Iowa Soybean Review | October 2024 by Iowa Soybean Association

Investing in Soy Infrastructure

The developing and emerging nations of today are the home of tomorrow’s U.S. Soy customers

Executive Committee

President Brent Swart, Spencer | D1

Secretary Tom Adam, Harper | D9

Treasurer Jeff Frank, Lake View | D4

At-Large Director

Brent Renner, Klemme | D2

Board of Directors

Paul Kassel, Spencer | D1

Sam Showalter, Hampton | D2

Mike Yegge, Lake Mills | D2

Rick Juchems, Plainfield | D3

Amanda Tupper, Ionia | D3

Marty Danzer, Carroll | D4

Corey Goodhue, Carlisle | D5

Dave Struthers, Collins | D5

Matt Willimack, DeWitt | D6

Dave Walton, Wilton | D6

Scot Bailey, Anita | D7

Lee Brooke, Clarinda | D7

Warren Bachman, Osceola | D8

Randy Miller, Lacona | D8

Jeff Ellis, Donnellson | D9

Jack Boyer, Reinbeck | At-Large

Aimee Bissell, Bedford | At-Large

Sharon Chism, Huxley | At-Large

American Soybean Association

Board of Directors

Tom Adam, Harper

Steph Essick, Dickens

Morey Hill, Madrid

Randy Miller, Lacona

Pat Swanson, Ottumwa

Dave Walton, Wilton

United Soybean Board of Directors

Tim Bardole, Rippey

Robb Ewoldt, Davenport

April Hemmes, Hampton

Brent Renner, Klemme

Staff Credits

Bethany Baratta | Editor

Aaron Putze, APR | CO of Brand Mgmt and Engagement

Susan Langman | Creative Design Coordinator

Joclyn Bushman | Multimedia Specialist

Jeff Hutton | Senior Writer

Kriss Nelson | Staff Writer

Joseph Hopper | Communications Specialist

Brock Johnston | Public Relations Manager

FARMER FOCUSED | DRIVEN TO DELIVER

ISA VISION

We advance the long-term competitiveness of Iowa soybean farmers.

ISA MISSION

Driven to deliver opportunities for Iowa soybean farmers to thrive.

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

October 2024 | Vol. 38, No. 1

10 Journey to the Pacific Northwest

Learn why farmers are investing in port infrastructure.

20 Showing Promise

The Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) reflects on cover crop systems and how they’re scoring in soil sampling.

30 Farmers Elected to Leadership

The results of the Iowa Soybean Association election are in. Meet the directors elected and re-elected.

On the cover:

The Pacific Northwest is the second largest export region for U.S. soybeans. The area represents an opportunity for Iowa soybean farmers as the pile of soybean meal grows as production of renewable fuels also expands. In this issue, read how and why soybean farmers are investing here and in other parts of the United States.

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

Collaboration Builds Support for Farmers

One of the advantages and rewards of serving as CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association for 30-plus years is being able to help launch and grow many initiatives and programs.

Over three decades, staff and farmer directors have been at the forefront of many challenges and issues, fighting on behalf of Iowa’s soybean farmers and all of Iowa agriculture. Examples include the initial work on biodiesel (called soy diesel in those early years) and improving multi-state collaboration in soybean production research with creation of the North Central Soybean Research Program and U.S. Soybean Research Collaborative.

The Soyfoods Council has expanded the human utilization of soy while the Iowa Food & Family Project engages with more than 160,000 consumers monthly to boost their trust and understanding of modern agriculture. The Soy Transportation Coalition is another success story as it works to update and expand transportation infrastructure (see stories in this issue).

ISA plays a leading role in helping farmers understand and adopt new conservation and agronomic practices and products through the work of our internal Research Center for Farming Innovation and through collaborative efforts such as the Iowa Ag Water Alliance and Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance. I’m proud that ISA has the first and only certified water lab housed within a commodity organization.

The Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University brings together scientists who work to make soybean production more efficient and sustainable. The ISA board recently approved the creation of AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund to give farmers in Iowa and across

the country the opportunity to participate in the everchanging carbon market space.

