We would like to use the Soybean Genetics Newsletter as a means of making an annual report on the USDA soybean germplasm collection at Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A. In September 1978, Randall L. Nelson accepted a position of research geneticist with the USDA and has been assigned to work with the soybean germplasm collection at Urbana. His major duties will be evaluation and utilization of the collection and, with your cooperation, compilation of data already collected on the soybean germplasm.