New Directors Elected to the North Dakota Soybean Council

July 23, 2024FARGO, ND- The North Dakota Soybean Council (NDSC) recently welcomed two new directors to its board, with their official terms beginning on July 1, 2024.

Jeremiah Undem, a soybean farmer from Oakes, was elected to the NDSC; he represents soybean producers in District 3, covering LaMoure and Dickey Counties. His farm, now in its fifth generation, grows soybeans and corn, and occasionally wheat and rye. Undem practices minimum-till/strip-till methods, placing a strong emphasis on soil health. A graduate of North Dakota State University (NDSU) with degrees in landscape architecture and environmental design, Undem is active in his community. His business is a member of the Oakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and Undem serves on the board of his local church. He has also held positions on the board of the Oakes Golf Course. Undem and his wife, Rebecca, have three children. In his leisure time, he enjoys golfing, fishing and hunting.

"I am honored to be elected to the North Dakota Soybean Council," Undem says."I'm eager to learn and contribute to the investment of our checkoff dollars to benefit all North Dakota soybean farmers."

Soybean producer Philip Neubauer of Bottineau was elected to represent District 11, which consists of 13 counties in northwest North Dakota. Neubauer produces soybeans, barley, durum, spring wheat and canola on his fifth-generation family farm with his brother, Tyler. Neubauer has a bachelor's degree in crop and weed sciences from NDSU. He has been involved with his county ag crop improvement association, the Bottineau County Farmers Union board and the North Dakota Farmers Union. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, snowmobiling, golfing and traveling.

"It's always important to continue learning, and I think there's a lot that I can learn on the North Dakota Soybean Council," Neubauer asserts. "I look forward to working with farmers from around the state to help the soybean industry grow."

JP Lueck of Spiritwood, North Dakota, was reelected to represent the soybean producers of District 6, Stutsman County. Lueck farms north of Spiritwood, with his dad and brother, growing soybeans, wheat and corn. He also serves as an engineering services manager at Collins Aerospace in Jamestown and has a degree in business administration from the University of Jamestown. Lueck is involved with the North Dakota Farmers Union and is a supervisor for Rose Township. He also represents the NDSC at meetings of the Specialty Soya Grains Alliance.

Jim Thompson, a soybean farmer from Page, was reelected to represent District 4, Cass County. Thompson farms soybeans, corn, wheat and dry beans with his wife, Jennifer. He serves as the chairman of Rich Township and the president of the Cass County Township Officers Association. He has a degree in aviation administration and business management from the University of North Dakota. Additionally, Thompson represents the NDSC on the Soy Transportation Coalition's board.

"We are pleased to welcome Philip and Jeremiah to the board," states Stephanie Sinner, executive director of the NDSC. "We look forward to collaborating with them as they represent their fellow North Dakota soybean producers. We also congratulate JP and Jim on their reelection to the board. All four members will contribute valuable expertise and perspectives to the North Dakota Soybean Council."

From left to right: Jeremiah Undem, Oakes; Philip Neubauer, Bottineau; JP Lueck, Spiritwood; and Jim Thompson, Page.