In 2004, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) was launched by ISA, Iowa Farm Bureau and many of the other Iowa commodity groups. During the Iowa State Fair this summer, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig joined senior leaders in Iowa agriculture to celebrate CSIF’s 20 years of helping Iowa farmers expand their livestock and poultry farms.

As I shared during my brief remarks at the event, the creation of CSIF was one of the most impactful things I’ve been part of during my career at ISA. CSIF has played a critical role in coming alongside more than 5,300 farmers wanting to start or grow their livestock or poultry farms.

Particularly in the early days, farmers who were often wanting to expand their livestock farm to make it possible to bring a son or daughter back into the operation were facing significant opposition including organized protesters from groups opposing animal agriculture. CSIF provided information on the various rules and regulations, and guidance on enhancing neighbor relations.

Although we still see some localized opposition, it is not as intense or widespread as in the early 2000s. CSIF deserves tremendous credit for its success ensuring that Iowa remains a leading producer of pork, eggs, turkey, dairy and beef. For soybeans, strong animal production has enabled Iowa to remain a leading producer and the nation’s leading soybean crusher. Strong meat production leads to strong demand for soybeans. Learn more about CSIF by visiting its website at supportfarmers.com.

Financial Incentive

To help cover the start-up costs of cover crops, Farmers for Soil Health o ers ﬁnancial assistance of up to $50/acre over a three-year period.

Exclusive Marketplace

Enrollment in Farmers for Soil Health provides access to an exclusive future marketplace connecting farmers to top-tier supply chain partners that are focused on sustainability.

Technical Advisor

Each state has dedicated on-theground technical advisors to provide research-based information and educational resources to aid in the transition of your ﬁeld.

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your cooperative

Rural Route 2

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

Thoughts from the Train

“ Keep your hands, feet, tail and paws in the train at all times,” we heard the conductor say.

My son and I laughed.

Riding the train around the perimeter of the Blank Park Zoo is a tradition for us. It’s reliable, fun and provides a unique perspective of the zoo, one you can’t easily see walking the 22-acre property.

As we rode the tracks past the alpacas, tigers and zebras, I couldn’t help but think about the logistics of soy transportation. It was fresh on my mind after returning recently from the Pacific Northwest. Nearly 30% of U.S. soybeans are exported from the region annually.

Putting various modes of transportation together to take soybeans from row to river takes an extraordinary amount of cooperation, collaboration and effort. Seeing it all come together at the Port of Grays Harbor, where soy is exported to customers around the world, was impressive. I’ve seen my dad load rail cars at the cooperative where he worked in northeast Iowa but didn’t think about where that grain might ‘land’.

I imagine seeing the port from a farmer’s perspective was a bit unique, too. From selecting the seed, planting, growing and harvest, there’s an immense amount of time (and prayer and money)

spent on that soybean. And after it leaves the farm? It’s up to someone else.

That’s where the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) comes in. STC is focused on all the ways soy is transported. It’s not just about rural highways and bridges, STC considers the impact that rail expansion projects and river dredging might have on farmers throughout the U.S. As STC Executive Director Mike Steenhoek says, “What happens over here impacts what happens over there. And what happens over there impacts what happens over here.”

The care you have for the soybeans you’re harvesting on your farm is the same care STC has regarding the transportation of those harvested soybeans and soybean products. The quality of the soybeans you produce doesn’t mean much if you can’t get it to the customers who have come to appreciate the U.S. soy supply.

As your harvested soybeans leave the farm this month, you can be assured that through the efforts of the STC and its farmer-leader board, it appears soy transportation efforts are on the right track.

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JOURNEY to the Pacific Northwest

As demand for soybean oil increases as a feedstock for renewable fuels, so, too, does the pile of the co-product, soybean meal. After all, you need the whole soybean to squeeze the oil. The soybean meal that remains is a highly sought-after commodity among global customers.

Ag Processing Inc (AGP) realizes the opportunity.

In 2022, AGP approved an expansion and upgrade of its export facilities at the Port of Grays Harbor in Aberdeen, Washington.

