Past President, PA Farmer

Bill Beam is the Owner and Operator of Beam Farms Inc., a fourth-generation row crop (corn, soy, wheat), specialty crop and hay operation based in Elverson, Pennsylvania, and of a sawdust trucking business that serves customers and producers of sawdust within a 150 mile radius of the farm. He is currently serving as Administrator of the Farm Service Agency and stepped down from the RIPE Board to fulfill this appointment in Spring 2025. Bill also served as the Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs of the FSA/USDA from 2018-2021. In that role, he oversaw and implemented policies and procedures that regulate the delivery of FSA farm programs. He, along with his staff, oversaw major portions of the Farm Bill, including programs that help farmers, ranchers and forest stewards manage market risks, recover from disasters, and conserve and protect natural resources through the Farm Service Agency’s network of over 2,100 state and county offices.

Previously, he also served on the United Soybean Board for nine years, on the United States Soybean Export Council for two years, and in leadership positions with the Pennsylvania Soybean Board.

Past President, IA Farmer

Curt previously served as president of Iowa Corn Growers Association and is an active member of Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association, U.S. Grains Council, and American Green Gas. Curt is a third-generation family farmer, and grows corn and soybeans on 1,400 acres with his wife, Anita. They use no-till, cover crops and other practices that invest in soil health and water quality. Curt is enthusiastic about RIPE’s mission to help growers develop new economic opportunities while investing in their farms’ conservation practices to benefit the farm, neighbors and future generations. Curt also volunteers with 4-H programs and Sunday school education, investing in the next generation.