Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 720-8998 Samuel.Jones@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of 34 members and two alternate members to the United Soybean Board. All appointees will serve 3-year terms beginning immediately.
"These appointees represent a cross section of the soybean industry and I am confident that soybean producers will be well served by them," said Vilsack.
Soybean production is important to the United States agriculture industry. In 2009, according to USDA statistics, top producing states included Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana and Nebraska.
Appointed Soybean Board members are: Russell M. Smith, Ark.; Richard F. Carlisle, Del.; Richard J. Stern, Jr., Eastern Region; Philip E. Bradshaw and Sharon L. Covert, Ill.; James E. Schriver and Roger W. Hadley, II, Ind.; Delbert J. Christensen, Iowa; Robert N. Haselwood and Ronald R. Ohlde, Kan.; Jules K. Bordelon, La.; Granville S. Moore, Md.; Mary Lou Smith and James E. Wilson, Mich.; James B. Willers and Robin H. Hanks, Minn.; Marcus S. Curtis, Miss.; Richard L. Fordyce, Mo.; Gregg A. Fujan and Michael S. Thede, Neb.; Russell R. Carpenter, N.Y.; Jacob J. Parker, N.C.; Joel M. Thorsrud and Jared C. Hagert, N.D.; Dale L. Profit and Keith L. Kemp, Ohio; Larry E. Davis, Okla.; William L. Beam, Pa.; Douglas R. Hanson, S.D.; John H. Dodson, Tenn.; Keith M. Dunn, Va.; Ross A. Waterman, Western Region; Robert A. Derr and Nancy Kavazanjian, Wis.
Alternate members appointed are: Dallas R. Wright, Del.; and Todd O. DuMond, N.Y.
The 69-member board is authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act. The Secretary selected the appointees from soybean producers nominated by Qualified State Soybean Boards.
The mandatory program is funded at the rate of one-half of one percent of the net market price of the soybeans purchased. The board's goal is to strengthen the position of soybeans in the marketplace and to maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for soybeans and soybean products.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight of the board.
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