Iowa Soybean Review | September 2022

FU TURE OF SOY: Soybean Si t Down

Executive Committee

President Robb Ewoldt, Davenport | D6

President Elect Randy Miller, Lacona | D8

Treasurer Dave Walton, Wilton | D6

Secretary Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg | D3

At-Large Director

Jeff Frank, Auburn | D4

Board of Directors

Brent Swart, Spencer | D1

Chuck White, Spencer | D1

April Hemmes, Hampton | D2

Casey Schlichting, Clear Lake | D2 Rick Juchems, Plainfield | D3

Marty Danzer, Carroll | D4

Tom Vincent, Perry | D5

Morey Hill, Madrid | D5 Scot Bailey, Anita | D7

Lee Brooke, Clarinda | D7

Warren Bachman, Osceola | D8

Pat Swanson, Ottumwa | D9

Tom Adam, Harper | D9

Brent Renner, Klemme | At Large

Steph Essick, Dickens | At Large

Lindsay Greiner, Keota | At Large

Tim Bardole, Rippey | At Large

American Soybean Association Board of Directors

Morey Hill, Madrid

Wayne Fredericks, Osage Brian Kemp, Sibley

Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney Steph Essick, Dickens Dave Walton, Wilton

United Soybean Board of Directors

Lindsay Greiner, Keota Tim Bardole, Rippey April Hemmes, Hampton

Staff Credits

Editor | Bethany Baratta

Sr. Dir., Information & Education | Aaron Putze, APR

Creative Manager | Ashton Boles

Photographer | Joclyn Bushman

Writer | Joseph Hopper

Writer | Jeff Hutton

Writer | Kriss Nelson

Public Relations Manager | Brock Johnston

Iowa Soybean Review is published monthly by: Iowa Soybean Association

1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, Iowa 50023 (515) 251-8640 | iasoybeans.com

E-mail: bbaratta@iasoybeans.com

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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.

6 Harvest Prep

Learn the steps one farmer takes to prepare for the season.

8 Future of Soy

Farmers talk about opportunities and challenges in soybean farming.

12 ISA Election Results

Results from the ISA director election.

18 Around the World

After decades of traveling the world promoting soy, Peter Mishek is set to retire.

On the Cover: Soybean farmers Brent Swart, Reed Burres and Suzanne Shirbroun gather in a central Iowa soybean field to talk about the state of farming and the soybean industry.

Making the Checkoff Pay Off Executive Insights

Kirk Leeds, ISA Chief Executive Officer kleeds@iasoybeans.com

The year was 1990. Demolition of the Berlin Wall officially began, Iraq invaded Kuwait, the first full season of “The Simpsons” aired, and “Home Alone” and “Dances with Wolves” were box office hits.

It was also the year the national soybean checkoff was established as part of the 1990 FarmMuchBill. like foreign policy, sitcoms and Hollywood productions, the checkoff has its critics. While the oilseed’s rapid ascent in production and value has generated strong support for the checkoff, questions about its need and importance remain, especially true during times of strong market prices.

We welcome the scrutiny. Ensuring a return on investment is fundamental to farming and the farmer leaders who oversee the Soybeancheckoff.production is a key indicator of the industry’s vitality as it is driven by demand. Since 1990, U.S. production of the oilseed has increased from 1.9 billion bushels to 4.4 billion bushels in 2021 (including a record 622 million bushels in Iowa). Simultaneously, acres planted to soybeans increased nationally from 57.8 million to nearly 90 million.

Checkoff investments in basic and applied research have played a key role in boosting yields. Many of today’s approaches to managing pests and diseases resulted from research not undertaken by the private sector but by checkoff investments. The checkoff also ensures work continues on key research topics as determined by farmers and that findings are available to all soybean farmers.

Biodiesel is a timely example of how the checkoff pays off. Soybean farmers began developing the product 30 years ago when there was a glut of soybean oil. Checkoff dollars were invested in testing the product and proving that it worked. Checkoff dollars guided the product through the regulatory approval process and promoted biodiesel with cities, transportation companies and truckers. Today, biodiesel production totals 3.2 billion gallons and is expected to grow to 6 billion by 2030. The industry’s evolution to renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel would not exist without soybean farmers’ investment with their checkoff dollars.

Checkoff investments go beyond the U.S. Long before China became the largest

soybean market in the world, U.S. soybean farmers and their checkoff dollars were at work building demand. Simple demonstrations on how to utilize soybean meal in feed rations and soy oil as a healthy cooking oil quickly broadened to include training on how best to use futures and other marketing tools to purchase increasing amounts of highqualityMoresoybeans.recently, Iowa checkoff investments were instrumental in demonstrating how best to incorporate soy-based feed into a more sustainable aquaculture system. The approach is now widely used throughout Asia, including China and Bangladesh. The checkoff program created by, for and overseen by farmers provides the financial resources needed to drive demand, lower costs, improve efficiencies and environmental performance, and distribute timely and essential information. Get engaged with the Iowa Soybean Association by activating or confirming your no-cost farmer membership, attending meetings, engaging in our research and experiencing firsthand the many ways your checkoff pays off.

