(photo: Rusty Halvorson, KFGO Ag News)
The American Sugarbeet Growers Association has announced the upcoming retirement of its longtime Executive Vice President and CEO, Luther Markwart. His retirement is scheduled for December 31st, 2026.
By the end of next year, Markwart will have served 44 years as the Association’s chief executive, following earlier work representing sugarbeet growers in Michigan and Ohio. During his tenure, ASGA celebrated its 50th anniversary, and Markwart became the first to lead a fully unified grower organization in the domestic beet sugar industry.
Over the decades, Markwart has helped train generations of grower leaders in areas ranging from sugar policy and trade negotiations to biotechnology, nutrition, and litigation.
In a statement, Markwart said he’s been “truly blessed” to work with exceptional grower leaders, staff, and sugar industry representatives. He called it a distinct honor to promote and defend American farm families, and noted that work remains vital as U.S. sugar producers face ongoing competitive pressures from foreign suppliers.
ASGA says the board has been working with Markwart on a succession plan for more than a year to ensure a smooth transition and prepare the organization for the future.
“Sugarbeet growers across our nation have enjoyed the benefits of Luther’s leadership for over four decades, compiling a long list of achievements for our growers,” said Neil Rockstad, a sugarbeet grower from Ada, Minnesota, and President of the ASGA.
The Association will begin accepting applications for the CEO position on January 1st, 2026.
American Sugarbeet Growers Association
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