LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (August 29, 2024) – The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB) elected three new officers to lead the organization during its latest board meeting held July 31.
Elected to chair the nine-member board is Brad Doyle of Poinsett County, with Joe Thrash of Faulkner County as vice chairman and West Higginbothom of Lee County as secretary-treasurer. The new roles of these farmer-leaders will be effective immediately with one-year terms.
“These men each bring integrity and a deep knowledge of the soybean industry. I’m confident the Board will thrive under their leadership,” John Freeman, the retiring ASPB chairman, said.
As chairman, Doyle, who has dedicated his entire life to agriculture, provides strategic oversight to ensure effective stewardship of producers’ checkoff funds. Doyle previously served as Chairman of the American Soybean Association and continues to serve on its board of directors. Doyle also serves on the boards of the Arkansas Ag Council, Arkansas Farm Bureau, and the Natural Soybean and Grain Alliance. Additionally, as a Farmer Envoy for Solutions from the Land, he participates in United Nations COP events.
Thrash of Conway is a third-generation farmer. As vice chairman, he assists in leading the Board’s administration of the checkoff’s business and activities. Thrash is also an active member of the Arkansas Soybean Association and Arkansas Farm Bureau.
Higginbothom, in his new role, ensures checkoff dollars are accurately recorded and appropriated to fund new technology and research to benefit producers and advance the soybean industry in Arkansas. In addition to his service through the ASPB, Higginbothom is the former president of the Ag Council of Arkansas, former chair of Lee County Community Foundation, and board member of Lee County Economic Development Commission.
The soybean checkoff is a congressionally mandated assessment of soybeans, with proceeds used to fund soybean research and promotion efforts. To learn more about the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board and its officers, visit TheMiracleBean.com.
