Checkoff helps mark 50th anniversary of Japan's oilseed industry

ST. LOUIS (May 10, 2012) - More than 75 million bushels of whole U.S. soybeans made their way to Japan last year, thanks to strong demand for quality soy. Next week, a delegation of U.S. soybean farmers representing the United Soybean Board (USB), the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) plan to honor the 50th anniversary of the Japan Oilseed Processors Association (JOPA). The organization has worked with U.S. soybean farmers to meet demand for U.S. soy in Japan.

Today's strong trade relations with Japan started in 1956, when a team of representatives of the Japanese soy industry visited the United States. Ever since, JOPA, which represents 20 Japanese oilseed processors, has been a key ally for the U.S. soy industry. Today, nearly 70 percent of Japanese soybean imports originate from the United States.

"Japan has grown to be one of our most valued customers," says Vanessa Kummer, USB chair and a soybean farmer from Colfax, N.D. "Because customers in Japan serve as one of our largest markets abroad, soy ranks as the top U.S. agricultural export and makes a large net contribution to the U.S. agricultural trade balance. The soy checkoff, along with my fellow farmers representing ASA and USSEC, mark this very symbolic milestone with our Japanese customers and remain committed to meeting their soy needs."

"Japan's oilseed processing sector has long been a trusted partner for American soybean farmers," says ASA First Vice President Danny Murphy, a soybean farmer from Canton, Miss. "The American Soybean Association opened its first overseas international market development office in Japan in 1956, and U.S. soy exports to Japan have grown to more than $1 billion annually today. We are honored to join our Japanese counterparts and colleagues in celebrating the accomplishments of the Japanese Oilseed Processors Association as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, and we look forward to continuing the Japanese-American partnership."

"Our partnership with the Japanese crushing industry, which is the third largest buyer of U.S. soybeans, is stronger than ever," says Roy Bardole, USSEC chairman and soybean farmer from Rippey, Iowa. "U.S. soy farmers take the relationship with JOPA very seriously. We are committed to do what we can to ensure another 50 successful years as their partner."

Prior to formal recognition marking JOPA's anniversary, the U.S. group plans to visit a soy processing plant and feed mill at a major port near Tokyo.

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. 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.

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WINTERSET, IOWA - On May 25 & 26 the John Wayne Birthplace will be celebrating the legendary actor's birthday with a lavish salute to the enduring 1952 film classic, "The Quiet Man." In addition to big screen presentations of the film at Winterset's vintage Iowa Theatre, the weekend will include the Midwest premiere of the Loopline Film documentary "Dreaming The Quiet Man" by Dublin director Se Merry Doyle, live stage performances of "Maurice Walsh's The Quiet Man" by Frank Mahon, the Inisfree Race Meet (a 5K run/walk), breakfast at the Winterset firehouse, traditional Irish music at the Little Dublin Irish Pub, guided tours of the John Wayne Birthplace home, "Pie Squared," a pie tasting event on the historic Courthouse square, corned beef and cabbage at the Pheasant Run tavern, a special Birthplace Museum Benefit Dinner and auction, and rides on an authentic horse-drawn Irish jaunting car like the one featured throughout the movie.

Hailed as director John Ford's greatest triumph, the "The Quiet Man" stars John Wayne as an American boxer who, after accidentally killing an opponent in the ring, returns to his Irish birthplace to forget his troubles. Instead he falls in love with the fiery Maureen O'Hara and their ensuing onscreen romance became a Hollywood legend. The picture received Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Cinematography. But the real star of the picture, according to O'Hara, is Ireland itself, a fact not lost on organizers of this event.

The original Quiet Man story was written by popular Irish author Maurice Walsh and, using the same source material, Chicagoan Frank Mahon wrote an award-winning stage adaptation of the tale, "Maurice Walsh's The Quiet Man." Mahon's play has been presented throughout the United States and Ireland and will be performed by The Winterset Stage theater company throughout
the weekend.

The documentary "Dreaming The Quiet Man" includes interviews with Maureen O'Hara, John Wayne's daughter Aissa, directors Martin Scorsese and Peter Bogdanovich and surviving bit players in Ireland who worked in the film. Much of the documentary takes place at the actual sites in Ireland where "The Quiet Man" was filmed 60 years ago and where very little has changed.

A highlight of the celebration will be a Benefit Dinner program ($100 per person) to help raise funds for the planned John Wayne Birthplace Museum. Hosted by the actor's daughter, Aissa Wayne, the evening will include traditional Irish food, a performance of music from "The Quiet Man" score, an auction of "Quiet Man" collectibles and memorabilia and a performance by the acclaimed Shannon Rovers pipes and drums.

