USSEC Announces 2026/2027 Board of Directors

The U.S. Soybean Export Council's new board will guide the organization's international marketing efforts.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has announced its 2026/2027 Board of Directors. The 16-member board is responsible for overseeing the organization's work to attain market access and differentiate U.S. soy in over 90 international markets. Mike McCranie, a fourth-generation South Dakota farmer, was elected as the new board chair.

Why it matters

With 58% of the U.S. soybean crop exported in the most recent marketing year, the USSEC board plays a critical role in building global demand and strengthening international relationships for American soy producers.

The details

The USSEC board comprises 16 members, with four seats appointed by the American Soybean Association, four seats appointed by the United Soybean Board, and eight seats elected to represent trade, industry and state organizations. As the new board chair, Mike McCranie will guide the organization's priorities for the year ahead, focusing on differentiating and elevating U.S. soy in the international marketplace.

  • The 2026/2027 USSEC Board of Directors was announced on February 24, 2026 during the organization's annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

The players

Mike McCranie

A fourth-generation farmer who grows soybeans near Claremont, South Dakota, and was elected as the new USSEC board chair.

American Soybean Association (ASA)

An organization that appoints four director seats on the USSEC board.

United Soybean Board (USB)

An organization that appoints four director seats on the USSEC board.

Jim Sutter

The CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge honor and a role I am personally committed to. With 58 percent of the U.S. soybean crop exported in the most recent marketing year, there's tremendous opportunity to continue building demand and prioritizing international relationships.”

— Mike McCranie, USSEC Board Chair

“Relationships are critical to the work we do, and we are grateful for Mike and all our board leaders who volunteer their time and expertise and understand the power of trust and partnerships.”

— Jim Sutter, CEO, U.S. Soybean Export Council

The takeaway

The new USSEC board, led by chair Mike McCranie, will focus on building global demand and strengthening international relationships for U.S. soy producers, who exported 58% of the nation's soybean crop in the most recent year.