The Seam, a prominent provider of advanced software solutions and commodity trading platforms for the food and agribusiness sectors, announced today that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Pryor, has been named to the Agribusiness Industry Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. This prestigious appointment underscores both Pryor’s deep industry expertise and the importance of incorporating the agribusiness sector’s voice in shaping economic policy at the national level.
In this influential role, Pryor will join a select group of industry leaders charged with advising the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis on matters impacting agribusiness and the broader economy. His participation will help provide on-the-ground insights into the economic realities facing agricultural producers, processors, suppliers, and commodity traders throughout the region and beyond.
Strengthening Economic Insight through Industry Collaboration
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis established its District Industry Councils in 2006 as part of a broader effort to capture real-time feedback from key sectors of the economy. These councils—each dedicated to a distinct area including agribusiness, healthcare, real estate, and transportation—serve as essential conduits between the Federal Reserve System and the industries it monitors. The councils gather and share timely, firsthand observations that help inform the bank’s understanding of market dynamics, trends, and emerging challenges.
The Agribusiness Industry Council, which is supported by the St. Louis Fed’s Little Rock, Arkansas branch, plays a particularly vital role in a region deeply rooted in agricultural production and processing. By fostering direct dialogue with leaders like Pryor, the council helps the Fed better assess how global markets, weather volatility, supply chain disruptions, technological innovation, and policy shifts are influencing the agricultural economy. These insights, in turn, contribute to more responsive and effective monetary policy.
Pryor’s Leadership in Agribusiness and Technology
Mark Pryor’s appointment to the council reflects both his professional accomplishments and his broader commitment to modernizing the agribusiness industry. Under Pryor’s leadership, The Seam has emerged as a technology pioneer, delivering digital tools and platforms that help agricultural enterprises streamline operations, trade more efficiently, and make data-driven decisions.
Pryor brings a unique combination of industry insight, strategic foresight, and a passion for innovation to the council. His expertise spans a wide array of areas, including commodities trading, supply chain optimization, blockchain applications in agriculture, and sustainable business practices. At The Seam, he has led initiatives to digitize traditionally manual processes, promote transparency across markets, and empower stakeholders throughout the agricultural value chain.
A firm believer in collaboration and forward-thinking solutions, Pryor has built strong partnerships with growers, cooperatives, agribusiness firms, and financial institutions to address complex challenges through innovation. His experience with digital transformation in agriculture is especially timely, as the industry seeks new ways to enhance efficiency, resilience, and environmental stewardship amid mounting global pressures.
A Voice for Sustainable Growth and Innovation
In accepting his role on the council, Pryor emphasized the importance of aligning technology, sustainability, and economic policy to support the long-term vitality of the agribusiness sector.
“It’s an honor to serve on the Agribusiness Industry Council and contribute to discussions that impact our industry and the broader economy,” said Pryor. “At The Seam, we are deeply committed to innovation and efficiency in agribusiness, and I look forward to sharing insights that support the sector’s growth and sustainability.”
His presence on the council will help ensure that the perspectives of forward-looking agribusiness leaders—those who are leveraging data, technology, and sustainable practices—are reflected in policy discussions at the federal level. His insights will complement economic research from the Federal Reserve Board’s Beige Book, as well as data and analysis gathered through the Reserve Bank’s board of directors and regional economic advisors.
Council’s Broader Role in Shaping Monetary Policy
Each of the four District Industry Councils convenes twice a year to offer timely feedback on current economic conditions, business outlooks, and structural developments within their respective industries. These meetings allow council members to share their experiences and perspectives directly with Federal Reserve Bank staff and leadership, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the economy that extends beyond statistical models and historical trends.
The St. Louis-based Federal Reserve district encompasses all of Arkansas and parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee—an area with a rich agricultural heritage and significant ongoing investment in agribusiness infrastructure and innovation. The Little Rock branch’s support of the Agribusiness Industry Council highlights the central role of agriculture in regional economic health.
In addition to the Agribusiness Industry Council, the other three sector-specific councils include:
- Real Estate Industry Council, which meets in St. Louis and focuses on residential and commercial property markets;
- Health Care Industry Council, convened in Louisville, Kentucky, to discuss issues affecting medical service providers, payers, and health system operations;
- Transportation Industry Council, based in Memphis, Tennessee, and centered on logistics, freight, and distribution—crucial components of the U.S. economy.
These councils collectively contribute to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ mission of promoting stable prices, maximum employment, and moderate long-term interest rates. By integrating real-world insights from business leaders with formal economic research, the bank enhances its ability to design and implement effective monetary policy.
Looking Ahead
Mark Pryor’s appointment signals continued recognition of The Seam’s leadership in advancing digital transformation in agriculture and promoting best practices that enhance sustainability, market efficiency, and resilience. As the agribusiness sector navigates complex global challenges—from climate change and food security to labor shortages and shifting consumer preferences—voices like Pryor’s will be essential in ensuring that policy frameworks are both informed and adaptive.
The Seam remains committed to serving the industry through innovation, collaboration, and forward-looking leadership. Pryor’s engagement with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis will further that mission, providing a platform to advocate for solutions that benefit producers, agribusinesses, and the broader economy alike.
For more information on The Seam and its services, To learn more about the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and its industry councils,
