(SALISBURY, MARYLAND) – Brian Johnson of Westover has been elected Chair of the Maryland Soybean Board. Johnson succeeds Travis Hutchison of Cordova, who reached the term limit for chair, but remains on the board to complete his director’s term.

Linda Burrier of Union Bridge was elected Vice-Chair and Curt Lambertson of Stockton was elected Treasurer at the board’s August meeting. The directors officially assumed their duties Oct. 1.

Ten farmer-directors volunteer their time on the Maryland Soybean Board, which administers soybean checkoff funds for soybean research, marketing and education programs in the state. Also currently serving are Joshua Appenzeller of Millington, Dale Brown of Denton, Jeff Griffith of Lothian, Randy Stabler of Brookeville, Jason Spicer of Church Creek, and Evan Stanley of Union Bridge.

April Cheesman of Perdue Farms, Inc., Jim Lewis of the University of Maryland Extension Service, and Mark Powell of the Maryland Department of Agriculture serve as ex-officio members.

Danielle Bauer also began working for MSB as Executive Director on October 1, 2019.

“I am honored by the confidence and support shown to me by the Board of Directors,” said Bauer. “I look forward to bringing my ag knowledge and expertise to the soybean industry.”

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.

The checkoff program is funded by farmers through an assessment of one-half of one percent of the net market value of their soybeans at the 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.

For more information on the Maryland Soybean Board, visit www.mdsoy.com.

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For More Information:

Danielle Bauer, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
Office: 443.812.4526
danielle@mdsoy.com