Iowa Soybean Review, November, 2017

IOWA

SOYBEANreview

®

November 2017

NEW USES FOR SOYBEANS FROM BIODIESEL TO TIRES

Before switching to Beck’s, every competitor we used would charge for seed treatment.

With Beck’s Escalate,™ you know they put everything you need into it. They do all the research, continue to evolve the treatment, and take the stress out of the game. You don’t have to worry because it comes at no extra cost and you know it’s going to include the best products on the market.

Josh Hennings | Elberon, IA BecksHybrids.com

President Bill Shipley, Nodaway | D7 President Elect Lindsay Greiner, Keota | At Large Treasurer Stephanie Essick, Dickens | At Large

November 2017 | Vol. 30, No. 2

Secretary Tim Bardole, Rippey | At Large Executive Committee Dave Walton, Wilton | D6 Board of Directors Mark Vosika, Pocahontas | D1 Chuck White, Spencer | D1 April Hemmes, Hampton | D2 Casey Schlichting, Clear Lake | D2 Rick Juchems, Plainfield | D3 Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg | D3 LaVerne Arndt, Sac City | D4 Jeff Frank, Auburn | D4 Rolland Schnell, Newton | D5 Morey Hill, Madrid | D5 Robb Ewoldt, Blue Grass | D6 Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney | D7 Randy Miller, Lacona | D8 Warren Bachman, Osceola | D8 Pat Swanson, Ottumwa | D9 Tom Adam, Harper | D9 Brent Renner, Klemme | At Large American Soybean Association Board of Directors Morey Hill, Madrid Wayne Fredericks, Osage Brian Kemp, Sibley John Heisdorffer, Keota Dean Coleman, Humboldt United Soybean Board of Directors Delbert Christensen, Audubon Larry Marek, Riverside Tom Oswald, Cleghorn April Hemmes, Hampton Staff Credits Editor | Ann Clinton Communications Director | Aaron Putze, APR Senior Creative Manager | Ashton Boles Photographer | Joe Murphy Staff Writer | Carrie Laughlin Staff Writer | Matthew Wilde Staff Writer | Allison Arp Sales Director | David Larson

14

Biodiesel: Give it a Chance Most Iowans have a positive opinion of biodiesel and 86 percent say they would “definitely or probably” use the biofuel if they had a diesel vehicle, according to research commissioned by the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

16

The Soybean Meets the Road Soybean oil in agricultural tires replaces petroleum.

20

Applied Science Weed scouting? Pesticide application? Real-time markets? There’s an app for that.

22

Food for Thought East Coast journalist offers ‘food for thought’ in

Iowa Soybean Review is published eight times a year by: Iowa Soybean Association 1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, Iowa 50023 (515) 251-8640 | iasoybeans.com E-mail: aclinton@iasoybeans.com For advertising information in the Iowa Soybean Review, please contact Larson Ent. LLC (515) 440-2810 or Dave@LarsonentLLC.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.

conversations about agriculture.

On the Cover: Dave Walton, an Iowa Soybean Association Director from Wilton, prepares to fill his combine with biodiesel while harvesting soybeans.

Walton is a proponent for the renewable fuel but not all farmers are on board. The biodiesel industry is working to change that by making biodiesel more readily available and to combat misperceptions regarding performance. Read more on page 14.

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 3

Kirk Leeds Chief Executive Officer, Iowa Soybean Association kleeds@iasoybeans.com, Twitter@kirkleeds

Building Demand for Soybeans

G

enerally speaking, I’m not a big fan of charts and graphs. For me, words on paper or a spoken summary are usually more effective in getting my attention. However, the chart below is remarkable and very telling. It shows that since 1990, global demand for soybeans has grown by more than 229 percent, significantly exceeding the increase by corn, wheat, rice and cotton.

The numbers are obviously impressive. The importance of this growth to Iowa’s soybean farmers can’t be overstated. The increased demand for soybeans has been driven by population and economic growth around the world, particularly in China and countries across Asia and Southeast Asia. China currently imports more soybeans than the rest of the world combined.

As many of you know, this growth in demand has been met and filled by farmers around the world with increased production. In Iowa, we have seen production escalate from 320 million bushels in 1990 to an anticipated 560 million bushels this year. The United States soybean harvest is expected to exceed 4.4 billion bushels this fall.

The growth in soybean production in Brazil has been just as dramatic.

With larger crops and reduced prices, many farmers are wondering where the future growth in soybean demand

will originate. Are there some “new uses” on the horizon?

Is there a country or region in the world that will soon become the next China?

Unfortunately, but not really surprising, there are no visible “silver bullets” on the horizon. Instead, what appears more likely is demand will continue to be driven by more people in the world with more money wanting to improve their diets. Yes, we hope to see continued growth in the utilization of soybean oil in biodiesel. We also believe ongoing efforts by the soybean checkoff program to find new uses for soybeans in a host of new areas will help. But, at the end of the day, increased consumption of soybean oil by consumers wanting to use a healthy vegetable oil in the preparation of their foods, and the desire by millions of the world’s population to increase their consumption of higher quality meat and fish products, will continue to drive demand for soybeans.

As always, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts and suggestions as we continue to work to build demand for Iowa and U.S. soybeans.

Global Demand Growth

20 1 20 8 18

2000/01 – 2016/17 and USDA Forecast for 2017/18

Soybeans Demand Up 229%, | Corn Up By 123%, | Wheat Up Only by 34%

4 | NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM

STINE LIBERTYLINK SOYBEANS consistently outperform others ®

®

in the industry. I know my fields will be clean because it’s a good product.

STINE HAS WHAT I WANT AND WHAT MY FARM NEEDS.

I CHOOSE QUALITY. I CHOOSE RESULTS. I choose what I can count on.

I choose Stine because…Stine has yield.

DENNIS GIENGER Gladbrook, Iowa

Carol Balvanz Policy Director, Iowa Soybean Association cbalvanz@iasoybeans.com

Farm Bill Guilt

E

very time the farm bill comes up for debate, farmers are criticized for wanting programs that could provide more certainty for their businesses. This year is no exception, as the agriculture blogs have many reports of farm bill critics currently meeting in Washington D.C., and across the country. In early October, the critics met to complain about the “corporate welfare” of crop insurance subsidies, as well as any other program that provides a safety net for farmers at taxpayer expense.

