USB CEO to Speak at Women in Agribusiness Virtual Summit

United Soybean Board CEO Polly Ruhland to outline important opportunities to fortify the agricultural supply chain and open new dialogues at the 2020 Women in Agribusiness Summit.

ST. LOUIS (September 15, 2020) — United Soybean Board CEO Polly Ruhland is set to be one of several future-focused keynote speakers at the upcoming Women in Agribusiness Summit taking place virtually September 16-18, 2020.

In a year of tumult across the globe, virtual conferences, webinars and other connection points have provided opportunities for those in agriculture to continue to build businesses, reinforce sustainability and gain invaluable insight into managing through unpredictable times. Trying times like these reveal strengths and weaknesses, according to Ruhland.

“There’s no sugarcoating the first three quarters of 2020,” said Ruhland. “These past few months have been exhausting, confusing, heartbreaking and frightening. But, at the same time, when I look ahead to the future of U.S. Soy, the broader agriculture industry and the society it supports, I also find substantial reasons for optimism.”

Among the positives, she plans to discuss the wider impacts of farmers being recognized as critical infrastructure. In addition, Ruhland will address how consumers have taken interest in food and agriculture during the pandemic, learning about the reliability of our supply chain in providing products to their grocery stores. Opportunities for dialogue about the importance of advancements in agriculture have opened up outside the industry through a renewed interest in how food is grown, transported and delivered to a multitude of end users.

At the center of these opportunities and this event are the women in agribusiness playing key roles in shaping the future.

“Women play an increasingly important role leading the growth and development of U.S. agriculture, and we should continue to be front and center in our efforts to strengthen farmers’ bonds with the general population,” said Ruhland. “I’m incredibly proud to speak with the many women who will attend the WIA Summit who have stepped up to lead our industry to cultivate inclusivity and innovation.”

To learn more about Ruhland’s insights into how U.S. Soy and the agriculture industry can fortify its resiliency, register for the Women in Agribusiness Summit or visit womeninag.com or unitedsoybean.org.

About United Soybean Board: United Soybean Board’s 78 volunteer farmer-directors work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds in programs and partnerships to drive soybean innovation beyond the bushel and increase preference for U.S. soy. That preference is based on U.S. soybean meal and oil quality and the sustainability of U.S. soybean farmers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit unitedsoybean.org.

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Paul Murphy-Spooner at United Soybean Board, 515.975.6584.

Mace Thornton at United Soybean Board, mthornton@unitedsoybean.org.

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