Handling Harvest

5 tips to prepare for the busy season

BY JOSEPH HOPPER

Harvest is one of the most exciting times for a farmer, but the busy season is no easy feat. There can be plenty of challenges along the way. Just like every farm is unique, so is a farmer’s pre-harvest preparations. Morey Hill, who farms near Madrid and serves as ISA District 5 director, explains what he thinks about before harvest.

1. Preventative maintenance

Without a combine, there’s little chance of a harvest. Making sure the combine is ready is at the top of the list; kicking the tires and checking fluids is part of the process.

Hill generally starts preparing shortly after the Iowa State Fair in mid-late August. “I try to remember if we had any problems when we finished up last year and what needs to be taken care of,” Hill says. “I check everything over.”

2. Expect the unexpected

No matter how well you prepare, things can still go sideways and leave a farmer with some downtime as repairs get underway.

“Everything’s ready until I get in the field,” Hill says.

Specifically, he spends extra time preparing the bean head on the combine before starting soybean harvest specifically. “You’re always going to knock out a sickle section or couple guards, so I always have that on hand,” Hill says. “But there’s always something no matter how well you expect things. There might be a belt with a crack that I missed; this stuff just happens.”

4. Eat and sleep

A self-described “breakfast guy,” Hill makes sure there’s fuel in his tank during harvest. He takes a brown bag lunch from home and takes breaks when necessary.

“If I’m in the combine or at home, I tell myself I don’t have to go 100 miles per hour,” Hill says. “I can have my lunch and take a 15-minute break, if needed. Unless we’ve got a weather issue coming in or we’re trying to finish a field, I seldom work much past dark. I figure I put a 12-hour day in anyway; I don’t need to go any longer. That’s when things can get ugly. Stuff breaks in the dark.”

5. Balancing act

Harvest can be as stressful for farmers as it is exciting. Hill says it’s important to keep a solid perspective as the busy season begins.

Knowing where the crop is headed after harvest is just as important as harvesting crops.“After the combine, think about storage,” Hill says.

Maybe you’ve got some pre-sold that will go to the elevator out of the field, but what will you do with the rest of it? Put it in the bin? Store it elsewhere? Take it to the co-op?

“I’ve got older bins I can use, but I’ve also got prepaid storage at the elevator. So I’ll fill that up, and hopefully, I’ve got overage to put in the bin,” Hill says. “We’ll see how that goes.”

“You’ve got maybe two months of a grind,” Hill says. “But after that, you’ve got some downtime, the winter to recoup and regenerate, so to speak. We never want to wash out, but if we get a little rain during the harvest, it’s nice to take a day or two break. I try to keep in perspective that I don’t have to get it all done yesterday. Have your mind set and focused. Yes, this is your livelihood, and you have to do it right, but you have to take time for yourself too. If I don’t feel right physically or mentally, then I’m not worth a thing. You’ve got to find that balance, which is different for everybody.”

3. Storage“IfIdon’t

feel right physically or mentally, then I’m not worth a thing. You’ve got to find that balance, which is different for everybody.”

— Morey Hill, ISA farmer-member

Soybean Sit Down

Three Iowa farmers plot out soybean farming’s future

BY JEFF HUTTON

What’s the key to a soybean farmer’s success in 2022 and beyond?

A recent conversation between three Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) farmer-members suggests acting on new opportunities, fostering successful communication with the public and serving as an advocate of agriculture areReedparamount.Burres, Suzanne Shirbroun and Brent Swart gathered around the table at Burres’ Humboldt County farm to talk shop: offering their perspectives on farming today and in the future.

Snapshot of soybean farming

“We have tons of opportunities to look forward to,” says Swart, an ISA District 1 director who farms near Spencer. “The most exciting parts are the new uses and markets we’ve been working on for soy. If we look at 2023—and input costs rise like they’re projected—there is likely to be a larger shift to soybeans. We have to be prepared for this possibility.”

“I think that’s exactly right,” says Burres, an ISA District Advisory Council member and the 2020 ISA Young Leader Award recipient. “It goes back to our current market trends and commodity prices. Everyone is chasing profitability. I don’t think there has been much focus and emphasis on increasing yields. It seems as though we see increasingly good yields. Then on the other hand, it seems like 60-bushel beans are still kind of an oddity in certain pockets of the county and state. How do we get more consistency, and how do we get the yield along with the price to cooperate and be moreShirbroun,competitive?”ofrural Farmersburg in Clayton County, and secretary of the executive committee on ISA’s board of directors, says uncertainty is part of being a soybean farmer.

“On my side of the state, we still see a lot of corn-on-corn acres. The tough part about soybeans is getting consistent yields. You can do everything right with soybeans and still not hit your yield goal for whatever reason – maybe you didn’t get that right rain in August or September. It’s more of a challenge to get soybeans to

reach that full potential. I don’t know if more research is needed or if it’s just the nature of the beast.”

Regulations and regulators

The three farmers agree soybean farming in Iowa has a plethora of positive aspects, but there are different pressures to contend with – be it agronomic, political or policy.“We’re in a state of flux,” Shirbroun says. “It’s a lot of little things.”

