Scott Averhoff
TCPB Chairman
Waxahachie, Texas
Waxahachie farmer Scott Averhoff currently serves as Chairman of the Texas Corn Producers Board and is a director of the Corn Producers Association of Texas. After losing 900 acres of his crop to severe aflatoxin in 1998, Averhoff decided to get more involved and eventually ran for a board position.
“Actually, my wife Arleen decided I should run,” Averhoff joked. As someone who knows firsthand the effects aflatoxin can have on marketing a crop, he wanted to put aflatoxin management as a high priority. In addition to this goal, Averhoff is also interested in promoting and preserving the right to farm, as well as maintaining rural economies. Currently, he serves on several committees, including the research committee which reviews and oversees proposals concerning production research.
As a 27-year industry veteran, Averhoff also grows wheat, cotton and sorghum in rotation. All of his farmland is located in Ellis County. Averhoff said he enjoys growing corn because it can be a profitable crop in the Blacklands.
Involvement in the corn industry has given Averhoff the opportunity to make a difference for producers across the state. Averhoff said the board works very well together.
“The current CPAT board is very amicable,” Averhoff said, “We’re very involved with the national organization, and have become very comfortable working in Austin and in D.C.”
Averhoff encourages producers to give strong support to check-off programs with all crops they are involved in, because he feels they are a sound investment. He sees the corn industry as a rapidly changing dynamic and said it is important for younger generations to become active. Becoming a member of any commodity association is especially important to having your voice heard at the state and national levels, Averhoff said, and he obviously recommended joining the Corn Producers Association of Texas.
“Look beyond your own turn row,” Averhoff advises, “and get involved locally, regionally and nationally.”
