Iowa Soybean Review | January 2023

Fresh Perspectives

you

INVESTING IN NEW MARKETS FOR U.S. SOY

From promoting the profitability of using high-quality soybean meal in India to training animal producers on nutrition in Colombia, the soy checkoff is working behind the scenes to develop more market opportunities for U.S. soy. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you.

See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for soybean farmers at unitedsoybean.org

Brought to

by the soy checkoff. ©2018 United Soybean Board. Our Soy Checkoff and the Our Soy Checkoff mark are trademarks of United Soybean Board. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

President

Randy Miller, Lacona | D8

President-Elect

Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg | D3

Secretary Jeff Frank, Auburn | D4

Treasurer Brent Swart, Spencer | D1

At-Large Director Tom Adam, Harper | D9

Board of Directors

Chuck White, Spencer | D1

April Hemmes, Hampton | D2

Casey Schlichting, Clear Lake | D2

Rick Juchems, Plainfield | D3

Marty Danzer, Carroll | D4

Morey Hill, Madrid | D5

Dave Struthers, Collins | D5

Robb Ewoldt, Davenport | D6

Dave Walton, Wilton | D6

Scot Bailey, Anita | D7

Lee Brooke, Clarinda | D7

Warren Bachman, Osceola | D8

Pat Swanson, Ottumwa | D9

Tim Bardole, Rippey | At Large

Steph Essick, Dickens | At Large

Lindsay Greiner, Keota | At Large

Brent Renner, Klemme | At Large

American Soybean Association Board of Directors

Steph Essick, Dickens Wayne Fredericks, Osage Morey Hill, Madrid

Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney Pat Swanson, Ottumwa Dave Walton, Wilton

United Soybean Board of Directors

Tim Bardole, Rippey

Robb Ewolt, Davenport

Lindsay Greiner, Keota April Hemmes, Hampton Brent Renner, Klemme

Staff Credits

Editor | Bethany Baratta

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

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

For advertising information contact Bethany Baratta at (515) 334-1020 or bbaratta@iasoybeans.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.

JANUARY 2023 | Vol. 35, No. 4

8

Fresh Perspectives

Seven members of Iowa’s ag industry map out 2023.

15 Infrastructure Investment

Soybean checkoff funds research and development of key U.S. export facility.

18 Two in One

The results of an ISA relay cropping trial.

28 Crushing It

Economist delivers details on soybean crushing industry.

On the Cover: Bre Wagner serves as the president of the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation (IALF), which helps teach Iowa youth about the breadth and global significance of agriculture. Wagner is also the Producer Services Manager for the Iowa Soybean Association.

Executive Committee

Executive Insights

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

2023 and the ‘Four Cs’

JONATHAN LOCKWOOD HUIE, Author

Celebrating success isn’t something we’re known for in the soybean industry. Maybe it’s because the pace and significance of the issues impacting the oilseed require looking to the future rather than gazing at the past. Or perhaps it’s just the nature of us in ag not to rest on our laurels but to be ready to tackle new challenges successfully.

Before the issues and events of 2023 envelop us, it is wise to celebrate recent achievements. Last year, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) played a key role in the passage of legislation boosting biodiesel demand. Iowa farmers produced a near-record soybean crop despite scant rain in too many locations. And for the second consecutive year, ISA added more than 700 new farmer members. The growth in engaged farmers will enhance our influence on key issues for generations.

What will success look like in 2023? It’s difficult to predict with any certainty. However, a recent U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) meeting offered several clues about issues that

will influence the industry. USSEC staff framed them as the “Four Cs” worth watching. They are:

Climate – More frequent and dramatic weather events are impacting many countries, including the U.S. Prolonged periods of intense heat, flooding and drought are wreaking havoc on production and transportation. Large sections of Iowa, the U.S. and the world are under some form of drought designation, suppressing yields and thwarting the efficient movement of commodities and inputs (grain shipments via the Mississippi River were off 40% through mid-November). On the other extreme, a prolonged monsoon in Pakistan devastated key agricultural areas and injured or killed thousands of people.

Conflict – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will continue to negatively impact grain shipments, fertilizer and input costs and global food insecurity. Astronomical energy costs in Europe will adversely affect its soybean crushing industry, creating opportunities for increased U.S. soybean meal exports.

COVID-19 – While we’ve learned to manage it more effectively, the virus persists. It continues to disrupt schedules and routines and upend supply chains in agriculture, from technology, parts and steel to equipment and shipping. Price hikes caused by COVID have proven sticky and will only intensify if new variations of the disease surface.

Currency – A strong U.S. dollar increases the cost of U.S. products for foreign buyers, further straining the ability of countries already struggling to feed their people. Inflation plus currency might cause significant increases in world hunger and lead to protests and civil unrest around the world.

Climate, conflict, COVID and currency will wield enormous influence over the fortunes of Iowa soybean farmers. ISA delivered results for the industry last year and will do so again in 2023, especially with your involvement. A great way to start is by attending ISA’s Innovation to Profit Conference Thursday, Feb. 16, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. Register now at iasoybeans.com.