“I had the opportunity to go to England, the Netherlands and Spain with the Iowa Soybean Association on a learning mission. It was a cautionary tale of what happens when you sit back and are pacifists. Benno van der Laan (an international expert on agricultural issues) gave us the background and said from the beginning of the EU in the 1980s and early ’90s farmers there would jump through regulatory hoops. Now they’re to a point where the agricultural sector cannot keep up or compete with the rules being made in the EU and the NGOs (non-governmental organizations) thrown in there.”

Shirbroun continues, “Iowa farmers have a lot of positives but at the same token, we have a lot of work ahead of us in moving potential soybean meal, oil and whole soybeans that we’re expected to produce in the near future.”

Burres reflected on a recent trip to the U.S. capital with other farmers.

“We discussed dicamba, all the rules and regulations,” he says. “The commonality was ‘we’re farming with one hand tied behind our backs.’

“I’m sure it’s only going to get worse in the long run, but it will be interesting to see what political oversight Iowa farmers might experience.”

Legislators are one piece, but there’s also the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which provide additional oversight, the farmers add.

“We’ve already lost Lorsban,” Shirbroun notes. “And what are you going to do if you have spider mites on your“They’resoybeans?”taking away some of our valuable tools,” Swart says. “We must continue speaking not only with legislators and those from non-agricultural states, but also department heads, the EPA and SEC. The need for broader dialogue needs to be emphasized going forward.

“Sometimes we go to D.C. or the statehouse, and we talk to our friends who support us. It makes everybody feel good, but are we moving the needle?”

“I agree,” Shirbroun says. “It’s important that we talk to legislators and those from the non-agriculture states.”

Continuing to talk to friendly policymakers is still essential, Burres says.

“Regardless of what political spectrum you’re on, we are blessed to have kind of a bipartisan state – with representatives from both Democratic and Republican parties in office. Our legislators want to take care of us, and they will convey the necessary points to their colleagues in Washington, D.C.”

At the forefront

“Legislators and consumers – they drive the ship,” Swart says. “We have to be better advocates for agriculture and share with consumers what we do.”

“When we were in London, we had a chance to meet with their version of the Iowa Farm Bureau, and their big concern now is communicating with consumers,” Shirbroun says. “There is such a big push, especially from the EU – they want 25% organic production by 2030 – it’s frightening. Even though England left the EU, they’re still influenced by the NGOs and everybody else.

“So now, EU farmers are trying to figure out how to communicate with consumers that their food is safe. That was a big topic of conversation.”

The three farmers agreed that inperson, face-to-face conversations are the best way to connect with consumers.

“There’s a lot to be said about taking the time to have a two-minute conversation with someone,” Burres says. “It might change their perception of agriculture.”Swartechoed the sentiments of his fellow

“Consumersfarmers: want to talk to farmers,” he says. “Some farmers see the dialogue as an adversarial relationship, that they’re out to get us or take our products away or poke holes in our management systems.”

Instead, those conversations should be viewed as an opportunity to advocate for what farmers are doing here in Iowa, SwartShirbrounsays. shared how for three years during high school football games, she and a local schoolteacher, originally from downtown Milwaukee, would talk about a host of “Finally,topics.one day she asked, ‘What do you do all day out there on the farm?’” Shirbroun says.

“She’s teaching in a rural community and admittedly didn’t have a clue,” she says. “But those are the kind of conversations you must have.”

Swart adds, “The more we can educate them, the better.”

The challenges ahead

The economics and return on investment in agriculture are still top challenges, farmers say.

“Even though we’re in extremely good times now, we need to be thinking five years down the road and realize this is not going to last forever,” Swart says.

“Where do I put my chips on the table to continue my success and get through that dip in the economy?

“We have good times right now, but I still worry,” he says. “That’s the thing that keeps me up at night – how to position myself for the long haul.”

“I think we can all appreciate that concern,” Burres says. “To be diligent and pragmatic. We’re trying to be smart and to growShirbrounappropriately.”saysoverall uncertainty is the

“Dochallenge.Iprepay fall anhydrous now or later? Inputs, do you or don’t you pull the trigger? Do you sign the contract for the next grain bin? These are things I’m thinking about,” she says.

“The learning mission to the EU was an eye opener. Now, I’m more concerned than ever about policy. Someone in Brussels, Belgium, will influence how we market and sell our crop here in Iowa. That’s my concern.”

But uncertainty creates opportunity and that’s the positive part, Swart counters.“Wecan create those opportunities for ourselves, our neighbors and fellow Iowa soybean farmers,” he says.

“It’s a tough gig,” Shirbroun says. “But as farmers, in general, we’re willing to take the risk.”

Opportunity abounds

As to the best part of being a soybean farmer right now? a lot to be said about taking the time to have a two-minute conversation with someone. It might change their perception of agriculture.” Reed Burres

“The potential is amazing,” Shirbroun says of new uses for soybeans. “Sustainable aviation fuel, go right down the list – being on the forefront of it and watching it develop. The potential is great and that’s exciting.”

“The market demand for soybeansit’s going to be interesting to see our fall farm price,” Burres says. “It might eclipse our spring price. In my farming lifetime, we have the best opportunities right now. What’s next? New demand, new uses for our soy-based products … I think that’s the silver lining of being with ISA – we have a chance to express our concerns and

“YouSwartthoughts.”agreed.know,we have a lot of problems in our society,” he says. “The exciting thing is there are a lot of problems where soybeans can be a solution – more protein in your diet, biofuels, new uses in asphalt or rubber. Soybeans are so flexible.”

