Iowa Soybean Review, Summer 2014

Iowa Soybean Association, 1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, Iowa 50023

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 1333

AGRICULTURE’S FUTURE

Women: POWERING Summer 2014

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Amy Kyes Kyes Family Farms Grain Producer

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Iowa Soybean Association

Summer 2014 | Vol. 26, No. 8

16

On-Farm Network research Pays Dividends for Participants

When it comes to agronomic research, on-farm data is a valuable commodity.

18

Voices of Agriculture

Roots on the farm have grown into a lifelong commitment to agriculture.

18

22

Leaders in the Field:

24

How Women Are Changing the Face of Agriculture

24

ABOUT THE COVER: Julie Kenney, Nevada, grew up on an Iowa farm and has devoted her entire career to agriculture. Turn to page 13 to see images of more women leaders in the ag sector.

Iowa’s Rising Star

Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor may be comfortable in a suit these days, but in her heart, Kim Reynolds will always be a farm girl.

16

Bringing stories to life.

There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in the agricultural industry and we look forward to showing you why with IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION LIVE — an app that brings stories to life in the Iowa Soybean Review. In three easy steps, you’ll get a more in-depth look at Iowa soybean farmers and stories that affect our lives.

1

Get the ISA LIVE app. Download it to your Apple or Android device by searching for IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION LIVE from your app store. Its free!

2

Once downloaded, start the app and hover over any photo that includes the ISA LIVE icon with your mobile device and the movie will begin to play.

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Watch as exclusive stories come to life.

Iowa Soybean Association

EXECUTIVE review

Diversity Builds New Bridges: Expanding the Conversation It has been said that in order to be effective leaders, women must “dive in,” not “lean in.”

Throughout this issue of Iowa Soybean Review you will see flawless examples of women in Iowa who dove in headfirst and met with great success.

There are more women in leadership roles now than ever before. In the previously maledominated agriculture sector, we are seeing a transition from the occasional female voice to women becoming part of the mainstream.

This isn’t about favor, preferences or equal representation, but about being inclusive of those who are qualified and capable.

Women often bring a different perspective to the table and offer opinions and discussion based on a unique set of life experiences.

This can broaden and deepen the insights of an organization and is desirable for sustainable growth,

Karey Claghorn Chief Operating Officer Iowa Soybean Association kclaghorn@iasoybeans.com

President Brian Kemp, Sibley | D1 President Elect Tom Oswald, Cleghorn | At Large Treasurer Rolland Schnell, Newton | D5 Secretary Wayne Fredericks, Osage | D2 Executive Committee Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney | D7

Directors Curt Sindergard, Rolfe | D1 Dean Coleman, Humboldt | D2 Scott McGregor, Nashua | D3 Dennis Lindsay, Masonville| D3 Sheila Hebenstreit, Jefferson | D4 Delbert Christensen, Audubon | D4 Randy VanKooten, Lynnville | D5 Ed Ulch, Solon | D6 Benjamin Schmidt, Iowa City | D6 Bill Shipley, Nodaway | D7 Cliff Mulder, Pella | D8 John Heisdorffer, Keota | D9 Mark Jackson, Rose Hill | D9 Roy Arends, Alexander | At Large Lindsay Greiner, Keota | At Large Ron Heck, Perry | At Large

global competitiveness and innovation across any industry — but especially in agriculture.

In Iowa and within the Iowa Soybean Association, we have many women who have stepped forward as powerful leaders in their fields. From Iowa’s Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, who is a tremendous advocate for the soybean industry both nationally and internationally, to women like Sheila Hebenstreit who are leading local initiatives to make positive changes for the soybean industry and their communities. Their contributions are innumerable.

Women have a unique ability to see with wide-angle vision, as do all pioneers who challenge the status quo. It is crucial to remember that diversity builds new bridges, expands the conversation and lends credibility to any organization.

American Soybean Association Directors Ray Gaesser, Corning Dennis Bogaards, Pella Jim Andrew, Jefferson John Heisdorffer, Keota Mark Jackson, Rose Hill United Soybean Board Directors Laura Foell, Schaller Delbert Christensen, Audubon Larry Marek, Riverside Jim Stillman, Emmetsburg

For advertising information in the Iowa Soybean Review, please contact Larson Enterprises, (515)440-2810 or larson6@mchsi.com.

Comments and statewide news articles should be sent to the above address. Advertising space reservations must be made by the first day of the month 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.

PAGE 18

Farmers adopt technology

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Staff Credits LOGO SPECS YOUTUBE Editor | Ann Clinton Communications Director | Aaron Putze, APR Creative Manager | Ashton Jacobson on light backgrounds Photographer | Joe Murphy Staff Writer | Carrie Laughlin standard Staff Writer | gradient Heather Lilienthal main red bottom Staff Matthew 1815C Wilde PMSWriter 1795C | PMS Staff Writer | Allison Arp Sales Director | David Larson

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The Iowa Soybean Review is black white no gradients published eight times a year by: BLACK WHITE C0 M0 Y0 K0

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Iowa Soybean Association 1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, Iowa 50023 Phone: (515) 251-8640 Web address: www.soybeanreview.com watermark E-mail: aclinton@iasoybeans.com

Iowa Soybean Association can also be found on these sites:stacked logo (for sharing only)

ISA Contract Lobbyist Jill Altringer and ISA Policy Director Carol Balvanz invite farmers to join them at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines during the 2014 Legislative session.

Proud to be a Woman in Agriculture

By Policy Director Carol Balvanz

In small Iowa communities, we don’t have to look very hard to find plenty of women in agriculture.

I’ve been a farm wife (and cow checker, chore girl, tractor driver, hay baler, bookkeeper, purchasing agent, tax preparer, landlord, renter and general business consultant) for 38 years. So when it comes to talking about how women impact agriculture, most of us just smile.

We don’t look for awards or recognition. We just want our family farms — and the people out front operating them—to succeed.

Because we are focused on success, many of us also go to work off the farm to bring home that highly valued “off-farm income” as well as reduced-cost health insurance. We may also get involved politically (either within our jobs— or as volunteers—or both) because we can see that political decisions impact agriculture’s business climate and the chances for our families’ success. Since many of us

are dressed up for work anyway, it makes sense for us to do the “downtown” work.

