Independent Scholars' Evenings:

 2012:  Apocalypse or Enlightenment?

An introduction to the cultural phenomenon of December 21,  2012.

Some of the ideas of John Major Jenkins, Patrick Geryl, Carl  Johan
Calleman and others on  the significance of the Mayan calendar and 
end of time prophecy, galactic center alignment, ancient myth-astronomy and
mathematics, and the evolution of consciousness will be covered.

by Michael Rosenthal

Presenter Michael Rosenthal has completed extensive graduate work in 
theology,philosophy and psychology

at the St. Paul Seminary and the University  of Iowa.

He studied for the Diocese of Davenport in his youth.

April 28th. 2011 @ 7.00 p.m.

second floor of

The Moline Club

1530 Fifth Ave. Moline.

309-762-8547 for the Moline Club

309-762-9202 for The Institute.


light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.

The event is free and open to the public.

Doors open at 6.30

 

Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996.

Lecture highlights nineteenth-century artists including Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt and James McNeill Whistler

The Figge Art Museum presents the first lecture in a four-part series entitled "Celebrating Ideas" at 7 pm Thursday, April 7. Dr. Catherine Carter Goebel, Paul A. Anderson Chair in the Arts and Professor of Art History at Augustana College will present the lecture "Framing Art in the Liberal Arts: Bridging Communities with Augustana's Liberal Arts through the AGES." The two-part lecture will begin with an introduction to the Augustana General Education Studies (AGES) program by Dr. Goebel and Dr. Ellen Hay, Interim Dean, Augustana College. The AGES program encourages Augustana faculty to use original works of art to teach a variety of disciplines.  Dr. Goebel will then lead a gallery talk on nineteenth-century works of art in the exhibition, highlighting works by Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, and James McNeill Whistler.

The lecture series is offered in conjunction with the special exhibition Celebrating Ideas, Bridging Communities with Augustana's: Liberal Arts through the AGES, on view at the Figge through May 29. The exhibition of 100 works is in celebration of Augustana's 150th anniversary, and presents a rich and diverse art historical overview of pieces from the Augustana College Art Collection that are used in the AGES program. The exhibition was co-curated by Dr. Goebel and Dr. Mary Em Kirn, Professor Emerita of Art History, Augustana College. Upcoming lectures by Augustana College faculty and staff include : "What are the Ideas and Where are the Bridges?," Sherry C. Maurer, Director of the Augustana College Art Museum, 7 pm Thursday, April 14; "Egypt, Athens, Rome?and Us: Five Millennia of Connections through Art, Dr. Emil Kramer, Associate Professor and Chair of Classics, 7pm Thursday, April 21; and "Linking the Verbal and the Visual Text," Dr. Taddy Kalas, Professor and Chair of French, 7 pm Thursday, April 28

The "Celebrating Ideas" series is part of the Figge's weekly Thursdays at the Figge programming. Admission to the museum and lecture is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and Figge institutional members. The Figge Arts Café and Bar will be open before and after the lecture.

-end-

Students Can Experience a College-level Drawing Program

The Figge Art Museum and Western Illinois University have partnered to offer the "Summer Drawing Program at the Figge" for high school students from 9:30 am-12:30 pm July 18-22 and July 25-29.  This two-week program gives talented high school art students a college-level experience while helping them prepare their portfolios for college admission and scholarships. The "Summer Drawing Program at the Figge" is open to any high school student in Iowa or Illinois who has completed 9th, 10th or 11th grade. To be considered for this program, students must complete the application and submit a portfolio of four drawings and a letter of support from an art teacher. Applications are due by April 16 and the drop-off period for portfolios is 10 am - 1 pm Saturday, April 16.

The program was developed in 2007 with Western Illinois University, and is the only program of its kind in the Quad Cities for aspiring young artists who plan to major in Art or Design.  The course is taught by Western Illinois University Department of Art professors Bruce Walters and Brett Eberhardt. This program is funded in part by the Brand Boeshaar Foundation, Butler Insurance Service, Inc., and Western Illinois University's College of Fine Arts and Communication.

The "Summer Drawing Program at the Figge" program introduces high school students to a college-level drawing curriculum, helps them improve their skills in drawing from observation, which is a required component for most college admission portfolios, and helps them to be competitive for the annual Brand Boeshaar Scholarship. This local art scholarship is funded by the Brand Boeshaar Foundation, managed by the Figge Art Museum, and administered by the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend. In addition to daily drawing assignments, students will participate in individual and group critiques, which will help teach them learn how to talk about their work with others when they apply for college admission.

