Faces of Farming: Brian Lehman

Missouri was in the middle of a near-record corn harvest on Oct. 1 when Brian Lehman officially stepped into the role of chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council. The third-generation farmer from Versailles, Mo., previously served as MCMC vice chairman and Missouri Corn Growers Association secretary/treasurer and vice president.

With this year’s strong yields adding to an oversized global corn stockpile, Lehman said he is ready to help tackle the challenge of increasing demand, growing partnerships and expanding markets for corn and ethanol.

“We all wish we had better prices, but that’s something we can’t change overnight,” Lehman said. “What we can do is work with our partners and use our checkoff dollars to create the best return. Any way we can move a kernel of corn—whether through ethanol, feed, DDGs (dried distillers grains), meat or some new use—it’s a plus for Missouri corn growers.”

Lehman grows corn, soybeans and wheat and runs a cow-calf operation on his family farm, which was established in 1897. He and his wife, Secely, a second-grade teacher at Versailles Elementary School, have a son, Connor, and a daughter, Josie.

Lehman began getting involved with agricultural organizations such as MCMC soon after he started farming full time in 1992, including service on the board of his local MFA Agri Services. His leadership extends beyond the farm, too, as a Morgan County Commissioner.

“I think you have to be involved and have your voice known,” Lehman said. “Being a farmer today is bigger than just going out and planting corn. If we’re not there telling our story, someone else is.” 

Lehman shared his thoughts with Today’s Farmer in early October during a brief lull in his 2024 harvest.    

What value does Missouri Corn bring to you and other growers? 

To me, just having a seat at the table is the most important benefit. Sometimes it seems like we’re constantly talking to our senators and representatives, but it’s important that they hear from us. We’re working on things like transportation—ensuring we can effectively move corn by river and rail—and trade relationships with countries like Mexico, the No. 1 importer of our corn. Regulations are always something we’re working on, too. Any time we get a chance to speak up and talk about our sustainability, it helps hammer home the message that farmers are the best stewards of the land. Education, whether with lawmakers or in the classroom, is a huge part of what we do. Those efforts all trickle down to help Missouri corn growers.

What’s the most promising trend you see for corn’s future?

Growing ethanol demand is a big opportunity, and it’s worldwide, not just local. Everyone’s on the climate-
change bandwagon, and corn growers should have our fair share. We want to see regulations that encourage ethanol use, not electric mandates. For example, the Next Generation Fuels Act now in Congress would allow the sale of fuels with greater octane levels, which would increase the amount of ethanol used. If we can get that passed, it will not only improve engine efficiency, which is better for the environment, but also be a boost for corn growers as well as consumers at the pump.

How can Missouri Corn help growers in this tough ag economy? 

Every year is challenging, and this year is especially hard with good yields, low prices and a large stockpile. But if we didn’t have some of these markets and partnerships already in place, it could be a lot worse. Our ultimate goal is to get rid of that pile. To do that, we’re constantly working toward the future, like keeping U.S. trade with Mexico healthy and competitive and building demand for feed and DDGs in poultry and aquaculture industries in the Middle East and Asia. There are thousands of uses for corn, and you never know what might trigger something new that would open up additional markets. Despite the challenges, I’m excited about the year ahead as chairman. We’ve got a great board filled with bright people who bring different experiences and backgrounds. Together, we’re going to continue working hard to push Missouri corn growers forward. 

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