The upgrade will double AGP’s capacity — from 3.5 million to 7 million tons — of soybean meal exports annually.

“U.S. domestic demand can’t absorb the additional production resulting from the increase in renewable fuel production, and that’s where Grays Harbor comes in,” says Craig Pietig, vice president of ag products for AGP. “We can push this product into the export channels to feed the growing demand, but also compete with the other origins for this market share that we’re going to need going forward.”

AGP will upgrade its current facilities at Terminal 2, including the construction of additional storage. It will also add a new state-of-the-art ship loader at the harbor’s Terminal 4. Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 are both deep-water berths with quick access to the open ocean. The planned expansion will enable AGP to load multiple ships up to and including Panamax-sized vessels.

To accommodate this upgrade, the Port of Grays Harbor needed to expand its terminal to accommodate this growth for its largest customer, AGP. The Port of Grays Harbor was awarded a $25.5 million Port Infrastructure Development Program grant from United States Department of Transportation Maritime Administration for its Terminal 4 expansion and redevelopment project. It was matched with $21.35 million in non-federal funds.

Seeing the opportunity to expand soybean exports globally, the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) brought together farmer-leaders to explore how STC could support the project.

“It was one of the first ways for us to lean into the expected increase in crush and say, ‘What are we going to do with all this meal?’ Here, we’re willing to invest in something that will actually move it onto the export market,” says Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the STC, which works to promote a cost effective, reliable, and competitive soy transportation system.

The Iowa Soybean Association, Kansas Soybean Commission, Nebraska Soybean Board, North Dakota Soybean Council, South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, STC and the United Soybean Board collectively contributed $1.3 million to the Terminal 4 expansion and redevelopment project. The money helps offset pre-engineering, design and site development costs, which will add 40,000 feet of additional rail within its

Below, a $1.3 million check presentation to expand soy shipping efforts in the Pacific Northwest.

How a port expansion will be a boon to soybean exports

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BETHANY BARATTA

Craig Pietig of AGP points out the infrastructure critical to loading soy onto ships at Grays Harbor.

Marine Terminal Complex, a new fendering system and a stormwater collection and treatment facility at T4. It will create more than 30 acres of additional cargo laydown area to support future operations at Terminal 4A.

“We can produce more than we use in the United States, so we have to find a customer somewhere else,” says ISA District 8 Director Warren Bachman, who serves on the STC Board. “But it doesn’t do any good to have a customer if we can’t get the product from our driveway to their location. So anything we can do to facilitate the movement of our products is money well spent.”

Bachman joined farmers from other soy-producing states to see the site of the planned project. The tour gave ISA District 7 Director Scot Bailey another perspective on the journey his soy takes from his farm

near Anita to the AGP facility in Council Bluffs to the Pacific Northwest and to customers around the world.

“It is very eye-opening for a farmer to come out and just see what everybody is doing out here to help us market our grain more efficiently,” says Bailey, who represents ISA on the STC board.

“These companies are helping us at harvest time, being able to move our grain to keep the system moving. If we bottleneck at the elevator locally and can’t get out to the crushers, that bottlenecks the whole system. This avenue of having them move product to keep

everything flowing during harvest makes a lot of difference. It reduces the storage capabilities we need in the Midwest during harvest.”

The $1.3 million helps in the early stages of the project, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

“This contribution aided this transformative project during a critical point,” says Port of Grays Harbor Executive Director Leonard Barnes, who has now worked at the port for 40 years. “But this project isn’t just about Grays Harbor. This project is about all of you — the farmers — and the transportation of a global food source. And we can’t thank you enough for having the confidence in AGP, our Port, and this project to step up and be willing to play such a role.”

Contact Bethany Baratta at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com.

Photo illustration.

Scot Bailey, ISA district 7 director

‘Attacking the number’ critical to soy transportation endeavors

STORY AND PHOTO BY

BETHANY BARATTA

When Soy Transportation Executive Director (STC) Mike Steenhoek opens the weekly data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service showing weekly cost indices of transporting grain by truck, rail, barge, and ocean-going vessels, he sees opportunity.

