Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) Director Rochelle Krusemark has been re-elected to her post as a United Soybean Board (USB) director, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced this week.
“I truly appreciate the time and expertise these individuals have agreed to give guiding the United Soybean Board,” Perdue said. “Their work is especially important as we work to improve international opportunities for American farmers and ranchers. Together we will help them thrive by increasing domestic and international demand for the nearly 90 million acres of soybeans produced by U.S. farmers.”
Krusemark, who was first elected USB director in 2015, currently raises soybeans, corn and hogs on her Trimont-based farm, and also works as a crop insurance adjuster. She is also the current MSR&PC District 8 representative.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve another term, representing all U.S. soybean farmers,” Krusemark says. “I am also thankful for my family’s support and fulfilling my responsibilities as I take on this endeavor.”
Krusemark currently serves as the Meal Target Area Coordinator where she assists the Demand, Supply and Marketplace Action Team leaders and those work groups to develop strategies and provide direction to their staff and contractors who ultimately manage the projects and programs.
Krusemark says high oleic soybean varieties is one emerging market the soybean checkoff has invested in and will continue to as she begins her second three-year term.
“U.S soybean farmers’ checkoff has helped develop high oleic soybean hybrid varieties that are grown and processed in several geographical areas,” Krusemark says. “High oleic soybeans offer a diversified market due to their characteristics, including zero trans fats, lower saturated fat, natural preservatives and a higher scorch point of 400 degrees, which extends the useful life when used in fryers. I am excited about the checkoff funded research projects that develop new uses for soybean meal and oil, ultimately creating new markets and a demand for the soybeans we grow.”
USB’s 73 farmer-directors work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds in programs and partnerships to drive soybean innovation beyond the bushel and increase preference for U.S. soy. That preference is based on U.S. soybean meal and oil quality and the sustainability of U.S. soybean farmers. 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.
