Iowa Soybean Review | May 2023

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Executive Committee

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 Ewoldt, 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

Communications Specialist | Joseph Hopper

Creative Design Coordinator | Susan Langman

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 two months 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.

Executive Insights

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

Growth From Chaos

If you think the world is in chaos, you’re right.

From Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and rampant inflation to souring U.S.-China relations, unreliable supply chains and soaring interest rates, examples abound.

Add weather extremes, volatile commodity and financial markets, a waning but stubborn pandemic, and political infighting and you have the breeding grounds for a great deal of anxiety, unrest and confusion.

Yet, with foresight and discipline, growth can arise from chaos.

When faced with adversity or uncertainty, I’ve found planning and preparation to be valued companions. Circumstances and outcomes are never assured. Yet one can mitigate their downside and enhance the upside by developing strategies to act and contingencies to utilize when life throws curve balls.

Just like managing a farm, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) game plans and makes decisions using experience, wisdom and, yes, our

gut. We think rationally and logically, connect dots, stay disciplined and continually sift through chaos for opportunities.

The result of this mindset: implementing nationally recognized programs and activities (the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund) and wielding influence using data and information (the foundation of our Research Center for Farming Innovation and policy initiatives). Most importantly, this approach generates the greatest return for every checkoff dollar invested by soybean farmers ($12.34 per $1 of investment based on a recent analysis requested by the United Soybean Board).

Complacency is the enemy of relevancy as circumstances are always changing. That’s why ISA’s farmer directors recently approved refreshing the association’s strategic plan. Doing so enables ISA to step back, assess and game plan three to five years out.

Empowered by strong soybean prices and highly competent and dedicated staff and directors, ISA

is uniquely positioned to lead and engage at a high level on a host of issues. They include developing new uses and market channels for soybean oil, meal and soy-based products while creating additional revenue streams for farmers who innovate to better manage soil, water and inputs.

Our strategic planning process will seek the opinions, feedback and experiences of soybean farmers, our first and primary stakeholder. We’ll also visit with industry leaders and influencers to broaden our view and test perceptions and biases. I look forward to sharing the results of this work in this very space a year from now.

Best wishes for a safe and successful planting season. Shoot me a note from the cab (kleeds@iasoybeans.com) if there’s something on your mind or ways ISA can better serve you.

“

Chaos in the world brings uneasiness, but it also allows the opportunity for creativity and growth.”

Tom Barrett

Editor’s Note by Bethany

Baratta bbaratta@iasoybeans.com

Time to Grow

It’s May. That means it’s grow time!

Last year, I learned my lesson. My son and I usually plant flowers in the middle of May; he picks the color scheme, and together we buy and plant flowers in pots and hanging baskets for our home and family members.

Last year, he asked to buy strawberry plants at the local garden center (we’re big fans of Lucille’s near Bondurant). Crunched for time and unsure of our gardening pot inventory at home, I told him we would come back to get the strawberry plants.

Well, weeks went by.

We came back in June, and, you guessed it: it was no longer prime strawberry growing season, and the plants were all gone.

Still, he was determined to grow strawberries.

A visit and phone calls to several other greenhouses and garden centers yielded the same result — no strawberry plants.

Empty-handed and tempted to give up, we landed at Lowe’s.

The discount racks out front were proof that we were too late (as if my other stops didn’t already confirm that notion). Still, I sorted through each rack, hopeful there might be one strawberry plant left.

Then, there it was. Hidden behind a variety of peppers, I found one pot with the strawberry marker. We didn’t even look at the growing instructions. We just knew it was ours

My son proudly carried it up to the cash register. I grimaced.

The strawberry plant didn’t look like much of a plant — or anything! It looked as if someone had taken a small wooden twig and stuck it in a pot of soil.

“Oh, planting strawberries, huh?” the friendly cashier said.

“Yes!” my son exclaimed.

“We’ll see; I hope so,” I said reluctantly.

I got out 53 cents to pay for the discounted plastic pot of dirt. The friendly cashier handed us the bag, “no charge, good luck,” she said.

You wouldn’t believe the love we put into that little strawberry plant baby.

My son planted the strawberry plant in his pajamas (I pick my battles). He sang to it, determined that the lullaby (he made up): “Grow strawberries, grow” would, in fact, make it grow.

He pulled on his gardening gloves to water his little plant. We protected it from storms, pulling the pot inside when threatening weather dared to touch our strawberry baby.

And — it produced strawberries!

My son picked the strawberries somewhere in between the berries just turning white and way before ripe.

