By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Soybean Board, which oversees the state's portion of the national Soybean Checkoff program, has appointed new officers for the 2025 fiscal year and welcomed two new members during its February meeting.
Justin Jones of Bradford County was elected as the Board Chair. Jones operates a 1,900-acre farm growing corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, and hay while also raising beef cattle. His wife, Amanda, runs a commercial sheep farming business. “It is an honor to serve as the new Board Chair for the Pennsylvania Soybean Board and help shape the future of the soybean industry,” said Jones. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Board members to uphold our mission of driving innovation to improve sustainability and protect the value of soybeans in Pennsylvania.”
Other key appointments include Marin MacNamara from Fayette County as Vice Chair, Justin Knoebel from Columbia County as Treasurer, and Kaycee Stephens from Centre County as Secretary.
The Board manages Checkoff funds to support soybean industry growth through promotion, research, and consumer education. These efforts aim to strengthen the market, expand domestic and international opportunities, and explore new uses for soybeans and soybean products.
Two new members have joined the Board. Leslie Bowman of Franklin County, an eighth-generation farmer, serves as a partner and crop manager at Lesher’s Poultry Farm, Inc., which produces eggs and cultivates corn, soybeans, wheat, and sunflowers. She has also led the Pennsylvania Corn Growers Association for three years.
Mike Reskovac of Fayette County, a first-generation farmer with a degree in agricultural system management from Penn State University, also joined the Board. He cultivates 950 acres of crops, including soybeans, corn, wheat, and hay, while operating agritourism activities such as pick-your-own sunflowers and a corn maze. He has been actively involved with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Farm Service Agency.
The Pennsylvania Soybean Board emphasizes research as a key factor in improving farmer profitability. It collaborates with the Soybean Research Information Network (SRIN) to provide insights into checkoff-funded projects nationwide. The Board continues its efforts to advance sustainable farming, drive innovation, promote biofuels, and support the growth of animal agriculture.
Photo Credit: istock-ds70
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Crops, Soybeans