Many of our fellow women in agriculture may not actually live and work on a farm in their “free time,” but are just as committed to solidifying a future for agriculture in Iowa. We count many top consumer affairs experts, dietitians, communications specialists, extension workers, researchers, public affairs directors, legislators and even lobbyists from a wide variety of organizations and businesses in our group. We usually know who to call for information on specific issues. And we seldom, if ever, turn each other’s requests down. We share lunches and strategies and work alongside the men and women who serve on our organizational boards, understanding that our strength lies in agriculture’s unified voice.

I see a new generation of women in agriculture, doing even more

with social media, using those opportunities to reach out to their contemporaries who may not have a clear picture of agricultural practices and goals. They, too, have farm, job, and very often, young family responsibilities. But they see their families’ future success tied to the “freedom to farm” that increasingly must be granted by a public more removed from farming. These young women have amazing skills, and we regularly seek them out to come to the Capitol to meet with legislators.

Iowa agriculture has never had a problem with gender diversity, and it appears we are on track for women to play an even larger role in the years to come. As a woman in agriculture, I am grateful for my colleagues on and off the farm, who know the value of soil and farming skills that can feed the world and are willing to share whatever labor is required to get the job done.

Thanks to all of you.

We just want our family farms – and the people out front operating them – to succeed.

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Sweet Summertime Summer congers up memories of vacation, warmweather activities and spending time with family and friends. We cherish the moments with grandkids, outdoor grilling or maybe just sitting on the porch and reading a good book. Whatever the occasion or activity, healthy drinks and snacks are part of the enjoyment.

It is incredibly easy to include soy protein into a variety of drinks and snacks. The following ideas don’t need a recipe — be creative and add the flavors you enjoy.

Brew your favorite coffee then add ice cubes and vanilla soymilk. Iced coffee is being served everywhere from fast food restaurants to upscale coffee shops. Save some money and make your own whenever you need a pick me up!

Shakes are great to serve with burgers or sandwiches.

In a blender, add about ½ cup vanilla or chocolate soymilk, about 2 bananas cut up, 2 to 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup and 1 cup of soy ice cream or dairy ice cream; blend and serve.

Salsas are just perfect to serve as an appetizer or snack. Take your favorite salsa recipe, add fresh, chopped tomatoes and a can of black or tan canned soybeans (drained and rinsed). Serve with soy crisps or soy chips (found at Hy-Vee or Trader Joes). Nobody will know they are eating heart-healthy soy protein.

Enjoy the summer days with some healthy soy protein drinks and snacks.

From My Kitchen to Yours!

Linda Funk Executive Director The Soyfoods Council lfunk@thesoyfoodscouncil.com 800-383-1423

thesoyfoodscouncil.com | Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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ASGROW.COM/PROTECT

Defense wins in the field, too.

Top farmer insights for protecting your soybean investment.

Kurt Krambeck | Eldridge, Iowa 87.5 Bu/A average | AG2933 brand

Protecting your Asgrow® soybeans with a sound management program is key to helping you realize their true yield potential. Take it from one of the nation’s top Asgrow farmers.

Q: How is your operation benefiting from Asgrow soybeans?

Q: By using Asgrow products and your specific practices, how do you manage issues in the field?

A: We’ve been really happy with our Asgrow soybeans, especially the AG2933 brand, which helped us win the yield contest. These hold up really well in the field, have great standibility and have excellent yield.

A: My Asgrow soybeans have the traits to help us in the field and some resistance to our different insect problems. Our other products give us that extra lift we need in protection and boost our yields, as well. We are also heavily focused on scouting.

Q: What practices do you use to protect your soybeans in the field?

A: In our area, Japanese beetles, aphids and spider mites are all a big problem for us. We also have some weed issues, but we’ve been able to manage those pretty well so far. We use seed treatment, chemicals and pesticides to get ahead of any potential issues in the field.

Q: Do you have any tips for other farmers in your area to help achieve high yield potential and protect their fields?

A: My number one tip is to get out there in the field and do your scouting to get on top of any problems before they get really bad. With that, it’s all about timing.

Make sure you’re not spraying too early or getting ahead of yourself in the season. Just because your neighbor is doing it doesn’t mean it’s time for you and your operation.

®

PL AN

PL ANT

PROTECT

PE R FORM

WORK WITH YOUR EXPERT ASGROW DEALER TO PUT YOUR GAME PLAN INTO ACTION

For more information regarding the intellectual property protection for the seed products identified in this publication, please see www.asgrowanddekalb.com. Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible. Asgrow and the A Design® and Asgrow® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Always read and follow grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. ©2014 Monsanto Company.

Farmers urged to fight Palmer Amaranth before problem grows in Iowa Farmers still have a fighting chance to stop Palmer Amaranth, a tough yield-robbing weed, from spreading in Iowa.

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are working together to provide information to keep the weed at bay. Native to the southwestern United States, Palmer was first officially identified in Iowa last September.

There’s now documented cases in Harrison, Page, Muscatine, Fremont and Davis counties. Herbicide resistance, primarily to glyphosate, is an issue.

“We’re at a point that we can really restrict how quickly it spreads,” says Mike Owen, ISU weed specialist. “If we ignore it, in the next 10 years it could be infesting half the (row crop) acres in Iowa.”

That will decimate yields and the bottom line.

Experts say Palmer outbreaks in the South have caused complete crop failures. A mild to moderate infestation can result in soybean yield losses of up to 30 percent, with a potential revenue hit of more than $200 per acre.

Early identification and action is paramount to mitigate the spread of Palmer, which resembles waterhemp, in the state.

“There’s increasing importance to know what weed species you have in order to figure out better prescriptive control methods,” says Dr. Ed Anderson, ISA senior director of Supply and Production Systems.

ISU weed specialists are available to help identify Palmer Amaranth, which is vital for appropriate planning.

Late May is the time to start scouting for Palmer, but it will germinate throughout the growing season.

Recommended control strategies for Palmer include soil-applied, residual herbicides and multiple effective modes of action. Group 3, 15 and some group 14 products work well. Post-emergent products are limited due to herbicide resistance, and should be used sparingly. Cover crops and spot cultivation are also effective measures.

Waterhemp is a “relatively wimpy weed” and can be controlled with weaker herbicide doses unlike Palmer, which makes identification so important.

For more take-action tips to manage Palmer Amaranth, go to www.takeactiononweeds.com.

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Photo courtesy of the Soybean Checkoff.

New SRII website makes finding soybean research easier This spring, the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP) launched the Soybean Research & Information Initiative (SRII), designed to provide easy access to expert information and news about soybean pests, diseases and agronomics.