To be honest, I didn’t want a rabbit to snag the strawberries before we did! We washed those strawberries and stuck them in strawberry malts right away. He proclaimed them the “best malts I’ve never (ever) had!” (He didn’t know I had a frozen bag of strawberries in the freezer to supplement our crop.)

He was proud of the five strawberries he produced last summer. Here’s hoping the five strawberry plants he wants to grow this year are just as fruitful. I’ll keep you updated. Enjoy the issue — and happy planting!

P.S. Do you sing to your soybeans? Your flowers? Plants? How does your garden grow? Email me at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com.

Farmers have a team of people helping with money or insurance matters but likely don’t utilize the assistance of those who can help with emotional distress.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but it’s a topic that’s important every month of the year with resources available to help farmers who are facing challenging situations.

If circumstances are happening beyond your control and you feel sad, have mood swings and withdraw from friends, family or activities, experts say you may need to seek out resources for help.

Dan Hanrahan, a farmer near Cumming, shares stories of mental health and his farm in his blog True Stories and Tall Tales.

Circumstances hit the hardest for Hanrahan in 2012. He was going through a divorce, had just started a new business and his father received a difficult health diagnosis. Emotions, he says, were at an all-time high.

“I felt like, in my case, I was getting rocked by pretty big waves,” he says. “It’s common to have a change in a job, deal with the loss of a relationship or loved one — any of those would be substantial changes, and I was being hit with a couple of them at the same time.”

Hanrahan says you do not have to navigate those rough waters alone.

“Often, we try to get back to smooth sailing ourselves, and there are folks who can help us,” he says.

Hanrahan sought help from a mental health professional who helped him work through his emotions.

“Find folks who can help you think through what it is you want to do,” he says. “Maybe you find it in your church, with a therapist or opening up and visiting with a friend. These interactions aren’t about somebody telling you what to do, but rather it’s about helping lead you to clearer thinking.”

Hanrahan says that no matter the size of your problem, it can still affect your mental health.

“I think folks get into a situation where they think there are people who have it worse than they do, that maybe their problems aren’t that big,” he says. “But those things are worth visiting with someone about to better navigate life.”

Making time for yourself

Every occupation has stress unique to that profession, and farming is no exception. Iowa farmer Sara Preston has found that finding time for herself has helped her be the best mom, farmer and farm wife.

With three children ages 6, 3 and 1, Preston, from Swea City, says it is easy to put her needs last.

“Every day, there are things that need to be done on the farm and addressed for each child, and your needs get put to the bottom of the list, but you need to fill your cup,” she says. “If you keep pouring into other people, your cup becomes empty. You have nothing else to give them.”

Whether it’s taking time to read, starting the day with devotions, taking a hot bath, going for a walk or drinking enough water, Preston says self-love comes in various formats.

“I can ultimately be a better person and a better mom if I have that time,” she says. “Being able to do some things for me and getting over the mom guilt of sometimes putting yourself first is important. Mom guilt is real, but we need to do better about giving ourselves grace and showing ourselves the same love that we give to the rest of our family.”

Mental health first aid

Preston’s parents taught her if she had a problem with something, she should be part of the solution. And a problem she was having was the stigma surrounding mental health.

Her solution was to enroll in a Mental Health First Aid course.

“Mental health disorders are something people cannot control. It is just like if somebody broke their arm; but people feel so guilty if they suffer from depression or anxiety,” she says. “As a community, we need to understand mental health and be supportive.”

Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance abuse issues.

Continued on Page 10

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

“It’s learning about your mental health, but also being equipped to notice signs in those with mental health disorders,” says Preston. “It could be your spouse, child or neighbor.”

Preston has seen mental health disorders increase in her rural community and the farming industry.

“Farmers are two times more likely to complete suicide compared to other occupations,” she says. “The stress, long hours and uncontrollable dynamics that go into farming can take a toll. Farmers need to make themselves a priority and as an industry, we need to recognize this situation.”

Offering help

If you have noticed a change in someone’s personality or habits,

Preston says it’s OK to confront that person and share your concerns.

One concern may be if they feel they may want to complete suicide. If so, you can direct them to the crisis hotline at 988 or the Crisis Text Line, where they can text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor.

Most importantly, do not leave them alone.

“Stay with them, be the person they know cares about them and stay with them until additional help comes,” she says. Others may struggle but not want to hurt themselves.

“You can be a non-judgmental friend they can come to and talk through some of their concerns,” she says.

End the stigma

Hanrahan wants farmers to know that help is available, no matter how seemingly small or big the concern.

