LUBBOCK, TEXAS, US — Verity Ulibarri, past chairwoman of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP), was elected secretary-treasurer of the US Grains Council (USGC) board of directors during the USGC’s 62nd Annual Board of Delegates meeting July 25-27 in Sacramento, California, US. 

“I am honored and delighted to represent the Sorghum Checkoff as the next secretary-treasurer of the US Grains Council,” said Ulibarri, a farmer from Melrose, New Mexico, US, who first joined the USGC board as an at-large member in 2020. “I believe USGC’s mission is a key component to the long-term sustainability of the American farmer, and I want to do my part in this endeavor as a board member.”

The Sorghum Checkoff also is represented on the USGC board by Adam Schindler, USCP vice chairman from Reliance, South Dakota, US, who was appointed as the Asia Advisory Team (A-Team) lead. The USGC has seven A-Teams that engage members in the organization’s export market development efforts. 

“I believe the A-Teams are critical for the Council’s success,” Schindler said. “With increased demand for US feed grains in Asia, I look forward to continuing the work that has been done and actively engaging with traders and end-users to promote the value of US grains abroad.” 

Former USCP board member Jim Massey, from Robstown, Texas, US, also will continue to serve on the USGC board as the Sorghum Sector director. 

“Having leadership on the USGC board allows the Sorghum Checkoff to leverage opportunities for the sorghum industry and our producers,” said Norma Ritz Johnson, executive director of USCP. “We cannot overstate how proud we are of these individuals for stepping up to the plate and representing our industry. The grain industry will certainly benefit from Verity’s dedication, passion and leadership as she enters the officer rotation for the USGC, and we look forward to Adam guiding this advisory group, especially given the importance of Asia as a market for US sorghum and other grains, in general.” 

Based in Lubbock, Texas, US, the USCP is a producer-funded organization that is dedicated to improving the sorghum industry through research, promotion and education.