Students selected to participate in this program will be notified by May 1. If accepted into the program, students must pay the program fee of $175 and provide some of their own art supplies. For more information about the program, or to complete the application online, please visit www.figgeartmuseum.org. For more information, call Ann Marie Hayes-Hawkinson, Curator of Education, at 563-326-7804 x7887.

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LOVES PARK, IL (04/04/2011)(readMedia)-- Several Loves Park VFW members had a chance to ride in an Illinois Army National Guard Blackhawk April 2. The event's timing held special significance, as the Department of Defense (DoD) has recognized this year as the 50-year anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War.

"This felt pretty familiar," said Jim Puckett of Loves Park, a member of the Loves Park VFW and former Marine Sgt. who served in Da Nang province, Vietnam, as a member of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. Puckett said he spent his fair share of time in a helicopter.

"I was only eighteen at the time," he said. "It was an eye-opening experience."

Puckett, who is also the Loves Park police chief, served as a squad radio operator in the Infantry during Vietnam.

"It was scary, but I remember it being a beautiful country," he said.

Retired Army Spc. Marvin Matthees of Loves Park shared Puckett's feelings.

"It was a scary time; there were a lot of bad aspects," he said.

Matthees, who served as a crew chief and door gunner on a UH1D helicopter with the 336th Assault Helicopter Company, was responsible for putting Soldiers on the ground, making supply runs and performing maintenance on the aircraft.

"We were pretty busy," he said. "We got mortared a lot."

Matthees said his first night in Saigon was a memorable one.

"We had just laid down in our bunks when we got hit by a mortar attack," he recalled. "It was one heck of a wakeup call."

Matthees said he was amazed at how far the military's equipment had come.

"Things are a lot more advanced now," he said. "I think the training is a little more extensive too."

There have been other positive changes, Puckett said.

"Definitely being able to stay in touch more with loved ones was a major change," he said.

Matthees agreed.

"I was married right before I left and my daughter was born while I was overseas," he said.

While Matthees said it was very hard for him, his wife and daughter made it all worthwhile.

"Pamela stuck with me through the whole thing," he said.

Puckett said the day's activities reminded him of how much today's military men and women sacrifice, and how proud he is of them.

"My hat's off to them," he said. "They're doing a fantastic job. We support them 100 percent."

In fact, Puckett was recognized by the DoD as a Patriotic Employer for his treatment of National Guard Soldiers within his department.

"In our department right now we have a guy getting ready to go over," he said. "Nothing has changed; these guys are the ones in harm's way. I think the Guard is doing a great job. How can you not support your troops, when they're the ones keeping us free?"

Matthees agreed and said "We all go do our duty. I was proud to serve."

Puckett said he had nothing but good things to say about his time in service.

"I would have no problem going back in right now," he said. "I loved doing what I did and serving my country."

The flight also included several teachers from the area who will take their experiences back to the classroom, sharing the importance of military history with their students.

Photo 1/ Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Rob Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/

Several members of the Loves Park VFW wait to receive their pre-flight briefing before an orientation flight April 2. Several of the VFW's members are veterans of the Vietnam War. The Department of Defense is recognizing 2011 as the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War, as 1961 marks the year the first full units were deployed to Vietnam.

Photo 2/ Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Rob Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Members of the Loves Park VFW receive a pre-flight briefing before their orientation flight on April 2. Several members of the VFW are veterans of the Vietnam War. The Department of Defense is recognizing 2011 as the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War, as 1961 marks the year the first full units were deployed there.

For Video go to: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/111748/vietnam-veteran-flight

DES MOINES, IA (04/04/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald reminds students that the deadline to apply for a Robert D. Blue Scholarship is drawing near. Applications must be submitted online at www.rdblue.org by May 10 in order to be eligible for this year's award.

"Over the years we've helped thousands of Iowa students meet their college costs with this scholarship," Fitzgerald stated. "Awards are based on financial need, academic achievements, written recommendations and an original essay." In 2010, ten Iowa students received a $1,000 Robert D. Blue Scholarship award.

The Robert D. Blue Scholarship is awarded by the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation to honor Iowa students attending college in Iowa. The Foundation was created in 1949 to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Iowa's acceptance into the union. Governor Blue wished to encourage the youth of the state to continue their education at one of Iowa's fine institutions of higher learning. In 1990, the Foundation officially named the scholarship to honor the late Governor Blue.

Robert D. Blue Scholarship applications are only accepted online at www.rdblue.org, and the winners will be announced during the summer. Those who would like more information on the Robert D. Blue Scholarship should visit the website, or call the treasurer's office at (515) 242-5270.