For further details on the event and dinner reservations visit the John Wayne Birthplace website:
http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/birthday

For further information contact Brian Downes, Executive Director: (515) 462-5817
downes@johnwaynebirthplace.org

"CHASING THE WHITE DRAGON" TO REACH 19.6MILLION CABLE SUBSCRIBERS

Atlanta, GA - Award winning feature film "Chasing the White Dragon" (CTWD) has signed a North American/Canada cable pay-per-view distribution deal, placing the movie in the homes of 19.6 million cable subscribers beginning May 8, 2012. Included cable carriers will be Verizon, Charter Communications, Mediacom, AT&T U-verse and Rogers Communications (Canada).

The film, which was filmed in Tupelo, Mississippi, depicts a fictional group of crystal meth users trapped in a torrent of violence, deceit, paranoia and passion. They must leap from the careening roller coaster or ride it to its nightmarish end.

"Though the story behind this film is fictional, it carries a tragic truth that many have experienced, including my extended family," said Kathilynn Phillips, CTWD writer and director. "Crystal meth destroys you mentally, physically and socially. Even one hit of it causes birth defects. Anyone touched by the evils of crystal methamphetamine should watch this film. This drug continues to be a scourge on small town America regardless of our best efforts to stop it."

"Chasing the White Dragon" is already available for purchase or rent as a digital download on iTunes, YouTube Rental and Amazon.com (DVD). It will soon be available on Snap.com, Hulu and Vudu.com.
This emotionally charged motion picture has won numerous awards such as Best Feature - Live Action in the 2011 Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, Best Feature Pocono Mountains 2009, Best Ensemble Cast First Glance Hollywood 2009 and First Place Best Screenplay 2008 Rhode Island International Film Festival.

About the Film and Cast:

CTWD comes to life through powerful performances, stunning special effects and energizing music. This gripping, fast-paced tale depicts a fictional group of crystal meth users trapped in addiction known all to well to the millions of meth abusers worldwide.

Ryan Kennedy (The Invisible, Hunter, Whistler, V, Caprica) delivers a chilling performance as crystal meth cook, Ethan Duffey, obsessed with concocting ever more powerful forms of the drug. Seeing his fellow meth users as lab rats, he often finds cruel joy in manipulating them as they become desperate for his "special recipes". Preston Vanderslice (Blonde Ambition, Transmorphers) explodes on the screen as Jesse, a long-time dealer and self-crowned leader of the group who holds the reigns through rage and intimidation. However, his control over the group and his mental state slowly unravel as he finds the drug overpowering him. In a moving performance by Learyn Wilde, Jesse's downtrodden girlfriend, Lindsay Butler, is caught between two equally unforgiving and tragic worlds, from which both she longs to break free. Up and coming country music artist Kree Harrison stars as Jasmine, Lindsay's closest friend and Ethan's former object of affection, but she is on the outside now struggling to get her life in order. Sixteen year-old Rud, portrayed by talented newcomer Matt Kimbrough, is trying to flee one world that has dealt him tragedy only to find himself in even more dire circumstances as his addiction deepens. In an extraordinary performance by Amanda Ward (Invasion of the Pod People, Freakshow, Van Helsing's Way of the Vampire), Paulina is a hard-core addict living outside the group who's frequently buying and begging dope from both Jesse and his fierce and violent competitor, Raul. Her addiction and associations drive her to ever more desperate circumstances culminating in an explosive confrontation with her demons. Also stars Austin Haley (Kings of Brooklyn, One Life to Live), Johnny McPhail (Ballast, Big Bad Love) and Samantha Welch.

This array of characters proves to be a dangerous mix and the events set in motion by a death and driven by the drug-inflicted deterioration of the group leads to its implosion. But, there is more than one way out.

About the Filmmakers:

CTWD is written and directed by Kathilynn Phillips (Kat Scratch Films - Atlanta) and co- produced by Austin Haley (Little Bo Productions- Mississippi) and Eric Springman. The team strives to create independent motion pictures with compelling and timely content of high production value. They have been recognized together and individually as they have and continue to achieve this goal.

Mean Mel's Steakhouse, located at 708 South Main Street in Port Byron, has opened up their outdoor deck for additional seating while dining at the restaurant.

The deck overlooks the Mississippi River and gives diners a wonderful view of the river and the landscape along and across the river.

Please call Mean Mel's Steakhouse at (309) 523-2877 to make reservations (accepted but not required).

For more information, visit: http://www.rcreader.com/quad-city-local?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=10&sobi2Id=2118