Farmer Leadership

Farmer-Led. Farmer-Accountable.

The Soy Checkoff is governed by 77 farmer-leaders from across more than 30 states and regions who bring firsthand knowledge to every decision. Their experience in the field keeps the program focused on what matters most.
Soy Checkoff farmer-leaders posing at a trade show, standing in front of the 35th anniversary timeline.

Why Farmers Lead

The Soy Checkoff is led by farmers because farmers understand what is at stake. That shared experience keeps our direction focused, our opportunities prioritized, and the program accountable to the people who fund it.
Farmer-leader Tom Frisch standing outdoors near a grain trailer and farm equipment, looking into the distance.
Portrait of farmer-leader Tom Frisch wearing a cap and collared shirt, photographed outdoors.

Tom Frisch

Farmer-Leader | Dumont, Minn.

“

Farmers are natural leaders, and we make tough calls every single day. Representing the Soy Checkoff gave me a way to take that leadership beyond my field and into rooms where the future of our industry is being decided.”
Portrait of a soybean farmer standing with arms crossed in front of planting equipment and machinery in a field.

The Responsibilities that Come with Leadership

The farmer-leader role is fundamental to the checkoff’s success. Soybean farmers are active participants in every major decision we make.

Set Direction

Farmer-leaders set the strategic direction, define the focus areas, and align the budget. The result is a program that delivers what soybean farmers actually need.

Identify Opportunities

Farmer-leaders are positioned to spot where soy has room to grow. Their firsthand knowledge shapes which possibilities the checkoff pursues.

Drive Accountability

Farmer-leaders are also farmer-contributors. That means their money, and the future of their farm, is fully invested in the program’s success. They make sure every checkoff dollar is allocated with measurable, meaningful purpose.

Meet the USB Executive Team

These are the farmers currently in leadership roles, representing several soy-producing states, who drive Soy Checkoff direction—overseeing priorities, managing investments, mentoring board members, and keeping the program focused on outcomes for U.S. Soy℠.
Portrait of Joey Boudreaux

Joey Boudreaux

USB Director, Health & Nutrition Priority Area Coordinator

Portrait of Kyle Durham

Kyle Durham

USB Director, Innovation & Technology Priority Area Coordinator

Portrait of Robb Ewoldt

Robb Ewoldt

USB Director, Audit & Evaluation Committee Chair

Portrait of Tom Frisch

Tom Frisch

USB Secretary, Communication & Education Committee Chair, Volume Action Team Chair

Portrait of Brent Gatton

Brent Gatton

USB Chair

Portrait of Philip Good

Philip Good

USB Director, Past Chair (2025)

Portrait of Tony Mellenthin

Tony Mellenthin

USB Director, Infrastructure & Connectivity Priority Area Coordinator

Portrait of Don Wyss

Don Wyss

USB Treasurer, Value Action Team Chair

How Farmer-Leaders Are Chosen

Farmer-leaders earn their seats through a formal process that starts in their state and ends with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Nomination Forms and RequirementsUSB Recruitment Brochure
  • 1

    State Nomination

    The path to the United Soybean Board starts locally. State soybean boards nominate candidates from within their communities, putting forward farmers who are already approved by their peers.
  • 2

    Federal Review

    Every appointment is reviewed and confirmed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
  • 3

    Board Service

    Farmer-leaders serve on the United Soybean Board for defined terms, with built-in limits that keep the board fresh and reflective of the farmers it represents.

See What Farmer Leadership Has Produced

The leadership model only matters if it works. See what decades of farmer-directed investments have delivered for soybean farmers.

Explore Checkoff Results