As corn and soybean producers from across the Midwest gather at this year’s Fort Wayne Farm Show in Fort Wayne, Indiana—one top ag leader spoke with Michigan Ag Today about his role as a member of the United Soybean Board and the value the checkoff organization brings back to soybean producers.
“Even with the tightening margins I’ve been really excited of the focus of the board the farmers that sit on the board being very smart with the Investments of those check off dollars to bring value back to the farm over time,” said Don Wyss, who serves on the Executive Committee of the United Soybean Board. He’s also a farmer from the Fort Wayne area in northeastern Indiana.
He says the investments made by producers into the soybean checkoff have paid off many times over.
“When we think about every checkoff dollar being invested by a farmer in the United States, it’s bringing $12 back in additional value into the industry” according to Wyss. “That is a strong measurement. The reason why the check-off is here is to bring that value back to the farm and to help lift the entire industry.”
Don points to the growth of high-oleic soybeans, which he says has opened the door to new markets and uses for soybeans.
“When I think about the amount of check-off dollars that have gone into investing in high-oleic soybeans, it’s big! It’s over $100 million! As far as the premiums paid back over time to U.S. soybean farmers, that area continues to expand with this new market, as we see roasted high-oleic soybeans into dairy rations. So, you’re seeing this ballooning effect around the country. It’s over $300 million now in premiums coming back to the farmer. Again, it’s another example of a check-off win!” said Wyss.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the United Soybean Board.