Among the major critics has been the Heritage Foundation, a well-known conservative think-tank, that in September published a report entitled “Farms and Free Enterprise: A Blueprint for Agricultural Policy.” The Heritage report recommends that the safety net provided by the farm bill’s commodity title and crop insurance be eliminated for crop and dairy farmers. The full report is available at www.heritage.com.

In late September, Brandon Willis, former administrator of the Risk Management Agency (RMA) within United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) responded to the Heritage Foundation report, challenging their selective use of data to criticize policies to help farmers handle risk. (Willis is currently a consultant for Combest, Sell and Associates.)

His comments take issue with the Heritage Report’s recommendations to lawmakers about the past and future of U.S. farm policy. A link to that report was provided in the

6 | NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM

September 29 ISA Policy Network News. Call me at 515-669-9174 if you’d like me to send it to you.

These two reports are great examples of the jockeying of ideas leading up to the next farm bill. I hope you will take the time to read both.

The Heritage Report is typical of the kind of information that non-farm “experts” use to induce guilt among farmers for pushing any type of “safety net” provisions. They like to tell us that agricultural risk is no different from the risks of other businesses—even though we must deal with global ag markets distorted by foreign subsidies, tariffs and nontariff trade barriers, low rates of return, weather and pest issues, and erratic farm markets creating income volatility.

They fail to recognize the value to the rest of the country of maintaining a strong agricultural production system – including millions of jobs, significant trade income and billions of dollars invested in local communities, not to mention some of the lowest food costs in the world.

No doubt lawmakers will read the Heritage Report, and many will use its talking points to push for cuts to farm bill programs. We need to remember the farm safety net accounts for about one quarter of one percent of the federal budget. It seems a small price to pay to support the best agricultural system in the world. No need for farm bill guilt.

O T E L B I S S O P T I S ’ W O H

H S A M S R U O Y D L YIE G? N I L I E C

THE ANSWER IS Plant Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans.

The highest-yielding soybeans we’ve ever introduced.*

*Statement based upon 10,702 2016 DuPont Pioneer IMPACT™ plot comparisons against key competitive checks (+/- .03RM) where new A-Series varieties had an average yield advantage of 2.3 bu/acre.

PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2017 PHII. DUPPSY17014_VB_110117_ISR

Pioneer.com/Aseries

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 7

Farmers Elected to Iowa Soybean Association, National Leadership Posts

S

oybean farmers were elected to leadership positions at the September meeting of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors.

Those tapped to serve as ISA officers were: Lindsay Greiner, Keota — president-elect; Stephanie Essick, Dickens — treasurer; Tim Bardole, Rippey — secretary; and Dave Walton, Wilton — executive committee.

Bill Shipley of Nodaway accepted Bill Shipley the gavel as president and welcomed the newly elected state soybean leaders to their key posts.

“It’s an important time in agriculture as we work to manage the variability and uncertainty that accompanies erratic weather, trade and regulations,” he says. “The Iowa soybean board is committed to serving the needs of farmers by providing the tools and resources to manage the continuous changes that impact our competitiveness as farmers.

your

“I look forward to working with our executive committee and all directors to represent the needs of all farmers,” he adds, “while effectively managing the investment soybean farmers make in their industry courtesy of the soybean checkoff.”

ISA directors also elected John Heisdorffer of Keota to serve a third term as a director of the American Soybean Association.

Heisdorffer says he looks forward to helping craft a new farm bill and serving fellow farmers and soybean growers.

“We’ll continue to focus on trade given the importance of finding markets for America’s most valuable export,” he says. “We’ll also remain actively engaged in production issues, including the use of dicamba. It’s important we work with industry to review, investigate and, where necessary, resolve any performance issues related to this important tool for managing weeds.”

cooperative

soybean processor

www.agp.com

FCSAMERICA .COM

NAME:

Lora & Heath LOCATION:

Inwood, IA OPERATION:

Soybean & Livestock Producers

EVERY DAY, WE PROVE YOU CAN GET MORE FROM A LENDER THAN MONEY.

NO OTHER LENDER DELIVERS MORE EXPERTISE TO GROW YOUR SUCCESS. More than a source of financing, Farm Credit Services of America is a source of information with people who know what you do, understand how you want to grow and deliver the expertise to help you get there.

Any lender can meet your financial needs – the difference is how we work for your long-term success.

Call 800-884-FARM.

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 9

A History of Soy Chemistry Innovation 1987: Soy ink helps the newspaper industry reduce emissions and lower costs. Soy is now found in offset lithography, laser printing toner and in the ink on printed packages.

2006:

1991: Renewable Lubricants partners with the checkoff to develop the first biobased lubricant approved for military tactical applications.

1992:

The checkoff helps launch the National Biodiesel Board to create demand for excess soybean oil. Biodiesel utilizes billions of pounds of soybean oil each year.

2001: Soy-checkoff-funded research is used to produce plastic resin panels for John Deere.

IOWA SOYBEAN REVIEW 2-17.pdf

1

2/3/2017

3:00:26 PM

Got Grain?

The checkoff partners with manufacturers to develop methyl soyate, a product of biodiesel production. Manufacturing partners incorporate methyl soyate into cleaning products and solvents.

2006:

Ford Motor Company and Lear partner to develop soy-based foam for automobiles with checkoff research support. The cushions are incorporated into the 2008 Ford Mustang and later into every Ford vehicle manufactured in North America.

2007: Research at Oregon State University, funded with checkoff support, leads to the development of a soy-based technology that reduces formaldehyde in wood adhesives.

Ashland uses the technology to develop Soyad adhesives and partners with Columbia Forest Products to use those adhesives in more than 60 million PureBond速 plywood panels.

2010: Plews & Edelmann launches UltraLube速

professional-grade greases, oils, spray lubricants and penetrants, using high oleic soybean oil, with technology based on checkoff-supported research.

2010: Kansas State University

installs AstroTurf速 with soy-based backing on its football and baseball fields. Today, sports fields at every level of competition contain the soybased backing, which was supported by the checkoff.

2010: With checkoff support, Universal Textile Technologies partners with Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks to purchase recyclable plastic bottles and combine them with soy to make the Yellowstone Collection of carpets.

Portable, Computerized & Wireless Grain Monitoring Systems For a FREE quote call 800-438-8367

2011: Sherwin Williams partners with USB to research and develop the soy-based ProClassic速 water-based acrylic and ProMar 200 lines of interior paint.