The new website, www.soybeanresearchinfo.com, replaced the Plant Health Initiative. SRII, funded by the soybean checkoff, is a one-stop-shop for farmers or anyone with an interest in soybean production to quickly find the latest research and information about ongoing projects in the 12 soybean-producing states that encompass the NCSRP. As soybeans grow, the SRII website is the go-to source for information to make management decisions.

“NCSRP has always been great at providing valuable research in a timely manner, and spending checkoff money wisely,” says Cliff Mulder, who farms near Pella. He serves on both the NCSRP and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) boards.

With an increase in soybean checkoff-funded basic and applied research by NCSRP and at the national level, NCSRP Director Dr. Ed Anderson said it became clear a new, expanded website was needed.

The primary improvements are consolidating information and pictures of soybean pests and diseases to readily find information and help with identification.

Drop-down menus featuring those two subjects and diagnostic tools are easily found at the top of the SRII home page. The menus consist of dozens of topics ranging from soybean aphids and sudden death syndrome to soybean growth stages and suggestions of where farmers can contact their nearest diagnostic clinic and experts conducting research projects.

“We’ve expanded content and utility to go way beyond just disease and insects,” Anderson says.

SRII features a resource library, videos and a new agronomics section that contains helpful tips and information concerning a variety of topics from cover crops to organic production. Results from all land grant university soybean variety trials conducted in the region are available on SRII. The new website also provides information about NCSRP, the latest soybean news and topics and a complete library with brochures and field guides from land grant universities and extension services covering more than three dozen issues soybean growers deal with in the Midwest.

ISA President Brian Kemp of Sibley likes the ease of SRII. “When I get really busy, I want information fast. It is one of my go-to sites,” he says.

IKNOWWILL MY WEEDS. I will take action against herbicide-resistant weeds.

I will know my weeds. When they grow, when they pollinate, and I will stop them before they go to seed.

I will know their strengths, and I will exploit their weaknesses.

Troublesome weeds won’t go down without a fight.

Neither will I. Because it’s worth the trouble.

Now is the time to take action against herbicide-resistant weeds. Visit www.TakeActionOnWeeds.com to learn about the most troublesome weeds.

Brought to you by the soy checkoff.

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It’s no secret that soybeans are very sensitive to climate conditions. This is especially true in the pre-flowering and post-flowering stages, which cause inconsistent yields from year to year.

Utilize® has been proven to: • Boost plant performance during the vital reproductive stage.

• Reduce climate impact on yield.

• Achieve more consistent yields.

Thanks to its low use rate and ease of application, Utilize® makes the process simple.

Ready to shield your yield?

Contact your dealer or local Helena® representative to see how Utilize® can help you get the most from every soybean acre.

UtilizeBenefits.com ®

Low Use Rate

Tank Mix Compatible

Easy Application

Always read and follow label directions.

Utilize® is a registered trademark of Goëmar. ©2014 Goëmar. are registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company. ©2013 Helena Holding Company.

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Making a difference with Iowa Soybean Association DACS Whether they are assisting with educating students about soybean production, visiting state lawmakers or talking to the media, the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) District Advisory Council members work to expand opportunities for Iowa soybean farmers.

The District Advisory Council (DAC) members represent each of Iowa’s nine crop districts and are assisted by ISA’s four Producer Services regional coordinators.

“The DACs are vital to the success of our organization as they represent our leaders and the conduit for ISA to reach farmers on a local level,” says Heather Lilienthal, director of ISA Producer Services.

“We also depend upon these members to keep us engaged with what is happening in their areas and provide important feedback and perspective for the organization.”

Regional coordinators are: • Carrie Kelly (ckelly@iasoybeans.com) serving districts 1, 4 and 7 (western Iowa); • Amy Tlach (atlach@iasoybeans.com) serving districts 5 and 8 (central and south central Iowa); • Haylee Henke (hhenke@iasoybeans.com) serving districts 3, 6 and 9 (eastern Iowa); • Heather Lilienthal (hlilienthal@iasoybeans.com) serving district 2 (north central Iowa).

Lilienthal emphasizes that while the coordinators work regionally, their focus is statewide.

“We all serve our districts, but those aren’t boundaries for us. We pitch in to help out with events and programs across the state and it’s important for ISA members to be familiar with us as a team, in addition to the regional coordinator,” says Lilienthal.

DAC members can also customize their involvement by chosing the “niche” that fits their skills and interests through action teams. DAC action teams include: • Communication: Conducting interviews with the media and assisting with ag education and awareness activities; • Policy: Building relationships with elected officials and influencing policies that affect soybean farmers; • Production Research: Sharing information about ISA research and on-farm trial opportunities and participating in these areas; • Demand: Understanding the importance of exports, transportation and value-added areas which can include attending events, meetings and more.

The members of the ISA District Advisory Councils are also evolving to become the association’s future leaders. Several DAC members served as nominees for the 2014-2015 director elections.

“We not only look to our DAC members to support ISA through their efforts and investment of time, we at ISA are investing in them,” says Lilienthal. “We want to provide the leadership development and additional skills that help them become our organizational leaders and leaders in their communities.”

Farm women, consumers connect by finding CommonGround

By Carrie Laughlin

A growing number of consumers want to know where their food comes from, how and if it’s safely produced and if they’ll be able to afford it. And many of them are unsure where to find honest information about the food their family consumes.

This is where CommonGround steps in. Established in 2010 by the United Soybean Board and National Corn Growers Association, CommonGround provides consumers the real story about American agriculture and what all goes into growing and raising the safe, sustainable food Americans enjoy today.

Led by a group of volunteer farm women across 14 states, this grassroots movement aims to foster conversation among farmers and consumers to clear up any confusion about how food is grown so consumers can understand and trust the people and process behind their food.

With the help of the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Corn Growers Association, 13 Iowa farm women have taken to the streets (and the web) to share their experiences in agriculture.

Kellie Blair, a crop and livestock farmer near Dayton, joined CommonGround in order to tell her farming story, rather than have someone tell it for her.

“I feel CommonGround is important because social media and networking through our communities is a great way to get the farmer story out about what we really do,” Blair says. “What I hope to accomplish through CommonGround is to become better at telling my own story, where I come from and to get an idea of what consumers’ concerns are in regard to food.”

To learn more about the CommonGround volunteers, visit facebook.com/IowaCommonground.

