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United Soybean Board CEO honored for leadership
The St. Louis Agribusiness Club recently recognized United Soybean Board Chief Executive Officer John Becherer as its 2009 Agribusiness Leader of the Year. As USB's CEO, Becherer works with 68 volunteer farmer-leaders--appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture--to invest soybean checkoff funds to benefit U.S. soybean farmers and increase global demand for U.S. soybeans. According to Dale Ludwig, executive director of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, "John leads one of the most successful farmer-checkoff programs in the world." Ludwig, a senior staff member of a Qualified State Soybean Board, nominated Becherer for the award. The St. Louis Agribusiness Club represents farmers and others involved in one of the richest agricultural regions of the world. Becherer strategically manages the $69.2 million annual collections budget to benefit U.S. soybean farmers and advance the U.S. soybean industry by supporting projects that lead to development of new domestic and international markets. USB also allocates funds for the research and development of new soybean uses, production research and communications. "The foundation that John has laid at USB has surely contributed to the successful outcome of the checkoff program," Ludwig added. "As a result of his leadership, USB is making a difference for soybean farmers in the St. Louis region and the rest of the country." Becherer describes himself as a consensus builder and views his position at USB as an opportunity to continue his career-long interest in helping farmers farm more profitably. A recent study on the soybean checkoff's return on investment conducted by Texas A&M University found that for the last five years, the checkoff has returned $6.40 to U.S. soybean farmers for every one checkoff dollar invested. "This well deserved honor reflects highly upon John's leadership, but also to the level of commitment this organization has to U.S. soybean farmers," says USB Chairman Phil Bradshaw, a soybean farmer from west-central Illinois. "For 15 years, John has provided guidance in leveraging checkoff dollars and complying with the federal law that established the national soybean checkoff. He helped to spearhead QUALISOY, an industry-wide effort to help market the development and availability of healthier soybeans and soy oil, and helps lead SOY 2020 to create a long-term vision for the U.S. soy industry." Becherer was raised on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin and has always maintained strong ties with the agricultural community. John has more than 20 years of management experience and holds a master's degree in agricultural economics. USB is made up of 68 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.
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