2026 Message from ASAC President

November 2025
Abigail Byerly

Following in the footsteps of numerous great presidents, I am simultaneously excited and humbled about the large shoes I have to fill as the next ASAC President. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the expertise, dedication, and years of hard-won experience this organization signifies. The American Society of Agricultural Consultants represents the backbone of a profession that matters — not just to producers, but to the sustainability of our food system, our rural communities, and our future.

I come to the presidency with a unique perspective, representing a non-profit economic development organization serving rural Central Montana and working as an extension of the Montana Department of Agriculture. I hope to utilize this distinct view, paired with my Big Sky Country ranch kid grit, to implement some changes that will move the needle in a positive direction for this organization while maintaining the strong foundation of this organization set by strong leaders over the past 62 years.

To summarize my goals, by this time next year I hope to be able to display

an updated website that is focused on a straightforward and simple user experience
a renewed focus on social media channels and posts that best serve the goals of the organization
investigation of a membership renewal schedule that better aligns with the calendar year
membership surveys to gain a clearer understanding of the value of ASAC memberships
reinvigoration of committees to ensure our diverse membership is well represented and well served
transparency in the leadership journey to encourage participation of new voices and ideas

So what does this mean for current members…. Well I challenged the conference attendees to take a moment to look internally and I extend this challenge to you too. Revisit why you joined this organization, what this organization means to you professionally and how you want to grow to make an impact for your clients. Remember why we do this work in the first place — because we believe in agriculture that lasts. Not just for one operation. Not just for one generation. But for the long haul.

And if you are not yet a member of ASAC, I hope this list is the final motivation you needed to sign up. I was a curious gal from Montana, just six short years ago when I attended my first ASAC Conference in St. Louis and here I am serving as president. Even if the leadership track is not your goal, this organization is ripe with experienced members and an overflowing wealth of knowledge from across the nation and in an unending variety of agriculture based disciplines. Very few other organizations offer you this kind of direct access to networking and opportunities to make a profound impact for agriculture.

I get it – change is hard and our schedules only continue to get fuller. However, there is no time like the present to embrace some opportunities to shift ASAC in a positive direction. We hear over and over in agriculture that the most detrimental phrase is “this is the way we have always done it.” I will use my presidency to lead the organization past the status quo and back into a position of impact and value – for our members, for our clients and ultimately for the world’s most noble profession.

I hope you will join me – let’s get to work!

Your Executive Committee:
Abigail Majerus – President
Tony Ponzetti – President-Elect
Don Tyler – VP / Secretary
Russell Morgan – Chief Financial Officer
David Mielnicki – Past President