I WILL

USE MULTIPLE HERBICIDE SITES OF ACTION. I will take action against herbicide-resistant weeds.

I will defend my crops with careful herbicide management.

And I will use multiple herbicide sites of action because every action counts.

I will take action before weeds outgrow control. I will apply the right herbicide at the right rate at the right time.

I will take action. This time, for all time.

Now is the time to take action against herbicide-resistant weeds. Visit www.TakeActionOnWeeds.com to learn how you can preserve herbicide technology.

Brought to you by the soy checkoff.

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O v e r 1 b i l l i O n g a l l O n s a y e a r • s u p p O r t i n g 6 0 , 0 0 0 u. s. j O b s a d d i n g 74 c e n t s p e r b u s h e l t O t h e va l u e O f s O y b e a n s

Biodiesel Works All across America, everyone from fleets and motorists to companies and municipalities counts on biodiesel to power their vehicles and heat their buildings. Its demand now exceeds 1 billion gallons a year, fueling 60,000 U.S. jobs and adding 74 cents per bushel to the value of soybeans. Biodiesel works…for America and America’s soybean farmers. Thanks to farmer support and the soy checkoff, its success continues to grow. www.UnitedSoybean.org

©2014 United Soybean Board

Investing Checkoff Dollars

LEADERS IN THE FIELD: HOW WO M E N A R E C HANGI NG THE FACE OF AGRI CULTURE

After 10 years in marketing and communications roles with Dupont Pioneer, Kenney decided it was time to be with her family, and take a more active role on the farm.

“I’VE ALSO GOTTEN MUCH MORE INVOLVED AS AN ADVOCATE FOR AGRICULTURE,” says Kenney.

“I became a CommonGround volunteer and started a blog, ‘Farm Eats, City Streets,’ to help connect consumers to what’s happening on family farms.

“Groups like the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) play a key role in COMMUNICATING WITH CONSUMERS ABOUT MODERN FARMING PRACTICES,” adds Kenney. “It’s a step in the right direction to building relationships and ultimately trust with the people who want to know more about where their food comes from.”

JULIE KENNEY

NEVADA

Grew up on an Iowa farm and has devoted her entire career to agriculture.

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Investing Checkoff Dollars

SARA ROSS

KELLIE BLAIR

Sara is a CommonGround Iowa blogger. She also farms 600 acres with her husband and raise cattle. She is a proud mother of one.

Farm wife and agronomist in the environmental department of The Maschhoffs, LLC operation.

MINDEN

DAYTON

BARB CAMPBELL DETERMAN EARLY

Owner of Heartland Marketing Group. Served on National Pork Producers Council and was president from 2001-2002.

She also volunteers as a 4-H leader.

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Investing Checkoff Dollars

YVONNE WENTE

WAVERLY

Farmer and former Iowa Soybean Promotion Board Chair from 1997 to 1998.

APRIL HEMMES

HAMPTON

Farmer and spokesperson for agriculture.

2011 Farm Mom of the Year and 4th generation farmer.

LEAH BERGELAND Senior Research Associate at Pioneer

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Investing Checkoff Dollars

FARM NETWORK RESEARCH Pays Dividends for Participants

By Matthew Wilde

When it comes to agronomic research, on-farm data is a valuable commodity.

Farmers participating in replicated strip trials through the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) On-Farm Network® say data collected in real world conditions from farm fields throughout the state provides needed information to make sound management decisions. Though studies conducted by industry and land grant universities in laboratories, small plots and research farms are important, ISA members believe work done on their land is just as significant.

The On-Farm Network was established more than a decade ago.

Participants use precision agriculture tools and technology to continuously improve efficiency and profitability

of environmentally sound cropping systems.

Hundreds of trials are conducted by growers each year. ISA member needs often dictate studies, along with requests from industry partners.

Current and previous research include planting population, herbicide and fungicide trials and nutrient management, such as nitrogen rate, form time and placement, just to name a few.

Pat Reeg, On-Farm Network director, says replicated strip trial research with sound scientific data help farmers make management decisions.

“It’s a team effort,” Reeg says. “We have men and women all over the state participating in programs doing a great job collecting large amounts of data and analysis.”

“It’s answering burning questions for your operation.”

— SHEILA HEBENSTREIT, Grand Junction

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To learn about past and present trials or to sign up, go to www. isafarmnet.com. Farmers can check out the network’s new Replicated Strip Trial Database, which features a returnon-investment calculator. Farmers can plug in product or practice costs along with current market prices to calculate return on investment.

“That’s the member benefit,” Reeg says.

On-Farm Network field research specialists and farmers use a variety of tools, including remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS) and yield monitors to collect data. Growers and agronomists follow protocols that ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected, yet are easy and practical to implement.

Trials run throughout fields and are made up of replicated strips marked

Investing Checkoff Dollars

with GPS. The strips compare a grower’s normal practice with just one alternative, which can be a difference in products used, application method, timing or other management practices.

ISA Board member Sheila Hebenstreit, a farmer near Grand Junction and field sales agronomist for FC Cooperative in Gowrie, says her or her clients have probably participated in every project since the network’s inception. She adds almost every crop management decision she makes can be traced back to strip trials.

“It’s answering burning questions for your operation,” Hebenstreit says. She also serves as chair of the network’s advisory team.

Participants say results from corn nitrogen trials, focusing on timing and rates, have made a dramatic impact across the state. Hebenstreit says she switched from fall anhydrous ammonia to spring urea and ammonium nitrate (UAN) combined with sidedress UAN, due to trial results.

Hebenstreit estimates nitrogen use on her farm has dropped by 25 pounds per acre, but yields have stayed the same or increased.

“We use less more efficiently … that’s a big deal. It adds up with nitrogen prices and the emphasis on water quality,” she says.

Veteran trial participant Patty Koller of rural Donnellson says various nitrogen studies and stalk nitrate sampling has changed her management practices as well.

Like Hebenstreit, she abandoned fall nitrogen application in favor of split applications in the spring and using sensors during the growing season.

Koller says corn yields have increased.

“We learned how to manage nitrogen better. We’re applying the right amount at the right time,” she says.

This year Koller is participating in a growth inhibitor trial on

soybeans. In the past she’s conducted herbicide and nutrient trials. She raises corn, soybeans, hay, cattle, sheep and Border Collies in Lee County.

