Three Wisconsin soybean farmers have been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to serve on the United Soybean Board, the farmer-led organization that directs investments of soybean checkoff dollars into research, market development and promotion efforts that benefit soybean growers nationwide.

Tony Mellenthin, Eau Galle, Danny Brisky, Columbus, and Andy Bensend, Dallas, were among 42 farmer-leaders appointed to three-year terms on the board. Their terms begin immediately.

Tony Mellenthin (left), Danny Brisky (center) and Andy Bensend will serve Wisconsin soybean farmers on USB.

“We look forward to the continued leadership of Tony on the executive committee at USB,” said Jonathan Gibbs, president of the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board. “We’re excited for Danny and Andy, who will be strong representatives of Wisconsin’s soybean farmers.

The United Soybean Board is composed of 77 farmer-directors representing 29 soybean-producing states and two regional at-large seats. Each year, approximately one-third of the board is appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture from nominees submitted by Qualified State Soybean Boards.

“I’m proud to continue to serve Wisconsin’s soybean farmers at the national level,” Mellenthin said. “I’m also blessed to have voted by my peers onto the executive committee for USB.”

Through the soybean checkoff, farmers invest one half of one percent of the market value of a bushel sold to fund research, education and market development initiatives designed to create new uses for soy, strengthen demand and improve farmer profitability. The board’s work spans areas including animal nutrition, human food, industrial uses, sustainability and international market access.