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Policy Update

Michael Dolch, ISA Director of Public Affairs, MDolch@iasoybeans.com

Setting the Table

If your holiday season was anything like mine, you found yourself caught up in the hustle and bustle moving from the grocery store and shopping center to the driver’s seat and dining room table. It’s tough to balance the busyness of the season and still enjoy the moment. That’s why I’ve always found that setting the table is so important. Pointless to some, a table setting can set the tone by enhancing the visual value of the food and promoting fun family interaction. The same can be said about the ties between education and advocacy. Advocacy, like life, is all about how you help people understand and make them feel. Before I tie this all together, let’s first set the table.

In Iowa this past November, we watched as a largely predictable election result was called with Republicans holding several statewide offices and growing comfortable majorities across both chambers of the Iowa Legislature. The 90th Iowa General Assembly was called to order in January with a record-setting 44 new lawmakers present. Although agriculture received strong, bipartisan support from the legislative body last year,

the same can’t be expected this year with so many fresh faces. To square up soybean farmer interests and priorities, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) launched a statewide education campaign in recent weeks targeting those who are removed from the farm and the agriculture industry. The goal is to build and strengthen relationships between you and your elected officials.

Entering session, ISA has laid the groundwork for a handful of farmer-focused priorities, including property tax relief, on-farm biodiesel consumption incentives, increased conservation funding, and modernization of the state’s grain indemnity fund. ISA advocates and farmer-directors are working across aisles and the organizational spectrum to renew a funding push for the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. This would activate Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy (IWILL), which would scale up funding for statewide soil health and water quality efforts.

Turning to our nation’s capital, the midterm elections delivered a divided outcome. Democrats held the Senate while Republicans gained a slim majority in the

House. With the dust settling, all eyes are on the farm bill, which expires in September. The word “easy” should never be used to describe the “farm bill,” but the current makeup does create a pathway to on-time passage. I’m optimistic the narrow margin in the House might just bring about the bipartisanship required to advance a farm bill across the finish line. As the House and Senate move forward with hearings, ISA is well-positioned to lead the conversation and promote positive legislation governing food and agriculture programs. Top priorities seek to address the significant headwinds that farmers experienced during the life of the 2018 Farm Bill. These include an improved farm safety net, stronger crop insurance and greater investment in trade promotion programs.

Needless to say, and regardless of the political winds and policy divisions, ISA, alongside advocate members’ support, is setting the table for a successful year as a steady, solution-oriented voice for members of Congress and their staff. After all, if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.

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Fresh Perspectives

For this issue of the Iowa Soybean Review , we’ve asked seven leaders associated with various agriculture groups in the state to weigh in on events of 2022 that will have an impact in 2023 and what they are most looking forward to in the new year. Each leader also shared what they’d like Iowa soybean farmers to know about their industry, project or organization.

Participants include:

Kevin Stiles

CEO and Executive Director of the North Central Poultry Association and the Iowa Egg Council

Bre Wagner

President of the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation

Pat McGonegle

CEO of the Iowa Pork Producers Association

Brent Johnson

Farmer and President of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

Craig Floss

CEO of the Iowa Corn Growers Association

Jim Knuth

Senior Vice President of Business Development for Farm Credit Services of America

Lydia Zerby

Consumers Insights & Engagement Manager for the Iowa Soybean Association. Zerby oversees the Iowa Food & Family Project (IFFP)

Craig Floss, CEO of the Iowa Corn Growers Association

Stiles: The impacts of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on our industry cannot be denied. 2022 brought HPAI back to the U.S. and while total birds affected nationally are comparable to 2015, we can see the benefits of producer biosecurity and disease preparedness efforts in Iowa. A much larger percentage of wild birds were impacted in 2022, spreading the virus over 40 states. We saw it continue in other parts of the U.S. through the late summer, and its return to Iowa in early November, which also is different than in 2015. While the number of farms and birds affected in Iowa is far less than 2015, those impacted by HPAI is still devastating.

Wagner: 2022 has been a year of transition. In April, Kelly Foss joined the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation (IALF) as its new executive director. Kelly joined the team after spending 23 years as the director of Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market. In her time there, Kelly developed initiatives and programs in support of Iowa farmers and producers and was awarded the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Leader Award in 2019. Kelly has brought new perspectives, fresh ideas and a spirit of collaboration to the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation. We’re looking forward to continuing this momentum in 2023.

McGonegle: The October 2022 Supreme Court hearing that the National Pork Producers Council brought against the State of California regarding Proposition 12. The case challenges a California law that requires pork sellers to source from farms that don’t use gestation crates. The ruling is expected in the first quarter of 2023. If the ruling goes against us, it will have a significant impact on the 900,000 sows we have in Iowa. It certainly will have a consumer impact; if it increases costs of production, it will most likely increase the cost of pork to consumers.

Johnson: Looking into 2023 and beyond, the midterm elections will have the most impact. A balance of power among lawmakers as they consider our next

farm bill will help keep industry regulation in check. However, our work is not done. More than one-half of the House members have never worked on a farm bill. We will all need to be diligent, active in educating and communicating those issues that are important for the future of agriculture and the continued economic health for all Iowans.