Koller says research conducted on farms across the state, taking into account different soils and weather patterns, is valuable. What works in north central Iowa, which is blessed with mostly flat, rich soil may not work in far southeast Iowa with lighter ground.

She likes the fact that farming methods aren’t modified to test products and practices.

“We’re not going to farm under controlled conditions,” Koller says.

The key to conducting good trials is time management and attention to detail, participants say.

That fact isn’t lost on Suzanne Shirbroun, one of the newest On-Farm Network partners. She farms near Farmersburg with her husband. Her family also operates a DuPont Pioneer seed dealership and a crop consulting business called Agronomy Insight.

Shirbroun’s first trial last year evaluated rates of 140,000 versus 170,000 soybean seeds per acre.

The Shirbrouns also compared replicated strips of preemergence herbicide versus glyphosate only strips. Variable rate corn planting is being tested this year.

Getting unbiased, replicated data was her motivation to participate.

“This is an opportunity to look at practices on our farm verses a test plot 200 miles away,” Shirbroun says.

The Clayton County farmer says the 140,000 soybean planting population was more profitable in 2013 than the 170,000 population on their farm. But, she continues to study On-Farm Network research across multiple sites and growing seasons and will participate for years to come.

“This is real life,” Shirbroun says.

“This is an opportunity to look at practices on our farm verses a test plot 200 miles away.”

— SUZANNE SHIRBROUN,

Farmersburg

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Voices of Agriculture

By Matthew Wilde

Roots on the farm have grown into a lifelong commitment to agriculture.

Three Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) members are using their common bond to help people understand how food is raised.

Pat Swanson of Ottumwa, Steph Essick of rural Spencer and Julianne Johnston of rural Dike feel it’s their responsibility to help people learn about production agriculture. And of all the agricultural organizations, they like ISA’s consumer-driven focus and vision.

Swanson, Essick and Johnston all grew up on Iowa farms and now either raise food or write about it for a living.

Each is actively involved in ISA and uses various platforms to share how passionate growers are about providing the safest, best and most affordable food on the planet in a sustainable way.

Lindsey Haley, ISA communications program coordinator, works closely with all three women through various ISA programs such the District Advisory Council (DAC) Communications Action Team, CommondGround and the Ag Urban Leadership Initiative. She says each has a unique voice.

“All three are putting a face to agriculture and setting a good example for the next generation,” Haley says.

“These women provide trusted insight on how food is raised, which is important to producers and consumers.”

Empowerment through ISA Swanson’s agricultural activism started more than a decade ago

through the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program. It reached a new level a few years ago when she got involved with the ISA. She’s on the DAC Communication Action Team and participates in Iowa Food & Family Project events. The organization, created by ISA in 2011 now has 35 partners, celebrates the continuous improvement of Iowa’s farm families and their dedication to providing wholesome food for everyone.

Even though Swanson raises soybeans, corn, hay, small grains and has a cow/calf herd with her husband, Don, she says the ISA helped her communicate what she does and why it’s important more effectively through training and education opportunities.

“What I like is the ISA really empowers me to tell the story of agriculture,” Swanson says. “I can explain why GMOs (genetically modified organisms) aren’t a bad thing and it’s important people know animals are well taken care of.”

The Swansons also operate a crop insurance agency in Ottumwa and have close ties to the business community. Pat, who earned a computer science degree, is past president of the Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce. In that capacity, she often talked about the relationship between rural and urban neighbors and why they need to support each other.

Swanson is continuing that effort through ISA, speaking with the media and interacting with the public at events like the Iowa Games and the Iowa State Fair.

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“It’s really just trying to get people to understand … we are taking care of our soils and animals, and wouldn’t do anything to endanger our family or other families,” says Swanson, who has adult children.

“What I like is the ISA really empowers me to tell the story of agriculture.”

— PAT SWANSON, Ottumwa

Worldwide connection

Essick is using the power of social media to show and tell people all of over the world how she and her father, Richard Harves, grow soybeans and corn near Spencer.

Through her Facebook page, “Life on an Iowa Farm,” she posts photos and talks about crop production and family life. As of mid-June, more than 1,200 people liked her page.

Her Twitter handle is @IAFarmLife, which had more than 320 followers as of mid-June. Her blog is called Iowa Farm Life.

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“It’s important to show what really happens on our farm,” Essick says.

“There’s so much negative information on social media and other news sources.

People don’t hear our side of the story and what we’re actually doing.”

To help spread the message, the fourthgeneration farmer is a CommonGround volunteer. The group of Iowa farm women work to dispel myths about modern agriculture and build trust in farming communities and farm families. The website is www.findourcommonground. com/your-community/iowa/.

The only thing Essick ever wanted to do was farm. She graduated from Iowa State University (ISU) with a degree in ag business. She’s married and has a sevenyear-old son, Conner. Her husband, Matt, is a product agronomist for DuPont Pioneer.

Essick says CommonGround and ISA provide a great network to share her message.

“CommonGround has been an awesome opportunity to connect with consumers who aren’t familiar with farming,” she adds. “They are focusing on women trying to talk to other women. We’re farmers but we’re like any other mom. We want the best for our kids but have a totally different job.”

Essick was recently named regional Farm Mom of the Year by Monsanto and American Agri-Women.

Community focused

Though Johnston doesn’t farm, she supports agriculture through her job as digital managing editor of Pro Farmer in Cedar Falls and through volunteerism.

Johnston grew up on a crop and livestock operation near Union in Hardin County. The catalyst to become an ag advocate was being named Iowa Beef Queen in 1988, she says.

Johnston graduated from ISU with a degree in ag journalism.

“I realized we needed people telling the positive story of agriculture,” Johnston says.

Besides writing about topics and posting stories important to farmers, Johnston is active in ISA and participated in its Ag Urban Leadership Initiative. The class brings together agricultural and urban leaders to provide a platform for professionals in Iowa to bridge the ag-urban gap and produce solutions that will work for all Iowans.

As part of the class, she started Grundy County’s first youth Ag Advocacy Award. That spawned the rebirth of the county’s Corn and Soybean Growers Association, which she’s actively involved in.

When a high school student from Dike asked not long ago, “what is the point of cows?” Johnston says that was a wakeup call.

“We are not doing enough to educate youth and consumer groups,” she says. “Advocating for agriculture is very important.”

A mother of two daughters, Johnston is also a volunteer 4-H leader.

