Jeff Allen

Delaware Soybean Board Announces New Directors

Three are appointed to checkoff board

(DOVER) - Soybean farmers in Delaware have elected three directors to the Delaware Soybean Board. Newly elected to represent New Castle County was Tom Unruh of Townsend, while Matthew Webber of Clayton was elected to represent Kent County. Bill O’Day, Jr. of Seaford was re-elected for a second term and will represent Sussex County growers. Each new director will serve a three year term and will join a nine-member organization comprised of growers from each county. The Board oversees and administers the USDA-legislated soybean checkoff program of 0.5 percent of the total net market value of soybeans grown in Delaware.

The new directors join Dee Watson, Jr. of Smyrna, Mark Wilson of Smyrna, Jeffrey Wheatley of Greenwood, Dallas Wright of Millsboro, Roland Hill of Lewes, and Jeffrey Allen of Seaford as the Board Directors for 2004-2005.

At the September Board meeting, Jeffrey Allen of Seaford was elected to serve as President of the Board. The Board also elected Roland Hill of Lewes as their new Vice President and Matthew Webber of Clayton as Treasurer.

“I look forward to working with the new directors to develop a balanced program that encourages new marketing opportunities and continued growth for our industry,” said Jeffrey Allen. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve as President and will work for the best interests of all the soybean growers in the state,” he said.

The Delaware Soybean Board’s programs include the promotion and education of soy biodiesel, a renewable alternative to diesel fuel that is produced from soybeans. Recently the Board launched its new web site: www.desoybeans.com outlining the Board’s recent accomplishments and highlighting current programs. Programs include a soy biodiesel fuel rebate offered to farmers, a free decal for fleets and farmers, and a farm sign, “My Fuel, My Farm,” provided free for growers who use soy biodiesel fuel on their farm. A Delaware/Maryland “Soybean Education Day” Conference, as part of the regularly scheduled Agronomy Conference, is planned for January 26 at the Exhibit Hall at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington.

Soybean farmers interested in discussing soybean opportunities or issues are urged to contact Jeffrey Allen, President, at 302-628-8887 or 302-745-1873 (cell) or by e-mail at jwa913@cs.com

For more information on biodiesel fuel and the Delaware Soybean Board, contact Jeff Allen.