Ballots will be going out the week of July 10 to farmers residing in District 5. Please follow the ballot instructions carefully to ensure your vote is counted. If you have not received a ballot by July 19, please call 402-466-1969 to request one.
Return ballots should be postmarked by July 31st.
The Nebraska Soybean Board is funded and led by you, its farmers. If you want your voice heard and to see your input reflected in the work NSB does, it’s important that you vote in the election for the NSB board members in July.
We strongly encourage all Nebraska soybean farmers in District 5 to vote and to get to know your board members once they take office. Learn more about District 5 candidates below.
- Mark is a fourth-generation family farmer from Nemaha County, Nebraska. For 30 years he has operated a no-till dryland farm producing soybeans, small grains, corn, clover and alfalfa.
- He is a graduate of LEAD XVII and attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where he obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in agribusiness. He is also a real estate broker, real estate appraiser and auctioneer. He has played an active role in numerous local organizations including Past Master of Nemaha Valley Lodge #4 A.F. & A.M. and Past President of the Auburn Rotary Club and currently chairs the Stone Church Preservation Foundation.
- Mark is presently the chairman of the Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation; this organization works to advance the research and education of clean-burning, biomass-based diesel alternatives and their co-products. He serves as a director for the National Oilheat Research Alliance. He has previously served 12 years as the District 5 representative to the Nebraska Soybean Board and spent 9 years representing Nebraska on the United Soybean Board.
“After taking a 9-year hiatus from serving on the Nebraska Soybean Board, I would like to once again, have the opportunity to represent the District 5 soybean producers. This will enable me to enhance and build upon relationships I have previously made with fellow industry leaders during my previous service on the Nebraska and United Soybean Boards. Serving another term will allow me the opportunity to benefit from these relationships already forged and parlay them with the insight gained from my previous Soybean Board service, allowing me even better to serve the soybean producers of District 5. The soybean has a multitude of uses, and it would be a top priority for me that, in addition to discovering new utilization, to promote increased demand for new uses of soybean products that have already been developed, such as soy-biodiesel/bioheat and the increasing the demand for meal utilized in both animal agriculture and aquaculture.”
- Steve grew up on a farm in northwest Cass County near Greenwood, Nebraska. He is the sixth generation farmer, and his family raises corn, soybeans and wheat.
- Steve attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where he received a bachelor’s degree in Diversified Agriculture and received a master’s degree in Leadership Development.
- After college, Steve started his career in Nebraska Extension, serving as an Assistant in Washington County and Educator in Adams/Webster Counties.
- In 2017, Steve went back to the family farm to continue the family tradition of farming. His family’s goal each year is to increase soil health, eliminate soil erosion through conservation practices and promote agricultural education to adults and youth.
- Steve is also a graduate of the Nebraska LEAD XL class.
“I would like to serve on the Nebraska Soybean Board by representing the people within my district and state. By being the next generation of farmers within the state, I would work with others to find solutions to help soybean producers recognize the importance of their impact on local, state, national and world perspectives. The world is changing, and I would like to serve the Nebraska Soybean Board to help producers seek opportunities and innovations to improve their own operations.”
- Dave and Vicki Nielsen farm in northern Lancaster County, along with his son Connor, and Chris Lovitt, a full-time employee. The dryland operation produces corn, soybeans and hay, utilizing no-till production and extensive conservation practices.
- Dave graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1986 and is the 3rd generation to run the family farm since his grandfather purchased the original 160 acres in 1914.
- Dave has always believed in serving the industry that has provided a livelihood for his family. Dave participated in 4-H and FFA in his younger years, which spurred his interest in agricultural leadership. Dave has continued that service to agriculture by serving on the Nebraska Corn Board, The Nebraska State Farm Bureau Board, County Farm Bureau Board and the NCGA Bio-Tech and Trade Team. Dave is also a member of Agricultural Builders of Nebraska, Soybean and Corn Growers Associations and LEAD Alumni (LEAD Group XXI).
- Dave has worked closely with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on soybean gall midge research for the past few years. He has also done many research projects through the On-Farm Research Network. Both programs receive funding from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
“The Nebraska Soybean Board’s duty is to decide how to allocate check-off dollars so that all farmers across Nebraska get the highest return on their investment. I will do my best to be prudent with your investment dollars. This includes analyzing research projects that increase profitability for farmers. I will also promote exports of both whole soybeans and value-added products made from soybeans. Expanding and supporting the livestock industry through value-added products from soybeans is also a priority of mine. My leadership experience from other agriculture organizations has prepared me to represent soybean producers with integrity, passion and knowledge. I would appreciate your vote!”
Other positions available in 2023 were District 7 and the At-Large position.
- Doug Saathoff, in the District 7 position, ran unopposed and will retain the position.
- Greg Anderson, in the At-Large position, ran unopposed and was re-elected by the sitting board at the Nebraska Soybean Board meeting in June.
About the Nebraska Soybean Board: The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.
