Luther Markwart, CEO and executive vice president at the American Sugarbeet Growers Association for the past 44 years, will retire at the end of 2026, according to an announcement from the group’s board of directors. 

“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. “Luther has been a consummate professional, leading our industry on a variety of issues to position our multi-generation family farms for future success.” 

“He will leave behind a legacy of dedicated servant-leadership, defined by hard work and commitment,” Rockstad added. 

ASGA celebrated the organization’s 50-year anniversary in 2025. Marwart has a long history of supporting the sector, including being the first leader to serve a fully united grower organization for the domestic beet sugar industry. 

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Prior to becoming executive vice president and CEO of ASGA in 1982, Markwart was a regional sugarbeet grower representative for Michigan and Ohio growers. He is a graduate of Michigan State University. 

“I have been truly blessed to have worked with some of the finest grower leaders in American agriculture, as well as a tremendous staff and a team of outstanding domestic sugar representatives,” Markwart said. “It is a distinct honor to promote and defend the American farm families across our nation who work tirelessly to feed our nation. This work will continue as American sugar producers and our national food security remain under threat by the predatory practices of foreign competitors.”

In a recent interview on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers, Markwart explained the challenge that Brazil – the world’s largest sugar producer and exporter – poses to American sugar growers by dumping product into the U.S. marketplace below the domestic cost of production. 

The ASGA board of directors and Markwart have been collaborating on a plan for his planned retirement for over a year to ensure a smooth transition, the release said. 

ASGA's search team will begin accepting applications Jan. 1. The search for his successor will be conducted by the association’s designated legal counsel, Bruce Kleven. 

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