Floss: Market access and increased use of higher blends of biofuels in Iowa and across the country has made a huge impact this year on Iowa farmers. With the help from partners like the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), the Iowa Corn Growers Association lobbied for the Iowa Biofuels Access Bill to expand E15 access to approximately 70% of fuel stations in Iowa by 2024. This bill will increase ethanol demand by 60 million gallons annually, utilizing more than 20 million bushels of corn. From a federal standpoint, the removal of barriers for summertime use of E15 creates more market access and promotes a win-win for farmers and consumers alike with a more-affordable, cleaner-burning and homegrown fuel option at the pump.

Knuth: The dramatic increase in both short-term and long-term interest rates. The Federal Reserve has taken an aggressive stance in their attempt to get inflation under control. The result is that the cost of variable rate debt and new debt is higher than what we have become accustomed to over the past decade.

Zerby: Food prices and supply chain issues are top of mind for Iowans. The effect of rising food costs as well as other goods and services will continue to affect consumer spending and purchasing decisions. The Iowa Food & Family Project’s (Iowa FFP) consumer engagement and education on these topics will be key to maintaining and growing confidence in modern agriculture and the valuable work Iowa farmers do to supply food and fuel.

What event from 2022 will have the greatest impact on your respective business or industry in 2023?

“A balance of power among our lawmakers as they consider our next farm bill will help keep industry regulation in check.”

BRENT JOHNSON

Stiles: Iowa egg farmers and processors are the most innovative and progressive egg producers in the nation. It is this competitiveness that has led to their position as the largest egg-producing state in the country. When not impacted by HPAI, Iowa egg farmers produce about one in every six eggs in the U.S. Many Iowaproduced eggs are sold as liquid, dried or frozen and are used in food

formulations, packaged and baked goods. We are also seeing growth in our broiler industry, which we look forward to in the coming years.

Wagner: The IALF serves as a central resource for educators and volunteers who want to teach Iowa’s students about agriculture. Within the programs, publications and resources, IALF highlights the importance of

agriculture in our everyday lives, providing food, fuel and fiber. They also highlight ag-related careers for young people to explore. Lessons are available for teachers to access on the IALF website and tie into the Iowa Common Core standards. Because of the support of industry partners and Iowa commodity groups, including the ISA, we can provide fact-based ag lessons to teachers and youth.

What’s the most important thing you want soybean farmers to know about your industry or project?

Lydia Zerby, consumers insights & engagement manager for the Iowa Soybean Association. Zerby oversees the Iowa Food & Family Project.

McGonegle: Pork producers are appreciative of the cooperative spirit and collaboration with the ISA. Support of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) and the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) are just two examples of the collaboration between soybean farmers, the soybean checkoff and the pork industry.

Johnson: The future of agriculture is very bright. As we all exit a couple of hard years, I see that consumers are more interested in food production, local leaders are excited to engage again with a renewed vigor, and we have great enthusiasm for our policy process. Our programs are as strong as ever and our education and messaging continue to reach more people.

Floss: We know that most Iowa farmers grow both corn and soybeans which is why we partner with the ISA on many projects and programs that impact Iowa’s farmers. The IAWA is a prime example. Through our partnership, we continue to work toward accelerating the adoption of science-based practices proven to have environmental benefits for water quality improvements across our great state.

Knuth: We can help you with your new financing needs. The cost of debt will be higher, which means loan structure, amortization, down payment and other financing considerations will be more important than ever. We do not believe current profit margins are sustainable long term, which means it is important to structure debt so you can afford your payments in a more normal margin scenario.

Zerby: Most Iowa consumers are interested in learning more about farming and agriculture. With so few Iowans farming or closely connected to farming, it’s vital for farmers to help tell the story of modern agriculture. When consumers can relate to farmers and realize the hard work they put in day in and day out, trust and a mutual respect can be formed. In this modern-day world, there is so much information being fed to consumers. It’s up to us as an agriculture industry to provide facts and explanations that separate truth from fiction.

PAT MCGONEGLE

Pat McGonegle, CEO of the Iowa Pork Producers Association

Kevin Stiles, CEO and executive director of the North Central Poultry Association and the Iowa Egg Council

“Pork producers are appreciative of the cooperative spirit and collaboration with the Iowa Soybean Association.”

Stiles: Our poultry and egg community looks forward to rebounding from HPAI and returning to full production capacity. Prior to COVID, egg consumption was on a tremendous trajectory, and we believe we will see that again in the coming years. Eggs have an unmatched nutrition profile and are economical, easy to prepare, accessible, sustainable and on trend. Our producers are innovative, dedicated and resilient and are eager to be back at full capacity and bring

to consumers across the country and around the world.

Wagner: IALF has been busy working on new materials, which will launch this year. There’s a new edition of the Iowa Ag Today publication, which is a magazine exploring the connection between students and agriculture geared toward elementary and middle school students. In February, IALF will launch the Read Across Iowa program, where we’ll mail six ag-related books to

classrooms. Also in 2023, IALF will host teacher professional development workshops where teachers will learn ways to incorporate ag learning into their math, science, social studies and nutrition curriculum. In 2022, 145 Iowa teachers representing kindergarten through 12th grade completed the workshops. We’re looking forward to reaching more teachers and students in 2023.

McGonegle: We’ve had some unique times, and it’s starting to look

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?

