FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Delaware Soybean Board (DSB) recently elected new officers and directors for its 2024 fiscal year. For their term beginning October 1, 2023, DSB welcomes new officers Tim Rogers of Sussex County as Chairman, Rick Dickerson of Sussex County as Vice Chairman. Fred West III of Sussex County will continue his office as Treasurer for the organization.
“In my time on the board, I’ve been able to see first-hand how the soybean checkoff increases the profitability of Delaware soybean farmers,” says Rogers. “I am excited for the opportunity to lead these efforts to bring even more return to local growers.
Also elected for terms beginning October 1, 2023, were directors Bob Willoughby Jr, representing New Castle county, Matt Szelestei, representing Kent County, and Colby Watts, representing Sussex County. Other continuing directors for the board include Robbie Emerson, representing New Castle County, and Chad Dempsey and Kellie Yeagar, representing Kent County.
Retiring from the board were past chairman Cory Atkins of Sussex County, along with directors Mike Clay of New Castle County, and Brett Coverdale of Kent County. Atkins served as Chairman of the board from 2018-2023, during which time he facilitated the growth of the Delaware Soybean Yield Contest and oversaw the successful completion of projects to increase consumer education, build market opportunities, conduct production research, and more. He will continue to stay involved in the soybean industry, as he was recently nominated to complete his final term on the United Soybean Board, among other activities.
“Being able to see the impacts of the soybean checkoff program first-hand has been an incredible learning experience,” commented Atkins, turning over the gavel to Rogers. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the board and represent Delaware soybean farmers.”
Delaware farmers plant about 160,000 acres of soybeans annually, producing over seven million bushels of beans and generating approximately $60 million in value to the state. The Delaware Soybean Board consists of nine farmer-directors and the Secretary of Agriculture. Funded through a one-half of one percent assessment on the net market value of soybeans at their first point of sale, the checkoff works with partners in the value chain to identify and capture opportunities that increase farmer profit potential.
###
For information, contact:
Danielle Bauer Farace
Executive Director
Delaware Soybean Board
443-812-4526
Danielle@desoybeans.org