“Mental health is health,” he says. “Sometimes I think people get caught up in wondering whether their problems add up to enough to seek help. I don’t know what anyone’s problems tally up to, but I know they and the folks they care about add up to way more than enough.”

Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com

Editor’s note: A version of this story first appeared on the Iowa Food & Family Project’s website, iowafoodandfamily.com.

“

Mental health disorders are something people cannot control. It is just like if somebody broke their arm; but people feel so guilty if they suffer from depression or anxiety.”

Sara Preston

ISA farmer member Sara Preston is a sixth-generation farmer raising cattle and growing soybeans and corn. Sara lives near Swea City with her husband Jared and children Nora and Maggie.

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Put our expertise and services to work for you — validate your membership today at iasoybeans.com/join

Morey Hill

Madrid

Title: District 5 Director

ISA Committees: Supply, Information & Education

What crops and livestock do you grow on the farm?

Soybeans and corn in rotation. I keep anywhere from 10-12 ewes and raise about 20 laying hens.

What do you want farmers to know about the use of their checkoff dollars on the committees you serve?

Whichever committee I sit on, the other directors and I are always putting farmers first when it comes to investing their checkoff dollars.

How does your personal philosophy match the mission of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA)?

I’m always trying to improve, not staying the status quo. ISA has the same vision.

What’s the latest innovation that gets you excited about the future of soybeans?

Using soybean oil for the asphalt extender; I think it has a great future. All the research going on the new uses for soybeans makes me excited.

How have you evolved as a soybean farmer?

I’ve gone from 30-inch rows to 7-inch rows of drilled beans, from cultivation to no-till. I’ve also gone from walking beans to having herbicide-tolerant soybeans.

How do you envision production agriculture 50 years from now?

Technology and more automation. It will be doing more with less.

What’s the best piece of advice (industry-related or otherwise) you’ve ever been given?

Take care of the land, no one’s making any more of it.

What do you see as the largest hurdle for homegrown soybeans in the future? Opportunity?

Hurdle? Logistics or shipping. We need to make sure we maintain and upgrade our infrastructure to keep our competitive edge. An opportunity is research for new uses; there’s unlimited potential.

What’s something people don’t usually know about you?

I was mayor of Sheldahl for 12 years. Sheldahl is the only three-county town in Iowa, sitting in Polk, Boone and Story counties.

Photo: Iowa Soybean Association

Vilsack Lauds ISA’s Innovative Approach

BY BROCK JOHNSTON

Midwest farmers will soon be eligible to apply for financial incentives for farmer-led efforts to implement and scale on-farm practices yielding positive environmental outcomes.

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) has been awarded $95 million for the creation of the Midwest Climate-Smart Commodities Project, administered by the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF). The grant, made possible through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, was reaffirmed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack during his remarks at Commodity Classic 2023 in Orlando, Florida.

Secretary Vilsack and ISA President Randy Miller took to the main stage of the Commodity Classic trade show to officially sign the grant. They were joined by ISA President-Elect Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA Secretary Jeff Frank, ISA At-Large Director Tom Adam, and U.S. Under-

Secretary of Agriculture Robert Bonnie. The five-year program will provide direct financial incentives for farmers operating in 12 states to implement on-farm practices resulting in positive environmental outcomes.

“ISA has long touted this innovative approach — with farmers leading the way and being rewarded for implementing practices that have farreaching benefits,” says Miller. “We extend a sincere thank you to Secretary Vilsack, Under-Secretary Bonnie and our other project partners for their continued efforts to support climate-smart outcomes in agriculture.”

Vilsack recognized ISA and Iowa soybean farmers, saying the public and private partnerships are necessary to achieve sustained improvements in air and water quality while adding value to every acre and commodity enrolled.

“The Iowa Soybean Association has always been at the forefront of new

and creative ways to farm,” Vilsack says. “I appreciate the great work that’s been done, and the unique partnership formed by this project. It’s everything we envisioned when establishing the program because it not only focuses on producers but involves those who also get the advantage of utilizing products grown on the farm.”

In addition to supporting farmers, federal funds will be leveraged with corporate commitments and used for farmer enrollment and technical assistance, as well as outcome quantification, measurement, reporting and verification.

Farmers interested in enrolling can visit the SWOF website and complete a brief interest form at theoutcomesfund.com. As enrollment opens, an agronomist will reach out to answer questions and assist with the enrollment process.

Not funded by the soybean checkoff

ISA officially signs and receives a USDA ClimateSmart Commodities Program grant for the creation of the Midwest Climate-Smart Commodities Project at Commodity Classic 2023. At $95 million, the grant is the largest USDA Climate-Smart Commodities awarded thus far, and is poised to expand on-farm conservation practices across millions of Midwest farmland acres.

