Joe Maxwell is Co-Founder, Strategic Advisor, Secretary and Treasurer of Farm Action. His experience in farming, agricultural supply chains, law, public service, and political strategy informs Farm Action’s strategy, public positioning, and work to expose corporate power in food and agriculture.

Along with his brother, Steve, Joe raises hogs, sheep, and grain crops on their fourth-generation farm. The pair manage a regional hog marketing group selling animal welfare certified pork into outlets including Chipotle. Working with the Ag of the Middle Project, Joe developed an economic model that allowed smaller livestock producers to compete with large meatpackers. 

Joe held office in Missouri for 14 years, serving as a member of the House of Representatives, Senate, and as Lieutenant Governor. He is retired from the Army National Guard, where he served as a First Sergeant in the Field Artillery. He holds degrees in agricultural economics and law from the University of Missouri.

Joe has held key roles in political and initiative petition campaigns and has advised Presidential, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House candidates on antitrust, agriculture, and food policy.

Recently, he has been cited in major national and international outlets, including Newsweek, the Financial Times, CNBC, ABC News, NPR, Washington Examiner, and Fortune, and has appeared on national television and radio programs discussing issues affecting rural America and farm country.