Brent Johnson, farmer and president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

and looking forward to growing pork export markets in cooperation with the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Mexico and Colombia are strong markets for the pork industry, increasing the pace and value of exports year over year. We have an opportunity to diversify our markets in other countries across the globe, in particular Vietnam, where we’re seeing increased demand for pork shoulder, hams and other cuts.

Johnson: I am looking forward to getting back to business as usual. Travel, both domestic and international, is getting back to normal and will allow us to reestablish lost connections and build new networks. At the same time, the technology advancements and innovation that were needed can continue to be utilized, now in more creative ways. I am excited to explore the opportunities that lay ahead for agriculture and Iowa’s farmers.

Floss: The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) and Iowa Corn Growers Association recently adopted a new strategic plan with a specific focus on new uses, sustainability and advocacy. As we embark on 2023, I look forward to the implementation of this plan as we work toward long-term profitability for Iowa’s corn farmers. The ICPB is building demand for corn in all forms, whether that is here in the U.S. or around the world. Our top markets continue to be ethanol and livestock feed. For the first time, the chair of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is a corn and livestock farmer representing the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Dean Meyer. As a partner with USMEF, the goal is to

support our livestock customers by finding new markets for corn-fed red meat as our global population continues to demand high-quality protein. I look forward to working to build demand for corn-fed meats as well as corn and ethanol export opportunities in partnership with the U.S. Grains Council. Lastly, I’m excited for the potential to create new uses to increase corn grind, whether it be for biochemicals, bioplastics or a variety of other uses, the ICPB is dedicated to researching and finding new products made from corn.

Knuth: Profitability for grain production agriculture. It appears we will have excellent pricing opportunities again in 2023. A good risk management plan, understanding your costs and break-evens and developing a proactive marketing plan are the keys to making this trend work for your operation.

Zerby: Looking at the year ahead, I’m excited to build upon Iowa FFP’s relationships with Iowa commodity and healthy living partners. There are so many great things happening in the organizations that Iowa FFP collaborates with, and I can’t wait to tell their stories through Fresh Pickings magazine and eNewsletter, as well as social media networks. The feature story possibilities are endless, and consumers are hungry for uplifting and truthful content. I look forward to maximizing the relationships Iowa FFP has built and forming new ones that will take us forward into the next year.

Jim Knuth, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Farm Credit Services of America

Bre Wagner, president of the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation

Iowa Soybean Farmers Appointed to United Soybean Board

BY BROCK JOHNSTON

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has appointed two Iowa soybean farmers to serve as directors on the United Soybean Board (USB). Farmer leadership directly represents all U.S. soybean growers with oversight of national soybean checkoff dollars that support research, market development and promotional efforts to boost farmer profitability and opportunities.

Robb Ewoldt of Davenport and Brent Renner of Klemme will join the board of 77 farmer directors from across the country; five representing Iowa. They were sworn in for service during USB’s meeting in December in St. Charles, Missouri.

“USB directors play an important role in managing checkoff dollars,” says Ewoldt, who completed his Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) presidency

in September. “Serving as ISA president helped me recognize how important representation is, especially in the decision-making process of allocating these funds.”

Ewoldt will complete a threeyear term, while Renner’s one-year appointment fills a vacancy left by the passing of former USB director Tom Oswald of Cleghorn in June 2022. Renner has served on the ISA board since 2017.

“It’s an honor to represent soybean farmers through this appointment and see up close how these investments bring real value to our industry and to every farmer,” Renner says.

Ewoldt and Renner join Iowa soybean farmers April Hemmes, Hampton; Lindsay Greiner, Keota; and Tim Bardole, Rippey, who also serve as USB directors.

cooperative soybean processor

Brent Renner, Klemme

Robb Ewoldt, Davenport

Soy Checkoff Supports Research to Expand Key Soybean Meal Export Infrastructure

ARTICLE COURTESY OF THE UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD

To provide efficient access and bolster international trade markets for U.S. soybean meal, the United Soybean Board (USB) will invest $400,000 in the research, analysis and design costs of the Port of Grays Harbor’s Terminal 4 Expansion and Redevelopment Project. The terminal, located in Aberdeen, Washington, plays an important role in international exports.

“The Port of Grays Harbor is critical in expanding high-value soybean meal exports. Farmers recognize this through their checkoff to fund significant work informing these upgrades that bring value to all U.S. soybean farmers,” says Tony Johanson, USB director and Soy Transportation Coalition board member from Nebraska. “I’m proud of our farmers’ commitment to enhance and maintain U.S. infrastructure. Doing so helps sustain our competitive advantage over global competitors.”

USB joins the Soy Transportation

Coalition, Iowa Soybean Association, Kansas Soybean Commission, Nebraska Soybean Board, North Dakota Soybean Council and South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, bringing the total farmer research investment to $1.3 million.

Earlier this year, AG Processing Inc. (AGP), an Omaha-based cooperative that owns and operates 10 soybean processing facilities in the Midwest, announced it would expand its export terminal at the Port of Grays Harbor.

Scheduled to be operational in 2025, the upgrades will allow the AGP terminal to increase soybean meal exports from 3 to 6 million metric tons. To accommodate the growth, the Port of Grays Harbor will expand the rail infrastructure, allowing the terminal to handle the volume and mitigate traffic congestion in the community.