2015: Partnering with the checkoff, Demilec USA develops Heatlok Soy, a spray foam insulation for construction.

Tri-States Grain Conditioning, Inc.

Grain Storage Made Better

TSGC@TSGCinc.com

www.TSGCinc.com

Spirit Lake, Iowa Source: United Soybean Board

GERMINATE. DOMINATE. REPEAT. Demand high yields with Titan Pro seed.

Visit our website www.titanprosci.com to find a Titan Pro dealer near you.

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 11

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

FARMER PERSPECTIVE

What does your investment in the Iowa Soybean Association do for you?

By Rolland Schnell, ISA director from Newton

T

he soybean checkoff is an assessment of 0.5 percent of the market price for every bushel of soybeans sold by the farmer. These dollars are divided 50-50 between the national soybean checkoff and state checkoff.

I would like to share some ways we, as farmers, benefit from the state checkoff investment.

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) has many dynamic programs funded by the checkoff. For example, the On-Farm Network® conducts research on farms across the state, evaluating practices and products to help us make better decisions as we plant each year. The analytics team compiles this information from hundreds of tests to give you real, usable data to apply in your decisionmaking process. The good news is we can participate in varied trials to learn firsthand and contribute to the large data pool giving validity to the tests. Dollars are also invested by ISA in research at universities to enhance profitable production.

Some projects do not bring immediate results but make a huge

12 | NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM

that promotes a cost-effective, difference. Building relationships with reliable transportation system farmers customers and potential customers depend on. Whether promoting around the world are extremely better management of rural bridges, beneficial to profitability in the advocating for more efficient six- and marketplace. ISA representatives began seven-axle semis, highlighting the needs building relationships with potential of our locks and dams, monitoring customers in China years ago — when railroad services they did not buy and performance or soybeans — and advancing the needs today they’re our of our ports, the STC biggest customer. strives to ensure 21stTheir purchases century agriculture alone account for has a 21st-century more than one out infrastructure. of every four rows Rolland Schnell Communicating grown in the U.S. with you the vital ISA board information your members and staff organization develops is essential. The continues promoting the preference best way to benefit from your checkoff for U.S. soybeans around the world. investment is to get involved. There Soybeans exported to foreign markets as are many opportunities, including whole beans, meal or oil represent more participating in On-Farm Network than 55 percent of total U.S. production. trials to being a part of the District The world loves our high-quality, Advisory Council. You will not only be sustainably produced soybeans.

The ISA was the leading organization making a difference for Iowa's soybean industry, but your involvement with in establishing the Soy Transportation ISA will likely allow you to be a more Coalition (STC), a collaboration of national and state soybean organizations efficient producer.

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

SOYBEAN CHECKOFF IN IOWA Meal and oil are the two primary components of soybeans. Meal makes up about 80 percent of soybeans and oil accounts for 20 percent. The soybean checkoff focuses on increasing the value of soybeans, meal and oil, meeting end-users' needs and making sure farmers have the freedom and infrastructure to supply those components.

FARMER SELLS BEANS

1/2 OF THE MONEY STAYS IN

IOWA AND THOSE FUNDS GO TO:

ELEVATORS PROCESSORS GRAIN DEALERS

1/2 OF 1% OF THE TOTAL SELLING PRICE GOES TO THE

RESEARCH

AND THE OTHER HALF GOES TO

UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD Volunteer farmer-

leaders of the United FREEDOM TO OPERATE

Soybean Board are

MARKET DEVELOPMENT

investing each checkoff

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMSS

dedicated to responsibly dollar to the greatest return on investment for all U.S. soybean farmers.

IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 13

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

BIODIESEL: GIVE

IT A

By Matthew Wilde

M

ost Iowans have a positive opinion of biodiesel and 86 percent say they would “definitely or probably” use the biofuel if they had a diesel vehicle, according to research commissioned by the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB).

The same can’t be said for many of the state’s farmers, based on available information from biodiesel sales.

Only 16.5 percent of the 211.7 million gallons of dyed (non-taxed) diesel fuel — off-road agricultural, construction, railroad and school bus use — sold in Iowa last year was blended with biodiesel. Sales are tracked by the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Clear or taxed diesel sales statewide in 2016 totaled 630 million gallons, records show. Nearly 55 percent contained a biodiesel blend.

To renewable fuel advocates, the level of acceptance by farmers is disheartening.

“For off-road gallons, we have some work to do,” says Dawn Carlson, president and CEO of Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa (PMCI). “How do we convince farmers to use it?”

Education and exorcising demons of the past — availability, price and performance issues — are answers, IBB members and fuel retailers say.

“Biodiesel quality, consistency, availability and price competitiveness have improved dramatically,” says Grant Kimberley, IBB executive director. “Many past problems are solved, but it is hard sometimes to convince

CHANCE

the mechanic or user of that. It’s time farmers give biodiesel another chance.”

The IBB and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) conduct periodic mechanic and marketer education programs to boost on-farm biodiesel use. The groups also work with the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).

Myth buster Last year’s annual ISA research survey asked farmers why they don’t use biodiesel. The top three answers were: not readily available, 38 percent; doesn’t work well in cold weather, 29 percent; price, 10 percent.

Favorable state policies and

Dave Walton, Iowa Soybean Association director from Wilton, is a proponent of biodiesel fuel in his farm equipment

14 | NOVEMBER 2017 2017 || IASOYBEANS.COM IASOYBEANS.COM

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

legislation have improved biodiesel availability and competitiveness, retailers say. Examples include: • A biodiesel producer tax credit of 2 cents per gallon on the first 25 million gallons of production per biodiesel plant.

• Biodiesel promotion and retail tax credit. Retailers receive 4.5 cents per gallon on blends of B5 (5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent petroleum diesel) and higher, which ends this year. Next year and continuing through 2024, the credit will be modified to 3.5 cents per gallon.

For B11 blends or higher, the credit increases to 5.5 cents.

• A $3 million Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program provides costshare funds to blenders, retailers and terminals for facilities that can manage higher blends of biodiesel.

Since 2011, the number of Iowa fuel retailers selling biodiesel more than doubled to 514, according to state statistics.

Retailers are passing along tax credits to customers so biodiesel is equal or cheaper than petroleum diesel, says John Maynes, regulatory affairs manager with PMCI. “I don’t think pricing and access is an issue whatsoever when it comes to use,” Maynes continues. “Somewhere along the line, farmers decided not to handle the product.”