Challenges and opportunities abound, but what about surprises?

“I’m still waiting for an average growing year,” Burres laughs.

“In my career, nothing surprises me anymore. I just monitor the ebbs and flows and try to navigate the situation,” Swart

“Assays.amother of three sons, nothing surprises me,” Shirbroun says. “You have to weather the highs and lows. If you want a sports analogy, I go for base hits, not home runs. Celebrate the wins but be prepared for the losses.”

Grading the present

“I hope we can see an increase in productivity per acre in soybean production,” Burres says. “If we can see higher yields … it would make me more confident about long-term consistency. Crop insurance guarantees are great, but actual money in hand is better.”

Swart says eliminating bureaucracy and seeing more ISA and university research projects through is important.

“As an organization, we’re coming up with great ideas, but we need to find a

way to clear some of the roadblocks and hurdles to the finish line,” he says.

As to what’s happening in the Iowa soybean industry, what would these farmers offer as a letter grade?

“I’m going to grade us a B for a couple of reasons,” Swart says. “We can always get better, and we always have to strive for improvement. When I look at our competitors in South America in terms of conservation – they are miles ahead of us.

“I think we’re doing good things. I believe we are good stewards of the land, but we can always do better.”

Burres agreed.

“I would say a B. What can we focus on to ensure we have those long-term opportunities?”Shirbrounmodified her grade slightly.

“We have so many positives going on for us right now. I’m going to have to give a B+!”

Contact Jeff Hutton jhutton@iasoybeans.com.at

“You have to weather the highs and lows. If you want a sports analogy, I go for base hits, not home runs. Celebrate the wins but be prepared for the losses.”

- Suzanne Shirbroun

“You know, we have a lot of problems in our society. The exciting thing is there are a lot of problems where soybeans can be a solution – more protein in your diet, biofuels and new uses in asphalt or rubber. Soybeans are so flexible.”

- Brent Swart

7 Farmers Elected to Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors

BY BROCK JOHNSTON

Iowa soybean farmers have elected seven directors to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors. These directors join 15 others fulfilling their terms on the ISA board.

The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.

Dave Struthers of Collins was elected District 5 director. New to the board, Struthers manages a row crop and livestock operation with his wife Elaine, brother Dan and nephew Jacob in southeast Story County. His passion for agriculture is demonstrated through active involvement with ISA, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association and Story County Pork Producers Association. As a community leader, Dave also serves as the Collins Days Committee president and is involved in several local“Theorganizations.experiences and relationships gained from other organizations put me in touch with many at the Iowa Soybean Association,” says Struthers. “I have had several field trials with

the On-Farm Network, now the ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation. These interactions piqued my interest in ISA and the possibility of becoming a board member.”

Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were:

• Rick Juchems, Plainfield (District 3)

• Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4)

• Dave Walton, Wilton (District 6)

• Warren Bachman, Osceola (District 8)

• Randy Miller, Lacona (District 8)

• Brent KlemmeRenner,(At-Large)

“Whether as a voter, candidate or both, we thank Iowa soybean farmers for engaging in this important process,” says Robb Ewoldt, ISA president and soybean farmer from Davenport. “As a farmer-led association, their election participation is vital to the continued success of our organization and industry. I encourage every soybean grower to engage with these leaders and get involved in the association funded via their soybean checkoff investment.”

Those continuing their service as ISA directors are:

• Chuck White, Spencer (District 1)

• Brent Swart, Spencer (District 1)

• April Hemmes, Hampton (District 2)

• Casey Schlichting, Clear Lake (District 2)

• Suzanne FarmersburgShirbroun,(District 3)

• Jeff Frank, Auburn (District 4)

• Morey Hill, Madrid (District 5)

• Scot Bailey, Anita (District 7)

• Lee Brooke, Clarinda (District 7)

• Pat Swanson, Ottumwa (District 9)

• Tom Adam, Harper (District 9)

• Tim Bardole, Rippey (At-Large)

• Steph KeotaLindsayDickensEssick,(At-Large)Greiner,(At-Large)

Joseph Hopper, bjohnston@iasoybeans.com.ContactcontributedcommunicationsISAspecialist,tothisstory.BrockJohnstonat

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Take the Test, Beat the Pest

Fall soil testing helps track SCN levels

BY KRISS NELSON

Don’t overlook testing for Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) levels when planning for fall soil testing.

Not only does soil sampling in the fall after harvest allow for easy crisscrossing of an open field to collect soil cores, but producers will also receive SCN results in time to plan for the next season’s crop.

Greg Tylka, Morrill Professor and director of the Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University (ISU), recommends gathering 20 soil cores from every 20 acres. The cores should be eight inches deep, placed in a bucket, mixed up and put into a soil sampling bag.

If soil sampling for SCN in a field where corn was just harvested, soil cores can be gathered either between or within the rows. However, be cautious not to gather a soil probe full of corn stalks.

Sampling these fields, Tylka says, will provide SCN numbers to consider for planting soybeans in the next season.

“I encourage farmers to sample fields of harvested corn in the fall that will be rotated to soybeans,” says Tylka.

