LEAWOOD, KAS. — Brian Aust has joined Agspring as vice-president of merchandising responsible for overseeing the merchandising decisions for both Big River Rice & Grain and Thresher Artisan Wheat.

Mr. Aust’s experience as a merchandising lead will be an immediate asset to Agspring merchandising operations both strategically and tactically. He has been engaged with the current challenging commodities market merchandising domestically in the mid-South and West regions.

Prior to joining Agspring Mr. Aust was a senior trader at the Redwood Group. His earlier roles included managing director at Freepoint Commodities, director at Lansing Trade Group, L.L.C., senior trader at The Scoular Co., and facility manager at DeBruce Grain.

He has direct experience managing transportation, including high-capacity rail and barge operations. He also developed a cross country business in Texas establishing strong relationships with producers and customers.

“Brian is an experienced manager with a history of successfully working the agricultural commodity trade and asset field,” said Mark Beemer, chief executive officer of Agspring. “His background in merchandising negotiation, planning, customer service, and logistics will make a difference every day for our producers, customers and staff.”    

Mr. Aust is a graduate of Kansas State University.