For advertising information contact Bethany Baratta at (515) 334-1020 or bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
April 2025 | Vol. 38, No. 7
14
Plant 2025
Lessons gleaned from the 2024 planting season.
18
Iowa’s Environmental Champion
Voss’ efforts take root in Benton County.
22
Six Steps to Planting Success
Properly maintain your planter ahead of planting.
26
Serving up Soy
The Soyfoods Council celebrates 25 years of success.
On the Cover:
Walter Suza Ph.D., Iowa State University George Washington Carver Endowed Chair and adjunct associate professor of agronomy, is leading a research project focused on human and soybean plant health. Learn more about this checkoff-funded research on Page 10.
Comments and statewide news articles should be sent to the above address. Advertising space reservations must be made two months preceding publication. In consideration of the acceptance of the advertisement, the agency and the advertiser must, in respect of the contents of the advertisement, indemnify and save the publisher harmless against any expense arising from claims or actions against the publisher because of the publication of the content of the advertisement.
Executive Insights
Kirk Leeds, ISA Chief Executive Officer kleeds@iasoybeans.com
Adding Soy Protein to Your Plate
Soy Foods Month is the perfect time to tout the versatility and benefits of soy. It’s a remarkable plant-based protein that’s growing in popularity and importance.
The Soyfoods Council was established by the Iowa Soybean Association 25 years ago under the leadership of Linda Funk. Ever since, it’s been on a mission to engage consumers about the many positive attributes and applications of soy. This has helped consumers gain a better understanding of soy and inspired chefs to explore creative ways to incorporate the nutrient-dense food into everyday meals.
Soy is more than just a substitute. It offers a host of health benefits contributing to a more balanced diet. It’s one of the few plant-based proteins containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. This is important for those choosing plant-based diets or looking to add more plant-based protein to their meals without compromising their nutritional needs.
Several studies show that soy protein may help reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association has recognized that replacing saturated fats with soy protein can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. And because soy is naturally low in saturated fat, it makes a great option for those seeking heart-healthy dietary options.
But the benefits don’t stop at heart health. Soy protein also supports muscle growth and repair, making it a great option for athletes or anyone interested in maintaining muscle mass as they age.
Soy can be consumed in its whole form, such as edamame, or processed into familiar foods like tofu, tempeh, and soy milk. It can be grilled, sautéed, stirfried, blended, or baked, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals. And let’s not forget about soy-
based snacks, such as roasted soybeans, soy chips, and soy protein bars, which offer a convenient and nutritious option for on-the-go consumption.
Some infer that promoting soy foods is an attempt to replace other sources of protein. Not true. It’s all about adding protein options. Incorporating soy into your diet can be a simple way to make your meals more sustainable and align with a healthier lifestyle.
As farmers know, soy naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving soil health while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. It’s a crop that supports both personal and planetary health, making it an excellent choice for conscientious consumers.
The Soyfoods Council has been at the forefront of promoting soy’s many benefits. Partnering with chefs, nutritionists, and food manufacturers, the council has helped consumers incorporate soy into their daily meals. Its collaborations with chefs have led to innovative recipes showcasing soy’s versatility, proving that it’s not only nutritious but delicious as well. Check out the
council’s new cookbook, “Just Add Soy,” available at thesoyfoodscouncil.com. Take a moment this month to recognize soy’s role in promoting health, sustainability, and culinary creativity. So, here’s to soy — an ingredient that’s been enriching our plates for centuries and continues to delight with its endless possibilities.
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Editor’s Note by Bethany Baratta bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
A Lesson in the Kitchen
When soy extraordinaire Linda Funk offered to host a soyfoods demonstration for our communications team, I was excited, albeit a little hesitant. Not because of Linda’s credentials (she’s a well-known author, home economist and communicator), but because it was different. I had cooked tofu in my own home kitchen without success, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to subject myself to that experience again.
I was raised in a household where milk came from dairy cows and protein came from the cows, pigs and chickens we raised on the farm. Linda was raised in a home much the same; she had early career success working for the Wisconsin dairy industry before going to work for The Soyfoods Council, created and funded by Iowa soybean farmers.
Linda greeted me in the kitchen before the demonstration. She understood my hesitancy, but, as she does so well, said, ‘Try it, you’ll like it!’ Linda expertly crafts recipes that are a hybrid of soy and meat pairings, and they can be found in her new cookbook. (See Page 26 for more information).
Soon, recipes, ingredients and cooking utensils were scattered into stations, ready for our team to prepare dishes to sample. A table of foods made with soy graced another table; Linda prepared apricot oatmeal cookies with soy flour and texturized soy protein. We also saw canned black soybeans, tempeh, marinated tofu, cereal featuring soy,
plant-based crumbles and tofu-based cream cheese spreads. At another station, we sampled soybased beverages (chocolate flavored was a hit!).
Teammates served up edamame and corn salad, lemon curd pudding and stuffed shells, all featuring soy-based ingredients. Linda coached me on preparing a better batch of tofu — far superior to the spongey, tasteless cubes I had prepared at home previously. This tofu, blended with peppers, plantbased crumbles and miso sauce made a flavorfully complex, filling, dish.
Linda’s cooking class was a learning experience for our team, who is used to talking about soybeans — the crop — and not as familiar with soybeans as food.
I had that hands-on cooking demonstration on my mind as we were putting this issue together. April is recognized nationally as Soy Foods Month. It recognizes the miracle bean’s role in providing a nutrient-rich protein source. Soy’s versatility — as food for people and as feed for livestock — continues to shine. I’m happy to add Linda’s cookbook to my collection as a reminder to enjoy soy not just throughout the beauty of the growing season, but in my own kitchen.