Cobb Oil Co. of Brighton has offered biodiesel to customers since 2004 from eight southwest Iowa locations. Farm sales are okay, Mark Cobb says, but they could be better.

As harvest began, B5 cost 3 cents less per gallon than straight diesel at Cobb Oil. That tells the company’s president price isn’t the issue.

“There seems to be a common perception that biodiesel plugs filters and causes cold weather problems,” Cobb says.

“I believe there are a good many dealer service techs who tell all the bad things that have ever happened to a diesel fuel system, ‘most’ related to biodiesel use in their opinion. This is a fallacy.”

Since the biofuel can have a cleansing effect, it can loosen fuel residue in storage tanks and fuel systems. Performance problems can be significantly reduced abiding by storage tank best maintenance practices and more frequent filter changes, at least initially.

Greg Morrow of Cobb Oil Company in Brighton fills a tank with biodiesel on a farm near Washington. There are many benefits of using biodiesel on the farm, he says, including the ability to produce and consume a locally grown product.

In the early days, gelling and filters freezing from moisture in the fuel was an issue. These problems have been widely addressed as fuel quality, additives and handling education improves.

For new users, Cobb and other biodiesel experts recommend storage tanks be cleaned or replaced, which could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.

The benefits of increased biodiesel use on the farm outweigh initial costs or perceived challenges, advocates contend.

“Economists will tell you the biggest benefit a state and its people see is when they produce and consume their own products,” Cobb says. “It’s a big circle and the dollars all spin within our state.”

Home-grown product Soybean oil is the primary feedstock used in biodiesel production. The soybean industry, utilizing checkoff funds, developed biodiesel nearly two decades ago to utilize excess soybean oil and add value to soybeans.

Biodiesel production nationwide topped 1.8 billion gallons last year, according to industry statistics. Iowa leads the nation in production. Its 12 biodiesel plants produced a record 305 million gallons in 2016. Capacity is about 400 million gallons, considering expansion projects recently completed or underway.

A study prepared for NBB found demand for soybean oil from the biodiesel industry increased oil prices, on average, by 11 cents per pound from 2006/07 to 2014/15. That increased soybean prices by nearly 63 cents per bushel, on average, and reduced soybean meal prices by $21 per ton. Biodiesel adds about 20 cents per pound to rendered animal fat, sources say.

Dave Walton, an ISA Board member and IBB and NBB alternate, started using a B5 in trucks and equipment more than a decade ago and now burns B10 in the summer and B5 in the winter. He’s never had a problem. Walton believes the great lubricity of biodiesel prolongs engine life.

The latest on-farm biodiesel use statistics left the Wilton farmer shaking his head.

“It’s embarrassingly low,” says Walton. “We grow it. We should use it.”

If farmers want the biodiesel industry to thrive and enjoy its related benefits, Walton says they need to lead by example.

“If consumers see producers using their own product, it gives them confidence,” he adds. “Otherwise it puts questions in their mind if it’s the best product.”

Matthew Wilde can be contacted at mwilde@iasoybeans.com.

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 15

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

Soybean oil in agricultural tires replaces petroleum

By Matthew Wilde

S

oybean oil is hitting the road and the field.

The soybean checkoff paved the way for the development of tires partially made from soybean oil. Farmers and tire manufacturers believe the millions of dollars invested to make it happen will pay off.

Goodyear unveiled its Assurance WeatherReady tires, featuring a soy-based rubber compound, at the Farm Progress Show in August. The tires are available in a variety of sizes covering 77 percent of the cars, minivans and sport utility vehicles on the road today, according to the company.

Plenty of tractors sporting Firestone tires, containing various percentages of soybean oil, are pulling grain carts and other implements as harvest winds down.

Bridgestone Americas, which makes the iconic brand, has utilized the renewable resource supplied by its customers to make agricultural tires since 2012.

16 | NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM

Experts say soybean oil could eventually replace much of the petroleum-based oils in tires creating more demand for the plentiful co-product of the crushing industry.

“Additional demand for excess soybean oil will increase soybean prices,” says Bill Shipley, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) president who farms near Nodaway.

“That’s what we want to see. It’s another success story of the checkoff.”

The nation produced 24 billion pounds of soybean oil in 2016/17, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Only 22 billion pounds were consumed or exported.

Farmer leaders at the state and national levels, including ISA and the United Soybean Board (USB), leveraged checkoff funds six years ago with industry to see if soybean oil was a viable replacement for petroleum in tire manufacturing. Research and development of new uses for soybeans

and soybean products is vital to farmer competitiveness.

Tests showed that soybean oil in tires, depending on the product and use, can increase tread life by as much as 10 percent in some cases.

Rubber compounds made with soy oil blend more easily with the silica used in building tires, according to USB. Improved mixing capabilities in the manufacturing process has been demonstrated to improve plant efficiency, which could reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

“Soybean oil has to perform as good or better than petroleum oil and make economic sense,” says Mike Erker, USB director of biobased products.

“Researchers discovered it did to help push use forward.”

Millions of tires a year are now made with soybean oil. And, manufacturers plan to increase soybean oil use.

Every Firestone ag tire made since

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

2014 contains the home-grown oil. The company’s first concept tire for large four-wheel-drive tractors contained 10 percent soybean oil — approximately 90 pounds — in 2012. Most tires contain 1-2 percent soybean oil, officials say.

Bridgestone Americas’ Des Moines ag tire plant churns out 700,000-800,000 tires a year, about 60 percent of the company’s global ag tire production. The facility will use nearly 500,000 pounds of soybean oil this year, 300,000 more than in 2014. The plant uses about 7 percent less petroleum oil as a result.

Tom Rodgers, executive director of Bridgestone Global Agricultural Solutions, expects soybean oil use to rise.

Using products grown by customers — current oil consumption in Des Moines equates to 45,000 bushels of soybeans, he says — is good business.

“Farmers are our customers and this is an opportunity to consume their products,” Rodgers says.

Using a renewable resource meets Bridgestone’s sustainability goals and durability and performance isn’t an issue, he adds.

“That’s something we pride ourselves on,” Rodgers says. “Uptime is critical at harvest, planting or any other time.

We’ve incorporated soybean oil in the highest duty tires.”

Combine, sprayer, tractor, grain carts —Bridgestone makes tires for them all and every other implement.

Shipley recently put four new Firestone tires on his planting tractor.

