Tom Frisch has enjoyed the privilege of directing soybean checkoff funds at the state level. Now, the Traverse County farmer is stepping into a national leadership position.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the appointment of Frisch and 18 new farmer-leaders to serve on the United Soybean Board (USB). Frisch replaced Council Director Bill Zurn. In addition, 24 farmer-leaders were reappointed, including Council Director Gene Stoel. Minnesota supports four directors on USB, including Patrick O’Leary and Lawrence Sukalski.

“It’s been very beneficial being involved at the state level, and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and bring it to USB,” said Frisch, who farms on his fourth-generation operation in Dumont. “It’s a great opportunity.”

Forty-six leaders and alternates will serve three-year terms, and one new appointed member will serve a one-year term. Leaders will be sworn in for service during the USB December Meeting in St. Charles, Mo.

“We are thrilled about this group of directors joining us, whether they are new or returning farmer-leaders,” said Ralph Lott, USB chair and farmer from New York. “Each of them offers different expertise and industry insights that will assist with making strategic checkoff investments to benefit all U.S. soybean farmers now and looking at what’s ahead.”

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.

“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 vice chair and Missouri farmer. 

To see USDA’s Notice of Trade about appointments, click here. To learn more about key investments made on behalf of U.S. soybean farmers, sign up for the Soy Hopper newsletter at unitedsoybean.org/newsletter.

“I’m ready to do my part in directing checkoff investments,” said Frisch, who will attend the December board meeting. “I’m looking forward to see what this all holds.”

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.