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Farmers and agricultural leaders from across Ohio and the nation gathered at the Pickaway County Fairgrounds’ Heritage Hall on Thursday, January 22, 2026, for a Joint Presidents Reception, an event held to recognize two extraordinary Ohio farmer-leaders who are serving on the national level as presidents of their respective organizations.

The reception honored Jed Bower, who serves as President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) through October 2026, and Scott Metzger, who serves as President of the American Soybean Association (ASA) through December 2026. Their simultaneous leadership marks a rare and significant milestone for Ohio agriculture.

“This was one of those nights I’ll never forget. Seeing so many people take the time to show up and support Scott and me was humbling,” said Jed Bower, NCGA president. “I’m honored to serve as NCGA president, and I don’t take this role lightly. The issues farmers are facing are real, and I’m focused on doing everything I can to deliver results for the growers who count on us.”

“I’m grateful for everyone who helped make tonight possible,” commented Scott Metzger, ASA president. “Serving as president of ASA is a tremendous honor, and it makes it even more special to be doing it at the same time as my friend Jed Bower. Jed is someone I respect and trust, and I’m looking forward to working with him to tackle the issues that matter most and make a difference for farmers back home and across the country.”

Hosted jointly by Ohio Corn & Wheat, the Ohio Soybean Association and the Ohio Soybean Council, the event celebrated the men, their achievements, and the unique moment of having two national commodity presidents serving from the same state at the same time.

The milestone was recognized at every level of government. Both men received proclamations from Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, along with honors from Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. U.S. Representative Mike Carey also entered their achievement into the official Congressional Record, reinforcing Ohio’s leadership and agriculture’s importance to America’s economy, energy, and food security. Vice President J.D. Vance sent personal letters congratulating Jed and Scott on their leadership.

“Scott’s leadership reflects the best of Ohio agriculture, and he deserves to be recognized by the people who have supported him along the way,” shared Kirk Merritt, executive director of the Ohio Soybean Association. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Scott, and I know he’s the right person for this job. He’ll represent soybean farmers with strength and professionalism, and I wish him nothing but success as ASA president.”

“Ohio farmers should be proud of having two national presidents from Ohio serving at the same time,” added Tadd Nicholson, executive director, Ohio Corn & Wheat. “Jed Bower is a friend, and I’ve had the opportunity to watch him grow into the kind of leader who steps up when it matters most. He’s tough, he’s passionate, and he’s going to get results. Congratulations, Jed, Ohio is behind you.”