He says he’s always been a “Firestone guy” and the company’s decision to use soybean oil solidified it.

“It makes me feel good I’m using products that may have a connection to my farm,” Shipley says. “The number of tires I have on equipment is scary.”

The most recent count is 136.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tires may be next on Shipley’s list if a vehicle needs replacements. The allseason tires bring yet another market opportunity for soybean oil and, in return, a profit opportunity for farmers, the company says.

Goodyear researchers found rubber compounds made with soybean oil remained soft at lower temperatures,

leading to enhanced traction in dry, wet and winter conditions.

“As we develop great products that anticipate and respond to the needs of consumers, soybean oil was one of the technologies enabling us to meet a challenging performance goal,” says Eric Mizner, Goodyear’s director of global material science.

The company estimates soybean oil from an estimated 40,000-60,000 bushels of soybeans will be used in initial tire applications.

The oil content of a typical passenger tire is 8 percent by weight. One day, Goodyear hopes to completely replace all petroleum-based oils with soybean oil in tires, which could use almost 54 million pounds each year.

USB Director Delbert Christensen hopes that occurs. Additional soybean oil use helps balance the soy complex, driving soybean meal prices down and soybean prices up.

“It helps the value of soybeans when we can find new uses,” says Christensen, one of 73 USB leaders who approve checkoff expenditures. “Every dime helps.”

Matthew Wilde can be contacted at mwilde@iasoybeans.com.

MILLIONS OF

TIRES

A YEAR ARE NOW MADE WITH SOYEAN OIL.

EXPERTS SAY

SOYBEAN OIL COULD EVENTUALLY REPLACE MUCH OF THE PETROLEUM-BASED OILS IN TIRES

Tom Rodgers, executive director of Bridgestone Global Agricultural Solutions, stands by hundreds of thousands of Firestone agricultural tires made with soybean oil that await shipment at Bridgestone Americas' warehouse in Des Moines. (Photo Credit: Matthew Wilde) NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 17

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

Soy Power Shines

By Darcy Dougherty Maulsby

I

was furious the minute I saw it.

Blue spray paint defaced the bronze historical marker attached to a large stone south of Lake City near Rainbow Bridge, a favorite destination where I take my dad, mom and trusty red heeler, Maggie, for Sunday drives.

I snapped a photo of the crude star scrawled across the marker in midAugust and posted it on social media to express my disgust. While outraged Facebook friends posted hundreds of comments lamenting the vandalism, few solutions emerged.

I’m no graffiti removal expert and didn’t know what to do next, so I turned to Google. My search led me to Natural Soy Products’ graffiti remover. Not only did the product promise to remove paint, but this eco-friendly solution is made from American-grown soybeans. When I found out the company is based in

Brooklyn, Iowa, I was sold and ordered two bottles of graffiti remover.

I was still nervous, though. Was I doing the right thing?

Rainbow Bridge spans generations of history Iconic Rainbow Bridge has spanned the Raccoon River for more than a century southwest of Lake City and is an outstanding example of Iowa engineer James B. Marsh’s rainbow arch design.

Hundreds of bridges with this distinctive “rainbow” profile were constructed in the 1910s and 1920s, mainly in the Midwest, though few remain.

Despite its storied history, the local Rainbow Bridge has long been a target for graffiti. Still, I kept thinking this latest act of vandalism had gone too far. I didn’t want to inflict more damage, though, in my attempt to clean up the mess.

Within a few minutes of application, graffiti remover manufactured by Natural Soy Products in Brooklyn, Iowa, loosened the graffiti on the marker and stone near Rainbow Bridge so the offending paint could be wiped away. The soy-based product is made with American-grown soybeans.

18 | NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM

Putting soy power to work When my bottles of graffiti remover arrived, I rounded up a vegetable scrub brush, some rags, fresh water and my dog. We headed out to Rainbow Bridge late that afternoon to get to work.

While the graffiti remover label recommended waiting at least 10 minutes after spraying the cleaner, impatience got the best of me. I tried scrubbing off the paint after several minutes and was delighted to see promising results. In less than 15 minutes, I cleaned the entire marker and stone.

Always curious, I wanted to learn more. “Our products utilize the powerful, natural properties of soy,” said Joe Barber, president and CEO of Natural Soy Products, who responded to my inquiry. He added that soybean oil and soy methyl esters can be processed into a variety of useful products, from household cleaners to industrial applications.

Many of these products have evolved from innovations in the soy biodiesel industry. It’s exciting to see soy-based technology not only protecting history at Rainbow Bridge, but creating new solutions that will benefit our families and communities for generations to come.

Editor’s note: Darcy Dougherty Maulsby’s family raises soybeans and corn near Lake City. You can enjoy more of Maulsby’s ag stories at darcymaulsby.com.

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

Prestigious Honor ISA researcher named American Society of Agronomy Fellow

A

n Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) researcher has received the highest recognition bestowed by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA).

Peter Kyveryga, Ph.D., ISA director of analytics, was named a Fellow of the ASA based on his significant contributions to precision agriculture, adaptive nutrient management, predictive modeling and the use of local data to help farmers make better agronomic decisions. The recognition was made during the ASA’s annual meeting and awards ceremony held recently in Tampa, Florida.

Fellow is the highest recognition bestowed by the ASA. Members of the Society nominate worthy colleagues based on their professional achievements and meritorious service. Up to 0.3 percent of the Society’s active and emeritus members may be elected Fellow.

“I am very humbled and honored to be recognized by my academic and industry colleagues,” says Kyveryga, one of only 15 Fellows named this year.

“However, I consider this not to be an individual recognition, but rather

F E L LOW I S

an endorsement of the cutting-edge programs here at ISA that are dedicated to advancing scientifically sound research."

Ed Anderson, Ph.D., ISA’s senior director of research, says the recognition was well deserved.

“Peter's work has ensured the accurate and timely capture, analysis and reporting of data and information that has enabled continuous improvement not only for farmers, but also company and university partners,” he says. “His efforts to develop digital agriculture tools for predictive modeling and risk assessment and management systems will positively impact research and soybean production well into the future.

“We all respect and appreciate Peter for his technical talent in agronomy and statistics, for his leadership, for his humility and for his sense of humor,” Anderson adds. “He’s not only positively impacting ISA, but the entire agronomy field. From our perspective, there is no one more qualified to lead our Analytics team and no one easier to work with

than Peter. He is very deserving of this prestigious honor.”