(Front left to right): ISA President-Elect Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg; USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack; ISA President Randy Miller, Lacona. Also participating in the signing were ISA Directors Tom Adam of Harper and Jeff Frank of Auburn.

(Photos: Bethany Baratta/Iowa Soybean Association)

It’s the hallmark of those who work the land and feed the world — self-reliance, hard work and pride. Farmers carve out their lives and make things happen without leaning on others.

But the uncertainty of the weather, the volatility of the markets, rising input costs, equipment maintenance and the unknowns of what the future holds are enough to test any farmer’s resolve and overall well-being.

While most farmers are eternal optimists — many say you have to be if you want to survive the farming business — there should

be no shame in seeking help or assistance in times of difficulty.

That’s the message from officials Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, and throughout the year.

“The majority of farmers rely on their ability to cope and manage any stressor they have,” says Dr. David N. Brown, a behavioral health state specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

“But sometimes, just talking to somebody can help and make a real difference,” says Tammy Jacobs, hotline supervisor and mental health first aid trainer with ISU Human Sciences Extension and Outreach.

Available resources

Both Brown and Jacobs share the importance of mental health services and general information that farmers and their friends and families, as well as Iowa’s rural communities, can turn to during difficult times.

Iowa Concern, a 24/7 hotline, provides a listening and knowledgeable ear to those facing various pressures and concerns, such as legal, financial, stress (depression, parenting and wellness) or crisis/disaster concerns.

The hotline was established in 1985, during the heart of the farm crisis — a confluence of failed policies, increasing debt, land and commodity price booms and busts, drought, bank failures and more.

Over the past four decades, the hotline has evolved into a resource for those who struggled

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

with natural disasters like Iowa’s 1993 floods, recent tornadoes and the 2020 derecho. It was also a resource for Iowans during COVID-19 shutdowns, which isolated and affected those in rural and urban areas.

Brown and Jacobs say ISU has accessed funds to provide mental health education, suicide prevention and stress assistance programs from 2019 and 2020 Farm and Ranch Stress Assistant Network grants. These grants were funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and also included support for the Iowa Concern hotline.

The 2020 grant, awarded to the University of Illinois, allowed ISU Extension and Outreach to subcontract and expand services, including the development of training to assist mental health and healthcare professionals learn more about the culture of farming.

A 2021 grant from IDALS allowed ISU, as a subcontractor, to offer community outreach and programming, and distribute farmer resource packets in 86 of Iowa’s 99 counties.

These packets have been shared with Iowa’s farmers, agri-businesses, veterinarians, school districts and others who have contact with farmers or rural residents.

The publications include hotline numbers, information about the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns, the warning signs of suicidal intent, alcohol and substance abuse, available resources and statistical information.

Ending the stigma

Brown and Jacobs acknowledge the stigma of mental health concerns remains an obstacle.

“The mentality is that farmers out there are saying they are still likely to tough it out,” Brown says. “They want to be self-reliant and just do it on their own.”

This mentality or approach aligns with Iowans in general, Jacobs says.

“One of our goals is to change the stigma by educating folks on what to look for and how to talk to the person in need.”

One of the few silver linings of the COVID pandemic, Jacobs

Continued on Page 16

“ A farmer’s whole health is very important. It’s not just physical health, but also emotional and mental well-being.”

Tammy Jacobs, ISU Human Sciences Extension and Outreach

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

says, was the comfortability of farmers to call and reach out for assistance. Farmers and those in rural communities were more open to seeking help because they knew they could reach out from their combine or tractor without going to a therapist in person.

Challenges abound

When it comes to mental health, what are the concerns that farmers and their families face?

“Much of it is financial, the uncertainty of it all,” says Jacobs. “Even before you put the seed in the ground, you have no control over what might happen.”

Other factors might be transitioning from farming to retirement.

“A lot of farmers have heritage

farms,” she says. “Retiring farmers have a hard time letting go of the farm. It’s part of their identity. Younger generations have a weight on their shoulders to make sure the farm is successful.” Weather woes, Brown says, impact the overall emotional and mental well-being.

Drought-concerns over the years have been a key struggle for many, whether it’s those who have row crops, livestock or both, he says.

Drought decimated pastures and hay prices were at record highs.

“It’s often all about finances, and that’s scary,” Brown says.

Jacobs says it’s the unknowns of farming that have an impact. Even beyond what’s happening locally, farmers must contend with what happens overseas, wars, export and import markets,

and animal diseases — all uncontrollable factors.

