(SALISBURY, MARYLAND) – July 27, 2017 – After nearly four decades of service to the Maryland Soybean Board, Sandy Davis is retiring effective Sept. 30.

Davis, who began her career with the soybean board March 3, 1980, has been executive director of the board since 1995. During her career, she also worked with two soybean membership associations, four state checkoff boards and acted as advisor to five state boards.

“It has been a privilege to work with Maryland farmers and the soybean industry,” Davis says. “Over the years I have met many wonderful people and seen the industry grow.”

Susanne Zilberfarb, who has more than two decades of service to the board as a communications contractor, will succeed Davis as executive director. Davis will continue to work part-time as Financial and Compliance Coordinator for the Maryland Soybean Board.

Davis and Zilberfarb have collaborated on several major initiatives on behalf of soybean farmers and the agricultural industry. In 2012 they spearheaded the Mid-Atlantic Farmers Feed Us grocery sweepstakes to encourage consumers to learn about agriculture. For the past decade the duo was responsible for bringing more than a million national checkoff dollars back to Maryland and Delaware to support the poultry and livestock industries. Most recently they collaborated to bring more national resources to the region to support the development of a regional research consortium now known as the Atlantic Soybean Council. Together, they administer the Delaware Soybean Board programs as well.

The Maryland Soybean Board administers soybean checkoff funds for soybean research, marketing and education programs in the state. It is funded by farmers through an assessment of one-half of one percent of the net market value of soybeans at their first point of sale. One-half of the checkoff funds stay in Maryland for programs; the other half is sent to the United Soybean Board.

In Maryland, farmers grow about a half a million acres of soybeans, producing more than 20 million bushels of beans each year. With a value of $173 million to the state’s economy, soybeans are one of Maryland’s top crops. For more information on the Maryland Soybean Board, visit www.mdsoy.com. You can read Davis’ retirement statement here.

# # #

For More Information:
Sandra Davis, Executive Director, Maryland Soybean Board
Office: 410.742.9500
sdavis26@verizon.net