Nineteen farmer-leaders will be sworn in as directors of the United Soybean Board in December, after their recent appointments by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The 19 soybean farmers from across the United States include five new appointees and 14 returning directors. These volunteer farmers invest soy checkoff funds on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers in projects that increase the value of U.S. soybean meal and oil, ensure U.S. farmers and their customers maintain the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers.

Fourteen returning directors and five new directors will be sworn in at United Soybean Board's annual meeting (USB photo)

"We're looking forward to welcoming these new and returning farmer-leaders to the board," says Jim Call, USB chairman. "We know that they will work with their fellow USB directors in wisely investing checkoff dollars for the benefit of all U.S. soybean farmers."

Appointed farmer-leaders include:

• Angela M. Dee, Aliceville, Alabama*
• Robert L. Stobaugh, Atkins, Arkansas*
• Dwain L. Ford, Kinmundy, Illinois*
• Michael A. Beard, Frankfort, Indiana*
• Larry K. Marek, Riverside, Iowa*
• Thomas E. Oswald, Cleghorn, Iowa
• Craig M. Gigstad, Valley Falls, Kansas*
• Keith N. Tapp, Sebree, Kentucky*
• Belinda L. Burrier, Union Bridge, Maryland
• Herbert N. Miller, Niles, Michigan
• Scott G. Singlestad, Waseca, Minnesota*
• James D. Sneed, Senatobia, Mississippi*
• George L. Rone, Portageville, Missouri
• Mike G. Korth, Randolph, Nebraska
• Daniel J. Corcoran, Piketon, Ohio*
• Ellie W. Green, Lynchburg, South Carolina*
• Robert J. Metz, Peever, South Dakota*
• David E. Nichols, Ridgely, Tennessee*
• Thomas P. Rotello, Navasota, Texas*
*Indicates returning director

All appointees serve three-year terms, beginning Dec. 11, when they'll be sworn in at USB's annual meeting in St. Louis. Qualified State Soybean Boards nominated all of the appointees.

Source: USB