“It’s turmoil,” Brown says. “Farmers always have to be on alert.”

Keep talking

Jacobs and Brown say there’s no shame in seeking counsel and support.

“A farmer’s whole health is very important,” Jacobs says. “It’s not just physical health, but also emotional and mental well-being.”

Trained staff is available for help by calling Iowa Concern at 800-447-1985.

“I would tell farmers to talk to anyone: their spouse, best friend, another farmer. Please talk to someone,” Brown says.

Contact Jeff Hutton at jhutton@iasoybeans.com

Download information from your computer

Farm Stress and Mental Health: store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16350-pdf

Stress on the Farm: store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16351-pdf

Stress in Agricultural Areas (Spanish version): store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16568-pdf

24/7 Toll-free hotlines, texting, email and website information

Iowa Concern: (800) 447-1985 or go to extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern

Iowa Warm Line: (844) 775-9276

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 or go to 988lifeline.org

Farm Aid Hotline: (800) 327-6243

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

National Alliance on Mental Illness: (800) 950-6264 or email info@nami.org

Your Life Iowa: (855) 581-8111 or text (855) 895-8398

Healthy Families: (800) 369-2229 or go to womenshealthiowa.info

Iowa 2-1-1: 2-1-1 or go to 211iowa.org

Teen Line: (800) 443-8336

ISU Workshops: extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/QPR

Farm Financial Planning: extension.iastate.edu/farmanalysis

Farm and Ranch Wellbeing: extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/farm-ranchwellbeing

North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center: farmstress.org

Iowa Farm Bureau Stress and Mental Health: iowafarmbureau.com/Stress-Mental-Health-Resources Farm Wellness Alliance: farmfamilywellness.com

Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health: icash.public-health.uiowa.edu

Cut here or take a picture with your phone and save for easy reference

HELPING YOU DELIVER ON DEMAND

Whether it’s improving soybean meal to outperform the competition or promoting the sustainability of U.S. soy, the soy checkoff has been working behind the scenes to help farmers satisfy their customers’ needs. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And for U.S. soybean farmers like you, the impact is invaluable.

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

A family tractor sits on the Goodhue farm in Carlisle

Cattle graze in a harvested corn field near Westfield

A weathered barn faces a county highway near Akron

Randy Kroksh settles his eager pup to go and check his cattle

Goats gather curiously near Sioux City

Aimee Bissell gears up her planting equipment for spring

Monitoring for Success

Testing tile water can help improve water quality and give a better understanding of what is happening in your fields.

BY KRISS NELSON

Mike Paustian is on the road to improvement. That’s why the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) farmer member in Scott County engages with ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) to learn more about how he can continue to improve water quality in his area.

Water quality monitoring is a key program through ISA’s RCFI. The center works with sponsors supporting monitoring across Iowa, including Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Watershed Management Authorities, and several cities.

Monitoring connects and complements conservation implementation projects and programs where sponsors are providing financial and technical assistance to farmers as they work to protect and improve their soil and water.

The accredited lab is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to analyze E. coli bacteria, nitrites and fluoride under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Analyzing results

The accredited water lab supplied individual water monitoring reports for 158 participants in 2022, including samples on 247 tiles and 63 edge-of-field nutrient reduction practice sites, which include saturated buffers, bioreactors, ponds and wetlands.

Results showed a statewide average tile nitrate-N concentration of 14.5 mg/L, the highest since 2016 and above the seven-year average of 12.6 mg/L.

The Des Moines Lobe, Iowan Surface and Southern Iowa Drift Plain, the state’s three prominent landforms, were also above their seven-year average, with both the Des Moines Lobe and Iowan Surface having average nitrate-N concentrations of 15.7 mg/L.

Tony Seeman, ISA water lab service maanager, notes that when drier growing seasons occur, plants might not access nitrogen in the soil, allowing it to accumulate and be lost the following spring. When early season rain arrives, higher levels of nitrates can be leached below the root zone and lost out of tiles, causing increased levels in streams and rivers.

Other results showed no significant difference between corn or soybeans in the rotation, and cover crop fields averaged 26% less nitrate loss than those without cover crops.

“When the soils thaw, and we get spring rains, cover crops use those nitrates instead of letting them leach deeper into the soil and eventually lost downstream,” Seeman says.

Besides management categories, reports also anonymously rank individual site results compared to others throughout the state by landform, county and project.

