THE FIELD

The Leadership Link

AgriTalk – June 27, 2024

In this month’s Soy Checkoff Check-In, USB CEO Lucas Lentsch discusses his first six months as CEO and what he’s learned by listening to farmers, QSSBs, and partners. Plus, he digs into biodiesel and how soybean oil has the opportunity to provide energy independence and sustainable solutions to consumers.

Key Initiatives

INFRASTRUCTURE & CONNECTIVITY

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Report Reveals Ag’s Trillion-Dollar Growth and Economic Impact

The 2024 Feeding the Economy report demonstrates the vital role of America’s food and agriculture sector, with a significant increase in economic output and substantial contributions to employment and economic activity. The sponsorship by ASA and USB underscores soybean farmers’ commitment to showcasing the sector’s impact on the national economy.

READ REPORT
“ChartDemand

Market View Database Explores Dynamics of Record Crush

Record U.S. soybean crush in MY22/23 showed strong demand for renewable diesel that impacted both soybean meal exports and soybean oil utilization. This is expected to continue in MY23/24. Learn about the market dynamics behind these trends and more in the Market View Database.

VIEW DATA

 

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

“Screenshot Supply

GROW Your Knowledge of Herbicide Resistance

Herbicide resistance is a complex and critical issue that impacts crop productivity. “The Basics of Herbicide Resistance” is a new resource from GROW and the soybean checkoff that not only addresses what it is and how it happens, but also how to identify it and keep an eye on evolving threats.

 

GET INSIGHTS
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Soy Recognized in Goodyear Corporate Responsibility Report

EcoReady™ tires made with sustainable soybean oil were highlighted in Goodyear’s recent Corporate Responsibility Report. By replacing petroleum oil with soybean oil, Goodyear offers more value to stakeholders and consumers with tires made from 70% sustainable materials, including rice husk ash silica and natural rubber.

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HEALTH & NUTRITION

“Farmers Supply

Farmers for Soil Health Marketplace Launches in July

The Farmers for Soil Health Marketplace offers companies the opportunity to invest in sustainable farming practices. This initiative, sponsored by USB, the National Corn Growers Association and the National Pork Board, fosters a grassroots, climate-smart approach to agriculture by supporting sustainable farming across the United States.

LEARN MORE

 

EXPORTS

COMMUNICATION & EDUCATION

“USSEC

USSEC Hosts Trade Teams Participating in Soybean Oil Masters Program

USSEC and the Indiana Soybean Alliance welcomed professionals in the soybean oil industry from 13 countries to educate on and promote the advantages of U.S. soybean oil. The group participated in industry visits and Soybean Oil Masters Celebration Day and concluded its trip by attending the Indianapolis 500 race.

READ STORY
“Groundbreaking

‘GroundBreaking’ Documentary Unveils Soybean’s Vast Potential

The new documentary “GroundBreaking,” funded by U.S. soybean farmers, explores the remarkable versatility and impact of soybeans, taking viewers on a journey across the U.S., revealing how soybeans contribute to sustainability, nutrition, and innovation. With stops in nine states, the documentary showcases soy’s role in everything from global trade to space exploration.

WATCH ON DEMAND

USB STAFF UPDATES

USB Management Team Announced — Effective June 17, 2024

The management team has been restructured to support USB’s goal of delivering more transparency, efficiency and accountability across the U.S. Soy ecosystem. 

SEE TEAM

  • Keenan McRoberts, Ph.D. — Executive Vice President, Strategy. McRoberts leads USB’s investment strategy team. His oversight ensures high impact and returns on strategic investments throughout USB’s portfolio. 
  • Darryl Chatman — Executive Vice President, Compliance. Chatman leads USB’s compliance and governance oversight. In addition, he provides parliamentary and legal guidance and is the executive staff liaison to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Office of the General Counsel. 
  • Sandi Schwarzen, CPA — Executive Vice President, Finance. Schwarzen leads USB’s financial affairs, including financial risk management, accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, revenue projections, banking, collections and auditing. 
  • John Jansen — Senior Vice President, Marketing. Jansen supports USB’s marketing strategy by engaging the soybean value chain and identifying demand opportunities. His expertise drives soybean oil investments and engagement with consumer packaged goods companies. 
  • Doug Ackerman — Senior Vice President, Reputation & Insights. New to the team, Ackerman will lead USB’s reputation and insights strategy, including integrated communications. He will also advise board members and staff on all reputation-related matters and oversee U.S. Soy and soy checkoff brand channels. 
  • Regina Cleary — Vice President, Board Relations & Farmer Outreach. Cleary leads USB’s board engagement and farmer outreach strategy. In addition, she manages USB’s internal operations, facilitates office processes and coordinates logistics for the Board.

Karen Baudendistel — Effective June 11 — Baudendistel joined as director, contract compliance. Karen joins USB full-time as she previously worked as a contractor with USBs legal contractor. 

Stephen Pope — Effective June 17 — Pope joined USB as senior manager, financial compliance. Stephen has moved over from financial contractor CLA to USB staff.

Mac Marshall — Effective June 7 — Marshall is no longer with USB. We thank Mac for his service to the United Soybean Board organization. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lucas Lentsch or Darryl Chatman.  

MEDIA COVERAGE

Q2 Media & PR Hits Infographic

Top Media Hits

  1. Soybeans in ag and consumer goods, via Ag Information Network of the West  
  2. Using soybean oil for roads is helping farmers invest in their own transportation, via RFD-TV 
  3. Environmentally friendly soybean products result from checkoff program funding, via Brownfield  
  4. Cross Plains Solutions unveils SoyFoam, via Fire Engineering 
  5. Farming is “not easy and it’s a lot of risk,” says Iowa soybean producer, via Marketplace