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ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/04/2011)(readMedia)-- 910 students have been named to the Dean's List at Augustana College for the 2010-11 winter term. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.

From your area, students who have earned this honor include :

Katherine Voigt from Bettendorf, IA, a senior majoring in biology.

Emily Voigt from Bettendorf, IA, a senior majoring in business administration marketing.

Anna Tunnicliff from Bettendorf, IA, a sophomore majoring in history.

Tyler Cowherd from Bettendorf, IA, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Fenner Hengst from Bettendorf, IA, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Rayna Narvaez from Bettendorf, IA, a senior majoring in psychology and Spanish.

Peter Wessels from Bettendorf, IA, a junior majoring in business administration advising and accounting.

Moselle Singh from Le Claire, IA, a sophomore majoring in anthropology.

Regina Jarrell from Davenport, IA, a senior majoring in art.

Thomas Harris from Davenport, IA, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry and biology.

James Wiebler from Davenport, IA, a first year majoring in biology.

Kelsey Lovaas from Davenport, IA, a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Gaetano Iaccarino from Davenport, IA, a senior majoring in music general and anthropology.

Anthony Ash from Davenport, IA, a sophomore majoring in accounting and business administration advising.

Trevor Fennelly from Davenport, IA, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Jasmine Brooks from Davenport, IA, a sophomore majoring in political science.

Audrey Waner from Davenport, IA, a senior majoring in art.

Anna Rusch from Davenport, IA, a first year majoring in business administration advising.

Nicholas Kendell from Davenport, IA, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Owen Engstrom from Davenport, IA, a junior majoring in political science.

Jacob O'Rourke from Davenport, IA, a sophomore majoring in accounting and business administration advising.

Kylie Koger from Davenport, IA, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Cristina Stan from Davenport, IA, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Manisha Kumar from Davenport, IA, a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

James Sales from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in biology.

Anna Letendre from Rock Island, IL, a sophomore majoring in business administration advising.

Matthew Nykaza from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in business administration marketing.

Wiktoria Pecak from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in chemistry.

Clare Kilbride from Rock Island, IL, a sophomore majoring in communication science and disorders.

Wesley Solether from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in English.

Katie Alms from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in English and music general.

Nathaniel McDowell from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in English and philosophy.

Timothy Gillman from Rock Island, IL, a junior majoring in geography.

Kathryn Pauls from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in geology and Spanish.

Andrew Shaffer from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in honors history major.

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Owen Pomije from Rock Island, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Katherine Rea from Rock Island, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Samuel Anderson from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in math and computer science.

Courtney Vandewiele from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in political science and accounting.

Sarah Potter from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in psychology.

Hannah Boyce from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in psychology and history.

Alexis Silvers from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in sociology.

Brianna Dyer from Rock Island, IL, a senior majoring in teaching English.

Christopher Hildreth from Rock Island, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Crystina Mayfield from Coal Valley, IL, a junior majoring in French and Africana studies.

Erica Aten from Coal Valley, IL, a junior majoring in psychology.

Michael Kautz from East Moline, IL, a sophomore majoring in accounting.

Conner Martinez from East Moline, IL, a junior majoring in accounting.

Matthew Kustes from East Moline, IL, a senior majoring in business management information systems.

Amber Soike from East Moline, IL, a junior majoring in elementary education.

Leart Neziroski from East Moline, IL, a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez from Milan, IL, a sophomore majoring in psychology.

Kayla Papish from East Moline, IL, a senior majoring in teaching math and math.

Allison Brown from Milan, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Dalinda Widdop from Milan, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Brian Stone from Milan, IL, a senior majoring in teaching math and math.

Abdur Razzaque from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in accounting.

Michael Reeves from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in accounting.

Allison Hughes from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in accounting and business administration marketing.

Meghan Showers from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in Asian studies and political science.

Abigail House from Moline, IL, a junior majoring in biology.

Mark Stumphy from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in biology.

Anna Smith from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in biology and psychology.

Austin Boyle from Moline, IL, a sophomore majoring in business administration advising.

Felipe Aguilar from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in business administration management.

Amy Malmstead from Moline, IL, a junior majoring in business administration marketing.

Andrew Showers from Moline, IL, a sophomore majoring in computer science and philosophy.

Jasmin Landeros from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in elementary education.

Lauren Kirik from Moline, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Madison Logan from Moline, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Jonathan Smith from Moline, IL, a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Calvin Vo from Moline, IL, a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Martha Ade from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in music general and English.

