Michigan Farmers Appointed to United Soybean Board

Two Michigan soybean farmers were among the 19 new farmerleaders appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to serve on the United Soybean Board (USB). In addition, 24 farmerleaders were reappointed. Leaders were sworn in for service during the USB December Meeting in St. Charles, Missouri.

The soy checkoff provides significant value to farmers by continuing to fund programs that build preference for U.S. soybeans across the country and throughout the world. Authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the checkoff is composed of 77 members representing 29 states, in addition to the Eastern and Western regions. The number of seats on the board and farmer representation is based on bushels produced in each of the production regions. Members must be soybean farmers nominated by a Qualified State Soybean Board.

Dennis Gardner of Croswell and Carla Schultz of Mayville join Laurie Isley, Michigan's third representative, in serving on behalf of Michigan soybean farmers and their interests at the national level.

Dennis grows soybeans, corn, wheat and sugar beets on his family farm, and also owns a lawn mowing and snow plow business. He served on the Michigan Soybean Committee board for nine years and is on the Croswell-Lexington School Board.

Carla grows soybeans, corn, dry beans, wheat and hay alongside her family. They also raise beef cattle, hogs and chickens. Additionally, Carla sells products from their farm via direct marketing and is a wheat flour sales executive at Star of the West.

“I look forward to the diverse perspectives these farmer-leaders will bring to our board. Together, we will work to create value for U.S. soybean farmers through strategically designed research, education and promotion programs,” said Meagan Kaiser, USB Chair and Missouri farmer.

The Michigan Soybean Committee congratulates Dennis and Carla on their appointments and looks forward to the positive impact their leadership and involvement will have on the Michigan soybean industry.

Dennis and Carla succeed Dave Williams of Elsie and Jim Domagalski of Columbus, who both termed off after serving for nine years. The MSC board and staff appreciate Jim and Dave's leadership and service to the soybean industry!

About United Soybean Board: United Soybean Board’s 77 volunteer farmer-leaders work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments. These volunteers create value by investing in research, education and promotion with the vision to deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day across the three priority areas of Infrastructure & Connectivity, Health & Nutrition, and Innovation & Technology. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit unitedsoybean.org