Prior to joining the ISA team in 2006, Kyveryga received a specialist diploma in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from the National Agricultural University of Ukraine and earned a Ph.D. in Soil Science/Soil Fertility from Iowa State University. In addition to his work for ISA, Kyveryga has co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications about nitrogen fertilizer management, remote sensing and statistics. He is also Technical Editor-Precision Agriculture for the Agronomy Journal, Vice Chair of the Biometry and Statistical Computing community and Collaborator Assistant Professor at the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University.

The ASA is one of agriculture’s largest and most prestigious organizations and one that is dedicated to the development, dissemination and application of agronomic solutions to feed and sustain the world. The Society represents academic and non-academic agronomy research scientists, educators and practitioners.

Peter Kyveryga, Ph.D., ISA director of analytics

THE HIGHEST RECOGNITION B E S TOW E D BY THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AG R O N O M Y.

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 19

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

APPLIED SCIENCE Weed scouting? Pesticide application?

Real-time markets? There’s an app for that.

By Carrie Laughlin

T

iming is everything when it comes to agriculture, especially when living in a high-speed, digital world.

That’s why farmers are utilizing numerous smartphone and tablet apps available to help manage their farm and improve profitability. It’s why Jordan Carstens relies on the Landus Cooperative® app to see scale-in to scale-out times without leaving his farm.

“When you’re harvesting and it’s crunch time, there are decisions you have to make in a split second, and timing is key,” says Carstens who grows soybeans, corn and alfalfa near Bagley. “Having grain bins at my fingertips and average

scale-to-scale time — and actually see that on camera — is really good information.

Most of all, it’s improved our efficiency, and when we’re in times of tight margins, every minute is important.

Last thing we want to do is send a truck 30-40 miles away and have it turn around because there’s a four-hour line.”

Landus Cooperative originally launched their free mobile app in August.

In September, it was updated to include traffic photos at 10 of the cooperative’s busiest locations and scale-in to scale-out times for all Landus Cooperative locations to help area farmers determine harvest turnaround times.

Dustin Sage, farmer from Dunkerton

20 | NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM

Other features include news and daily grain market commentary. It also can set favorite locations for quick local access, cash grain bids by location, futures price predictions and location-specific harvest hours.

The app is available from Apple and Google stores or by visiting the cooperative’s website.

Alicia Heun, director of communications for Landus Cooperative, says the app is a result of something farmers were asking for, particularly at the 10 locations that have cameras showing traffic patterns via photos updated every five minutes.

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

APPS AT A GLANCE: Landus Cooperative App

Includes traffic photos at 10 locations and scale-in to scaleout times for all locations. Quick local access, cash grain bids by location, futures price predictions and location-specific harvest hours.

Pesticide and Field Records App

Allows you to record the information required to comply with federal and state regulations regarding restricted-use products or commercial pesticide applications.

Pocket Spray Smart™ App

Lars Erickson, a delivery specialist with Landus Cooperative, uses a tablet to check current information for his deliveries. Landus recently launched a free mobile app to help farmers gauge traffic levels and scale-in to scale-out times at 10 of their busiest locations.

“During last year’s record soybean harvest, a few locations experienced long wait times for trucks,” she says. “Farmers told us it would be nice to be able to see the line at the location while they were in the field so they could decide which of our locations to deliver to.

“This app allows them to see the line at our busiest locations as well as the scale-in to scale-out time at every Landus Cooperative grain location,” Heun continues. “They now have the information they need to make a harvest decision right in the palm of their hand.”

Having an app to help farmers get grain to market is a valuable tool. But what if that grain is still in the field?

There’s an app — or hundreds — for that, too, depending on what needs to be done.

The Pesticide Safety Education Program at Iowa State University (ISU) released the Pesticide and Field Records app for iOS and Android systems.

“The benefit of this app is it allows a farmer or pesticide applicator to record all the information required to comply with federal and state regulations regarding restricted-use products or commercial pesticide applications on their phone or tablet,” says Kristine Schaefer, program manager and extension program specialist.

Agrible, Inc. released Pocket Spray Smart™ this spring. The app provides field-specific spraying conditions at boom height, current wind speed and direction, and temperature inversion potential for a farmer’s current location and each field in their Morning Farm Report® account.

Jason Little, Agrible, Inc. director of sales, says so far it has been well received and this information gives you confidence that you're making the best decisions about when to spray.

“I had several retailers that went out and were planning to spray with dicamba, knew the traits of the field around, would look at Spray Smart and check the inversion potential three days out,” Little says. “They could look at the field and see the window to spray was 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They would schedule the field to be done at that time. Then the operator would use the app, check wind conditions and check inversions.”

Pocket Spray Smart is just one of many apps available from Agrible.

The boom in farming apps, however, is somewhat recent. A few years ago, farmers’ options were limited.

Iowa Soybean Association member Dustin Sage of Dunkerton was one of the ag app pioneers. In 2014, he released Farm Sage which tracked a multitude

Provides field-specific spraying conditions at boom height, current wind speed and direction, and temperature inversion potential.

of data ranging from field records and inputs to inventory and equipment.

Sage says the technology has improved tremendously since he released Farm Sage, and with that, competition has increased as well.

“There are approximately 144 competitors in our space currently.

There were only three when we started.

How do you differentiate yourself?” asks Sage.

Farm Sage is no longer available mostly due to maintaining overhead costs.

Sage says he’d find the various farming apps even more useful if there was a way they could all connect and share information.

Little says that day isn't far away.

“Our intention as we build all these apps is that it’s all interconnected and works together,” he says. “We’re making connections with other manufacturers and other platforms so we can move information back and forth. It really will be possible to pull into a field with a sprayer, and the sprayer app will say, ‘No, it’s going to rain. You can’t do this application.’ It’s all possible once you have that type of interconnectivity. It’s exciting to be in ag right now because we’re going to see all that very shortly.”

Carrie Laughlin can be contacted at claughlin@iasoybeans.com.

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 21

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

Washington Post food columnist Tamar Haspel chats with David Ausberger of Jefferson during her recent visit to Iowa.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT East Coast journalist offers ‘food for thought’ in conversations about agriculture

By Lindsey Foss

“P

eople are talking past each other,” says Tamar Haspel, Washington Post food columnist. “We need to figure out how to make this food conversation better, because that’s the first step to making everything else better.”

