USDA’s OIG clears Soybean Checkoff

The USDA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has cleared the United Soybean Board (USB) of allegations of mismanagement by the American Soybean Association (ASA).  USB Chairman Phil Bradshaw tells Brownfield they were expecting to be cleared.

“We thought we were doing it right, we’ve been vindicated. We were doing it right, but you can always do better, any business, any organization always has evaluations going on. We have other evaluations, so, this was just another one that says – you know – ‘you’re movin’ in the right direction.’”

ASA President Rob Joslin says his organization is pleased the OIG found the Soybean Check-off is operating as it should.

He says the ASA Board asked for the investigation in good faith based on the allegations and concerns it received.

Joslin says, “We acted in the best interest of soybean farmers everywhere. We are pleased that we can put this issue behind us.”

Joslin says substantial management and board changes were made at the US Soybean Export Council after ASA asked for the OIC investigation last year. Further, Joslin says “as a result of these significant leadership and management changes we believe soybean farmer investments are being better served.”

AUDIO: Philip Bradshaw (7 min. MP3)