Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board members front row from left, Scott Wiggers Jr., Charles Cannatella, Joey Boudreaux and Wil Miller; and back row from left, Joey Olivier, Kody Beavers, Burch Pierce, Darrell VandeVen and Kellon Lee.

Louisiana’s checkoff system is alive and well thanks to you — the soybean, corn, wheat and milo growers who contribute. As a board of farmers, we know the struggles many have faced in the challenging cycle that production agriculture is facing. It is times like these, however, that the long-term investment and foresight of the checkoff system truly shines. While balance sheets are tight and trade deals remain uncertain, farmers continue to farm forward. We continue to feed the world.

Louisiana’s checkoff system is a bit unique, as our Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board combines four crop checkoffs into one governing board made up of 12 farmers from around the state. The beauty of this system is we all serve at the nomination of our fellow growers. I am particularly proud of this group — which over the past few years has come together to push for more applied research to get answers for growers faster while also investing in a legacy project of two professorships in the LSU AgCenter to provide research leadership for years to come. Through this balanced approach, our board will continue to do our best to be a good steward of Louisiana farmers’ investments and seek ways to get the results of that work back to our stakeholders.

With such a diverse crop mix overseen by our board, we supervise a wide array of projects each year. That is why the involvement and feedback of our fellow farmers is so important. We need to hear from you about your production concerns and yield-robbing variables. We’ve also sought the guidance of agricultural crop consultants in recent years to integrate their expertise.

This board goes beyond just research. With contributions to organizations like the United Soybean Board, National Corn Growers Association and the U.S. Grains Council, our dollars are helping promote our products across the globe. With the need for better commodity prices and more demand, our board will be focusing on what we can do better to achieve a more competitive market for the yields we are consistently producing.

There is no question, though, that research is our top priority. Through partnership with the LSU AgCenter and other universities and organizations, we want to see reduced risk and variability, and improved yields and sustainability of the Louisiana family farm. Profitability is always top of mind, and we thank you very much for consistently and unanimously investing in our mission through your checkoff dollars.

While budgets may be tight, we know Louisiana farmers remain committed to the future. Your research and promotion contributions and volunteer leadership are bettering our industry for the long term. Thank you for your partnership, and may God bless you in this next cropping season.

Sincerely,

Charles Cannatella

Chairman, Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board