Welcome to Our New CEO, Brent Deppe!
May 11, 2026
Sara Clausen
Director of Communications
WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER OPENS. That’s a common phrase, but without a doubt it’s an accurate one. This spring, Key Cooperative is seeing one door close as CEO Boyd Brodie retires and another open as we welcome new CEO Brent Deppe.
This past fall, Boyd shared he intended to retire in the spring. For the first time since 2016, Key’s Board of Directors was tasked with its most important responsibility: hiring the CEO. The formal search began in August, when Hedlin Ag Enterprises out of Ankeny was selected as our search firm. Long-time industry partner, Kevin Hinders of Land O’Lakes, was also asked to assist in the facilitation process.
Winter months might be slow for field activity, but the growers serving on your board were extremely busy thanks to the search. Over several months, they narrowed the 80 applicants for the CEO position down to 5 for interviews. Final interviews were held during the last week of February, after which the board unanimously chose to offer the CEO position to Brent Deppe.
CEO is simply a new Key Cooperative title for Brent. His 20-year track record as a member of the Key family has allowed him to serve in a wide range of roles, including Sales Agronomist, Newton Location Manager and Agronomy Division Manager, while also becoming the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
“Key is all I’ve ever known,” said Brent. “I understand our facilities, our operations and our employees. Additionally, since I farm myself, I know how to relate to our members based on their current challenges.”
Brent grew up on a small farm outside of Grinnell, which his mother and father’s side of the family continue to operate.
Brent’s story is deeply rooted in agriculture. He grew up on a small family farm outside of Grinnell, where both his mother and father’s side continue to farm today. Brent is the quintessential small-town kid. He participated in all the high school sports, showed livestock through 4-H and actively helped on the farm. While in college at Iowa State University, Brent spent several summers as a crop scout before working one final summer for Agriliance (now known as WinField® United), joining in their Answer Plot program.
Brent’s wife, Farrah, is a teacher in the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. They reside just down the road from where Brent grew up. Brent spends every day at Key, and with three active daughters, he can also often be found coaching.
Brent with his wife, Farrah, and their daughters.
“Coaching builds work ethic, and preparing for a game is like preparing for a season,” said Brent. “Every player and employee plays a critical role in the success of the goal.”
“I’m encouraging our members to challenge us—in all divisions. To live out our cooperative identity of being an essential business partner, we must meet our growers where they’re at. Each owner is unique, we want to work with them on customizable solutions that are tailored for their operations today and well into the future.” - BRENT DEPPE
Brent officially took over the CEO role in March but remains dedicated to the Key Agronomy team as they enter peak planting season. “My first priority will be to find my replacement as Agronomy Division Manager, because it’s such a critical role and we must continue our best-in-class agronomy services,” he said. “The next six to nine months will be spent working with staff and the board on strategic planning by division to set goals and position your cooperative for future success.”
Director of Communications
Aways Your Essential Business Partner
WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER OPENS. That’s a common phrase, but without a doubt it’s an accurate one. This spring, Key Cooperative is seeing one door close as CEO Boyd Brodie retires and another open as we welcome new CEO Brent Deppe.
This past fall, Boyd shared he intended to retire in the spring. For the first time since 2016, Key’s Board of Directors was tasked with its most important responsibility: hiring the CEO. The formal search began in August, when Hedlin Ag Enterprises out of Ankeny was selected as our search firm. Long-time industry partner, Kevin Hinders of Land O’Lakes, was also asked to assist in the facilitation process.
Winter months might be slow for field activity, but the growers serving on your board were extremely busy thanks to the search. Over several months, they narrowed the 80 applicants for the CEO position down to 5 for interviews. Final interviews were held during the last week of February, after which the board unanimously chose to offer the CEO position to Brent Deppe.
CEO is simply a new Key Cooperative title for Brent. His 20-year track record as a member of the Key family has allowed him to serve in a wide range of roles, including Sales Agronomist, Newton Location Manager and Agronomy Division Manager, while also becoming the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
“Key is all I’ve ever known,” said Brent. “I understand our facilities, our operations and our employees. Additionally, since I farm myself, I know how to relate to our members based on their current challenges.”
Brent grew up on a small farm outside of Grinnell, which his mother and father’s side of the family continue to operate.
Brent’s story is deeply rooted in agriculture. He grew up on a small family farm outside of Grinnell, where both his mother and father’s side continue to farm today. Brent is the quintessential small-town kid. He participated in all the high school sports, showed livestock through 4-H and actively helped on the farm. While in college at Iowa State University, Brent spent several summers as a crop scout before working one final summer for Agriliance (now known as WinField® United), joining in their Answer Plot program.
Brent’s wife, Farrah, is a teacher in the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. They reside just down the road from where Brent grew up. Brent spends every day at Key, and with three active daughters, he can also often be found coaching.
Brent with his wife, Farrah, and their daughters.
“Coaching builds work ethic, and preparing for a game is like preparing for a season,” said Brent. “Every player and employee plays a critical role in the success of the goal.”
“I’m encouraging our members to challenge us—in all divisions. To live out our cooperative identity of being an essential business partner, we must meet our growers where they’re at. Each owner is unique, we want to work with them on customizable solutions that are tailored for their operations today and well into the future.” - BRENT DEPPE
Brent officially took over the CEO role in March but remains dedicated to the Key Agronomy team as they enter peak planting season. “My first priority will be to find my replacement as Agronomy Division Manager, because it’s such a critical role and we must continue our best-in-class agronomy services,” he said. “The next six to nine months will be spent working with staff and the board on strategic planning by division to set goals and position your cooperative for future success.”
View the message above from Board President Bryce Arkema and new CEO Brent Deppe.