SCN numbers can also be sampled after soybean harvest.

In this case, soil cores must be gathered consistently between the rows or underneath where the row was located. There might be an increased chance of finding SCN under the old soybean rows, Tylka says.

“The results of soil samples collected after the soybean harvest will be more of a look back rather than a look forward,” says Tylka. “You can see what was there, which might help explain some disappointing soybean yields.”

An alternative approach to soil sampling for SCN is collecting targeted soil samples. Doing so means pulling

Greg Tylka says results from fall soil sampling helps identify SCN.

Photo: Joclyn Bushman

multiple soil cores eight inches deep from high-risk areas, like field entryways, lowyielding areas, windblown soil near fence lines and high pH spots.

“Through a soybean checkoff-funded research project, we found a consistent correlation between SCN numbers and pH,” says Tylka. “The higher the pH, the higher the SCN number. Since the initial discovery, we have found this relationship consistent throughout the Midwest.”

Soil samples can be sent to the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic.

“When farmers send samples to Iowa State, they receive a report of their results with egg counts and management recommendations,” says Tylka.

Samples can also be sent to a private laboratory trained in SCN sample processing. A list of those laboratories is available at www.TheSCNCoalition.com.

Managing SCN

Rotating corn after soybeans can reduce SCN egg numbers by up to 50%.

“From an SCN perspective, it is frightening that people are considering growing beans on beans in Iowa,” says Tylka. “There is not much worse that could happen regarding SCN. We want farmers to grow corn to stop the nematode buildup in those soybean years. Corn is a non-host crop. It is going to drop numbers.”

For the past 25 years, resistant soybean varieties featuring the PI 88788 SCN resistance have been the go-to solution for combating SCN. Unfortunately, that is not the case

“Almostanymore.every soybean variety has resistance to SCN, but it is worn-out resistance that is not very effective anymore,” says Tylka. “If current trends persist, everybody’s SCN numbers will get worse because the pace at which new varieties with more effective or uncommon sources of SCN resistance are becoming available to Iowa farmers is painfully slow.”

Tylka advises looking for soybean varieties featuring the more effective Peking resistance when making seed selection

However,decisions.thoseare not readily available.

“Only 5% of the 850-plus soybean varieties available to farmers have Peking as a source of resistance,” says Tylka. “The others have the ineffective PI 88788 resistance. Farmers should look for the hard-to-come-by, effective and higheryielding Peking resistance.”

Jim Legvold, ISA farmer-member from Vincent in Webster County, has been fighting the uphill SCN battle for several

Althoughyears. he looks for Peking resistance in this soybean variety options, he can’t rely on that trait alone. He considers the entire soybean trait package, such as high-yielding and maturity dates, which often means he settles for PI 88788.

“As new-yielding varieties come out, most of the time, they are PI 88788 resistant,” he says. “I have high pH ground, so I have to plant soybeans resistant to high pH in those areas to give me a fighting chance for some yield.”

Soybean checkoff funds have also been used for soybean variety evaluations, helping producers determine which varieties are better than others in nematode control and yield.

Results from evaluations of more than 200 hundred varieties tested annually are available in December by visiting www.isuscntrials.info.

Seed treatments

Tylka is researching seed treatments as the future of SCN management. He advises farmers to conduct on-farm trials.

“I encourage farmers to try some of these on their fields and see which ones appear to give them a yield bump and which ones don’t,” says Tylka. “The treatments contain either a living organism

or a chemical described as providing nematode protection for the roots.”

Could biologicals be another weapon used to combat SCN?

Legvold is currently participating in a trial on 70 acres of soil-injected biologicals at planting and is waiting on the harvest for those results.

“SCN is the No. 1 yield robber. I am frustrated, but I am encouraged. Maybe there is a biological out there,” he says. “This might be a steppingstone for me. If this works, I may use this product as we move on or a similar biological.”

On your farm

Contact Drew Clemmensen, ISA field services program manager, to participate in SCN field trials. Call 515-334-1023 or email dclemmensen@iasoybeans.com. Contact Kriss Nelson knelson@iasoybeans.com.at

ISA member Jim Legvold has been battling SCN on his farm near Vincent. He’s involved in field trials in his pursuit to beat the pest. Photo: Kriss Nelson

The Customer is King

Mishek makes lasting impact on the success of U.S. soy

BY AARON PUTZE, APR

Soybean production necessitates demand and vice-versa. Few have relished making the case (and sale) for U.S. soy more than Peter Mishek.

The consummate networker, relationship builder and soybean trader has devoted more than three decades of service to the soybean industry. In 1996, he founded Mishek Inc., a soybean trade consulting company. After a stint with Ag Processing, Inc. (AGP), he managed projects with farmer-owned cooperative, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and other industry stakeholders.

His merchandising and consulting efforts have built preference and purchases of U.S. soy. During Mishek’s time pounding the pavement and crisscrossing the globe, Iowa production of the oilseed has increased by nearly one-third (from around 400 million bushels to a record 622 million in 2021), a trend mirrored nationally.

Coincidence? No.

Mishek’s passion for serving soybean farmers, processors and buyers has played an important role in the industry’s growth and success.

