Both congressmen Tom Ewing (R-Ill.) and Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), who initiated the hearings, gave opening remarks indicating that they are in favor of the national checkoff and want to work together with producers to improve the program. The representatives stated their concerns lay with certain mechanics of the program. Subcommittee member congressman Tom Latham (R-Iowa) said he supported the checkoff and the excellent results obtained from checkoff dollars.
According to Jerry Slocum, who spoke as USB chairman and as a producer from Coldwater, Ms., the hearing continued with statements-both verbal and written-from producers in nearly 14 soybean-growing states favoring the checkoff's activities and results.
"One question that has been asked has been about checkoff dollars being used for lobbying," said Slocum about the national checkoff testimony. "We assured them lobbying is not permitted with USB funds."
Slocum added that overall, USB views the hearing as a success for all U.S. soybean producers. "There's always more we can do to positively impact profits and to develop new domestic and international markets. But, we're proud of what the national soybean checkoff has accomplished to date through USB activities-and that was expressed in the hearing," he said.
During the meeting, the board voted to allocate up to $3,000 to co-sponsor production of a 15-17 minute video about Arkansas agriculture and its importance to the economy of the state. The video, which is being co-sponsored by several agricultural organizations in the state, will be aimed at primarily non-farm audiences to help them develop a better understanding about the state's largest industry. The board voted to support the University of Arkansas Variety Testing Program and to encourage seed companies to enter all varieties they intend to market in Arkansas in the variety testing program. Arkansas members of the United Soybean Board reported on the recent meeting of that board and reviewed funding decisions made during that meeting. The annual election of officers was conducted and Mr. Roger Pohlner was elected chairman, Mr. Art Simpson, vice-chairman, and Mr. David Walt, secretary-treasurer. Following adjournment of the business session, all three research committees met with leaders of checkoff funded research projects to hear updates on the status of those projects.
1996 - 97 Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board members are:
REVENUE Gross Collections $3,070,457 Begining Fund Balance 206,446 Excess Refunds Escrowed 5,143 TOTAL AVAILABLE FUNDS $3,282,046 LESS: Refunds Escrowed $ 32,652 Transfers to other QSSB's 65,503 United Soybean Board 1,463,897 Revenue and Treasury 91,134 Total Deductions $1,653,186 NET AVAILABLE FUNDS $1,628,860 EXPENDITURES Research/Extension $1,518,785 Producer Communication 30,779 Administration 12,842 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $1,562,406 ACCUMULATED REVENUE TOTAL AVAILABLE REVENUE $66,454
Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
ATTN: Ewell Welch
P.O. Box 31
Little Rock, AR 72203-0031
Phone: 501-228-1265.