Former National Security Council director takes the helm of the nation's Soy Checkoff

ST. LOUIS (Oct. 1, 2026) — Courtney Knupp today officially began her role as chief executive officer of the United Soybean Board (USB), taking the helm of the national Soy Checkoff℠. Knupp's appointment was ratified by USB's board of farmer-leaders in July and becomes effective today.

"Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Soy Checkoff,” said Brent Gatton, USB chair. “Courtney's energy and vision give us every reason to be optimistic about what's ahead, not just for USB, but for the future of U.S. Soy. Our farmer-leaders are confident she will build on the checkoff's momentum and help U.S. soybean farmers meet the opportunities in front of them.”

Knupp joins USB after most recently serving as director of global supply chain at the National Security Council, where she coordinated U.S. policy to strengthen the resilience of the nation's agriculture and food sectors.

In her first months, Knupp plans to meet with farmer-leaders and staff across the Qualified State Soybean Boards and prioritize diversifying demand for U.S. soybeans, growing the markets that already work for feed, oil and biofuels while placing calculated bets on where future demand will come from.

“My career has been shaped by wanting to do the most for American agriculture,” USB CEO Courtney Knupp said. “Taking this job is really the culmination of bringing all my experience together to work most effectively for farmers, and that's truly the mission. That's why I'm excited about being CEO of USB and working and leading such a great team.”

Knupp brings nearly two decades of experience in agriculture, international trade, public policy and market development, including roles at the National Pork Board, the U.S. Soybean Export Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She grew up on her family's soybean farm in Iowa and holds a bachelor's degree in agricultural business and international agriculture from Iowa State University.

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Contact

Melissa Black: melissa@mbstrategiccommunications.com, (573) 353-3021

Julie Busse: jbusse@unitedsoybean.org, (309) 338-4113

About United Soybean Board

United Soybean Board’s 77 farmer-leaders work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to increase demand, drive on-farm resilience and ensure farmers achieve maximum value for their Soy Checkoff investments. These volunteers create value through strategic partnerships across research, promotion and education investments – spanning the food, feed, fuel, industrial uses, exports and sustainable production market segments. USB also focuses its communication and education efforts on strengthening the reputation of U.S. Soy with customers, amplifying checkoff investments to inform U.S. soybean farmers and partnering with the 30+ Qualified State Soybean Boards on research and outreach. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the Soy Checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit soycheckoff.org.