Three American Soybean Association Leaders Selected for 2026–27 EU-U.S. Young Leaders in Agriculture

The American Soybean Association is pleased to announce that three soybean leaders were selected for the 2026-27 EU-U.S. Young Leaders in Agriculture Fellowship. The yearlong program brings together young farmers from both sides of the Atlantic to exchange knowledge, explore shared challenges, and advance solutions for a more sustainable and profitable agricultural sector.

Selected to represent ASA are:

• Chris Gaesser, Iowa
• Billie Lentz, North Dakota
• Blake Foxley, South Dakota

The fellowship's second year began Sept. 29, 2026, with 24 fellows, including 11 from the United States and 13 from the European Union. Participants will take part in virtual lectures, engage with policymakers and complete weeklong study trips to the EU and the United States.

The program explores agricultural and food policymaking, farm economics, income support programs, production policies, food supply chains, and global markets. Through these experiences, fellows will deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture while building relationships with farmers across the Atlantic.

"We are proud to see Chris, Billie, and Blake selected for this opportunity," ASA President Scott Metzger, a soybean farmer from Ohio said. "Learning alongside farmers from the European Union will give them valuable perspectives on agricultural policy, markets, and conservation practices. We look forward to the ideas and experiences they will bring back to their farms and share with the U.S. soybean industry."

The fellows' first study trip begins Oct. 24, with visits to the Netherlands, Brussels, and Belgium, to explore agriculture in policy and practice.

The fellowship is part of the Transatlantic Sustainable Transition Initiative (TSTI) - Building a Resilient Future Together. Led by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States, TSTI supports EU-U.S. collaboration on sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency in buildings and the circular economy. Agricultural organizations on both sides of the Atlantic helped nominate participants based on their commitment to sustainability, leadership experience and interest in international exchange.

ASA congratulates Chris, Billie and Blake on their selection and their continued commitment to agricultural leadership.