The war in Ukraine and catastrophic climate events have caused a global food crisis. This has highlighted the central role that the farming and agricultural industries play in sustaining society as we know it. In particular, it has highlighted the US Agricultural industry, and its role as the “Breadbasket of The World.” So what does it take to create a successful career for someone looking to enter the farming or agriculture industries? In this interview series, we are talking to leaders or principals in the farming and Ag industries who can talk about the future of modern farming and what it takes to create a successful career in the farming and agriculture industries. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Meagan Kaiser, Chair, United Soybean Board.

Meagan Kaiser is an entrepreneur, soybean farmer, soil scientist and the recently elected Chair of the United Soybean Board. She and her husband grow soybeans and corn on their Missouri farm with Meagan bringing deep expertise in soil health and precision agriculture initiatives. Meagan leads with the purpose of providing sustainable solutions beyond her farm gates to help nourish people all over the world — bringing soy to every life, every day.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

When I was about 16, I knew I wanted to have a career in agriculture. My parents founded Perry Agricultural Laboratory, Inc. in 1982 and I always had in the back of my mind that I may join the family business. Because of that, attending the University of Missouri-Colombia where I graduated with a B.S. in Soil Science was a natural choice to start my vocational journey.

During my last year of college, I was hired as a legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Kit Bond, which allowed me to advise on topics spanning agriculture, renewable fuels, waterway infrastructure and science. I loved it. As my first “real world” job, this position was the springboard to my career path in agriculture. In 2010, I joined the family business where I currently serve as Chief Operating Officer. At Perry Ag Lab, we help agricultural producers all over the world produce a more efficient and economic yield through the balance of nutrients necessary to grow plants and animals. It’s a rewarding role that affords me the opportunity to serve through agriculture and science — solving production, environmental and regulatory challenges.

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This article originally ran on Authority Magazine.