Mary Lou Smith

United Soybean Board is a group of 78 volunteer farmer-directors who invest in research, education, and promotion to deliver sustainable soy solutions across the three priority areas of infrastructure & connectivity, health & nutrition, and innovation & technology. The non-profit company is based in Chesterfield, MO. As stipulated in the federal soybean promotion, research and consumer information act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. The volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds in programs and partnerships to drive soybean innovation beyond the bushel and increase preference for soy. Polly Ruhland has been the CEO of the company since 2017.