Feb. 27 is deadline for Indiana farmers to apply for seat on United Soybean Board

INDIANAPOLIS — Farmers interested in serving as a director on the United Soybean Board should submit an application to the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the state’s soybean checkoff program, by Feb. 27.

Comprised of 77 volunteer farmer-directors, the USB oversees the investments of the national soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. USB directors are eligible to serve up to three, three-year terms. Indiana has four seats on the USB Board.

USB director Tom Griffiths of Kendallville in northeast Indiana will complete his third and final term on the board this year. Indiana will need a new director to fill that position.

Other Hoosier farmers on the USB board are Matthew Chapman, a farmer from Springport; Don Wyss, a farmer from Fort Wayne; and Jim Douglas of Flat Rock.

The soybean checkoff program allows farmers to contribute to the market development, promotion, production and utilization of soybeans. The USB farmer-directors ensure checkoff investments create value for soybean farmers in appropriate programs.

USB asks that directors commit to attending three board meetings each year, usually in February, June and December. In addition, directors can also serve on committees or other subgroups.

If appointed, the term would begin in December.

Any Indiana farmer eligible to apply must grow soybeans or own or share in the ownership and risk of loss of soybeans.

Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary appoints directors to the USB Board, the ISA — as the state soybean checkoff organization — submits director candidate names to the USDA for consideration.

“Those who serve on the USB Board learn about innovative projects that make soybeans a more valuable crop,” said ISA Chair Denise Scarborough, a farmer from LaCrosse.

“Indiana is the fourth-largest soybean-producing state in the United States, so managing checkoff funds is important work. Serving on USB not only helps soybean growers from Indiana, but it also helps direct checkoff funds for farmers from all over the country.”

Indiana soybean farmers who want to be an ISA nominee to the USB Board, should complete a background form and a candidate questionnaire.

Visit incornandsoy.org/ISAelection — found at the bottom of the page — or send an email to Amber Myers, ISA Board leadership manager, at amyers@indianasoybean.com for an application.