The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting nominations for election to board member positions on the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB).

WSMB is the elected board of soybean farmers who oversee the investment of soybean checkoff dollars into new uses, new and existing markets, research, promotion and education to increase farmer profitability.

“Being a part of the board allows you to not only represent your region of the state, but also play an instrumental role in the investment of soybean checkoff dollars,” said Patrick Mullooly, WSMB president and Clinton farmer. “If you’ve ever wanted to get involved, here’s your chance.”

Every time a Wisconsin soybean farmer sells soybeans, one half of one percent of the market price is checked off. Half of the checkoff is utilized by WSMB, while the other half is directed by the United Soybean Board. No checkoff dollars can be used for lobbying or policy activities.

DATCP will accept nominations until June 1, 2023. The election period will take place from July 10, 2023 – Aug. 15, 2023.

The election will be held for two board member positions in Districts 1 and 7, respectively. Each person elected will serve a three-year term beginning on Sept. 1, 2023, and ending on Aug. 31, 2026.

District 1 includes Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Iron, Marathon, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Washburn and Wood counties.

District 7 includes Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Shawano, Vilas and Waupaca counties.

Only affected producers of soybeans may nominate a producer or be nominated for these positions. An affected producer is an individual, partnership, corporation, or other business entity engaged as an owner or tenant in the growing of soybeans within Wisconsin and selling soybeans in commercial channels.

“Our industry continues to be progressive, and so much can be contributed to the impact of our checkoff dollars,” Mullooly said. “But this starts with the diligent work of our board and the farmer-leaders behind it.”

The nomination form can be found here and should be submitted to: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Marketing Order Program, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, Wis. 53708-8911.