President

Ryan Vavroch - Elberon, IA

My wife, two daughters, and myself farm outside of Elberon raising primarily corn and soybeans in Benton and Tama counties.  Aside from farming we also have our trucking business which moves goods locally and throughout the Midwest. Keeping busy is not an issue on our operation but I wouldn't have it any other way! 

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent on the board thus far and would appreciate being able to continue serving the Co-op and community in this role.

Elected - 2019, 2022, 2025

Current Term Expires - 2028

Vice President

Mark Pokorny - Clutier, IA

I live outside of Clutier, Iowa, with my girlfriend Val on the original 4th generation family farm. I have four grown kids and six grandkids, and I enjoy car shows, spending time with family, and playing cards.

I am a row crop farmer and have extensive experience raising livestock. Additionally, I previously worked for the NRCS, which has given me a broad perspective on agricultural practices and resource management.

I am passionate about serving our cooperative and bringing my hands-on farming experience to the board. My goal is to continue fostering a strong, supportive, and innovative cooperative community that benefits all its members

Elected - 2018, 2021,2024

Current Term Expires - 2027

Secretary

Clint Wobeter - Toledo, IA

I’m proud to live and farm just north of Toledo on our family’s heritage farm, which has been in operation for over six generations. I’m actively involved in all aspects of the farm—planting, harvesting, custom fieldwork, and equipment repair—and I’m passionate about carrying on the family tradition.

In addition to farming, I’ve worked for the past 31 years at John Deere Van Wall in Marshalltown, where I’ve been fortunate to blend my professional knowledge with my on-the-ground farming experience.

My wife Amanda and I live in the home built by my grandparents, where we’re raising our four children. Family is at the heart of everything we do—whether we’re on the farm, at sporting events, golfing, or just spending time together.

I am committed to serving our members, supporting growth, and ensuring the co-op continues to meet the needs of both current and future generations of farmers.

Elected - 2022, 2025

Current Term Expires - 2028

Director

Joshua Hennings - Elberon, IA

I am part of a family farm located by Elberon where I farm alongside my father Todd Hennings. I graduated from Coe College with a Business Administration degree. Coe is where I met wife Cami, and we have 3 amazing children whom all love being on the farm. We enjoy coaching our children and seeing their excitement in all of their activities.

Tama-Benton Cooperative has been a great company to work with and be a part of. This group is goal oriented and everyone is motivated for the future. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and understanding that is what creates the drive in an individual and within the company. Tama-Benton has that drive and there will be unlimited success for this Cooperative. A Cooperative that has its members, employees, and customers in their best interest at all times is a powerful and humbling Cooperative. That’s what Tama-Benton Cooperative is and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Elected - 2023

Current Term Expires - 2026

Director

Matt Werner - Mt Auburn, IA

I grew up locally, just north of Dysart, and have been involved in farming since I was a child. Starting out, we raised cattle, hogs, and row crops. Over time, we moved away from livestock and now focus solely on growing corn and soybeans. Currently, my wife, Andrea, and I live in the Mt. Auburn area, and we farm row crops in and around the surrounding area.

In addition to farming, I’ve worked for Anderson Erickson Dairy, been a commercial grain hauler, and recently, I wrapped up my role as an agricultural loan officer for US Bank. I previously served on my church finance board for eight years and have been on the Benton County Farm Bureau board for the past nine years. My experience in agriculture, finance, networking, and building relationships are skills I believe are needed for the Tama Benton Coop board, and this is why I am interested in running for the position.

Along with our farm operation, Andrea works as the K-6 Student Success Coordinator for Independence Community School District, and we have three children. Our son lives in the Des Moines area, our middle daughter is a junior at Iowa State, and our youngest daughter is a sophomore at Union High School. In our free time, we enjoy going to the Lake of the Ozarks, boating, camping, playing cards, and traveling.

Elected - 2024

Current Term Expires - 2027

Director

Brad Geater - Vinton, IA 

I graduated from Iowa State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Over the years, I have earned my licenses as both a Professional Engineer (PE) and a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS), which have enabled me to build a fulfilling career in engineering and land surveying.

On a personal note, I am happily married to my wife, Jaye, and we cherish spending time at the lake with our children. I also have a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, working alongside my father, Benny, in row cropping and managing our cow-calf herd. This agricultural involvement gives me a firsthand understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that our cooperative members face.

I am committed to leveraging my diverse experiences and leadership roles to benefit the Tama-Benton Cooperative. My goal is to foster growth, innovation, and community spirit within our cooperative, ensuring it remains a supportive and dynamic resource for all its members.

Elected - 2024

Current Term Expires - 2027

Director

John Ritscher - Keystone

I live just outside of Keystone with my wife, Ashlee (Frazier), and our two sons. Our family has deep roots in Benton County, and we’re proud to be part of the local agricultural community.

Ashlee and I farm together, and she also works as a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital. I’m employed as a Maintenance Technician at General Mills, and together we own and operate Newhall Feed and Ag Service.

Community involvement is important to me. I actively volunteer with youth sports, serve as a township trustee, and sit on the board of the Benton County Farm Bureau. We’re also proud members of St. John Church in Newhall.

Family values and a strong work ethic are at the core of everything we do. I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the board, build strong relationships, and contribute to the continued growth of Tama Benton Cooperative.

Elected - 2025

Current Term Expires - 2028