“It is well established how investments in the Pacific Northwest will result in greater farmer

profitability in the Midwest,” says Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. “In turn, profitable farmers in the Midwest result in increased investments in the Pacific Northwest. AGP’s expansion project at the Port of Grays Harbor is arguably the most immediate opportunity for soybean farmers to assist with the need for increased soybean meal export capacity. The Soy Transportation Coalition and other farmer organizations are pleased to partner in this important project.”

The Port of Grays Harbor’s Terminal 4 research project is the latest infrastructure initiative from the soy checkoff. In 2019, the checkoff funded research, education and promotion costs related to dredging the Mississippi River. And in 2021, the checkoff funded pre-engineering and design work to maintain Lock and Dam #25 on the Upper Mississippi River.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PORT OF GRAYS HARBOR

SOY SNAPS

BY JOCLYN BUSHMAN

A curious steer stands on a farm in central Iowa

Farm truck parked on a farm near Lacona

Early morning cattle at the bunks near Indianola

Trees near Marion catch afternoon snowfall

An antique windmill sits on top of a hill near New Virginia

Sheila, Marshall, and Ruby geared up and excited for their first snowfall in northeast Iowa

A blanket of snow sitting on round bales near Festina

Two in One

Relay crop trial results

BY KRISS NELSON

Editor’s note: This is the third and final story in a series following a relay cropping trial.

By participating in on-farm trials, producers can test products and practices to help make management decisions on their farms. This also helps build a body of research and information to assist other farmers in their decision-making.

Russ Olson, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) farmer-member from Northwood, with the assistance of ISA and the Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), wrapped up his fourth year of participating in relay cropping trials. The cropping trials are a part of RC&D’s Multi-Cropping Iowa project.

Olson used 10-inch, twin-row spacing to drill his cereal rye on 30-inch centers in the fall of 2021 and planted soybeans into the 20-inch gap in spring 2022.

Olson says he found a latermaturing soybean works in the

relay cropping system and planted a 2.4-maturity bean in 2022. He also planted open-pollinated rye and hybrid cereal rye varieties.

Although he was pleased with the rye yields, his soybeans were another story. “I am somewhat disappointed in the soybean yield,” he says. “Not exactly sure what happened, but this is why we do trials.”

Olson’s relay crop soybeans yielded 11 to 14 bushels per acre compared to 49 to 54 bushels per acre he received on his sole crop soybeans.

One theory Olson has is the 2.4-maturity soybeans were planted in the second week of May – far behind his preference of a late-April planting date.

“We just did not have much bean growth after we harvested the rye,” he says. “We even had ideal growing weather after we took the rye out.”

Olson says his rye crop made up for his less-than-impressive soybean yields.

“I didn’t expect top rye yields. Rye is planted in strips with gaps for beans, so you don’t plant the whole field,” he says. “I thought the rye was fabulous. Best rye I have ever raised.”

Trials and tribulations

Olson says he enters each on-farm research trial knowing the results may only sometimes be favorable.

“When doing trials, we realize there are always variables involved. It isn’t until after the fact that you know what affected the results,” he says. “We are not 100% sure what knocked the bean yields down, but I strongly suspect it was the later planting date.”

Ross Evelsizer, natural resources projects director for RC&D, says he started a Multi-Cropping Iowa project to explore

“When doing trials, we realize there are always variables involved. It isn’t until after the fact do you know what affected the results.”

– Russ Olson

EXPLAINING RELAY CROPPING:

Relay cropping involves seeding soybeans early in the growing season while the cereal rye is still in the vegetative growth stages. The soybeans grow together with the rye. When the rye reaches maturity, it is harvested above the canopy of the soybeans growing below. The soybeans then proceed to maturity-generating two-grain crops.

relay cropping. He says relay cropping can be a way for producers to diversify their farms while maintaining or improving environmental integrity.

“Relay cropping is a new practice, and there is more to learn to optimize it to reduce risks for producers,” says Evelsizer.

Trials like the one Olson was involved in help Evelsizer and others better understand the agronomics for things such as variety, planting arrangement and dates, and harvest practice. Another opportunity is to learn about market opportunities.

“If a producer can get 90-plus bushel to the acre cereal rye and a crop of soybeans off a relay field, that puts them way ahead, but only if they can market both crops,” Evelsizer says.

The results of Olson’s trial and other relay cropping trials have Alex Schaffer, ISA field services program manager, wanting to diver deeper into on-farm relay cropping trials to further look at soybean maturity.

“I would like to look at different soybean maturities in the system by splitting the planter with two different maturities,” he says.

ALEX SCHAFFER,

A good example would be a 2.7versus a 3.2-maturity soybean.

“This planting technique would be easy for the farmer as they just have to plant and harvest as normal and share their as-applied yield files,” he says. “It is also valuable research because this is an opportunity to identify what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to soybean maturity in a relay cropping system.”

By researching two different maturity groups in a relay cropping system, Schaffer hopes to build evidence to support his theory that a longer-maturity soybean will thrive better in this scenario.