“Our competitive advantage is eroding,” Steenhoek tells the STC Board of Directors during their meeting along the Columbia River in Washington, pointing to his spreadsheet projected on the screen. About 25% of soybean exports leave from the Pacific Northwest annually. This particular hotel conference room is the former site of the G.M. Standifer Wood Shipyard, built for World War I efforts.

He updates his Microsoft Excel workbook to track the costs of moving one metric ton of soybeans (or 36.74 bushels) from various points like Davenport, Sioux Falls and northern Mato Grosso, Brazil, to Shanghai, China. And then he gets to work.

Steenhoek talks about the complexities of soy transportation infrastructure; how droughts and low river levels impact the transportation of soybeans on the Mississippi River. How Hurricane Ida impacted soy shipments on the Gulf. How attacks on shipping near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait limited shipping through the Suez Canal, forcing ag exporters in the Mississippi Gulf region to utilize the Cape of Good Hope route along the southern tip of Africa to get products to Japan.

Mike Steenhoek notes changes in soy transportation costs during an STC board meeting.

“WE try to Make that (transportation Cost) nUMBeR AS SMALL AS PoSSiBLE becausE that’s a cost barrier betWEen yoU

as A FarMer anD thE CustoMer oVer There.”

Mike Steenhoek, STC Director

He presents the Excel sheet like a playbook to the board; he uses it to demonstrate the United States’ diminishing competitive advantage when he’s making the case for reliable and efficient soy transportation opportunities in D.C. offices.

In red, bold font, the total transportation cost, including truck, barge and ocean rates, associated with getting the soybeans to China. Once double the cost to ship soybeans from northern Mato Grosso, Brazil, there’s now just a $30 per ton difference between U.S. and Brazil origins.

“That cost comparison has significantly curtailed,” Steenhoek says plainly. “One of the conversations we need to increasingly have as an industry is how you attack the number.”

So what does ‘attacking the number’ mean?

It means going after that $30 per ton difference.

And that’s why the Soy Transportation Coalition, comprised of 14 state soybean boards, the American Soybean Association, and the United Soybean Board, is focused on projects in a wide range of scope and scale. From increasing weight limits permitted on highways to expanding capacity of our locks and dams and supporting rail projects that remove log jams to get soy from Iowa farms to customers around the world, it all plays into the competitive advantage the United States has over other exporters.

“We try to make that (transportation cost) number as small as possible because that’s a cost barrier between you as a farmer and the customer over there,” he says to the farmer-leader board. “The smaller that number is, the more you’re facilitating that exchange. The bigger the number, the more of an obstacle it is.”

Contact Bethany Baratta at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com

Top of Mind In Soy

The Soy Transportation Coalition identifies top priorities as it relates to soy transportation

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BETHANY BARATTA

From row to road and rail to river, the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) is focused on projects that increase efficiency in transporting soybeans near and far.

The Port of Kalama, pictured above, is an opportunity for soy transportation.

TEMCO project at Port of Kalama

The Port of Kalama (in Kalama, Washington) and Tacoma Export Marketing Company (TEMCO), a joint venture by Cargill and CHS, are in the process of expanding the rail unloading and staging infrastructure at the terminal.

Expanding rail lines will increase efficiency by 25 to 30%, especially during October through January, which is the key export window for soybeans.

“It’s the same concept as keeping the combines rolling and not having it stop because you don’t have a truck or wagon to offload that crop,” says Mike Steenhoek, STC's executive director.

The United Soybean Board, Soy Transportation Coalition, Iowa Soybean Association and other state soybean associations have committed funding to this project.

Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway

The DeLong Co. Agricultural Maritime Export Facility on Jones Island is one of the first on the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway system to handle various agricultural commodities via truck, rail and international vessel, including dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGs). This facility is expected to open Wisconsin’s maritime and agricultural economies to new international markets.

“Though this facility will never rival the Pacific Northwest or the Mississippi River/Gulf, this is another way to diversify our supply chain,” Steenhoek says.

The Soy Transportation Coalition and Wisconsin Soybean committed funding to this project.