Enjoy the issue,
flavored,
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SUPPORT
PAID FOR BY
AInvestigating sterols in soybean growth and development
mong the leading causes of death, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease consistently rank at the top. Could incorporating soybeans into our diet eventually lower the risk of these fatal diseases?
A new Iowa Soybean Research Center (ISRC) project is focusing on the potential of improving both human health and soybean plant health.
“Investigating the Specific Role of Sterols in Soybean Growth and Development” seeks to identify the genes responsible for making healthier phytosterols and explore their impact on soybean growth and development.
“We are utilizing checkoff and industry partners dollars to improve research and usability of soy,” says Morey Hill, Madridarea farmer, past Iowa Soybean Association director and member of the ISRC Industry Advisory Council.
Led by Walter Suza Ph.D., George Washington Carver Endowed Chair and adjunct associate professor of agronomy, the project was awarded two years of funding last October.
“Support from ISRC is invaluable because the funds directly impact being able to do fundamental research and discovery in a crop of importance like soybean, which draws a direct connection
between the research scientists and the farmers of Iowa,” Suza says.
For the health of humans
Sterols are components of the cell plasma membrane and serve as precursors to steroid hormones in humans and brassinosteroids in plants. Plants produce several types of sterols, such as campesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol and cholesterol. Scientists call plant sterols and their derivatives, such as sterol esters, phytosterols.
Phytosterols show variability in their composition across different plant tissues, suggesting a specialized role in plant cell physiology. Suza says past research
STORY BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISS NELSON JOCLYN BUSHMAN
on plant sterols has deepened their understanding of plant physiology and contributed to research in humans.
“Because plants have genes similar to those involved in the cholesterol pathway in humans, research on phytosterols was instrumental in identifying a human gene involved in cholesterol biosynthesis,” he says. “This gene was later found to play a role in resistance to Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration.”
In addition to advancing the understanding of gene function in humans, phytosterol consumption has been shown to reduce plasma cholesterol levels.
“High cholesterol levels, often linked to genetic predispositions and diets rich in cholesterol, are a major risk factor for heart disease,” says Suza. “By incorporating plant-based foods rich in phytosterols into their diets, individuals can have an additional means of reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, evidence suggests that consuming phytosterol-rich foods is associated with lower incidences of colon cancer, underscoring their broad health benefits.”
Through his research on the physiology of corn sterols, Suza says specific plants capable of accumulating health-promoting phytosterols have been identified.
“This discovery opens the door to exciting possibilities, particularly for soybeans, which are used in products like edamame, tofu and vegetable oils,” he says. “By applying the insights from corn sterol research to soybean breeding, it may be possible to develop varieties with increased levels of beneficial phytosterols in their grain.”
Such innovations could transform soy-based foods into functional products that offer nutritional value and promote heart health. When combined with regular exercise and appropriate cholesterol
management strategies, these fortified foods could significantly reduce the burden of heart disease.
Hill says this project, which is supported through checkoff funding, seeks to benefit human and plant health.
“The Iowa Soybean Research Center is paving the way for the next generation of farmers who will feed our families for years to come,” Hill says. “Iowa State University is right in our backyard, and their efforts aim to benefit all individuals engaged in soybean production and utilization.”
Research for a better soybean
Because phytosterols help plants respond to stressors such as drought, salinity and cold, Suza’s research aims to contribute to varieties with optimal phytosterol composition.
“This might result in improved soybean varieties, better equipped to handle challenging weather conditions,” says Hill. “From an Iowa soybean farmer’s perspective, given high input costs and low commodity prices, anything that improves bean yields and overall soybean use benefits all farmers.”
Suza says the first step is identifying the genes that influence phytosterol composition in soybeans and understanding their roles in the crop’s growth and development.
“Understanding the function of the genes will enable us to develop soybeans with optimized phytosterol composition, enhancing their nutritional quality while improving their tolerance to environmental stresses,” he says. “This enhanced resilience, coupled with improved nutritional quality, will add value to the crop and create opportunities to increase profitability for growers.”
Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com
“The Iowa Soybean Research Center is paving the way for the next generation of farmers who will feed our families for years to come.”
Morey Hill, Madrid-area farmer and member of the ISRC Industry Advisory Council
Walter Suza and postdoctoral research associate Sana Shakoor work to advance soybean growth and development at Iowa State University.
SOY SQUAD DAY ON THE HILL
of the
Attendees at ISA’s Farm Forward event gained insight into global and domestic market trends and other factors impacting a farmer’s return on investment.
Members
Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Soy Squad learned about ISA’s top priorities and visited the Iowa Capitol.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN BUSHMAN
ISA DAY ON THE HILL
ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation brought research and information to farmers through four events across Iowa in February.
ISA farmer members brought their priorities in front of legislators at the Iowa Capitol.
STORY BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISS NELSON JOCLYN BUSHMAN
Lessons learned from the 2024 crop
Dan DeVries on his farm near Prairie City.
For farmers starting the 2025 growing season, 2024’s most important lessons are centered around fungicide application, early soybean planting, and comprehensive risk management.
Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) farmer-members weigh in on what they learned in 2024 that they are bringing to the farm in 2025.
Dan DeVries {Prairie City}
“Through our fungicide trials last summer, we found that fungicide is a product we may not have to put on every year. ISA Senior Research Agronomist Alex Schaffer did an excellent job of scouting, providing updates after the application and gathering harvest data. There was very little disease pressure for the fungicide to be useful on. Harvest results showed fungicide may be unnecessary to use as an extra amount of insurance when you don’t need it. Yes, fungicides can be beneficial but don’t always show ROI. Fungicide needs to be a year-to-year decision, used when needed versus doing it every year, no matter what the cost, no matter what you see scouting.
