Staff Columns

CEO Kirk Leeds, Public Affairs Director Michael Dolch and Iowa Soybean Review Editor Ann Clinton share their thoughts.

Kirk Leeds

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

OPENING AND CLOSING DOORS

As you read this column, I wonder how many of us have already abandoned our New Year’s resolutions. Year after year, we come up with a list of things we want to change or accomplish in the next 12 months. In our personal lives, these resolutions often deal with improvements in health or the relationships we have with family or friends. Professionally, we may want to improve specific skills, take on new leadership roles or enhance our overall effectiveness.

In 1582, the Gregorian calendar was implemented, establishing the new leap year rules. Since then, people around the world have gathered January 1 to celebrate the precise arrival of the New Year.

The practice of creating New Year’s resolutions has religious origins. Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus.

So, after closing the door on 2018 with all the challenges experienced throughout the planting and harvesting seasons and with the significant disruption of exports of U.S. soybeans to China due to trade disputes, what does 2019 hold for Iowa’s soybean farmers?

First, we need to remember there are many things we have no control over. Weather, of course, being one of the biggest. Second, there are lots of things we have very little control over. Global politics and conflicts between countries and political leaders near the top of that list.

But there are many things that we can impact. On this list would undoubtedly be our attitudes and outlook. As bad as things may be, they could always be worse and even in the darkest days, we have much to be thankful for.

But as it relates to production agriculture, farmers know improving the efficiency of their operation is indeed an area where they do have many opportunities to impact.

In early February, the Iowa Soybean Association will host three regional farmer research conferences across the state. Our goal with these events is to help farmers deal with new and emerging production issues (soybean gall midge infestations, for example) or how to reap benefits from digital imagery. Turn to page 17 to learn more. I encourage you to “make a resolution” to join us at one of these events as we close the door on 2018 and open the door to 2019.

Michael Dolch

Director of Public Affairs, Iowa Soybean Association MDolch@iasoybeans.com

THANK U, NEXT

Pop star Ariana Grande recently released a surprise music track that has been embraced by every fandom across social media. The song is a breakup anthem. Grande’s “thank u, next” is a healthy approach to ending a relationship by thanking exes for the learning experience.

You are likely wondering where this month’s column is going. I promise there is a central message and key takeaway, both of which are relevant as we look back on 2018 and greet the new year. According to Grande, “One taught me love, one taught me patience and one taught me pain.”

For many, “the one” is 2018. Last year was challenging. Soybean prices plummeted, basis widened, trade to China ceased, rain and snow fell. Through it all, we learned. We learned how to love what the soil provides despite relentless pressure. We learned to be patient as the soybean market tumbled, inched back and plunged again. We learned how to mitigate pain when a trade view turned to dispute and then war. As we pocket these lessons and step into 2019, there are reasons to be optimistic.

To close out a roller-coaster year, a new Farm Bill was signed into law. Tim Bardole, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) president-elect, attended the ceremony at the White House. The five-year Farm Bill sets policies and reauthorizes farm, conservation, nutrition, rural development and agricultural trade programs. With the ink dry, the legislation brings ‘peace of mind’ to farm country and ag groups who are planning for 2019. Aligning with ISA’s policy, the new bill emphasizes water quality, specifically drinking water and edge-of-field practices.

In recent weeks, China purchased token quantities of soybeans to replenish depleted inventories. As this edition of the Iowa Soybean Review is headed to print, members of an official delegation from the U.S. have returned from China where they discussed ways to remedy the trade dispute between the two countries.

Moreover, why not hang a hat on what we know – research? ISA’s On-Farm Network® is a powerful research tool. The team is discovering, validating and increasing the use of the right combinations of inputs and practices to help improve efficiency, profitability and environmental stewardship.

The gavel dropped to open the 116th Congress in Washington, D.C., earlier this month. With the Farm Bill reauthorized and implementation underway, ISA will continue to advocate for the biodiesel tax incentive, work to protect and expand trade, and support America’s transportation infrastructure. Closer to home, there is optimism radiating throughout the state capital that the new legislative session will yield additional support for permanent and reliable funding aimed at improving water quality and protecting our soil.

In closing, thank you 2018, but next. Let us take a healthy approach to break up with 2018 and thank it for the challenges and learning experience. Let's use the lessons learned and cautious optimism to sew a bountiful New Year.

The Last Word: Editor’s Notes by Ann Clinton

aclinton@iasoybeans.com

HIT REFRESH; MOVE FORWARD

At any given time, I have more tabs open on my internet search bar than a reasonable person could even imagine. What some people might find overwhelming, I find motivating. My mind works best when multitasking. As a mother of four children, details in my life are never singular, and my to-do list is continually evolving.

But every once in a while, my computer starts to get slow and I am forced to close down some applications to enhance its efficiency. Honestly, it gives me anxiety to clear the slate and start over. I like to know where I’ve been on my way to where I’m going.

However, I’ve learned this little technology hack of shutting down to improve response time is symbolic to life in general. Sometimes you have to hit reset and start fresh if you want to move forward with any sense of urgency.

Queue 2019.

I’m showing up this year ready to go. Gone are last year’s problems. Ahead are the possibilities of good stuff. Right? You with me?

In this issue of the Iowa Soybean Review (ISR), I hope you learned some things about moving forward in the wake of so much unknown happening in our industry. You are coming out of a rough year, but there are many things offering hope for a better tomorrow.

Featured in this issue are stories highlighting efforts farmers are investing in to increase soybean demand and build markets. We took a deep-dive into new opportunities happening overseas and explored the importance of establishing relationships with buyers. As a result, Iowa soybean exports have the potential to increase to areas otherwise overshadowed by China.

Also, we have included in this issue updates on our research initiatives at the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). On-farm production research, data analytics and environmental efforts are delivering tangible tools farmers like you can use to become more profitable.

In other news, ISR’s longtime senior writer, Matthew Wilde,

has left ISA to pursue agricultural reporting at a national publication. I have truly appreciated Matt’s writing talent and overall dedication to Iowa’s soybean farmers. He’s become my friend over the years of working together, and I will miss his daily banter and unique humor. He made me a better editor, and I like to think I’ve challenged his creative abilities, as well.

As Matt and I collaborated on magazine content, we’d often say to each other, “words is hard.” It was our little joke that set the tone for the work ahead of us.

A new writer will soon be hired and the beat will go on. But in the meantime, if you want to email me stupid jokes, it might help ease the transition for me.

As we navigate the new year, I hope you’ve pushed the refresh button and are ready to hit the ground running. I look forward to your comments on this month’s issue of the magazine.