The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) announces the addition of Steve Joehl as director of research and technology to the wheat growers’ team. Joehl will be responsible for coordinating programs to enhance and expedite the commercialization of wheat innovations through public and private research programs. He will also lead federal research appropriations and other research related policy efforts.

“As the wheat industry shifts focus to increasing overall productivity and profitability, I strongly believe Steve’s role is key to wheat production’s turnaround in the U.S.,” commented NAWG CEO Jim Palmer. “I am excited about what Steve will help us do, and I know we will benefit from his extensive experience in this field.”

Joehl joins the wheat growers after nearly 40 years with Monsanto, working in various roles and capacities since beginning his career in 1975 in sales and sales management. He was recognized as Monsanto’s first national account manager for seed in 1994 and named to the Roundup Ready Soybean commercial launch team operating from 1994 through 1997. He directed Monsanto’s soybean licensing business from 1998 through 2003. Monsanto formed its product management group in 2003, and Joehl led the soybean product management team to develop the soybean trait pipeline and post-patent strategy.

Joehl was Monsanto’s liaison to wheat growers through NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates since 2010 until his retirement from Monsanto in March of this year. Through his relationships with wheat growers, he was elected to the board of the National Wheat Foundation and served as secretary/treasurer. He led Monsanto’s wheat advisory council as the executive director.