lines. 

“What excites me the most about our checkoff is the research that we are doing,” Gibbs said. “We do a lot of classic research, small block trials through the University of Wisconsin, but we’re also looking at some bigger picture items that are applicable on the farm a little quicker than the smaller trials. To see that come to fruition quicker excites me a lot.”