Continued on Pg. 16

A farm-to-market bridge was repaired using railroad flat cars.

Photo credit: Joclyn Bushman

Railcar bridges

A project is underway in Buchanan County, in northeast Iowa, to use six railroad flat cars to replace a rural bridge. This was one of the efforts highlighted in STC’s report, “Top 20 Innovations for Rural Bridge Replacement and Repair”, which promotes cost-effective approach to replacing and repairing rural bridges without compromising safety.

The cost of the county to replace the bridge using the railcars is $300,000, saving the county and its taxpayers more than $500,000.

“My crystal ball says that the local, state and federal governments aren’t likely going to be winning the lottery anytime soon to replace these rural bridges in our country, so if we’re going to be constrictive on the funding availability side, we’d better be serious on the cost containment side,” Steenhoek says. “This is an excellent way of doing it.”

Contact Bethany Baratta at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com

APRIL HEMMES,

UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD DIRECTOR, FARMER FROM HAMPTON

Why are investments in soy transportation important?

I really love to see when states are involved, STC, private companies and the United Soybean Board and we’re putting our dollars together.

Eighty percent of that bean is meal, and with more weight on the oil now with SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and renewable diesel, we really need more places to increase capacity like they are here in the Port of Grays Harbor to get rid of that meal. They don’t store the soybean meal that long here, they get it in and then get it out. To have the capacity to do that is great and knowing that we’ve really come together to make that happen really makes me proud that we’re investing dollars like that.

What might farmers back at home be surprised to learn?

The biggest surprise to me is that our checkoff dollars are going to literally feed people around the world. So what comes in here is going to go to Southeast Asia and then goes to feed their livestock there — or to humans because of tempeh and tofu. Just knowing that we are a part of that is unbelievable. And what a timely investment this is because of the ramping up of all the crush facilities.

Ten years from now, you’re visiting the Port of Grays. What does it look like?

I really hope that the next port is done, it’s at full capacity and they need to build more. Wouldn’t that be a great thing?

That’s the great thing about soy. We’re always looking for the next outlet, the next thing. And to know that could be a possibility is great.

ISA District 8 Director Warren Bachman and ISA District 2

Director April Hemmes saw the opportunities of their soybean checkoff investments in the Pacific Northwest in July.

XIAOPING ZHANG

U.S. SOYBEAN EXPORT COUNCIL (USSEC) REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR GREATER CHINA

Why is American farmer soybean investment important to buyers in your area?

The investment in upgrading U.S. export logistics will continue to increase U.S. Soy’s competitiveness, especially as grain shipments become vulnerable to climate-related events like the Panama Canal restrictions, and geopolitical conflicts like safety threats in the Suez Canal. These passages serve as key logistic points connecting U.S. farmers with the world market.

The expansion of the Grays Harbor facility will help build customers’ confidence in U.S. Soy’s supply reliability. In some cases, Chinese buyers found it difficult to source soy from the Pacific Northwest area where export facilities were fully booked with exports for various commodities, especially for soy. With increasing competition from South America, more logistic enhancement in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, with its proximity to Asia, will help win more business, especially from China, the number one destination for U.S. Soy.

LYNDSEY ERB

USSEC DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY AFFAIRS

What does this investment — by the Soy Transportation Coalition, multiple state checkoff associations, the United Soybean Board, AGP — say about U.S. soy’s willingness to do business with partners around the world?

U.S. Soy offers its customers a sustainable, reliable, high-quality supply. U.S. farmers consistently show up for their customers, growing soy that is efficiently delivered to markets around the world. The investments by American farmers, exporters and like-minded associations to infrastructure further demonstrate that commitment. USSEC and the U.S. Soy value chain build relationships with customers to ensure mutually beneficial trade.

Her words and her passion bridge those in agriculture with those who benefit from agriculture. You might even say she’s a voice for what’s good about rural Iowa.

So, it makes sense that Darcy Maulsby was chosen as the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Advocate for Iowa Agriculture for 2024, presented earlier this year and sponsored by Bayer.