This year, we are considering planting soybeans before planting corn. I think early planting of soybeans continues to be proven to provide maximum yield. You can still achieve high yields without early planting, but I think varieties of soybeans benefit from the extra growing season.
Last spring reminded us we can still have a successful cash crop planting soybeans green into waist-high cover crops. We shouldn’t consider cover crops a liability. I could not get my cover crops sprayed because of a two-week rainy spell in May. We had some soybeans planted in late April and early May, but we couldn’t finish planting until May 17; we also didn’t get the rye killed because of field conditions. Those soybeans planted into waist-high rye yielded just as well as those planted into terminated rye. This has happened to us before, so it’s not completely scary, but we still found it interesting. Although I kept my original herbicide program, the fields remained clean from weeds all season.”
Continued on Page 16
“ We are considering planting soybeans before planting corn. I think early planting of soybeans continues to be proven to provide maximum yield.”
Dan DeVries, farmer near Prairie City
Chuck Cleveland {Milo}
“Last year I applied Holganix Bio800, a biological for breaking down the extra residue I have on my fields from no-till. I am hopeful it will break down the residue, give me better seed-to-soil contact, and eventually reclaim some of the nutrients tied up in the residue so we can possibly cut back on some commercial fertilizer moving forward. We plan on making spring and fall applications of the product again and will do some soil and tissue sampling to see how it works. I have also been experimenting with early planted soybeans. We planted 120 acres of soybeans before corn a few years ago and increased last year to 250 acres. We have seen positive results with a yield bump, so I may plant 60 to 70% of my soybeans first this year, depending on what Mother Nature gives us.
Looking back to the 2024 harvest, I am going to take a negative and turn it into a positive after a late-season hailstorm in October. I had already cut 160 acres of soybeans. They were high-yielding and I was very pleased. I still had a lot of soybeans left in the field and two fields I custom farm were looking to yield 75 to 80 bushels ended up making 45 bushels and another farm of over 100 acres yielded in the low 20s. Neither of us had hail insurance, and we haven’t carried any in years, but this year we looked closely at our protection policy options.”
Alex Schaffer, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) senior research agronomist, provides some lessons learned in trials in 2024.
FARM BUSINESS
“The farm is a business, so making a profit on every bushel by reducing inputs and maximizing yield is the name of the game. Trials are a great way to quantify what adjustments are working and not working,” says Schaffer.
SEEDING RATE TRIALS
Seeding rate trials provided actionable next steps for farmers, Schaffer says.
“Farmers are trying to tighten their belt anywhere they can and one way has been through cutting seeding rates,” he says. “One farmer, who is also a seed dealer told me the trial not only gives him confidence for what they are doing on their farm, but to what he can recommend to his customers as well.”
Alex Schaffer, ISA senior research agronomist
J eff Ellis {Donnellson}
“The primary management focus for me this year will be disease management. I have a feeling we will have to manage for tar spot. We scout our corn and typically spray fungicide only when necessary. 2024 was the first time we saw a large tar spot outbreak, and we found the disease on every acre of corn during last year’s harvest. We don’t think it reduced our yields because it came late in the growing season.
I have been planting our soybeans first for at least four years. I only have one planter, so I can only plant one crop at a time, but yield data proves earlier soybeans are better for us. We started planting soybeans around April 12 last year. Planting should have only taken a week, but it took a month because of rain. The earlier planted soybeans, by far, yielded the best and we saw our best soybean yields ever in 2024, but we saw a decline in yields in the later planted soybeans.
Early planting soybeans works best for our no-till operation, especially when it is a little cooler and wetter in the spring. Getting the soybeans planted sooner allows for better soil conditions, giving them an extra boost and allowing additional time for the soil conditions to improve, giving the corn a better start later in the spring.
Reflecting on last year, don’t underestimate our ability to grow a crop when it comes to making a marketing plan. We were able to produce a crop despite starting with some pretty rough conditions.
Before heading to the field this spring, I will be focusing on machine preparedness, ensuring everything is ready to go and taking some time to reeducate myself on operating some of the precision equipment.”
Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com
Each year is different; your optimum nitrogen rate can change based on weather. Nitrogen trials, such as the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative could be a useful tool for farmers.
“Every farm is managed differently, and every year is different, and nitrogen needs can change quite a bit based on management and weather,” says Schaffer.
“Trials can help you reaffirm what you are doing is right or identify where you can make adjustments.”
Last year showed promise for nitrogen stabilizers.
“In a trial of fall-applied anhydrous, in strips alternating using a stabilizer against strips with no stabilizer showed a 15-to-20-bushel yield increase using a nitrogen stabilizer,” says Schaffer. “Those are big results.”
TRIALS
The 2024 RCFI fungicide trials determined the return on investment for fungicide use and showed no positive impact.
“Despite a wet beginning to last spring and initial disease concerns, the season subsequently dried out,” says Schaffer. “The 2024 trials resulted in an average loss of $32 per acre across various fungicide treatments. Our trials only showed a positive return on investment using fungicides in fields with 30% or higher leaf area affected.”
FUNGICIDE
Iowa’s Environmental Champion
Dan Voss is the 2025 Iowa Soybean Association Environmental Leader
“ I think conservation is a benefit to the whole community, and that’s what’s really important.”
Dan Voss
For Dan Voss of rural Atkins, the accolades are nice, but for this veteran farmer, the true measure of a man is what happens in the fields.
There’s no denying Voss’ efforts in conservation have taken root; the rest of the state has noticed.
