Grainnet

Johanns Appoints QUALISOY Director to Federal Crop Insurance Corp. Board

St. Louis, MO - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the appointment of Curt Sindergard to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation's (FCIC) board of directors.

Sindergard currently serves as a director on the QUALISOY board of directors and is chairman of QUALISOY's legislative working group.

QUALISOY is a collaborative effort within the soybean industry to help market soybeans that contain healthier oils, improve soybean meal, and increase the global competitiveness of the U.S. soybean industry.

Sindergard brings extensive experience in leadership, sales, and agronomy to the FCIC board.

He has held leadership roles with several other soybean industry organizations, including the American Soybean Association, Iowa Soybean Association, and Pocahontas County Soybean Association.

He has farmed soybeans and corn since 1976 and sold seed since 1983.

The FCIC board of directors helps manage the federal crop insurance program.

The board's principal duties include reviewing and approving insurance policies, plans, and related materials, including modifications.

The board also can reimburse organizations for their research, development, and maintenance costs for new products.

"We congratulate Curt on his recent appointment," said QUALISOY chairman Greg Anderson, a soybean farmer from Newman Grove, NE.

"His extensive experience will benefit all farmers, as the FCIC continues to promote the economic stability of U.S. agriculture."

Sindergard, a farmer from Rolfe, IA, will serve as one of four producer representatives.

Other farmer/producer representatives include:

* Frank Bedford Jones, Jr., Lubbock, TX, farmer-rancher. * Timothy M. Kelleher, Yuba City, CA, lawyer and rice producer. * Luis Monterde, Purvis, MS, specialty-crop producer.

Information regarding FCIC board meetings and related materials may be found on the Risk Management Agency's Web site, located at http://www.rma.usda.gov/fcic/.