“ISA is doing a tremendous job at compiling data and giving us reports,” says Paustian, who raises soybeans, cattle, and hogs near Walcott. “This is a real value for me. I see my results for my fields. It provides a lot of context on how that compares with others in the area and state. Am I average? Above or below average? What more can I do?”

Evaluating management

Water monitoring can help gain an in-field management evaluation.

“If there are exceptionally high levels of nitrates coming off your field, there is an opportunity to change your fertilizer regime,” says Seeman.

Following the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship – the right source, right rate, right time and right place should be a priority.

“ ISA is doing a tremendous job at compiling data and giving us reports. This information is a real value for me. I see my results for my fields.”

Mike Paustian, ISA farmer-member from Scott County

Tony Seeman, ISA water lab service manager, says monitoring enables farmers to better understand the impact of their management on the water leaving their farms.

“Fertilizer is where your dollars are. More than 75% of the sites we have sampled fall into expected ranges, so then farmers can think about adding an edge-of-field practice or cover crops to make further reductions,” says Seeman.

Recognized as one of our state’s conservation champions, Paustian, a member of the Front 40 class, is a big proponent of water monitoring that helps him make

those data-based decisions for his farm.

“You cannot look at tile water and see if it is full of nutrients,” Paustian says. “Testing the water draining out of our fields is a great starting point for understanding what is happening.”

Based on previous water quality results, Paustian has incorporated saturated buffers, no-till and cover crops.

Continued on Page 22

Data from the recently completed Benton County WQI demonstration project shows that cover crops work. However, they take time to impact water quality.

Water monitoring could also play a significant role in helping achieve goals set by the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

“We need a 45% reduction of nitrates from every acre in Iowa,” Seeman says. “Data is needed to help farmers gauge the next steps in achieving the 45% reduction per acre.”

Voluntary approach

Paustian has encouraged producers in his area to get involved with water monitoring and to make the conservation shifts necessary to improve water quality.

“The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy has been in place for 10 years. We need to show progress, or it will appear a voluntary conservation approach will not work,” he says. “A voluntary approach is inherently more flexible, and we must show it can work.”

Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com

Mike and his wife Amy are sixthgeneration farmers who grow soybeans and corn, and have a farrow-to-finish pig operation.

Donation also celebrates inclusion of soybean oil in tire treads.

BY BETHANY BARATTA

Their job description means they work 24/7, 365 to keep communities safe. They protect life and property through the enforcement of laws and regulations. Their best effort is required every shift, every day.

During National Law Enforcement Appreciation Month in May, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is showing its gratitude by equipping three Ankeny Police Department vehicles with sets of Goodyear Eagle Enforcer All Weather tires that include soybean oil in the tire tread.

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of local law enforcement and are proud to know the department can rely on soy while keeping our communities safe,” says Randy Miller, ISA president from Lacona.

These specific Goodyear Eagle Enforcer All Weather tires contain soybean oil in the tire tread compound. This tread compound helps to deliver superior traction in dry, wet and snowy conditions while enhancing tread life and reducing petroleum usage when compared to other tires. The inclusion of soybean oil in the tread compound results

in an approximately 45% reduction in petroleum-based oil compared to its predecessor.

The tires donated by the ISA will be placed on an unmarked Ankeny K9 unit and two fully-marked patrol vehicles, used to circuit city streets.

“The donation of Goodyear Eagle Enforcer All Weather tires with soybean oil by the Iowa Soybean Association means that the department will be able to continue toward its goal of using equipment that is use more sustainable and eco-friendly,” says Corey Schneden, sergeant for the Ankeny Police Department. “This donation will help the police department reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.”

Backed by farmers

With financial support from the United Soybean Board (USB) through checkoff investments, Goodyear championed the use of soybean oil in its tire products in 2017, calling it a “naturally derived, cost-effective, carbon-neutral and renewable tire technology.”

Goodyear championed the use of soybean oil in its tire products in 2017.

Amin Bakri, a mechanic at the City of Ankeny’s central garage, adds tires to an Ankeny Policy Department’s unmarked K9 unit vehicle.

Photo courtesy of Ankeny Police Department.

Photo courtesy of Ankeny Police Department.

“Knowing that soy, a product grown in Iowa, is used in producing these tires is a source of pride for the local community,” Schneden says. “This donation from the ISA represents a great example of how innovative technologies can support local farmers and businesses, while also helping to reduce our use of petroleumbased products.”

Goodyear’s Assurance WeatherReady, Assurance ComfortDrive, Eagle Exhilarate, Wranger HT and Eagle Enforcer All Weather tires, as well as its Metro Miler G152 and G652, the Endurance WHA waste haul tire, and some Goodyear racing tires, are made with a soybean oil compound.