Pat Swanson, Ottumwa

Julianne Johnston, Dike

Steph Essick, Spencer

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Behind the Scene of

SOYBEAN SHIPMENT CANCELLATIONS

By Jane Li

While China continues to be the top buyer of U.S. soybeans, the process is not without frustration. Iowa soybean growers often wonder why cancellations occur, and want to know how many more are to come. Conversations with Chinese soybean traders reveal some frank explanations:

1. Cancellation Spikes In Response to Declining Demand

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China has emerged as a major soybean importer only during the last decade. As China’s role in the international soybean market grows, Chinese traders are taking advantage of the market opportunities.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward using soybean import contracts as a means of securing financing. As

IE

INSIDE CHINA

2. Traders Cancel Contracts To Seek Higher Profits

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Changing demands for soymeal and/ or soyoil have been cited as the primary reason for cargo cancellations. Led by some of the largest soybean importers in the country, China canceled about 400,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans at the end of February, up to 600,000 MT of South American soybeans in midMarch, and made further cancellations in early April. Their stated reason — weak domestic livestock demand and negative crushing margins.

Two waves of H7N9 bird flu outbreaks in China, the first one starting last spring and the second one reported in January of this year, are devastating the nation’s poultry industry. The reported loss reached at least $13.2 billion over the past year with the most recent outbreak affecting more than 40 million farmers and triggering a significant drop in chicken and egg prices.

With a growing number of farms and animal inventories, China is facing increasing outbreaks of animal disease. Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) and zoonoses further complicate the situation.

In addition to the bird flu outbreak, China’s hog industry has suffered severe losses as a

supply surge has contributed to pork prices continuing to slide since midDecember with no sign of recovery until late April. Normally, China’s hog industry goes through an annual cycle where pork prices rise during the Chinese New Year, decline after the holiday, then ascend again in the spring. This year however, pork prices have remained weak even during the Chinese New Year and the down period has been unusually long. Profit margins for hog farming hit a 3-year low in April with average losses of $50/head.

Feed demand has decelerated as a result, with a decrease of 25 percent in the first two months of 2014 according to some trade sources. Demand for soymeal was cut by as much as 20 — 30 percent during February-March year on year.

Coastal crushers expect a loss of $80 $100 per ton in April and they no longer need shipments.

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China’s credit market tightened, it has become more difficult for some private businesses to secure loans. These companies found they could get credit from banks much more easily using soybean import contracts as collateral, partly because such contracts were seen by banks as a part of stable and profitable importing activities. In this scenario, a soybean importer can sign a contract to buy beans and take that contract to the bank to get a loan. He can then sell the beans to a crusher, or if the price is right, he can cancel the contract and use the funds for other purposes. Some crushers, who are also importers, contract more beans than they need. They can then use the money for other business activities by cancelling a certain number of cargoes.

In this situation, traders normally buy early during the year, allowing them to get credit earlier and play in the market for a longer period.

There are also times when companies struggle to get credit amid

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domestic crushing industry losses. Most recently, Chinese crushers have defaulted on cargoes totaling about half a million tons, citing their inability to open letters of credit amid tightening bank oversight on commodity imports.

In addition to a growing need for financing, Chinese buyers have a history of cancelling U.S. cargoes in favor of South American beans. With the widespread talk of South American bean harvest January this year, Chinese have turned to Brazilian shipments, where in-port prices were as much as $1 per bushel cheaper than U.S. gulf supplies. The market saw some cancellations as a result. In mid-February, up to 270,000 MT of U.S. soybeans previously sold to China were cancelled for the same reason.

Chinese traders admit that they overbooked cargoes from the U.S. for the first quarter this year as Brazil and Argentina struggled to move their crops to export facilities and meet shipping deadlines last year.

Many Chinese traders have begun to recognize that failing to honor contracts is inconsistent with international trade practice. There are signs that these traders are seeking ways to improve.

The International community has also

started to identify disciplinary action against Chinese traders for cancelling contracts. Due to the size of the market, however, these practices can be expected to continue for some time.

3. Responses to Policy Risks May Increase Cancellations

Unexpected domestic trade policy changes could also potentially lead to cargo cancellations. Beginning last December, Chinese government rejected over 1 million MT of U.S. corn with unapproved MIR 162 GMO strain over a 5-month period. In mid-February, local quality watchdogs in Guangdong province started inspecting U.S. soybean cargoes for MIR 162 contamination, which significantly delayed the timely arrivals of soybeans. Soybean crushers are also not allowed to begin crushing until the tests are complete and no unapproved bio-events are found. Traders believe it was fortunate the unexpected inspections lasted a short period of time and were limited to only one customs location. More importantly, no soybean cargo has been rejected. Otherwise, sudden changes in quarantine and inspection practices could lead to soybean cancellations as well.

Dips in demand, government policy changes, and market speculations were all significant factors in cargo cancellations, making it challenging to estimate the volume. It is possible, however, to anticipate the timing of most cancellations, which fall into the first quarter of the year.

For Iowa soybean growers, a close watch on market situations like animal disease outbreaks, animal protein and oil consumption shifts and domestic policy changes will help to project future soybean cancellations.

Xueqing (Jane) Li Li is a Principal at Ag Food Consulting (AFC), located in Washington D.C. and has nearly 15 years experience in agriculture including extensive knowledge of industry, association and government network in China.

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TELLING AGRICULTURE’S STORY: More Women Pursuing Careers in Ag

By Darcy Maulsby

Flash back to 1986. Iowa was caught in the grips of the Farm Crisis, and few young adults—especially women—were pursuing careers in agriculture. At Iowa State University, females comprised only 20 percent of the students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).

Fast forward to the fall of 2013, when CALS experienced record enrollment, with nearly 4,300 undergraduates. Women comprised nearly half (48 percent) of these students, says Mike Gaul, CAL’s director of career services.

“The traditional male stereotypes that sometimes are associated with the ag industry are vanishing,” says Gaul, noting that 80 percent of CALS’ college commencement speakers in recent years have been women. “Companies value diversity in the workforce.

Women are embracing diverse career opportunities and are readily accepted into prominent roles.”

Speaking up for agriculture

Women in agriculture are also making their voices heard. Nicole (Patterson) Yoder, a 2014 CALS graduate, has been speaking out through her “Farm Girl Facts of Life” blog since September of 2013. She’s

also a CommonGround blogger who guides conversations about food and farming. It’s a natural fit for Yoder, who grew up on a northern Iowa row crop and hog farm.

