(HARRINGTON, DE) Two new farmers have joined the Delaware Soybean Board (DSB) for terms which began October 1. Both from Kent County, the new members are Kellie Blessing of Harrington and Chad Dempsey of Dover. Also representing Kent County is Brett Coverdale of Harrington.
Representatives from New Castle County include Mike Clay, Vice-Chair, and Robbie Emerson, both of Middletown. Cory Atkins of Seaford, Chair, Rick Dickerson of Laurel, Tim Rogers of Frankford, and Fred West of Frankford, Treasurer, represent Sussex County. In addition, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Scuse serves as an ex-officio member of the board.
The new DSB Executive Director, Danielle Bauer, also began service as of October 1, 2019.
“I believe strongly in the role our checkoff programs play in the success of our farmers,” said Bauer. “We want to provide the best resources and services to our farmers, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to meet that mission every day.”
Delaware farmers plant about 180,000 acres of soybeans each year, and the crop generates approximately $60 million in value to the state. Delaware’s agricultural industry contributes about $8 billion per year to the Delaware economy.
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. One-half of the soybean checkoff assessments collected by the state boards are forwarded to the United Soybean Board.
For more information about the Delaware Soybean Board visit www.desoybeans.org.
For information contact:
Danielle Bauer, Executive Director
Delaware Soybean Board
Office: 443.812.4526
danielle@desoybeans.org