Along the way, he’s visited more than 57 countries, spent countless hours at 35,000 feet, accompanied hundreds of farmer-led trade delegations and ridden in tour buses on more pothole-filled roads than he cares to count.

Later this year, Mishek will retire from his role.

“When the executives you meet on trade missions are the age of your kids, you know it’s time to get out of the way and let others lead,” he says.

During a recent meeting of the ISA board of directors, where Mishek provided an update on global marketing efforts, I sat down with Mishek and harvested his opinions on a variety of topics.

“Focus on understanding your customers’ goals. Figure out what they need and how you can get them what they need at the best price from our fields.”

-Peter Mishek

Peter Mishek, far right, took part in a ISA China trade mission with ISA directors, soy industry representatives and Ambassador Branstad in March 2019. Photos: Iowa Soybean Association

What project are you most proud of?

Being part of the team establishing Port of Grays Harbor in Aberdeen, Washington, as a major export terminal for U.S. soybeans. It positions the whole industry well for decades to come.

What was the catalyst for Port of Grays Harbor?

In 2002, AGP began exploring the idea of shipping soybean meal from Iowa and the Upper Midwest off the West Coast. We were told it couldn’t be done. Our collective reply was, “OK, we’ll do it.” We immediately focused on building a sales network overseas and a West Coast supply chain. In 2003, we began bringing farmers from Iowa and the Midwest to the Philippines to better understand the need and opportunities for U.S. soy.

What establish the Pacific Northwest as a major export terminal?

Customers in the Philippines were buying wheat from the Pacific Northwest. We asked, “If they’re importing wheat from the Pacific Northwest, why can’t they bring in soybean meal?”

We proposed the idea to our Filipino colleagues and, in 2003, loaded our first vessel. Buyers quickly understood the quality of U.S. soy and how it enhanced feed values. We worked tirelessly to ship soybean meal to the Australians who had

strict phytosanitary requirements that bigger ports were unable or unwilling to meet.

What upgrades were made to Port of Grays Harbor to make it viable?

The facility was good, but the port was underutilized and all but abandoned when timber exports dropped off a cliff. We became aware of it while working with a short line railroad that served the harbor. After some initial conversations with harbor leaders, who were great promoters, it was obvious they were eager for AGP to construct a more modern and usable facility. We built out the loading and storage, and they expanded the rail capacity. Together, we continued to make upgrades to serve a growing number of customers.

What role did the soybean checkoff play in establishing this critical export hub?

It enabled us to conduct the necessary feasibility studies and build relationships and familiarity about the supply chain with key importers and buyers. We were also able to host regular visits to our farm production areas, shipping facilities and our port from our overseas customers, including representatives of the pork industry, feed mills and layer facilities. It took a dedicated team effort.

In what way?

Just like farmers must sow seeds every year to harvest a crop, we must visit customers every year and continually build and nurture relationships. That’s because year over year, relationships evolve as people change roles and markets evolve. Keeping our trade relationships strong in both good and bad times is a must. We’ve maintained and grown market share over the years because of the sustained investment of stakeholders like ISA, AGP and soybean farmers.

What metric do you point to in making the case for Grays Harbor?

In my 25 years of working on the project, Iowa went from being the thirdlargest soybean meal producer to number one. Grays Harbor makes us the west agricultural coast of the U.S. and the closest and largest single soybean meal shipper to Asia. It’s a supply chain that producers, their cooperatives, the rail company, AGP and Asian customers have built together.

How will this position be important moving forward?

It’s a crucial market as soy processing capacity increases and takes on greater value. I’m not implying that the export of whole beans is bad, but with the growth of biodiesel demand, we’re going to see severe pressure on whole bean exports

Whether gathered around a board room or presenting before prospective buyers, Peter Mishek worked to build preference and demand for U.S. soy. Photos: Iowa Soybean Association and Joseph Murphy

and a necessary expansion in soybean meal exports.

How will this shift impact Iowa?

Iowa will remain a leader in soybean processing and value-added by producing meal for meat, milk and eggs. Energy in China is three times more expensive than the U.S. and water is much more precious. Therefore, there are many price pressures on overseas crushing margins given the costs are much higher. It’s not bad for customers to get inexpensive soybean meal, so long as it’s from our supply chain.

What can the soybean industry do better in our efforts to promote U.S. soy?

Explaining the nutritional and amino acid composition of the soybean. Feed mills aren’t formulating on crude protein but rather on amino acids. They’re trying to lower pollution and be sustainable by limiting crude protein in the finished feed product. So, our focus should be there. Soy is a better source of essential amino acids rather than synthetics, especially the four that matter most. Soy also contributes about 20% of the energy that’s needed in a feed ration. We produce the best soybeans, and it’s a real advantage we should promote.

What will you do in retirement? Whatever I want!

Any parting advice for soybean farmers and leaders?

Focus on understanding your customers’ goals. Figure out what they need and how you can get them what they need at the best price from our fields. Soybeans are still their best option and the one and only miracle crop.

Aaron Putze serves as ISA’s Sr. Director of Information and Education. Contact him at aputze@iasoybeans.com.

