Election alert - choose Wisconsin soybean board reps today

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin soybean growers, it's your chance to elect new representatives to the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board! The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) certified two nominees for the open positions in Districts 2 and 6.

The candidates are:

• District 2: Justin Bauer (Eau Claire) representing Buffalo, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix, and Trempealeau counties.
• District 6: Steve Wilkens (Random Lake) representing Jefferson, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties.

Voting is open until August 15, 2024. DATCP mailed ballots to eligible soybean growers the week of July 8th. If you haven't received yours by July 19th, request one by contacting DATCP's Market Orders Program at DATCPMarketOrders@wisconsin.gov.

Here's how to vote:

• Mark your ballot for your preferred candidate in District 2 and/or District 6 (if applicable).
• Sign the ballot (unsigned ballots will be discarded).
• Mail your completed ballot to: WI DATCP, Market Order Program, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI, 53708-8911.

Ensure your vote is postmarked by August 15th!

The elected growers will serve three-year terms starting September 1, 2024. The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, funded by soybean grower assessments, uses these funds to support research, education, and promotion efforts to benefit the Wisconsin soybean industry.

Photo Credit: istock-sandramatic