“I have a strong desire to help farmers tell their stories of everyday life and the good things they’re doing in agriculture today,” says Yoder, who is also involved with the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) District Advisory Council, which helps grow the association’s membership.

“There’s a need for a farmer’s voice to tell agriculture’s story, rather than someone who doesn’t have any of this experience.”

Yoder refined her ability to share ag’s story by earning her degree in agricultural education with a communications option from ISU. She’s not alone. Some majors within CALS are predominantly women, Gaul notes, including animal science (77 percent), agricultural education (66 percent), food science (65 percent), animal ecology (63 percent) and microbiology (59 percent).

Women in these majors pursue a variety of career paths, becoming veterinarians, high school ag teachers, naturalists, research and development scientists, zookeepers, quality assurance technicians and public relations/communications specialists

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for commodity groups, Extension and other organizations.

“The beauty of many of these careers is that you don’t need a farming background to be successful,” Gaul says. “A passion for science, communications or natural resources is often the driving force behind these career choices.”

The year of the farm woman

The job market remains robust for most sectors of the agriculture industry, which boasts competitive starting salaries and high placement rates. Of the CALS ag business majors who graduated in May of 2014, for example, the average reported annual starting salary was more than $48,000, with some salaries as high as $60,000.

“Career opportunities are both emotionally and financially rewarding,” Gaul says. “It’s an amazing time in agriculture.”

All these opportunities are there for the taking, Yoder adds. “The future of agriculture looks exciting for my generation, whether we’re working in agribusiness or supporting our family’s farming operation. I think 2015 should be the year of the farm woman. As new challenges are thrown our way, we will rise to the occasion.”

Reducing soybean meal costs by up to $48 peR ton f o R p o u lt R y a n d l i v e s t o c k f a R m e R s a d d i n g 7 4 c e n t s p e R b u s h e l t o t h e b o t t o m l i n e o f s o y b e a n fa R m e R s

Biodiesel Works Because higher biodiesel demand means more beans in the crusher, biodiesel helps to keep the cost of soybean meal down for poultry and livestock farmers. During a five-year period, biodiesel demand has saved animal ag farmers $4.8 billion in soybean meal costs while adding 74 cents per bushel to the bottom line of soybean farmers. Biodiesel works. And thanks to farmer support and the soy checkoff, its success continues to grow. www.UnitedSoybean.org

©2014 United Soybean Board

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IOWA’S RISING STAR Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor may be comfortable in a suit these days, but in her heart, Kim Reynolds will always be a farm girl.

By Jenna Higgins Rose

Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor may be comfortable in a suit these days, but in her heart, Kim Reynolds will always be a proud, southern Iowa farm girl. She grew up walking beans alongside her brothers in her dad’s and grandfather’s fields. The former state senator and county treasurer went on to take office as Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor in January 2011.

Known as high-energy, positive and knowledgeable and a strong advocate for the state, Reynolds captured the attention of political observers nationwide. In 2013, she was named to The Washington Post’s list of “Top 10 Rising Stars.”

As Lieutenant Governor, Reynolds says her in-depth understanding of Iowa’s small towns and urban communities has helped her continually move Iowa forward with bold economic development initiatives. She helped attract $8.8 billion in private investment to the state by companies like Cargill, CJ Bio

America, CF Industries, Iowa Fertilizer Plant, and MidAmerican Energy locating and expanding in Iowa.

Reynolds also has been instrumental in inking major export agreements for the soybean industry.

Q: What is your personal connection to agriculture?

A: I grew up in a small rural community in St. Charles, Iowa. My dad worked for John Deere for 40 years and I don’t remember him or my mom missing many of our kids’ activities.

And there were a lot of them.

In St. Charles, I saw first-hand the strong sense of community that exists in rural Iowa. There is a neighborhelping-neighbor culture. And, when someone needed something on the farm, there was always someone ready to step forward to help. That’s where I learned how important farming was to our community.

One of the reasons I served 14 years as Clark County Treasurer in Osceola,

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and then ran for state senate, was because I understood how important agriculture is to a local economy.

Agriculture continues to frame everything I want for Iowa from a robust economy, to job creation, to effective education, to sustainability in rural Iowa. As a public servant, I want to play a positive role in keeping our agricultural communities growing and vibrant.

Q: How does the soybean industry benefit the state?

A: Iowa leads the nation in soybean production. We have a great story to tell about Iowa to consumers around the world. In international agriculture markets, the Iowa brand represents quality and food safety. In fact, one out of every six jobs in our state is supported by the ag industry. Recently, I was on a trade mission to Thailand with Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) leaders.

When I visited in 2012, Thailand was importing 10,000 metric tons of soymeal. Now, because of our valued

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relationship, soybean meal imports have grown to more than 300,000 metric tons.

We believe that number may grow even more by year-end. Soy biodiesel also creates a value-added dimension to our soybean economy, and more jobs. Our agriculture companies are expanding, and that creates new technology jobs with precision farming and other opportunities. That’s important, if we are going to meet the challenges of a growing global population. In Iowa, we have a tremendous opportunity to continue to develop, innovate and increase yields so we can help feed a worldwide population that is anticipated to be 9 billion in the year 2050.

Q: You have been on trade missions with the Iowa Soybean Association. Why did you feel it was important to participate, and what was the outcome?

A: In addition to expanding our relationship with Thailand, we also understand and respect China’s large role as a purchaser of soybeans. More soybeans are exported to China than all other countries’ in the world combined.

That’s why Governor Branstad and I hosted a state visit for then Vice President Xi Jinping in February 2012.

As part of the itinerary, we went to Rick and Grant Kimberley’s family farm.

To keep the momentum going, I traveled with ISA executives to China.

On the first day, we met with Vice President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People. He said the Iowa-China relationship could be an example of international trade for other states and countries to follow. Now, Xi Jinping is the President of China. It’s very gratifying to see how several success stories already are emerging from our international efforts.

Q: You were with Governor Branstad at a recent bill signing that extends a biodiesel production credit of 2 cents per gallon on the first 25 million gallons of biodiesel produced per facility in Iowa. Why do you support biodiesel?

A: Iowa plays an important leadership role in biofuels. The Governor and I want Iowa to continue to be a leader in the production, processing and use of biofuels. We understand the impact that biofuels

have on economic growth in rural Iowa.