Improved performance

The Goodyear team of scientists and engineers created the soybean oil-based tread compound. Using soybean oil kept the rubber compound flexible in changing temperatures, a key performance achievement in maintaining and enhancing grip between the vehicle and the road surface.

Additionally, Goodyear discovered that soybean oil mixes more easily with rubber compounds and reduces energy consumption, which improves tire manufacturing efficiency.

“Farmer investment and support in the research and development of new products containing soybeans continue to generate significant wins for consumers, the environment and our industry,” says Miller. “The use of soybean oil in tires is a perfect example of our checkoff dollars driving sustainable innovation and partnership.”

Contact Bethany Baratta at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com

Electronic Storage Detection K9 Sandy has a new set of tires to provide safe transport from one mission to the next thanks to a recent donation.

Ankeny Police Sergeant Mark Moeller, Detective Kris Lindell, Electronic Storage Detection K9 Sandy and Sergeant Corey Schneden with Ankeny Police Department’s new set of wheels.

Training, Education Boost

Give the people of a country a fish, and they’ll eat for a day. Teach them how to produce fish (and poultry and milk), and they’ll eat for a lifetime.

Providing training and education to people in developing countries is a hallmark of the soybean checkoff. In addition to boosting food quality and quantity, the outreach and networking create more demand for U.S. soybeans.

Nowhere is this more evident than Soy Excellence Centers (SEC) developed and implemented by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).

With funding provided by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and other state soybean organizations, the professional development program is organizing and engaging a global network of tomorrow’s soy leaders across the globe.

ISA President Randy Miller and President-elect Suzanne Shirbroun saw their impact first-hand during a recent visit to Egypt. In addition to meeting with soybean buyers and processors, they participated in graduation ceremonies recognizing dozens of SEC participants for completing week-long fish and dairy production training.

“You can tell by the smiles on their faces and recognition of their peers that it’s a big deal,” Miller says. “These are skills that will serve them well and help people eat better.

“And when people want to eat better, they look to protein, which bodes well for soy.”

Professional training

USSEC launched Soy Excellence Centers in 2019 in the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas. The centers offer professional training certification and career advancement to participants in a variety of curriculums, including feed milling, soybean processing and refining, and poultry, dairy, swine and fish production.

More than 6,500 trainees have participated in SECs, including nearly 1,000 in 51 of Africa’s 53 countries.

World Fish, an international non-profit research and innovation organization established in 1975, serves as an SEC host. It’s funded by the United Nations, international donors, and U.S. and other food aid organizations to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty across Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

PHOTOS AND STORY BY AARON PUTZE, APR

Boost Soy Demand in

Its Egyptian production and training facility, located a short drive northeast of Cairo, has operated for almost 25 years. The freshwater facility fed by the Nile River transitions fish from hatchlings to a product that’s ready for market.

In addition to traditional ponds, it utilizes inland pond raceway systems (IPRS). Developed more than a decade ago with support from ISA and soybean checkoff, IPRS results in more efficient feed conversion and reduced labor, water usage, and mortalities. It’s also a more sustainable system than traditional pond fish farms as it recycles water, converts fish waste into fertilizer and requires less land.

As one of just a handful of freshwater production systems globally, the Egyptian facility boasts 160 ponds and serves as a training center for aspiring and mid-level aquaculture professionals, including farmers, business employees and members of academia.

Real-life training

Each SEC involves up to 40 participants. The week-long curriculum hosted at the World Fish facility provides training

on all aspects of fish production, including water quality, proper feeding, and nutrition and pond management.

“When you’re talking about real training, you are talking about World Fish,” says Dr. Ahmed Nasr-Allah, country director for the organization who oversees the 600-hectare facility near Cairo.

Metric tonnage of farm-raised fish production in Egypt has increased from 600,000 in 2005 to nearly 1.5 million in 2019. Production is projected to surpass 2 million metric tons (MMT) by 2030.

Farm-raised fish account for almost 80% of Egypt’s seafood market, up from 50% in 2012. Tilapia is the choice of 80% of Egyptians. Others include catfish, sea bass, mullet and carp. Shrimp production is gaining in popularity as farmers seek to diversify and capture greater premiums and profits.

“The results of better technology, feed, water and training are evident,” says Nasr-Allah.

Proof point: per-acre fish production has increased from 400 kilograms to 2 tons since 2019.

Continued on Page 28

Bottom image: A proud graduate of a Soy Excellence Center in fish production hosted by World Fish in Egypt receives her diploma with the help of ISA President Randy Miller and President-Elect Suzanne Shirbroun.