After logging more than three decades of service to the soybean industry and visiting more than 57 countries, Mishek will soon embark on his next journey: retirement. Photo: Iowa Soybean Association

All In ‘Fore’ Serving Soybean Farmers

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds celebrates 75 years as a regional seed company

BY AARON PUTZE, APR

Chris, John and Shannon Latham lead Latham Hi-Tech Seeds near Alexander. Photos courtesy: Latham Hi-Tech Seeds

“ I enjoy golf – it’s a fun hobby,” says John Latham while gazing at framed portraits of Augusta National Golf Club and St. Andrews, iconic venues of the sport, adorning his modest office.

“I still do, but I’m just not that good anymore.”

The honest admission from the president of an independent seed company that bears his family’s name is on par with how John does business: honest, direct and with no regrets.

Located near Alexander in north central Iowa, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is celebrating 75 years of operations. Founded in 1947 by John’s grandfather Willard, the company serves farmers in six states

with a diverse lineup of high-performing soybean, corn, alfalfa, silage and cover crop seed. More than 300 dealers and 55 employees fulfill the company’s mission of being a strong, customer-focused regional seedLeadingcompany.asuccessful company in the competitive seed business at the expense of his golf handicap is a trade John gladly makes. He and his wife Shannon purchased the company in 2009 from his father Bill and uncles Don and Tom. Stepped-up investments in personnel, research and development, equipment and technology have fueled the company’s growth during an era of consolidation in the seed industry.

“Farmers are looking for products that work on their farm and someone they can trust,” John says. “We’re local and if we’re going to put something on the market, it’s going to be of the highest quality. That’s how it has to be when every bag of seed you sell has your name on it.”

Service without cell

After earning an ag businesses degree from Iowa State University in 1992, John worked as an agronomist for two years before joining the family company as a district sales manager for eastern Iowa and“ThereWisconsin.wasn’t a cell phone in sight,” he recalls. “I used the road and pay phones to connect with customers, learn the business and build the brand.”

In 2004, he was appointed sales and marketing director, a position held until purchasing the company five years later.

“Social media and technology have exploded and allow us to work differently,” he says. “Yet nothing builds relationships and creates a customer for life like face-to-face communication.”

In addition to connecting personally with customers, Latham Seeds invests in genetic sourcing and seed treatments to help soybean farmers battle iron chlorosis, sudden death syndrome (SDS) and white mold.

“Iron chlorosis is as bad as I’ve seen it in the past decade,” John says. “It’s been testing us and the management practices used by farmers, not unlike SDS when we have wet springs. For whatever reason,

soybean cyst nematode doesn’t get talked about as much but continues to be a real and persistent yield robber.”

John says the company’s smaller stature enables it to adapt more quickly.

“Our proximity to customers and ability to differentiate have also worked well for us.”

But the company’s size and family ownership can’t shield it from universal challenges facing its competitors, including rising input costs and rapid consolidation of customers and seed suppliers.

“When I started in the business, there were 10 companies in the seed and trait business,” John says. “Now, there are just “Thethree.need for additional players is acute,” he adds. “More companies mean more competition, and farmers benefit when there’s Performingcompetition.”betteronthe golf course takes time, practice and patience. The same holds true when improving seed traits, genetics and yield.

“You have to be willing to make significant investments of time and money and be willing to fail,” John says. “You must also treat customers fairly and honestly. This includes not having them plant more technology than they need.”

National leadership

In 2020, John followed in the footsteps of his father Bill and took the helm of the American Seed Trade Association. It advocates for the global needs of the industry on a host of topics ranging from intellectual property rights to sanitary

and phytosanitary issues affecting the movement and sale of seed.

“My plan as chair was to travel the world and meet the people and companies that make the industry work,” John says. “But that plan went awry like so many others during the height of COVID.”

Instead of taking to the air, John relied on Zoom and the telephone to lead meetings and conduct interviews on behalf of the association.

“I still have three more years on the board as past chair and can continue to make a difference,” he adds.

While John makes no promises on the future of his golf game, he looks to the next 75 years of the seed industry with a mix of intrigue and concern.

“If I had a crystal ball, I’d use it to know what afflictions will impact soybean and seed production and the kind of technology farmers will need to overcome them,” he Althoughsays.John enjoys playing 18, it’s working with Shannon and the company’s dedicated family of employees to make farmers more profitable that brings the greatest fulfillment.

“We love what we do and giving back to an industry that’s done so much for us,” he says. “I’m proud of the family for growing the business and being a trusted partner for the farmers we serve. That’s been our approach since our founding and will be for the next 75 years.”

Aaron Putze serves as ISA’s Sr. Director of Information and Education. Contact him at aputze@iasoybeans.com.

In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds launched the Sowing Seeds of Hope Campaign. It seeks to raise $75,000 for the American Cancer Society by donating $1 for each bag of selected varieties of seed sold. “It’s an organization that’s very close to our hearts,” John says. “Dad passed in 2015 from cancer, and my mom is a two-time cancer survivor. We want to give back to an organization that does so much for us, our customers and the farmers we serve.”

Don Latham, John’s uncle, helped in the founding of the United Soybean Board in 1990, eventually serving as its “We’rechair.a proud partner of the Iowa “ItAssociation,”SoybeansaysJohn.takesaleadershiproleonbehalfoffarmers, from finding new markets and uses in the United States and around the world to advocate for issues that matter to agriculture. It also is a leader in telling the story of soybeans and agriculture and connecting with foodminded Iowans in a positive and engaging way. We’ve always supported ISA and look forward to continuing our partnership for the betterment of the soybean industry.”