And it’s why he has received the 2025 Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Environmental Leader award, presented by Agri Drain.
‘All things conservation’
“Voss defines what it means to be an environmental leader,” nominations for Voss say.
Since beginning no-till and strip-till in the 1990s with his father, Dan has
taken conservation in agriculture to new levels. He is recognized by the local farming community as an expert in all things conservation.
He added cover crops to the farming operation in 2012 on one field. Since then, all his acres, including rented acres, have cover crops. Cereal rye is always a part of the mix, but he is trying other species in his mixes to see what will add diversity to maximize soil health benefits. Each year Dan also grows oats which he harvests for grain and straw bales.
And it’s not just about his fields and his bottom line. Voss is a big promoter of enhanced water quality and how agriculture can positively impact the local drinking water.
Not far from Cedar Rapids, Voss’ farm ground has a direct impact downstream to the alluvial wells from which the city draws its drinking water. Voss installed a bioreactor three years ago. He was recently involved in the Middle Cedar Batch and Build where another bioreactor was installed. Batch and Build is a strategy where multiple conservation practices, like saturated buffers and bioreactors, are installed on several farms simultaneously, allowing for a significantly faster implementation of water quality improvements compared to installing them individually on each farm. It accelerates water quality progress by streamlining the process for landowners and contractors. Voss says he utilizes
STORY BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF HUTTON JOCLYN BUSHMAN
edge-of-field practices because he believes they are a benefit for society.
As an ISA member, Voss has also gotten involved in water and tile monitoring. The data gathered from his farm has proven that nitrates have been reduced by his in-field practices of no-till/strip-till, cover crops and bioreactors. He planted a prairie strip on the home farm in the fall of 2023. With careful management, this acre-sized prairie strip will attract pollinators and provide wildlife habitat amongst row crop production. He’s also a participant in the Eastern Iowa “Conservation in Action” tour promoted by ISA, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA), Linn Coop, Truterra, and the City of Cedar Rapids.
“By reducing tillage, planting cover crops, adding edge of field structures, and proper nutrient management, Dan demonstrates that the future of agriculture starts now,” according to his nomination. “Dan never passes an opportunity to engage with the community on how to add these practices and the benefits they bring. Dan has welcomed multiple tour groups from ISA and other organizations to his farm and is a true advocate for Iowa agriculture.”
Conservation is a process
This ISA award is just the latest recognition Voss has received. He was awarded the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) 2023 Conservation Farmer of the Year award,
co-sponsored by the Iowa Farm Bureau. He says he was pleased about this latest honor.
“I was excited about it because there’s a lot of good things going on with conservation in Iowa,” he says. “But then again, I’ve been doing this stuff for quite a long time.”
Voss says conservation practices are truly a “win-win,” because of the results — more organic matter and an increase in both soybean and corn yields. That proved beneficial in 2023 when his area saw deep drought conditions and he saw corn yields ‘significantly above’ the county average.
And while conservation practices have benefited Voss, he knows other farmers must understand what is involved and approach conservation implementation through baby steps.
“When I started with cover crops, it was only a small field with oats,” he says, noting he quickly realized conservation practices could be an effective way to protect his fields from erosion.
He points to how his efforts, and those of neighboring farmer Jim O’Connell, are positively impacting water quality downstream in Cedar Rapids.
“Look at Cedar Rapids,” he says. “They want quality water for their production facilities and residents. The public wants it. We all need to do something to work toward that goal. It pains my heart to drive down the road and see planting right next
to a stream. I hate to see that soil slough off into the creek.”
Benefiting the community
“Dan has been a conservation leader here in east central Iowa,” says ISA Conservation Agronomist Evan Brehm. “He and his family have been continuously utilizing and adding conservation practices on their row crop acres. Dan has seen the agronomic and environmental benefits by using cover crops, his no-till/striptill practices, and adding edge-of-field implementations such as saturated buffers.”
Voss says conservation means working together for the good of society. He believes things are changing in Iowa agriculture for the better.
“I think we’re starting to make some headway,” he says. “I think in our area, people notice what we’ve (Voss and O’Connell) been doing and trying it on their own. We’ve got the tools and we can raise better crops while making our soil more resilient.”
Voss turns 70 in November, but he’s not about to slow down with making a difference in his fields.
“It’s not going to happen overnight, but in the end, I just think conservation is a benefit to the whole community, and that’s what’s really important.”
Contact Jeff Hutton at jhutton@iasoybeans.com
Award sponsor Agri Drain presented Dan Voss with the 2025 Iowa Soybean Association Environmental Leader award on his farm near Atkins.
Watershed Planning: Empowering Farmers, Strengthening Community
Rob Davis
ISA
Watershed Program Manager rdavis@iasoybeans.com
Watershed planning isn’t much different than other community-based plans which reflect community priorities like drainage district maintenance, a community master plan, capital improvement plan or rural highway improvements.
The scale and scope of a watershed plan reflects the needs of the watershed. Local action occurs at the field that benefits the downstream lake, which improves water within Iowa, and ultimately the Mississippi River. But the adage “think local, act local” holds true.
Watershed planning provides farmers the opportunity to assess their land and identify what financial and technical resources might be available to make a long-planned change. This might also include working in their local community to address an emerging challenge, like flooding.
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) works with farmers to craft watershed plans to ensure land management goals are reflected, and rooted, in plan goals.
Creating a watershed plan
Leveraging resources is critical in crafting a watershed plan that meets the needs of all those engaged in managing, living and recreating on the land. Gaining access to additional funds, while assessing opportunities and risks for the community, presents the opportunity to also improve individual farm operations. Farmers can leverage the planning effort to understand what has changed within the watershed and review fields for opportunities to:
• reduce erosion;
• increase water infiltration and holding capacity;
• increase nutrient availability for crops, and
• decrease nutrient losses from the field.
