Susan Watkins grows soybeans, corn and wheat with her husband, Maxwell, and son, Cody, in Sutherland, Virginia. In addition, Susan helps manage her family’s outdoor products store. Susan says farming comes with many rewards, including more time with family and the freedom to be outside. Her diverse knowledge of business and agriculture, paired with her hands-on farm experience, has prepared her for the challenging duties of serving as a farmer-leader on the United Soybean Board. This is Susan’s fifth year on the board. She is a member of the Value Alignment Committee and the Communication and Education Committee. In addition, she is the Health and Nutrition Supply work group lead.

Susan is an active member of her local community. She has served as a chairperson for the local Farm Service Agency office and represented Dinwiddie County as a member of the South Centre Corridors Resource. She is a former vice chair for the Virginia Soybean Board, where she currently serves as a board member. Susan serves as a citizen representative for the Virginia Trauma Administrative and Governance Committee and also serves on the county Industrial Development Authority.

With a focus on prices and trade, she hopes to face some of soy’s biggest issues during her time with USB. She believes new products and education are significant opportunities for the soybean industry today and prioritizes investment and stewardship in these areas.