Michael Doane

Michael Doane is the Managing Director of Agriculture and Food Systems for The Nature Conservancy (TNC). As a leader on TNC’s Global Lands team, Michael directs a team of the organization’s foremost experts to scale up conservation outcomes across productively managed ranching and farming landscapes. Top priorities for his program are (1) minimizing the conversion of natural landscapes to agriculture, (2) restoring degraded croplands and grasslands with an emphasis on soil health and nutrient management, and (3) securing freshwater in basins where improved agriculture management practices can make a contribution. TNC has significant agricultural programs across the America’s and emerging programs in Africa and China. Michael brings twenty years of relevant business and leadership experience to the role. Most recently he spent sixteen years with Monsanto, where he led high performing teams across sustainability, food and nutrition security, corporate affairs and commercial business operations. In addition, he has played a catalytic leadership role in the development of multi-stakeholder sustainable sourcing organizations such as Field to Market and The Sustainability Consortium. Prior to his time with Monsanto, Michael served as Executive Vice President for the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, where he played a leadership role in the advancement of no-tillage farming systems in Kansas. Michael started farming at a young age and is a partner in his family’s cattle and row crop farming operation located in Kansas. He combines his passion for agriculture with his love for nature as an avid angler and sportsman. Michael holds a B.S. in Agribusiness and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics, both from Kansas State University. More importantly, he brings a wealth of practical experience and business savvy to the global conservation movement. Michael and his wife, Julie have two children and make their home in Parkville, Missouri.

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