Feb. 27 is deadline for Indiana farmers to apply for seat on United Soybean Board

Farmers interested in serving as a director on the United Soybean Board (USB) should submit an application to the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), the state’s soybean checkoff program, by Friday, Feb. 27.

Comprised of 77 volunteer farmer-directors, the USB oversees the investments of the national soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. USB directors are eligible to serve up to three, three-year terms. Indiana has four seats on the USB Board.

USB director Tom Griffiths of Kendallville, Ind., will complete his third and final term on the board this year. Indiana will need a new director to fill that position. Other Hoosier farmers on the USB board are Matthew Chapman, a farmer from Springport, Ind., Don Wyss, a farmer from Fort Wayne, Ind., and Jim Douglas of Flat Rock, Ind.

The soybean checkoff program allows farmers to contribute to the market development, promotion, production and utilization of soybeans. The USB farmer-directors ensure checkoff investments create value for soybean farmers in appropriate programs. USB asks that directors commit to attending three board meetings each year, usually in February, June and December. In addition, directors can also serve on committees or other subgroups. If appointed, the term would begin December 2026.

Any Indiana farmer eligible to apply must grow soybeans or own or share in the ownership and risk of loss of soybeans. Although the USDA Secretary appoints directors to the USB Board, the ISA – as the state soybean checkoff organization – submits director candidate names to the USDA for consideration.

“Those who serve on the USB Board learn about innovative projects that make soybeans a more valuable crop,” said ISA Chair Denise Scarborough, a farmer from LaCrosse, Ind. “Indiana is the fourth-largest soybean-producing state in the United States, so managing checkoff funds is important work. Serving on USB not only helps soybean growers from Indiana, but it also helps direct checkoff funds for farmers from all over the country.”

Indiana soybean farmers who want to be an ISA nominee to the USB Board, should complete a background form and a candidate questionnaire. Find an application at the bottom of the page here or send an email to ISA Board Leadership Manager Amber Myers at amyers@indianasoybean.com. Application forms must be received in the ISA office by Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.