Soil and nutrients in the field retain their value and make the entire operation more resilient. The intersection of fiscal and environmental sustainability means that assessing the opportunity to implement conservation practices can directly benefit the farm’s bottom line.
Watersheds are unlike any other local planning processes that reflect the planning needs of the community at the municipal, county or regional scale. After all, flowing water is indifferent to political boundaries. To address potential conflict, Iowa has created Watershed Management Authorities, which allow counties and municipalities to manage water resource concerns of the community collaboratively. Locally led watershed management authorities enable action by identifying resources to implement goals identified by the community.
Making a funding plan
For farmers, a watershed plan can provide access to funding to implement conservation practices.
In some instances, a watershed plan is necessary for farmers in an area to become eligible for additional funding opportunities. These funds can complement existing federal and state funding prospects.
Limited federal and state dollars mean farmers must compete; an understanding of the options improves the odds of receiving funding to get conservation on the ground. The watershed planning process prioritizes conservation practices with the greatest return, which means a list of shovel-ready projects is in hand, so farmers are in the best position to be funded when the opportunity arises.
Getting conservation on the ground has historically meant working within the traditional cost-share delivery method with design and funding delivered
from agencies at the USDA Service Center. The newer “fiscal agent” model centralizes the point of contact for the farmer, and they can engage one person to handle the application and construction process.
The rapid growth of the batch and build program, which leverages this model to implement conservation practices like bioreactors, oxbows and saturated buffers, demonstrates this model’s effective approach. ISA’s conservation services team helps farmers navigate questions about these practices and provides technical assistance and access to financial assistance opportunities to implement these edge of field practices. The ISA team ensures
that farmers remain the active voice from crafting the plan through selecting the in-field and financial assistance option best suited to increase conservation adoption while balancing profitability, productivity and sustainability.
Understanding the risks to your farm operation, how changes might benefit your community and the resources available to make those changes to private, working lands have economic consequences. For conservation practices to make sense, they must positively affect the farm’s profitability. As part of any business plan, the key is figuring out how to make a practice pay; a good plan answers that question.
HAVE A TRIAL OR A PROJECT YOU’RE INTERESTED IN?
We can consider it as a topic in a future issue. Better yet, we’ll connect you with your local expert so you can implement a trial on your farm.
A well-crafted watershed plan protects local and downstream resources.
The foundation of a high-yielding harvest begins before planting.
One way to ensure you are giving your crops the best start is through proper planter maintenance and setup.
“The seed you are putting into the ground is your investment for the entire year,” says Doug Houser, Iowa State University digital ag extension specialist. “To get the biggest bang for your buck is to ensure you have thoroughly maintained your planter.”
New or old, planters need attention; don’t overlook these top six vital steps for the 2025 growing season.
No. 1: MAintenAncE
Uniform seed emergence starts with planter maintenance.
Houser recommends starting at the front of the planter with the no-till coulters, working your way to the back, ending with the closing wheels. Pay extra close attention to parallel arms, gauge wheel arms and double disc blades.
“Check all bearings, bushings, shafts and other components that have wear and need to be replaced,”
STORY BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISS NELSON JOCLYN BUSHMAN
he says. “I know this all sounds obvious and simple, but planter maintenance is important.”
Ensuring gauge wheels and the double disc blades are wearing evenly is also critical to proper seed placement and depth.
“Use a tape measure and ensure the double disc blades are the same size,” says Houser. “If one blade is more worn, you might think you are planting at a two-inch seed depth, but you might only be planting at 1 1/2 inches.”
No. 2: CLosinG WhEELs
The closing wheel system, even on new planters, must be checked to ensure it is aligned with the furrow.
“The closing wheels need to be pinching the furrow from the left and the right sides to close that furrow from the bottom up to be set properly,” says Houser. “If not properly set, you will not get that moist soil around the seed to create a nice seedbed environment.”
Houser says farmers often inquire about what kind of closing wheel system would work best for their planter.
“There are many options out there,” he says. “To figure out what works best for you, try a small strip trial on only half of the planter in a small area to compare it to other ones before buying a whole planter’s worth of new closing wheels.”
No. 3: AiR CoMpRessoRs
Don't overlook pneumatic planters’ components, such as the air compressor.
“You need to make sure to either change or at least check the oil in the air compressor and drain the moisture from the tank,” Houser says. “While there, check the fan blade if you have a vacuum planter. You must inspect that fan blade to ensure it is in proper working order. If it is not working, it will cause many problems.”
No. 4: SofTWARE UpDaTes
Just as phones and computers require updates, so does the planter’s precision software.
“Make sure to take the time to look for those updates. Work with your precision dealer or the company’s website to show you step-by-step instructions,” says Houser.
No. 5: DoWnforcE settinGs
Houser says farmers often inquire about how much downforce to use.
“There needs to be a firm furrow that presses out air pockets, but yet is not too firm to cause compaction,” he says.
While planting, Houser encourages farmers to get out of the planter and look down at the furrow structure behind the area between the gauge wheels and closing wheels to see the condition of the furrow.
No. 6: BE PRePARED
Having essential parts readily available enhances planting efficiency.
“Keep essential spares handy, such as gaskets or, for high-speed planters, brushes and bearings, to avoid costly downtime,” says Houser.
PLantinG into CoVER CRopS:
When planting green, ensure your row cleaners and closing wheels are set, continue to check downforce and that the furrow is closing correctly.