Haspel, a Manhattan native, arrived in Iowa September 24 as a guest of the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP). For three days, she immersed herself in Iowa agriculture by visiting farms, conversing with ag and environmental leaders and keynoting a “Food for Thought” dialogue at Drake University. The goal: to connect well-respected, urban-dwelling reporters with Iowa farm families to engage in dialogue about modern agriculture and today’s food system.

Mission accomplished “We have to talk about a larger divide,” Haspel says. “Activists are experts at preying on people’s fears. If 22 | NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM

we all had a more generous attitude to the motives and rhetoric between these opposing groups, maybe then we could actually do something to enhance the conversation.”

Haspel speaks from experience. As author of her column “Unearthed” and a contributor to National Geographic, Discover and Cooking Light, she sometimes finds herself entrenched in competing arguments about subjects ranging from biotechnology and pesticide use to antibiotics, food policy and government regulations. In doing so, she hears arguments on all sides – some productive, some not.

Bigger picture In addition to her “day job” as an award-winning journalist, Haspel farms oysters in the waters of Cape Cod with her husband, Kevin Flaherty. The couple began raising them nearly seven years ago

after relocating to the coastal community from New York City, and currently raises 150,000 – 200,000 oysters annually.

Though Haspel correlates much of the hard work and regulations of oyster farming to Midwest agriculture, she admits that the delicacy does not fit into an affordable, sustainable food system. The industry is also sheltered from many of the larger issues on the minds of her readers and consumers around the country.

“One of the perils of journalism is writing about things you don’t get to do,” says Haspel. “I can’t write about agriculture from my narrow perspective as an oyster farmer; I need to see it on a larger scale. It’s really hard to write about agriculture without talking to farmers.”

Iowa FFP set out to make that task easier, inviting Haspel onto a variety of farms and into the homes of farmers around the state. Together, they talked about a host of issues including

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

sustainability, water quality, herbicides, GMOs, food prices, regulations and climate change. Though Haspel did not agree with all viewpoints brought forward in the discussions, she was grateful about the willingness of farmers to share their perspectives and appreciated the diversity in the industry.

“If everyone is playing the same instrument, that’s not a great tune,” says Haspel. “The fact is, every operation is doing something different. We can’t optimize for everything; but we can optimize as a system.”

Seeking information To reach that optimized system — and to begin talking with one another instead of past each other — Haspel recommends recognizing the “elephant” and “rider” that are part of the human psyche.

“When a controversial issue comes up, your elephant knows exactly what to think — before you even have time to think it,” she says. “The rider’s job is to justify; a rider’s instinct is to protect the elephant’s view.”

This scenario is better known as “confirmation bias,” or the habit of seeking sources of information that share our values and confirm our views, while ignoring contradictory claims.

Confirmation bias, Haspel explains, is the root of many arguments, including those about modern agriculture. For example, when people are confronted by information they don’t support, the reflex is to find ways to dismiss it. This is accomplished by alleging the source isn’t

credible or is uninformed. Sometimes, facts that contradict opinions actually strengthen them.

“When was the last time you changed your mind on an issue?”

Haspel asks. “Maybe five to 10 percent of people will say they have. But I’m here to tell you that minds can change, if you’re open to it. In fact, I’m in the ‘mind-changing business.’”

The shift in mindset, however, does not come overnight, especially as it relates to politically driven, polarizing issues. While there’s no easy way to combat confirmation bias, Haspel suggests: • Accepting that confirmation bias is real "elephant wrangling begins at home".

• Vetting your sources.

• Managing media sources to ensure that you’re receiving different viewpoints.

• Acknowledging that truth often resides somewhere on both sides of an issue.

• Acknowledging the validity of a point made by someone whose opinion you may not agree with.

• Finding the smartest person who disagrees with you; and listen.

Tamar Haspel experienced harvest with Ray Gaesser of Corning. Gaesser has been interviewed by Haspel in some of her previous Washington Post columns.

Janelle Hill, Iowa Turkey Federation, listens to a conversation at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Urbandale.

“It’s often hard to talk to people who disagree with us, but if you can start with finding what’s right, you can find some common ground,” says Haspel.

For more information on Iowa FFP, visit IowaFoodandFamily.com or connect on Facebook at Facebook.com/FoodnFamilies.

Lindsey Foss can be contacted at lfoss@iasoybeans.com.

Tamar Haspel visits with Matt Russell during a tour of Coyote Run Farm near Lacona.

MY

NO. 1 JOB IS FEEDING PEOPLE.

— Ray Gaesser, soybean and corn farmer from Corning Seth Watkins and Tamar Haspel pose for a selfie while touring Watkins’ farm in southern Iowa.

Watkins is a proponent of cover crops and other conservation practices on his farm ground.

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 23

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

Candid Dicamba Conversation

By Allison Arp Editor’s Note: Iowa Soybean Review staff sat down with Ed Anderson, Iowa Soybean Association’s senior director of research, to get an unbiased look at what’s really happening with the dicamba issue.

Describe the dicamba situation as it currently stands?

It depends who you talk to. There are farmers who are having great success with the use and effectiveness of the dicamba system. Then there are others who have expressed everything from moderate concern to major frustration.

Farmers, and we as an organization, have been working to promote calm, professional conversations with neighbors, technology providers, applicators and everyone involved.

At this point we need to continue to work together and maintain dialogue.

There are so many things we don’t know, and won’t know, until we do more careful analysis of the use and management of this chemistry in the new transgenic system.

Why is the chemistry and transgenic system publicly available if it needs more data and research?

Technology companies have presented the most valid and complete dataset they could, and the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined the information was adequate and approved the use of the system’s technology. Like anything, there are opportunities to collect more data. Experimental data and field observations on efficacy, primary and secondary drift, and off-target symptoms should be analyzed.

The next big dataset is going to be yields this year from target and nontarget soybean fields. Did the technology impact yield positively or negatively and are the results statistically significant?

ISA is working with Iowa State University, technology providers, farmer cooperatives and applicators to learn as much as we can this year and hopefully apply what we learn to farmer decisions for next year.

With any new technology there are going to be pros and cons, benefits and risks. If we continue to conduct research, collect, analyze, interpret and discuss data we should be in a credible position to help users optimize and manage the dicamba system. If it turns out that we need to further modify the label on things like timing of application, environmental conditions or buffer size for safer application, we can help regulators take the steps to do so. That is the purpose of continued evaluation.