“In Russ’ trial, the early maturity soybeans didn’t vegetatively grow after the rye was harvested,” he says. “They were under heavy competition with the rye, leading to fewer nodes and pods.”

ISA field services program

Schaffer would also like to implement relay cropping trials throughout the state to avoid any risks associated with an early frost.

Join a trial in 2023

Whether you are participating in a relay cropping trial or another onfarm trial, Schaffer says it is essential to conduct on-farm research trials to help generate the data for use as decisionmaking tools.

“On-farm trials are important to identify opportunities and risks,” he says. “Whether they are products or practices, how will we know if we don’t try?”

Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com

Want to learn more about cropping trials or on-farm opportunities?

Contact Alex Schaffer, ISA field services program manager at 815-274-2998.

“On-farm trials are important to identify opportunities and risks. Whether they are products or practices, how will we know if we don’t try?”

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WISHH is a program of the American Soybean Association and is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs.

The ISRC Difference

Checkoff investment furthers the efforts and impact of soybean research

BY JEFF HUTTON

Since 2014, the Iowa Soybean Research Center (ISRC) at Iowa State University (ISU) has worked to increase collaboration, coordination and integration in the soybean industry.

ISRC works in partnership with the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), industry leaders, farmers and researchers at ISU to identify and fund research. Like the work conducted at ISA, farmers have a seat at the table when it comes to identifying and making funding decisions on research that furthers soybean production and protection.

Backed by farmers

What makes the ISRC different, says ISRC Director Greg Tylka, is the organization’s support from industry and farmers.

“There are seven soybean centers across the United States,” he says. “Ours is unique in supporting research to benefit soybean farmers using industry and checkoff dollars.”

Checkoff dollars support the center through investment by ISA. Through the ISU College of Ag and Life Sciences Department, ISA and Iowa soybean checkoff and industry partners, money and guidance are afforded to the ISRC to fund research efforts that

benefit soybean producers and their efforts on the farm.

“Without a doubt, it’s a premier organization because we have had a dedication to farmers by working shoulder to shoulder with the Iowa Soybean Association,” Tylka says.

Brent Swart, an ISA District 1 director and current treasurer, says the ISRC is a critical piece of the puzzle in the soybean industry’s future. He serves as a farmer representative on the ISRC’s Industry Advisory Council.

“I’ve really enjoyed the multiple perspectives from university and industry partners,” he says. “We’re all trying to brainstorm for the better and address some of the biggest concerns about what might be holding soybean production back.”

Checkoff investment through ISA is powerful as it provides ISU greater leverage in conducting its research and build its collaborative research approach.

“The research done through ISRC is forward-looking,” Swart says. “As we are able to talk to researchers, we can pinpoint challenges and look at research techniques to help solve on-farm production hurdles.”

New research funding

The ISRC involves and helps coordinate research, teaching and extension activities of faculty and staff who work in the areas of soybean biology, breeding, economics, precision agriculture, production and pest management.

In 2022, the ISRC awarded $300,000 in 2022 for two projects – continuous soybean cropping research and studying the effects of seed treatments on seed and soil microbiome.

ISU Agronomy Professor Sotirios Archontoulis will develop field research locations and initiate the study of a continuous soybean cropping system in Iowa.

The cropping research project will collect and accumulate relevant knowledge to aid decision-making in future years, according to the ISRC. Currently, there are no soybean-aftersoybean cropping system-intensive research locales in Iowa. In some places like Argentina, soybean-after-soybean is common. In Iowa, those efforts are rare. This information is needed to assist

farmers in meeting the increased demand for soybean oil and to help farmers cope with the limited availability and higher costs of inputs for corn production.

Seed treatments, Tylka says, are known to improve crop performance. Still, there needs to be more information about how they affect microbial colonization in the zone in the soil surrounding a seed as it germinates and how long these effects last. The research project will help ISU Professors Gary Munkvold and Larry Halverson study the impact of soybean seed treatments on the seed and soil microbiome.

More information

For more information about the ISRC or to find out more about becoming an industry partner, contact Tylka at 515-2940878 or email ISRC@iastate.edu.

Contact Jeff Hutton at jhutton@iasoybeans.com

ISA board members learned more about soybean research at Iowa State University during a recent visit. Left: Lie Tang, ISU professor of agriculture and biosystems engineering, explains the Enviratron, which enables researchers to monitor the performance of plants throughout their lifespan when subjected to a variety of environmental conditions.

Above: Leonor Leandro, ISU professor of plant pathology, shares her research focused on soybean fungal diseases.

DAVE WALTON

Location: Wilton

Title: District 6 Director

ISA Committees: Information & Education, Demand

What crops and livestock do you have on your farm?

Soybeans, corn, alfalfa, mixed hay and pastures. I also raise beef cattle, sheep and cow-calf pairs and run a small feedlot.

What do you want farmers to know about the use of their checkoff dollars on the committees you serve? We take those checkoff dollars and leverage them through partnerships. Because of this process, farmers get a bigger bang for our buck on checkoff dollars. We’re strategic; we take the utmost care in spending those dollars, just as we’d spend our own money.

What are your hobbies?

Hunting and fishing. I also like to do a little bit of furniture-grade woodworking, such as clocks and cabinetry.