“Last year’s wet conditions caused some problems when planting into standing cover crops,” says Houser. “If this is new to you, I would highly recommend trying to plant green on a small scale before you invest in doing it on your whole operation,” he says
Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com
The website: r2r.ae.iastate.edu features a variety of planter resources, including pre-plant maintenance, closing wheel alignment and downforce settings.
STORY BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF HUTTON JOCLYN BUSHMAN
Iowa soybean producers, ag processors and Heartland Goodwill Enterprises lifting up those in need
Editor’s note: This story was assigned more than one month prior to President Donald Trump’s freezing of USAID program funding. As of press time, program funding was still frozen, and shipments from Heartland Goodwill Enterprises were paused.
From their farm fields across the state, to those in need, soybean producers in Iowa are cultivating positive connections around the globe. Through the efforts of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and their partners including soybean producers, processors like ADM and AGP, and Heartland Goodwill Enterprises (HGE) in Coralville, soy oil is helping to lift up and feed hungry people across the globe.
Making a difference
USAID, an independent agency of the U.S. government that is primarily responsible for
administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance, is distributing the precious liquid to hungry people in places in which most Iowans are unfamiliar.
USAID’s mission is to bridge the divide between the United States and foreign vistas where hunger is prevalent. It’s also an opportunity to build relationships between the U.S. and other countries.
Spike Staebler, manager of the oil plant facility operated by HGE, says the work being done is important.
“Our work has local, national and international impact,” says Staebler. “Vegetable oil packaged by Goodwill supports the humanitarian work of
Spike Staebler, HGE oil plant facility manager
Corey Goodhue on his farm near Carlisle
the World Food Program. Their food aid efforts touch more than 80 countries and 80 million people who are food insecure each year. The World Food Program also provides food assistance to those affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.”
Staebler says AbilityOne, one of the largest sources of employment in the United State for people who have significant disabilities, contracts to package Iowa soybean oil for the USDA’s international and domestic food aid program.
HGE purchases oil from ADM and AGP and packages that soy oil in 4 liter steel cans and distributes it to USAID.
“Programs like this help ensure our farmers have a resource to sell their crops,” he says. “We purchased, packaged and shipped over 6,300 metric tons of soybean oil in 2024 that was purchased from ADM Des Moines and AGP Missouri. The operation also provides meaningful jobs that help develop skills in food manufacturing that can be used in all manufacturing environments.”
Cogs in the machinery
Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board members Corey Goodhue of Carlisle and Dave Struthers of Collins share roles in this international endeavor as they market their soybeans through ADM and AGP.
“We think about having the power of local markets for farmers and our local markets’ ability to use our incredible infrastructure (inland waterways, rail), and productive land to access to the global markets,” says Goodhue. “We can feed people nutritious food.”
He says global trade is at the heart of these humanitarian efforts; it’s a way to help those who live in abject poverty survive.
Goodhue recognizes he is just one small cog in the machinery of making a difference, but it’s something he’s proud to participate in.
“ It’s gratifying that we’re able to produce bountiful crops and help more than just ourselves.”
Dave Struthers
“I’ve been lucky to see the impact of what U.S. soybeans has had on the world, and it’s humbling,” he says.
Goodhue doesn’t take for granted the privilege to farm across Iowa’s farm fields and provide food for people in his own backyard or across the world.
“One of the high points is knowing the power of global free trade and helping people so they’re not worrying whether or not they’re going to eat,” he says.
Struthers says delivering bushel after bushel to operators like ADM, is rewarding.
“We know hunger is a problem worldwide, especially outside of this country,” he says. “It’s humbling to know we’re blessed here to have productive soils and a productive environment to help feed people around the world, especially for those who don’t have the means to purchase it in certain situations.”
Struthers doesn’t think about the humanitarian efforts when he’s planting or harvesting, but when there’s a pause in his schedule, he gives thanks.
“Especially when you gather with family at Thanksgiving or Christmas and look at your blessings, then I get introspective and think about those things,” he says.
“That little bean seed I put in the ground affects so many people — it feeds people, it feeds livestock, produces oil and meal and that goes overseas … it’s gratifying that we’re able to produce bountiful crops and help more than just ourselves,” Struthers says.
Both Struthers and Goodhue say soy oil provides the calories and beneficial nutrients lacking in the diets of hungry people.
“Being able to help Heartland Goodwill Enterprises, well I’m just a small part in this, but it takes all these small parts together to make things happen,” Struthers says.
Contact Jeff Hutton at jhutton@iasoybeans.com
Serving Up Soy
The Soyfoods Council celebrates 25 years of success
STORY BY JEFF HUTTON
For 25 years, The Soyfoods Council has changed hearts and minds with its promotion and testimony of the importance of soy foods in the diets of Americans and consumers across the world.
And in 2025, the council is marking its silver anniversary with continued emphasis on why soy foods are a critical component to a healthy diet and good for those who grow soybeans.
Plant-based acceptance
The Soyfoods Council, an affiliate of the Iowa Soybean Association, began in late 1999, early 2000.
The council’s executive director, Linda Funk, has been with the council every step of the way, working to fulfill the organization’s mission — serving as a catalyst, leader and facilitator to mainstream soy-based foods into the global marketplace.
“You know it was really the soybean farmers who said there’s something here when the heart-health claims began to surface,” says Funk.
One of the claims suggested a diet with at least 25 grams of soy protein is an asset to an overall healthy diet and might reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
“That really got everybody off to the races about soy protein and soy foods,” Funk says. “How can we start adding soy protein to cereals, other foods and increase the awareness of soy foods to reach consumers?”
Funks says over the past quarter century, the growth and acceptance of the plant-based movement and how soy protein fits into that narrative, has grown.