Biofuels are driving it. In addition, it’s important to give consumers a choice at pump. If consumers have a choice in selecting biofuels at a lower cost, then it helps reduce our reliance on foreign oil.

diversity and leadership on this front.

Young women across Iowa should know that many of our state agencies and departments are led by articulate, strong women. Iowa has the opportunity to serve as a model for other states on encouraging and supporting female entrepreneurs, farmers, scientists and elected officials to name just a few professions. We have an opportunity to ignite a movement that brings mothers, daughters, fathers and sons together to understand the importance of having diverse leadership in the workplace.

Just imagine what we can accomplish by working together to positively impact policy and encourage women to take a more visible leadership role.

You can follow Kim Reynolds on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ KimReynoldsIA and Twitter at

Q: You and the governor had badges on that said “Don’t Mess with the RFS” (Renewable Fuel Standard). What are your thoughts on the RFS and what’s happening in Washington with the proposed volume cuts to the program?

A: We believe the RFS is good policy and Midwesterners are passionate about the RFS! From our farm fields, to our main streets, to our legislative chambers, Iowans understand how important it is to maintain a strong RFS. It’s the right thing to do. As a citizen, @KimReynoldsIA. who has seen the positive impacts that the RFS has had in Rural America, I believe we have an obligation to help educate others. We need to let people know that the ethanol industry supports more than 383,000 jobs AGRICULTURE and the biodiesel industry supports 62,000 jobs. This means that more CONTINUES TO FRAME than 445,000 Americans depend on these good-paying jobs and rewarding EVERYTHING I WANT careers to support their families. We FOR IOWA FROM A need to let people know that this one proposed rule by the EPA would directly ROBUST ECONOMY, jeopardize an estimated 37,400 ethanol jobs and 7,500 biodiesel industry jobs.

TO JOB CREATION, TO That one purposed rule would place EFFECTIVE EDUCATION, an unnecessary hardship on families throughout rural America. These are TO SUSTAINABILITY IN important jobs that cannot be lost and we must continue to fight for them!

RURAL IOWA. Q: What advice do you have to women who are thinking about careers in agriculture, or politics for that matter?

A: My advice is to get involved and make a difference. Right now, women don’t always stand up and proactively go after leadership roles. I want to help change that. Women are impressive in problem-solving and multi-tasking.

Different perspectives are needed in the decision-making process. National statistics show that companies that bring more diversity to their board are more profitable.

I’m really proud of our Administration for demonstrating

-KIM REYNOLDS,

Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor

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By: Matthew Wilde

The Iowa Board of Regents last month unanimously approved the creation of the Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University (ISU).

The center, a partnership between the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and ISU, will facilitate collaboration between public and private entities regarding research and education needs related to soybean production. It will be housed in Agronomy Hall on the

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ISU campus, where core soybean research programs and researchers are based.

As ISA celebrates its 50th anniversary, CEO Kirk Leeds says the center is a “natural next step” to meet the needs of soybean growers for decades to come.

“It will help us be more focused on improving competitiveness of soybeans,” Leeds says.

Historically, Iowa is the nation’s leader in soybean production and soybean processing. In documents provided to the board, the state’s soybean crop in 2012 (408 million bushels) was valued at $5.6 to $6.4 billion.

To keep Iowa on top, ISA officials approached ISU more than a year ago about forming a center. The Regents sent a strong message that was important, Leeds says.

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“The establishment of the center is a recognition of the importance of the soybean industry to Iowa’s economy,” he adds.

ISU Senior Vice President and Provost Jonathan Wickert summarized the request for the center during the Regents’ Education and Student Affairs Committee meeting, which was part of the board meeting.

With little discussion, the committee recommended passage. The board readily complied.

Regents President Bruce Rastetter, a businessman and farmer near Alden, says approving the center was an easy decision. He says it’s a great example of a public-private partnership the state’s universities are encouraged to establish.

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“One of the areas that Iowa State University has consistently (excelled) through its 150 years is helping improve productivity on Iowa farms,” Rastetter says. “This center represents a new generation of support. The university continues to be well-positioned to take research dollars through the center to benefit every acre.”

The center will be funded by the ISA through the soybean checkoff, ISU via state funding to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Agriculture Experiment Station and industry contributions.

the private sector is the key, Leeds says. The center is designed to take coordination with industry and dissemination of information to the next level.

“It’s a natural progression of partnership to enhance participation by the private sector,” Leeds adds, noting investments in soybean research by companies today often dwarf soybean checkoff and public sector investments.

ISA and ISU officials believe the structure afforded by the center will help attract more public and private research grants.

Disciplined approach

Center could generate fast results

Greg Tylka, ISU professor of plant pathology and nematologist, was named center director. He, along with center staff, will coordinate work between ISU, ISA and private companies.

Advocates say the center will provide a more disciplined approach when it comes to funding and identifying priority-driven research, including projects funded by the soybean checkoff.

According to documents provided to the Regents, which controls the state’s three public universities, the center will advance understanding of soybean plant biology and increase soybean production in an environmentally sustainable way.

Areas of emphasis include everything from gene discovery and germ-plasm development to student training.

ISA President Brian Kemp, who farms near Sibley, says the center will yield long-term benefits to soybean growers.

“I am eager to see the benefits of cooperation among the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa State University and industry that the center will provide. The combined focus and direction of these partners will be powerful in improving soybean yields and competitiveness,” Kemp says.

From 2001-2012, soybean acreage in Iowa declined by about 1.65 million acres, data shows. A goal of the center is to reverse that troubling trend.

More robust engagement with

In the near-term, Leeds says better collaboration between ISA, ISU and agricultural companies will enhance communication efforts with farmers on topics such as herbicide resistance, disease and pest management, plant populations and others.

“The center combines the credibility of ISU, farmer-centric approach of ISA and the resources of the private sector. When those three things come together, you will be more effective in helping farmers understand and adopt research and management strategies already available,” Leeds says.

Ultimately, the center will enable producers to profitably provide the highest yielding, highest quality soybeans and soybean products to a growing global market in a sustainable way.

ISU President Steven Leath says the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is in the top five ag colleges in the world. That success, he says, is largely due to longtime partnerships with commodity organizations like the ISA. “(The center) will allow us to focus on soybean research and provide a framework that we didn’t have before,” Leath says.

“We’re very appreciative of the partnership and excited about where it will go.”

The combined focus and direction of these partners will be powerful in improving soybean yields and competitiveness.

”

— BRIAN KEMP, ISA President

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