News

The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) are pleased to announce Brandon Kern will lead the two organizations as Executive Director beginning January 1, 2027. Kern will take over the role from Kirk Merritt, who earlier this year announced his plans to retire at the end of 2026. 

Since 2023, Kern has served as the Deputy Executive Director and Senior Policy Director for the organizations. In his current role, he provides leadership of the staff team, leads key projects, and works to ensure the organization meets its strategic goals and objectives.  

“Brandon was an obvious choice to be our next Executive Director,” said Bennett Musselman, OSA president and Pickaway County soybean farmer. “His combined agricultural and policy background will enable him to lead our organizations through the remarkable change we’re facing in the soybean industry.” 

Prior to joining the Ohio Soybean staff, Kern spent nine years at the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, serving in roles ranging from leading state and national policy efforts to strategic partnership engagement. He also spent his early career as a staffer in both congressional and state legislative offices.  

Kern has held various leadership positions in his career which include serving as a member of the State Board of Education, serving as president of his local board of education and as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.  

Brandon and his wife Amie raise their three children on Amie’s family farm in Amanda, Ohio. 

“I am honored and humbled to be selected to serve these organizations that work tirelessly on behalf of Ohio soybean farmers,” said Kern. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated farmer leaders and staff to be responsible stewards of farmer resources and promote a more profitable soybean industry.” 

Merritt joined Ohio Soybean in June 2007.  During his tenure, Merritt oversaw the creation of several major initiatives, including the Soybean Research Center at Ohio State University, the Airable Research Lab, and the educational program GrowNextGen, all of which continue to grow and add value for Ohio soybean farmers.  He also prioritized building OSA’s advocacy capabilities to effectively represent farmers at the state and national levels. 

“On behalf of Ohio’s 25,000 soybean farmers, I want to thank Kirk for his service to our industry,” said Jerry Bambauer, OSC chairman and Auglaize County soybean farmer. “His work always prioritized wise investment of checkoff dollars and standing up for farmers, and I eagerly anticipate Brandon’s leadership taking our organizations to the next level in those areas.” 

“I have been fortunate to work with and for Ohio soybean farmers and I am proud of what we have accomplished on their behalf,” said Merritt.  “I am confident that these same farmers will benefit tremendously from Brandon’s leadership going forward, in partnership with our boards and staff.” 

Merritt will officially retire on December 31, 2026, and Kern will begin his tenure as Executive Director on January 1, 2027.