A group of young cattle stands curiously near Kellerton.

SOY SNAPS

by Joclyn Bushman

Below: Dairy show at the Iowa State Fair

Right: Goats hang out on a hot summer day.

Lonely barn sits in a soybean field in Humeston. Fresh load of watermelons at Slims Country Market near Story City.

Soybean mural painting at the Iowa Food and Family Project booth at the Iowa State Fair.

Colorful horses grazing in Ringgold County.

A soybean plant examination in queue.

A mama cow watches attentively near Kellerton.

Collaborating for Growth

Think Tank brings together all facets of soybean industry

BY BETHANY BARATTA

Soybean farmers know that one constant in agriculture is change. Change in the customers’ needs and what’s needed on the farm to drive production and profitability. In 2021, staff from various state soybean organizations started thinking about theseKatherinechanges.Drake Stowe, then the research coordinator for the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association, teamed up with Ed Anderson, senior director of research for the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) and other state soybean research staff.

“We wanted to start thinking about how we in the soybean research community can help farmers thrive in the face of these new challenges and opportunities,” says Stowe.

Thus, the Soybean Research Forum and Think Tank was born. Participants, including researchers, farmers, and industry partners, thought about how the research community could drive the industry forward and help soybean growers face these challenges.

Those in attendance identified “grand challenges” farmers face, including technology and data; climate, carbon, and ecosystems marketplaces; and uses for soybean Researchersoil.

also said they wanted to be more connected to the entire value chain.

“They wanted to better understand how what they’re doing in the field impacts farmers’ access to markets,” Stowe says.

Finally, researchers asserted that greater collaboration across entities and disciplines would benefit soybean farmers.

“They said we needed a better understanding of who was doing what, and where there were gaps and opportunities to leverage current resources to fill those holes,” Stowe says.

Think tank in action

Not wanting to let the ideas generated during the meeting sit on a shelf, the researchers determined that a specific project could help these ideas take flight.

That’s where the U.S. Soybean Research Collaborative (USSRC) came into play.

Led by Stowe, USSRC is a project that works to bring more collaboration and coordination to soybean checkoff research.

“Our mission is to complement and extend the efforts of our existing organizations for more impactful discovery and development of soybeans,” she says.

Soybean leaders in Iowa and Illinois provided initial funding to kickstart the USSRC. Four additional state checkoff partners-Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota and North Carolina-are providing funding for fiscal year 2023 and more are in the process of reviewing and acting on investment proposals.

Stowe says USSRC fosters a broad industry and value chain view for soybean research opportunities that move beyond traditional production research and bridge the gap between supply and demand.

That’s what makes the U.S. Soybean Research Collaborative different.

For the first time, the industry has one dedicated staff person, Drake Stowe, to focus daily on how the soybean industry can improve collaboration and communication by fostering the sharing of knowledge and ideas throughout the value chain.

Guiding the collaboration, Stowe nurtures these relationships by better understanding what checkoff groups, researchers and industry partners are doing. She thinks about how the industry can improve coordination by executing on common goals and a shared vision. USSRC provides the infrastructure for partners to work together on larger projects and grant applications.

“To help farmers capitalize on new opportunities, we must think about soybean research differently,” Stowe

says. “The soybean checkoff has had tremendous success over the last 30 years, but we’ve grabbed a lot of the low-hanging fruit. Growers’ questions today are much more complicated than they were 30 years ago. To answer those questions, it will take a coordinated team of experts from various disciplines, institutions and states.”

Expanding opportunities

The 2022 Think Tank event, hosted in Indianapolis this summer, involved various participants ranging from researchers to farmers and sustainability experts to food company executives.

Guiding the event, Stowe challenged participants to think about soybean research and topics differently. This year’s Think Tank focused on four specific areas: aquaculture, renewable diesel, plant protein and technology.

“We wanted to look at topics that would help us bridge the supply and demand gap,” Stowe says.

This approach helps researchers better understand the entire value chain, a request stemming from last year’s event.

Experts provided an overview and the needs of these specific markets. Split into groups comprised of various interests and expertise, attendees discussed the opportunities and challenges of each market and how those in the soy value chain have a role to play.

“There were a lot of ideas in the room from a diverse group of folks—farmers, researchers, industry and university— collaborating to discuss the best ways to invest research dollars to advance the soybean system through new uses, increased demand or new technologies to help producers,” says Brent Swart, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) District 1 director and farmer near Spencer.

What’s next?

But what’s the future of aquaculture, renewable diesel, plant protein and technology? What role do farmers play in these spaces? What’s the role of industry or state associations, such as ISA?

Watch for future issues of the Iowa Soybean Review as we break down these topics and opportunities.

Contact Bethany Baratta bbaratta@iasoybeans.com.at

A New Season

Rural Route 2

Editor’s Note by Bethany bbaratta@iasoybeans.comBaratta

the start of each school year. Or perhaps it was because he knew he would see some of his

for the first day?

Do more seasoned farmers feel like middle or high school