Indiana soybean farmers interested in serving as the state’s representative to the United Soybean Board (USB) should apply by February 28, 2013.
USB is comprised of 69 volunteer farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the national soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Indiana has four directors on the USB board and two of the seats are up for re-appointment this year.
While the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appoints directors to the USB board, Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) – the state soybean checkoff organization – submits director candidate names to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Secretary’s consideration. Any Indiana farmer engaged in the growing of soybeans in the United States who owns, or who shares the ownership and risk of loss of soybeans is eligible to apply. USB directors serve a three-year term.
The soybean checkoff program is the means by which farmers contribute to the promotion, market development, production and utilization for soybeans. USB farmer-directors are charged with ensuring the investment of these funds in sound and appropriate programs that create value for soybean farmers. USB directors are asked to commit to attending three board meetings each year, usually in February, June and December.
To be considered as ISA’s nominee to the USB board, Indiana soybean farmers need to complete a candidate questionnaire. To find the document, visit www.indianasoybean.com/2013USBDirectorForm.pdf or call 1-800-735-0195. Completed documents should be returned to ISA by Thursday, February 28, 2013.
Source: ISA