Top image: It’s all smiles as graduates of a fish production management class at World Fish in Egypt pose after receiving their certificates. The training improves fish production boosting demand for U.S. soybeans.

“This is the result of USSEC, investments from U.S. soy farmers and World Fish, and everyone agrees on this,” Nasr-Allah says.

Efficient and more sustainable farming methods require better feed.

In 2006, the country converted from fish meal to soybean meal as the primary feed ingredient. Soybeans are a valuable component of professional fish feed rations. U.S. soybean farmers supply more than 80% of Egypt’s demand for the oilseed, including a 95% market share of Egyptian fish feed. Whole soybeans account for roughly 92% of the country’s U.S. soy imports.

Soybean checkoff investments made by U.S. farmers in protein production systems and training in developing countries like Egypt are a win-win, says Miller.

“They create relationships and build trust with those on the front lines of producing food, from the buyers and processors of soy to the farmers and their employees.

“And they generate demand for U.S. soy, helping diversify the mix of countries that buy our product,” added Miller, who farms near Lacona in south central Iowa.

ISA CEO Kirk Leeds joined Miller and Shirbroun for the trade mission to Egypt. They networked with buyers and processors of U.S. soy, Egyptian farm association leaders, University of Cairo ag faculty and business leaders. They also visited protein production and processing facilities, including World Fish.

Continued on Page 30

Soy Excellence Center

Soy Excellence Centers (SECs) provide protein enterprises with workforce training and capacity — building programs to enhance productivity in the protein value chain of emerging markets.

SECs target entry to mid-level professionals seeking career advancement in the protein industry. Increased workforce preparedness leads to more efficient protein production, impacting the entire value chain.

ISA President-Elect Suzanne Shirbroun shows off the quality of her work after tagging a tilapia fingerling.

Tilapia being harvested from an inland pond raceway system pioneered with the help of the soybean checkoff at World Fish Egypt.

Inland pond raceway system at World Fish Egypt.

Iowa Soybean Association leaders Suzanne Shirbroun (left) and Randy Miller (second from right) tried their hand at tagging tilapia at World Fish during a trade mission to Egypt in March.

Learning about the benefits of inland pond raceway systems at World Fish Egypt.

Soy fish feed.

An inland pond raceway system at World Fish Egypt.

The streets of Cairo.

Suzanne Shirbroun and Randy Miller tour World Fish Egypt .

Wise decision

Soybean farmers are responsible for investing every checkoff dollar, Shirbroun says. Facilities like World Fish and training initiatives like USSEC’s Soy Excellence Centers are prime examples of making wise funding decisions.

“Seeing is believing,” says Shirbroun, who operates a farm and seed business near Farmersburg in northeast Iowa. “Seeing fish production double and triple along with a country’s import of U.S. soy demonstrate the value of investing in the people of Egypt.”

Iowa and U.S. soybean farmers need countries like Egypt, said Leeds.

“Despite economic headwinds being experienced by the Egyptians — and everyone globally, for that matter — it’s important to be here,” he says. “It’s

about the long term and continually assuring our customers and friends that the U.S. soybean farmer is committed to being their supplier.”

While Egyptian imports of raw commodities like soybeans and corn are struggling due to rapid global inflation and devaluation of the country’s currency, it’s only a matter of time until its economic fortunes turn.

“Time devoted to knowing the Egyptian people, their struggles and aspirations and helping them farm better generates loyalty and ensures U.S. soy remains top of mind,” Leeds added.

“They will buy again when the global and Egyptian economies turn around. We want to make sure that when it does, our market share is retained and increased.”

Contact Aaron Putze at aputze@iasoybeans.com

Full-Circle Return

HERE’S HOW THE SOY CHECKOFF WORKS. The national soy checkoff was created as part of the 1990 Farm Bill. The Act & Order that created the soy checkoff requires that all soybean farmers pay into the soy checkoff at the first point of purchase. These funds are then used for promotion, research and education at both the state and national level.

FARMERSSELLBEANS TO ELEVATORS, PROCESSORS&DEALERS

1/2 of 1% of the total selling price collected per the national soybean act & order

Half goes to the state checkoff for investment in areas that are a priority for that state.

EDUCATION

ROI TO THE FARMER

Half goes to the national checkoff for investment in USB’s long-range strategic plan.

unitedsoybean.org

Led by 73 volunteer soybean farmers, the United Soybean Board (USB) invests and leverages soy checkoff dollars to MAXIMIZE PROFIT OPPORTUNITIES for all U.S. soybean farmers.