MANKATO, Minn. —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, the vice chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC), replaces Council Director Bill Zurn. In addition, 24 farmer-leaders were reappointed, including Director Gene Stoel. In addition to Frisch and Stoel, Patrick O’Leary and Lawrence Sukalski also represent MSR&PC on USB.
“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 and was elected to the Council in 2019. “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. Frisch 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 comprises 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’m ready to do my part in directing checkoff investments,” said Frisch, who also sits on the Ag Innovation Campus board and represents MSR&PC on the North Central Soybean Research Program. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this all holds.”
About the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion CouncilÂ
The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council oversees the investment of checkoff dollars on behalf of the nearly 28,000 soybean farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program requiring all soybean producers to pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.
— Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
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