“Vegans and vegetarians understood that, and recognized soy as a complete protein,” she says. “But we now have omnivores,
“ The great thing is that a lot of researchers are saying that plant-based eating is not a trend. Rather, it’s here to stay and that is great news for the soybean industry. Soy foods are a growing part of what Americans consume, and it will continue to evolve.”
Linda Funk, The Soyfoods Council executive director
Linda Funk, The Soyfoods Council executive director
carnivores and flexitarians who now know soy can fit into any healthy diet.”
Funk says soy foods are truly a growth area because more consumers are looking for healthy protein additions and alternatives to their meals.
Beyond tofu
Funk says the council has done an excellent job over the years highlighting how soy foods are more than tofu and edamame.
“People were just not familiar with the wide range of soy food applications, which includes advances in soy milk, soy nuts and soy oil and protein which can be added to everyday foods.
“We’ve really tried to look at the foods that are the easiest for people to consume,” Funk says. “In our new cookbook, we talk about adding soy to everyday diets, like partnering meat and soy together.”
Research matters
Funk says the biggest milestone for the council over the past 25 years is the research that has gone into soy foods.
“There’s heart health and how heart disease is the biggest killer of both men and women,” she says. “And there’s the research into how soy might play a role in preventing a reoccurrence of breast cancer in some patients.
“That was a real victory for us,” Funk continues. “In the soybean industry, we have research that is totally vetted every which way to Friday. It’s great to be able to say that in the soybean world, we stand tall and firm in our research.”
Funk also touts the relationship between soy protein and skin health. Clinical trials over the past several years have shown that soy foods may improve skin health due to the presence of isoflavones, lecithin and other nutrients in soy. Isoflavones may help reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture and tone, while lecithin may help hydrate and repair the skin’s surface.
Checkoff dollars at work
Soybean checkoff dollars have contributed a great deal to the council’s work.
LFunk’s efforts on behalf of the Wisconsin Cheese Industry.
Scot Bailey, an ISA board director from Anita, says promoting and encouraging more people to consume soy foods just makes sense.
“As the world develops, there’s a desire for higher quality food and adding more soy foods to their diets is important,” he says.
Increased interest and consumption of soy foods is good for the bottom line of those who are out in the field.
“Checkoff dollars help promote the use of soy foods,” he says. “We’re continuing to develop markets to utilize more of our soybeans. It’s not just for poultry, pork and aquaculture.”
Bailey has seen how soy foods are used in everyday cooking in Indonesia, where soy is a mainstay in the diet.
He says the council’s efforts to create recipes and promote soy foods to American consumers is key.
“I think with the council’s help, we can get more food manufacturers to come up with ways to present soy foods in a way for more people to try it,” Bailey says.
Future looks bright
Funk says Bailey and other farmers understand the critical importance of soybeans because many of them know that producing food-grade soy improves their financial bottom line.
“Our farmers have come a long way in understanding how we can all use soybeans,” she says, adding that production has increased over the past 25 years.
So, what does the future hold for soy foods?
“The great thing is that a lot of researchers are saying that plant-based eating is not a trend. Rather, it’s here to stay and that is great news for the soybean industry,” Funk says. “Soy foods are a growing part of what Americans consume, and it will continue to evolve.”
Contact Jeff Hutton at jhutton@iasoybeans.com
“ISA was looking to start an organization and Dee recommended I interview for the position,” says Funk. “I interviewed with Kirk and the staff, and they thought because of my experience with farmer leaders and the food industry, I might be a good candidate.”
So, she took the leap from Wisconsin and cheese to Iowa and soybeans.
And over the past 25 years, Funk says she couldn’t be more pleased with what the council has accomplished and its partnership with ISA.
‘It’s been fabulous and a great opportunity,” she says. “I have loved working with Kirk and the soybean farmers, who have been incredibly supportive.”
What’s even more gratifying for Funk is the faith soybean farmers have placed in the council’s work by investing checkoff dollars.
“I am so grateful,” she says. “There were a few years where some farmers questioned it, but when plant-based eating came to the forefront, they understood how soy fits perfectly. I cannot tell you how appreciative I am to the ISA and the farmers who continue to support this program.”
For more information or to download the newest digital cookbook, go to: thesoyfoodscouncil.com/cook-book
Scot Bailey, ISA director
inda Funk’s passion for soybeans and soy foods actually began with cheese.
Dee Munson, who was working with ISA CEO Kirk Leeds on the formation of The Soyfoods Council, knew
What crops and livestock do you grow and raise on the farm?
We raise soybeans, corn, alfalfa and I have a 30-head cow-calf herd. I also buy feeder pigs, raising them to market weight. We market about 5,500 pigs per year.
What makes your farm unique?
The way we raise hogs. We only have 600 spaces in confinement barns with pits underneath them. We have 2,600 spaces in deep-bedded hoopbarns, so most of our livestock deal with natural ventilation and the sunshine. We are a multi-generation family farm. My brother and nephew are operating with me; my parents still own the bulk of the farm.
What does success mean to you on the farm?
Success on the farm means to be profitable enough to stay in business. It’s also about enjoying what you do, being respected among your neighbors and your peers. Success is also having a well-kept operation, taking pride in the appearance of the farm and in animal husbandry.
How do you envision production agriculture 50 years from now?
I’m afraid row crop agriculture will be even fewer farmers, larger operations with a lot more technology and autonomous operating equipment. There still may be some niche producers raising a specialty grain or specialty livestock, but livestock operations are probably going to be more consolidated and vertically integrated. This is just how I envision it; I don’t want it to be this way.
It’s always been difficult to get into farming but more so lately. Unless people start breaking large tracts of land into smaller tracts, the beginning farmers and even established farmers won’t be able to acquire that property even though it may be across the road.