Alyssa Harmon from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in political science.

Kalin Showers from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in political science.

Justine Nuguid from Moline, IL, a junior majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Courtney Mitten from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in psychology.

Audrey Taylor from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in teaching biology and biology.

Nicole Johnson from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in teaching English.

Mary Lambrecht from Moline, IL, a sophomore majoring in sociology and psychology.

Kjerstin Hurty from Moline, IL, a sophomore majoring in business administration advising.

Theodore Teros from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in philosophy.

Mohammed Hussain from Moline, IL, a senior majoring in biology, religion and pre-medicine.

Darshan Hullon from Moline, IL, a first year majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Ryan Hancock from Orion, IL, a senior majoring in geography.

Kayla Ferguson from Orion, IL, a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Alyssa Zwicker from Orion, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Jenna Nelson from Orion, IL, a sophomore majoring in math and teaching math.

Amber Anderson from Port Byron, IL, a sophomore majoring in accounting and math.

Courtney Brown from Port Byron, IL, a junior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Emma Thompson from Port Byron, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Douglas Peters from Port Byron, IL, a sophomore majoring in neuroscience.

Lauren Reid from Sherrard, IL, a junior majoring in business administration marketing and communication studies.

Alexandra Jones from Sherrard, IL, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Megan Lecander from Sherrard, IL, a senior majoring in business administration management.

Chelsea Vickerman from Silvis, IL, a sophomore majoring in business administration advising.

Jennifer Youngs from Taylor Ridge, IL, a junior majoring in psychology and political science.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

RECREATION:

All April 2011 Recreation Events are now available online at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks to register or call 326-7812 for more information.  Look this month for our Spring/Summer Catalog to be available and sign up for our Spring Session of classes.  Spring session begins April 4th! Please check our website for classes on performing arts, sports leagues, volleyball camps and clinics, Japanese, tumbling, martial arts, adaptive and inclusive programs and more!

  • ADULT LEAGUES for Volleyball, Softball, Kickball, Soccer and more begin in April so get registered TODAY!
  • All Skills Jr. High volleyball clinic - Begins April 6 - April 27on Wed nights: Come join the skills development clinics at Junge Park from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Wednesday evenings. Our professional instructor will teach pass/defense, attack/serving and more! Co-ed. Fee: $35 per youth.
  • Aquafina MLB Pitch, Hit and Run-Free Sat April 9th 9:00am-1:00pm at Crow Creek Park.  Davenport and Bettendorf Park Districts are partnering on this fun, free skills competition, winners move onto regional competitions events at nearby Major League ballparks.
  • Square Foot Gardening For Everyone-Sat April 9th 10:00am-11:00am at Vander Veer Stone Building.  Don't have a lot of space for gardening?  The square foot method is perfect for you. Learn how in this quick and easy class.
  • Kindernature: Earth Day-Every Day Tues April 12thth 10:00am-11:00am at Vander Veer Botanical Park Conservatory.  Cost 8.00, parent attends with child.
  • Wheelchair Tennis Clinic - April 15th 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for a wheelchair tennis clinic hosted at the Bettendorf Life Fitness Center.  Wheelchair tennis provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to share in activities with their peers and family, whether able-bodies or disabled.
  • Cream of the Crop Tour-Allen Grove's Greenhouse- Sat. April 16th 10:00am-12:00pm Farm Site.  Fee 15.00 Come visit a family owned site.  Get a jump start and enjoy first pick of fabulous annuals for containers. And the garden.
  • Spring Egg Hunt/Healthy Kids Day Sat April 16th : Egg Huntpromptly at 10am-Healthy Kids Day to follow.  Vander Veer Botanical Park (River's edge inclement weather site).  Pre-register for egg hunt only $2.00 per child- $5.00 per child day of event.  Healthy Kids Day is 10:30-2:00 Free activities after the Egg Hunt!
  • Toddler Egg Hunt Thursday, April 21st:Toddlers can plan on a good time scrambling for eggs in our indoor arena at the River's Edge.  Children 5 and under are welcome. Event takes place from 10:00am - 12:00pm with the scramble at 10:30am sharp! $5.00 per child.
  • Alice in Wonderland-Junior Theatre Spring Mainstage Show: April 30 1:00pm and 4:00pm.  Cost 5.00 per ticket.  Call 326-7862 for more information.