What makes your farm unique?

We farm some ground that goes back almost 170 years on my wife’s side of the family. We farm about two miles from where our family originally homesteaded in Iowa before it was a state.

How does your personal philosophy match the mission of ISA?

I like to think things through strategically. I look at issues and situations like a chess game; as I move this piece, what’s the response and how are we planning out two, three and four steps ahead? When I joined the ISA board, it was quickly apparent that there’s a similar culture at ISA. We’re not dealing with just today- and tomorrowtype issues; we’re looking down the road and trying to solve problems before they become big problems at the farm gate. That aligns well with how I think about things.

How do you define success on the farm?

Success is being able to hand off the farm in a financially stable, productive state to the next generation. When I step away, I want to know the farm can support and sustain productivity for years to come.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I coached swimming, part-time professionally, for 10 years. Several of my swimmers qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials and numerous athletes swam collegiately at Division I to small private colleges. I research and grow heirloom corn varieties, some dating back to colonial times. It started as a research project but has evolved into growing some of the heirloom corn because of its flavor profiles and interesting plant architecture.

MAINTAINING OUR REPUTATION TO DELIVER

Whether shipping by river, road or rail, the soy checkoff is committed to ensuring America’s infrastructure is a significant advantage for U.S. soybean farmers. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you.

See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for soybean farmers at unitedsoybean.org

Brought to you by the soy checkoff.

©2018 United Soybean Board. Our Soy Checkoff and the Our Soy Checkoff mark are trademarks of United Soybean Board. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Developing a Game Plan for Success Innovation to Profit Conference

BY KRISS NELSON

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) will show how it is “Driven to Deliver” during the upcoming Innovation to Profit Conference scheduled for February 16, 2023.

Information at the conference will be geared toward delivering information to help bring profitability to your operation through research trial results using ISA’s analytic tools and discovering other valuable resources. Attendees will be encouraged to take the information and develop their personalized game plan.

“We want our attendees to go home with an action plan,” says Ed Anderson, ISA senior director of research. “Whether utilizing our data and technical assistance for a new management practice or working with the Iowa Soybean Association through on-farm trials or using a data-based tool.”

The conference is an opportunity to see soybean checkoff dollars at work.

“The conference provides information farmers can use that is unbiased,” says ISA President Randy Miller, who farms near Lacona. “Research is done to see whether certain products or practices work and if they are beneficial to farmers. The conference is an event to get information from a trusted source you helped fund.”

The Innovation to Profit Conference is an ISA-wide event. Attendees will be entertained by keynote speakers at the beginning and end of the conference, and they can attend breakout sessions providing insights into ISA programming.

“The topic variety is significant,” says Miller. “From population studies to fungicide, to nitrogen studies and water quality, to herbicide resistance, the breakout sessions allow farmers to dive deeper into subjects of interest.”

At the conference, participants can meet ISA staff and learn about ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI).

“Our research team works hard to partner with farmers on their farms to provide more integrated, holistic programming, which spans agronomy with conservation and everything we know that is important for sustainability,” says Anderson. “We have a skilled analytics team that takes data from onfarm trials and other research entities and puts that information together in decision tools and predictive models. Farmers can access these resources to help them be more profitable in their businesses.”

The day-long conference will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

“It is centrally located and easy to get to from anywhere in Iowa,” says Miller. “It is a great time of year to take a break from the monotony of winter, connect with ISA and network with other farmers.”

Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com

“ We want our attendees to go home with an action plan, whether utilizing our data and technical assistance for a new management practice or working with the Iowa Soybean Association through on-farm trials or using a data-based tool. ”

ED ANDERSON, ISA senior director of research

Soybean Processing Growth is Crushing it

BY SCOTT GERLT, AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION ECONOMIST

The soybean processing industry intends to significantly grow over the next few years. This change will open up more domestic opportunities for soybean consumption. Soybeans are almost never used whole but are instead “crushed” to produce soybean meal and soybean oil. Expanding crush capacity provides additional places for farmers to sell their beans while providing more soybean meal and oil for the domestic market. To date, there have been announcements for 23 plant expansions, which would add about 750 million bushels per year in crush capacity.

Demand Drivers

Many of the crush plant announcements are being driven by the growth in renewable diesel. Demand

for soybean oil to produce renewable diesel has started to grow and is projected to continue on that path. To produce extra soybean oil, crush capacity in the U.S. also must grow. In fact, some of the announced renewable diesel plants have been paired with crush plant announcements through a joint venture. Of the 23 crush plant announcements, 13 are for new plants and 10 are for expansion of current plants, at least two of which have been completed. However, announcements are not shovels in the ground. Expansion is based upon growing renewable diesel production, and as the biofuels industry grows, so will the crush plant buildout. State and federal policy, permits, financing and many other issues will determine

what happens. This article presents the announcement numbers with current facilities, but buyer beware, the reality may be different. Even so, some of the facilities are already undergoing construction or have been completed, which means the industry is already growing but total expansion is unknown.

