Illinois Soybean Association elects leadership at annual meeting
Published 8:34 am Friday, July 31, 2026
CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois Soybean Association elected its leadership for the coming year during its annual public meeting, re-electing Bryan Severs as chairman.
Severs, a third-generation farmer in Vermillion County who raises corn, soybeans, and cattle with his family, has served as the association’s District 7 director since 2020 and previously held roles as treasurer and chairman of the group’s Soybean Production Committee. He also chairs the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance and serves as a director of the American Soybean Association.
“I am excited to serve a second term as Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Board and continue my work on behalf of the 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois,” Severs said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished over the past year to strengthen our industry, and as soybean farmers continue to navigate challenging times, it is more important than ever that we have a strong voice in Springfield, Washington, D.C. and around the world.”
Other newly elected executive committee members include Brady Holst of Plymouth as vice chairman, Rob Shaffer of El Paso as treasurer, Scott Gaffner of Greenville as secretary, and Emily Lovelady of Tamaroa as assistant treasurer-secretary.
Members also elected district directors representing regions across the state. Jonathan Griffel was elected to represent District 12, which includes Pike, Calhoun, Scott, Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin counties.