What do you see as the largest hurdle for homegrown soybeans in the future? Largest opportunity?
The Brazilians and to a lesser extent the Argentinians are formidable competitors. They’ve taken the knowledge and technologies we’ve developed and utilized in the U.S. and are utilizing it there. They have lower costs in land and labor to really be tough competition. I think the opportunity is renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. There are other new uses for soy; we have the technology to use soybean oil-based tires and asphalt, but it competes against a petroleum product. When a petroleum-based product is reasonably priced it’s tough to use the renewable alternative if it’s more expensive. People look at the bottom line, and if it’s not competitive cost-wise it’s tough to get those things going. What’s something people usually don’t know about you?
I used to be shy and not like to speak in public. When I was in junior high, I would get nervous. Since then, I’ve spoken in front of many large groups, was president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, and held various leadership roles with Farm Bureau and now with Iowa Soybean Association. I’m very comfortable speaking and enjoy talking to people about farming and agriculture. There are multiple ways to manage a farm, but we all do it for the same reasons, because we care about it and we enjoy what we do.
District 5 Director
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Information courtesy of the Soy Nutrition Institute
Seed oils are some of North America’s most widely consumed edible oils, owing to their nutritional benefits, versatility, and availability. However, there are contrasting opinions in the press and continued misinformation about seed oils on social media, which makes it challenging for consumers to separate conjecture from scientific consensus.
A recent peer-reviewed paper published in the British Journal of Nutrition represents a comprehensive summary of the evidence, which supports the overall health benefits of consuming seed oils rich in the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid.
We’ve asked two contributing authors to share their insights on scientific literature, alongside two registered dietitian nutritionists to comment on practical applications.
So, whether you’re counseling your patients or clients — or browsing your local supermarket or newsfeed — read on to confidently address frequently asked questions on seed oils.
Q: What does the research say about seed oil consumption?
A: Seed oils, including soybean oil, contain unsaturated fatty acids like the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid. Diets rich in linoleic acid have been shown to exert numerous health benefits according to a new comprehensive peer-reviewed paper on the scientific literature coordinated by Soy Nutrition Institute Global (SNI Global). This data indicates that seed oils containing linoleic acid lower blood cholesterol levels and may increase insulin sensitivity without exerting any adverse effects such as increasing oxidative stress or inflammation.
Mark Messina, Ph.D., MS
Q: Do seed oils support heart health?
A: Strong evidence suggests that seed oils may positively contribute to cardiovascular health and can be a beneficial part of a healthy diet. For example, linoleic acid found in soybean oil has been shown to have a favorable effect on both total
About:
cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels when used as a replacement for dietary saturated fat without adversely affecting HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Seed oils also contain varying amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids. Some evidence indicates that replacing saturated fatty acids with monounsaturated fatty acids may modestly improve blood pressure.
Kristina S. Petersen, Ph.D.
Q: Are seed oils suitable for all types of eating patterns?
A: Yes! Seed oils can be part of any eating pattern. As a registered dietitian, I frequently field questions about seed oils based on concerns circulating on social media. I remind my patients (and my colleagues) to stick with the science to help them make well informed food decisions. Not only are these oils beneficial to our health, they’re an affordable and accessible option for ourselves and our patients or clients. Incorporating unsaturated fats into our diets delivers essential fatty acids that we need to consume, and the safety of these oils is fully supported by the evidence. Plus, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages the replacement of saturated fats with unsaturated fats to support cardiovascular health.
Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RDN, CDCES
Q: Do seed oils impact other chronic diseases?
A: Population studies show that higher intake of unsaturated fats may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. For example, a meta-analysis including 102 clinical trials with over 4,000 adults found that replacing 5% of calories from saturated fat with unsaturated fats significantly lowered blood sugar levels
and insulin resistance. Another study with over 200,000 U.S. men and women, showed that dietary linoleic acid intake was significantly inversely related to risk of incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus over the nearly 3-decade follow-up period. All in all, studies suggest that eating more unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, may help manage and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Kristina S. Petersen, Ph.D.
Q: Which seed oils are best to grab at the store and how do you use them?
A: Given there is much versatility among seed oils, it’s good to educate your patient or clients on how to pick the right one. Aside from the fatty acid composition, choosing the best oil will depend on the taste profile and the desired culinary application, especially when it comes to the smoke point. Cooking oils beyond their smoke point can lead to the formation of compounds that cause off flavors. For example, soybean oil’s smoke point is 450 degrees F while canola oil is 435 degrees F and corn oil is 410 degrees F, so it’s important to be mindful of that when choosing which oil to use. Soybean oil has a neutral taste, which means it won’t impact the overall flavor profile of the food being heated or prepared. Seed oils like soybean and canola are great for sautéing or grilling veggies, creating dressings for salads and sandwiches, and baking your favorite treats. Corn, canola, and soybean oils all fall into the ideal stovetop frying temperature of 350375 degrees F.
Pam
Smith, RDN
To learn more about the science on seed oils, visit SNIGlobal.org/seedoils
Seed oils are a subset of vegetable oils that are derived from seeds rather than the fruit of plants. These include canola, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, rice, safflower, sesame, and soybean. While the composition of different seed oils may vary, they are all relatively high in unsaturated fatty acids and low in saturated fatty acids.
In the last five years, soy checkoff investments have generated a 4.5-to-1 ROI in export market development and an 18% increase in U.S. soybean exports.1 Investing $400,000 for infrastructure research, analysis and design at the Port of Gray’s Harbor helped to expand the facility and increase capacity for the export of soybean meal.
