Mississippi Soy Checkoff Commits to Research to Protect and Grow Yields
STARKVILLE (March 16, 2017) – In the upcoming years, Mississippi farmers can expect to see more research they can put directly to use. Following their recent board meeting, members of the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board (MSPB) elected new officers for the 2017 fiscal year who will focus on increasing yields through research.
“The best use of checkoff funds is to invest in research that provides value back to all Mississippi soybean farmers,” says Paul Dees, Leland farmer and newly elected MSPB chairman. “I’m honored that my fellow board members put their trust in me to lead this organization.”
As chairman, Dees will lead the organization which invests soy checkoff funds on behalf of Mississippi farmers. Bill Ryan Tabb of Cleveland now serves as vice chairman and Bubba Simmons of Hollandale serves as the organization’s secretary and treasurer.
In addition to Dees, Tabb and Simmons, other MSPB Board members include:
- Tim Clements, Greenville
- Wayne Dulaney, Clarksdale
- Jan de Regt, Hollandale
- Louis Guedon, Natchez
- Jeremy Jack, Belzoni
- Keith Morton, Falkner
- Jerry Slocum, Coldwater
- Jimmy Sneed, Hernando
- David Wansley, Valley Park
The board also finalized a budget for the fiscal year at the meeting.
MSPB board members investigate and invest in opportunities that will improve soybean production practices. Their goal is to make Mississippi farms more profitable and ensure the sustainability of Mississippi soybean production.
“MSPB prioritized the state’s soy production challenges based on the issues that pose the greatest threats to Mississippi farmers,” says Tabb. “We used this information when approving submitted research project proposals to minimize or eliminate those threats that impact our soybean yields.”
Proposed research projects include all aspects of soybean production, including yield, irrigation practices, weed management, soil fertility and management of insects and diseases.
Farmers are able to find timely information about soybean production issues and download materials like scouting guides and fact sheets through the MSPB website, www.mssoy.org.
“MSPB will continue to prove its dedication to the success of Mississippi soybean farmers through research conducted each year,” says Dees. “As soybean farmers ourselves, each decision we make affects us just as it does all other farmers in the state.”
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MSPB is made up of 12 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soy checkoff on behalf of all Mississippi soybean farmers. These volunteers work to increase soybean farmer profitability by investing checkoff dollars in ongoing public research and extension programs that address Mississippi production challenges, thereby driving the adoption of best management practices developed through research and ensuring the sustainability of Mississippi soybean production.