Strategic Locations

The U.S. currently has around 60 crushing plants with a total practical capacity of about 2.2 million bushels per year, which is about the crush level for the 2021/22 marketing year. Nameplate capacity1 of a plant is often in bushels per day and exceeds practical capacity due to maintenance and other considerations. Figure 1 shows the location, size and status of the soybean crushing plants in the U.S. Crushing plants have historically been concentrated in two locations. The first is in the traditional, major soybean-producing region from Ohio west to Missouri and up north to Minnesota.

These comprise the bulk of the plants and provide a short distance between the field and processing. The other, smaller area was the Southeast Seaboard. While fewer soybeans are produced in this part of the country, the area contains a significant poultry population that consumes soybean meal.

In general, the newly announced crushing plants are more west and north than previous plants. Soybean production has been expanding in this direction. The Northern Plains were more export-dependent, as crush capacity and animal ag did not exist locally to utilize soybeans in those locations.

Iowa has the highest soybean crush capacity of any state (Figure 2) with more than 1.3 million bushels per day of nameplate capacity (approximately 420 million bushels per year in practical capacity). Realized announcements would add about another 340,000 bushels per day in nameplate capacity. Iowa is followed by Indiana and Illinois in total crush capacity. Indiana is currently looking at minimal increases in capacity while Illinois has 445,000 bushels per day of nameplate announcements. Some of the states with the largest percent increases are North Dakota, Nebraska and Louisiana. Nebraska’s and Louisiana’s capacity would nearly double, while North Dakota capacity would increase about seven times if all of the announcements were realized.

Changing Flows

The increased crush capacity would change the interstate flow of soybeans. Figure 3 shows crush capacity relative to historical soybean production. States that exceed a ratio of 100% need to import soybeans to utilize their capacity, while states below that threshold would be need to export. States in the Southeast with large poultry flocks, such as Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia, tend to be net importers of soy. Georgia has about 14 times as much capacity as production. Whole beans tend to be easier to transport than meal, which gives an advantage to crushing locally. With announced expansion, Louisiana would go from being a net importer of its soy production to a net exporter. Several large renewable diesel plants are planned for the New Orleans area, which would need the soybean oil. North Dakota would transition from utilizing less than 10% of its soybean production to about 50%, and Nebraska would transition from 42% to 80%.

Relative to Production by

The anticipated timeline of the buildout of capacity would be over several years. Of the 2.33 million bushels per day of increased nameplate capacity, 120,000 has already been built. For the 2023 to 2025 calendar years, there are about 430,000 to 530,000 bushels per day of capacity planned. This would bump up to 800,000 bushels per day in 2026. However, some of these longer timeframe announcements are more likely dependent on market and other factors for completion.

The soybean sector is expanding to meet upcoming growth in demand.

The announced 23 new or expanded crush plants would increase crush capacity by 34%. However, as aforementioned, this is dependent on multiple factors to actually occur. Chief among them is the pace of renewable diesel growth. Strong margins for crushers have spurred billions of dollars in investment that will provide farmers with higher prices and more options for delivery. The increased output will allow the sector to continue to provide food while meeting increased demand for sustainable fuels.

KEEPING THE FUTURE OF SOYBEANS BRIGHT

From researching new uses for soybeans to identifying new markets for U.S. soy, the soy checkoff is working behind the scenes to create new opportunities and increase profits for soybean farmers. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you.

See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for soybean farmers at unitedsoybean.org

Rural Route 2

Editor’s Note by Bethany Baratta bbaratta@iasoybeans.com

The Way the Cookie Crumbles

As I write this column in early December, the aroma of chocolate chip cookies wafts through the air of our two-story home. I’d consider this a test run for holiday baking, but the tried-and-true recipe doesn’t need a test run; it’s a keeper.

While I was growing up, my mom ran a cookie-baking business, Cookie Gram Co., out of our home. Undoubtedly, November and December were big months for business. Friends and family would order cookies as holiday gifts.

Mom baked several varieties each day — everything from chocolate coconut to gingersnap cookies. My siblings and I waited for a chance to eat the misshapen cookies or the ones that simply weren’t up to mom’s standards. Cookies were shrink-wrapped into stacks of three, neatly lined up on Styrofoam trays, and placed in a box lined with festive transparent cellophane. She’d enclose a note requested by the customer, then close the box, sealing it with packaging tape.

My dad would often be the cookie courier to the post office, where the postmaster processed the

packages before sending them out into the world.

Years later, I still think about those recipients, some of whom were on military bases throughout the world. When they opened those boxes, I hope they felt the warmth of the loved one gifting the cookies. I’d like to think of it as a hug, sewn up in the seams of the cellophane.

As life got busy with five kids in school, a full-time job, plus helping on the farm, mom took down the handmade wooden Cookie Gram Co. sign near our mailbox that advertised the company. She hung up her apron and closed the business. However, the recipes remain.

Those cookies — representative of times on the farm: sometimes crummy (crumbly), lean (not rolling in the dough) — are a part of the recipe of my childhood. The temperature and the baking time for each batch varies — just like us.

perspectives of seven individuals involved in the ag industry in Iowa. Hear how their businesses were impacted in 2022 and what it means for 2023. In putting this issue together, I’ve learned a lot about the organizations and projects right here in Iowa. I hope you learn something, too. What perspectives will help shape (and bake) your year?

Happy New Year!

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