JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Soybeans has named Carley Esser McLean as its new associate director of policy and market development, bringing nearly a decade of federal policy and agricultural leadership experience to the organization.
Originally from Boonville, Missouri, McLean most recently served on the professional staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry under Chairman John Boozman of Arkansas. In that role, she led farm bill negotiations related to commodity programs, standing disaster programs and crop insurance while advising the committee chairman on key policy issues impacting farmers nationwide.
Prior to her Senate role, McLean served as senior legislative assistant and legislative assistant for former U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler of Missouri. During her time in the House of Representatives, she advised on a wide range of policy issues including agriculture, trade, energy, transportation and education.
McLean’s career in agriculture policy also includes experience with the U.S. Grains Council, where she served as global strategies coordinator and helped coordinate international educational programming focused on agricultural biotechnology.
“After nearly a decade in Washington supporting our nation’s farmers and rural communities, it is an honor to return home and utilize that experience to focus on addressing the needs of Missouri soybean farmers,” McLean said.
In her new role, McLean will help lead Missouri Soybeans’ policy engagement and market development initiatives, working with farmer leaders, policymakers and industry partners to advance priorities important to Missouri soybean farmers.
“Carley brings an impressive depth of experience in agricultural policy and a strong understanding of the challenges farmers face,” said Casey Wasser, CEO of Missouri Soybeans. “Her work on Capitol Hill and her Missouri roots position her well to advocate for soybean farmers and help advance policies that strengthen agriculture in our state.”
McLean holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education with an emphasis in leadership from the University of Missouri. She also earned minors in international agriculture, agricultural economics and psychology.
She has remained actively involved in agricultural leadership and community service, including volunteering with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, serving at the St. Vincent de Paul Church food bank, mentoring students through Agriculture Future of America and serving on the University of Missouri Agricultural Education and Leadership Advisory Board.
McLean will split time between Washington, D.C., and Missouri as she works closely with farmer leaders and policymakers on issues impacting the soybean industry.
Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council
The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council is a statewide, farmer-led organization focused on improving opportunities for Missouri soybean farmers through a combination of research, outreach, education and market development efforts through the soybean checkoff. To learn more, explore mosoy.org.
Missouri Soybean Association
The Missouri Soybean Association is a statewide membership organization working to increase the profitability of Missouri soybean farmers through advocacy and education efforts across the state. To learn more, explore mosoy.org.