 

 

 

River's Edge- Located at 700 W. River Drive (Across from Modern Woodmen Park

  • The Ice will be melted for maintenance beginning April 3rd and rebuilt in approximately 2 weeks. It will be repainted with new center ice sponsor Mediacom.
  • Batting Cages were installed on the turf field and is now open for rental. The field will be available for rental with full field and half field options. The package will include cage usage, batting tee stations, pitching mounds and open turf space for ground balls. *Bats and balls are not supplied*.
  • Spring and Summer Adult sports leagues are open for registration now! We offer indoor and outdoor soccer, flag football and dodge ball.
  • Don't forget about Birthday Party packages where you get plenty of food and fun for everyone!

 

 

 

GOLF:

  • All Three City courses are now open for the season, as of April 1, 2011. Emeis Golf Course, Duck Creek Golf Course and Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center.
  • Duck Creek Golf Course now has a full service practice range, unveiled late last season.
  • Many landscaping and drainage renovations are planned this early spring to improve courses.
  • Kimberly Concessions will be providing concession services this season.

FAYETTE, IA (04/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University announced today that over 400 students have completed their degree requirements in December 2010, which makes them eligible to receive their UIU diploma during the official University commencement exercises. Three consecutive ceremonies will be held on the Fayette, Iowa campus on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

Students in your area include the following:

Luke Chester Hank, Davenport, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice

John Javon-Perry Banks, Rock Island, Bachelor of Science, Community Recreation

Michael Aaron Cripps, Andalusia, Bachelor of Science, Social Science

For more information about Upper Iowa University's May commencement ceremonies, go to www.uiu.edu.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 6,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

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(Bettendorf, IA- April 1, 2011)    Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities now offers a Diploma in Medical Coding and Billing. The program provides students with the skills necessary to seek entry-level employment in the medical business office setting. This program also prepares students to analyze information from patient records and combine it with knowledge of insurance reimbursement and coding guidelines to optimize physician payments.

Medical record coders and health information technicians specialize in coding patient records for health insurance purposes. They assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure. These technicians also are responsible for making sure that patient charts and forms are complete and accurate. They regularly communicate with healthcare professionals to clarify or obtain information.

For additional information about the Medical Coding and Billing program at Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities, call 563-344-1500, toll free 888.420.1652, or visit http://www.brownmackie.edu/pr.aspx?ID=BMC2302.

Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities is one of 26 school locations of the Brown Mackie College system of schools (www.brownmackie.edu), which is dedicated to providing educational programs that prepare students for entry-level positions in a competitive, rapidly-changing workplace. Brown Mackie College schools offer bachelor's degree, associate's degree, certificate, and diploma programs in health sciences, business, information technology, legal studies and design technologies

Checkoff Works to Maintain Demand for 2011 Soybeans Crop

ST. LOUIS (March 31, 2011) - U.S. farmers have taken notice of the growth in global demand for U.S. soybeans maintained in part by the United Soybean Board (USB) and the soybean checkoff. According to the 2011 Prospective Plantings report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. farmers will plant 76.6 million acres of soybeans this year. USDA estimates this year's soybean crop may be 1 percent lower than last year. But if the numbers hold, the 2011 soybean crop could be the third-largest planted area on record.
"The checkoff has done a good job of keeping U.S. soybeans competitive in the market," says Jason Bean, soybean farmer from Holcomb, Mo., and chair of the USB production research program. "Checkoff dollars have provided research to ensure a good-quality U.S. soybean. If we have a desirable product, we'll be able to sustain and increase our demand."
Through work to increase market access and maintain demand for U.S. soy abroad, the checkoff helped U.S. soybean farmers post record-high exports for a fourth straight year last year. Domestically, the checkoff focuses on maintaining and creating demand by supporting U.S animal agriculture as well as funding production research to protect and increase U.S. soybean yields and research on new uses for soybeans.
"The checkoff's production research program has done a good job supporting research to increase yields for U.S. farmers so that we're improving their opportunity for profit growing soybeans," adds Bean. "Another thing we've worked on with production research is high-oleic soybeans. That's a very desirable soybean, and we've done a lot of work and put a lot of money into research to develop that soybean."
High-oleic soybeans produce soybean oil with traits that are more desirable to both the food industry and consumers. With lower saturated fats and no trans fats in the oil they produce, high-oleic varieties could help soybean oil win back the market share it has lost to other vegetable oils. To help increase acreage, U.S. soybean farmers can anticipate incentives to plant high-oleic soybeans.
USDA's final 2010 estimates concluded that U.S. farmers planted 77.4 million acres of soybeans last year and harvested 76.6 million acres. Average yield per bushel in 2010 decreased slightly from 2009, with 2010 bringing in 43.5 bushels per acre.
USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.

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