24 | NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM

What do you believe needs to happen next?

We need to collect data from this season and partner in the development of small plot experiments and on-farm trials for next season. We have one anecdotal data set of farmers observing fields in their neighborhoods and some follow up by applicators and tech providers regarding timing and severity of off-target symptoms.

But we have very few yield results to draw correlations. After yield data is collected, we will better understand if there is anything meaningful in this year’s data set and how we might partner with companies and universities for next season.

Why is it important that we resolve issues surrounding dicamba?

Farmers need new technologies to combat weeds. Herbicide resistant weeds are constantly being selected so we need evolving technology to provide tools to combat evolving weed populations.

Ultimately, we champion integrated solutions and where the data takes us. The bottom line is farmers need these technologies and tools so it benefits all of us to work together to truly see if the dicamba system is going to work, not going to work or how we can modify it to make it work better.

Allison Arp can be contacted at aarp@iasoybeans.com.

INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS

Win-Win for Water Quality

By Michelle Jones

A

gricultural and urban leaders are collaborating and identifying innovative solutions to improve water quality in Iowa. A new concept called the Nutrient Reduction Exchange (NRE) may play a key role in reaching the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS).

The INRS states major point sources (a little more than 130 of the largest cities and industries) must implement technically and economically feasible improvements to reduce total nitrogen by 66 percent and total phosphorus by 75 percent from current discharge levels.

In many cases, this means utilities must invest in expensive wastewater infrastructure improvements. Another idea picking up steam is municipalities making investments upstream to achieve regulatory flexibility and other incentives.

One of the challenges with investing upstream is documenting the actual nutrient reduction and other potential

benefits. Since municipalities are regulated, they must prove they’ve reduced nutrient discharges on their permits. This is where the NRE comes into play.

The NRE will serve as a tracking tool that allows point sources (even those not targeted by the INRS) to register and track reductions resulting from their implementation of nonpoint source nitrogen and phosphorus best management practices. The exchange also can track other benefits resulting from practice implementation, such as flood reduction, source water protection, habitat creation and increased agricultural yield.

By registering and tracking reductions, the NRE will provide a pathway for utilities to fund the installation of nonpoint source water quality practices. Acceleration of these practices can provide multiple benefits including showing that a collaborative and voluntary approach can achieve

Todd Sutphin (left) visits with Kevin Griggs (right) during a field day highlighting work that Storm Lake has completed to improve water quality. Cities are using innovative solutions like the Nutrient Reduction Exchange to reach the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

reduction without burdensome and costly regulation.

Through this system, farmers can approach cities — or cities can approach farmers — about funding the installation of a water quality practice, such as a bioreactor, saturated buffer or wetland.

Once the municipality agrees to pay for the practice, the practice would be registered. In exchange for funding the practice, the city would track the nutrient reduction for potential future use against regulatory incentives.

For example, the city of Des Moines is funding the installation of a bioreactor in the southwest corner of Polk County to reduce nitrogen loss. The bioreactor is expected to reduce nitrogen loss by an average of approximately 500 pounds each year. In this example, the city could track this reduction in nitrogen toward potential future reduction goals as required by the INRS. The Iowa League of Cities is working with Storm Lake and Dubuque to develop pilot trades based on investments they are making as part of Water Quality Initiative projects and sponsored projects.

“Our community is making investments in our watershed for a variety of reasons including habitat development, flood reduction and nutrient reduction,” says Jon Kruse, mayor of Storm Lake. “The League project and the Nutrient Reduction Exchange provides further incentive for our community to work with upstream producers as we can quantify and track these multiple benefits for our citizens to understand the value of our investment.”

The NRE framework is in the planning stages, but an approved structure is expected in October 2018.

The innovative program will provide a great opportunity to fund practices in the nonpoint source sector, while also helping point source entities achieve their nutrient reduction goals — a win-win for Iowa water quality.

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 25

26 | NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM

The Last Word Editor’s Notes by Ann Clinton aclinton@iasoybeans.com

The Great Soybean Challenge

S

cience-based research is propelling agriculture forward and some of the best, most innovative work is being done within the walls of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA).

Sometimes I feel a little awe-struck having the opportunity to learn from the best researchers and scientists in the industry. As a farmer, you should feel confident your checkoff investments are always working on your behalf.

However, American agriculture has its challenges. From environmental concerns to expanding market demand, the abilities of our researchers at ISA are always being tested.

They’ve made it their life’s work to create opportunities and solutions for Iowa’s soybean growers.

When I sit among staff at ISA meetings, I am often reminded of other visionaries. Henry Ford is a good example.

The business magnate is notorious for manufacturing automobiles, but he also had a fascination with soybeans.

He saw potential. He operated a research facility and reportedly walked into the lab one day with a bag full of soybeans. He dumped them out on the table and presented the ultimate challenge to his scientists.

“You guys are supposed to be smart,” Ford said.

“You ought to be able to do something with them.”

Magic happened next.

Scientists in Ford’s lab started creating car parts made with soybean plastic. By 1935, Ford was using one bushel of soybeans for every car he produced.

This issue of the Iowa Soybean Review highlights some modern day new uses for soybeans. Celebrating Ford’s foresight, it’s pretty fascinating to realize the combine tires rolling through your fields are likely made from soybean oil. Also, if you’re not using biodiesel yet, I hope we’ve convinced you to give it a try.

December's Review will feature additional examples of visionary work in agriculture. More importantly, the magazine will honor the spirit of those who are like Ford – farmers who saw potential in soybeans and created greatness.

Our industry is always “dumping” challenges in front of us. And like Ford and his scientists, you’ve got the right people in place to help you tackle the unknown.

NOVEMBER 2017 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 27

THE COLOR’S THE SAME.

THE PERFORMANCE ISN’T. There are plenty of look-alike seed treatments out there, but don’t let them fool you. With CruiserMaxx® Vibrance® Beans* you get the industry-leading combination of fungicides and insecticide. Nothing else protects your soybeans while boosting root health and yield with the same kind of power. To learn how that helps you win at harvest, talk with your local Syngenta retailer or visit SyngentaUS.com/CMVB. *A combination of separately registered products.

©2017 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. CruiserMaxx Vibrance Beans is an on-seed application of CruiserMaxx Vibrance alone or with Apron XL. Apron XL®, CruiserMaxx,® Vibrance,® the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

MW 1CRV7004-CARS-AG104 06/17