Checkoff At Work

The Checkoff

Every U.S. soybean producer participates in the checkoff contributing at a rate of 0.5 percent of the market price per bushel, when the crop is first sold. Half of all checkoff dollars collected in Arkansas remain in Arkansas and are controlled by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. The other half is forwarded to the United Soybean Board (USB) where it is combined with funds from across the nation.

The United Soybean Board

The USB is run by farmer-directors from all around the nation. Every producer serves voluntarily without pay. The USB directors are nominated by the state soybean boards (in Arkansas, the ASPB) and then appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Three Arkansas producers sit on the USB board of directors. USB activities are coordinated through paid staff in St. Louis, Missouri.