This annual award recognizes an individual, organization or company who effectively and accurately tells the story of modern agriculture and actively builds bridges between Iowa farmers and consumers.

Rural Iowa’s ‘Storyteller’

Darcy Maulsby honored as Iowa Soybean Association’s Advocate for Iowa Agriculture

BY JEFF HUTTON

Whether it’s through her work as an author and writer, photographer, a public speaker or as an advocate from her Calhoun County farm, Maulsby is well-known as “Iowa’s Storyteller.”

According to Lydia Zerby, who nominated Maulsby for the award, this fifth-generation farmer “works tirelessly” to promote and communicate about Iowa agriculture.

“Darcy is a writer/author and has published many books including the history of various Iowa communities and a tour of the culinary history of Iowa,” says Zerby, ISA’s consumers insights and engagement manager. “Darcy is a fantastic

photographer and captures the beauty of Iowa and its agriculture history through the lens of her camera. She is also a public speaker and is able to craft a message to her audience that resonates and inspires. Darcy is real, authentic and people-centered in her approach. Her messages are clear, concise and compelling.”

Receiving the ISA award was an honor, says Maulsby, who lives and farms near Lake City.

“It’s very humbling,” she says. “I’m just passionate about telling these stories of Iowa agriculture and helping people make that farm-to-fork connection and show what’s going on right here in rural America.”

Maulsby shares some of her talents through the quarterly Fresh Pickings magazine, a publication produced by the Iowa Food & Family Project. Zerby, the magazine's editor, says Maulsby helps to bring “light and energy” to Fresh Pickings, submitting features that “are always a highlight of the publication because of her fantastic approach to human interest, agriculture and historical topics.”

But Maulsby is reluctant to take any credit; she gives praise to those whose stories she tells.

“I couldn’t tell these stories without farmers helping me share their stories,” she says.

Putting forth those stories on a page or through a public speaking engagement is instrumental in making sure those who do not live on farms understand the importance of the work that is being done out in the field or in the livestock barn.

“One of the things I always tell my audiences is that ‘If you eat three times a day, you have a connection with Iowa agriculture,’” she says.

Through her books, including “The Culinary History of Iowa: Sweet Corn,

Pork Tenderloins, Maid-Rites and More” and “Iowa Agriculture: A History of Farming, Family and Food,” Maulsby seamlessly weaves together agriculture and food.

“Hopefully the message resonates with readers,” she says. “With one of my books, “The Culinary History of Iowa,” it’s about our food heritage but it allowed me to talk about agriculture. It’s like slipping in vegetables in your diet.”

Maulsby’s advocacy of agriculture goes beyond food.

Through an Iowa State University Extension Master Conservationist program, she has become a true advocate for water and soil quality.

“Farmers already know this, but it’s important we tell the story of how the land is being managed,” she says. “It gives me a wonderful chance to talk about conservation programs and how to protect our soil.

“There are so many opportunities we can have to tell these stories if we’re just bold enough to tell them.” Maulsby’s personal directive over the years is to learn as much as she can so she can relay that information to any Iowan willing to listen.

“I try and take that farm-level knowledge and present it in a way to non-farm people,” she says.

During a recent interview with Iowa Public Radio, Maulsby was asked about the farm bill and conservation issues. Her response, she says, struck a chord with listeners that day.

“Conservation to me means we farm in harmony with nature and to me it’s the most exciting frontier in agriculture,” she says. “And it’s right under our feet — soil health. If we can improve soil health, that in turn helps us to raise healthier crops, which feeds healthier livestock and that means healthier food for people.”

Maulsby says it’s important to her as an advocate that she continues to build her knowledge base, whether it’s about conservation, regenerative agriculture, Iowa food or just life on the farm.

“I want to be able to communicate those messages to both a farm audience as well as our non-farm friends,” she says. Because of her communications background and her commitment to telling stories that matter, Maulsby says she’s appreciative to be the go-between those who farm and those who benefit from Iowa’s bounty.

“It is a privilege to share these stories,” she says. “I believe I have a unique role to fill because of my background and involvement in the family farm. I understand these concepts at a farm level, but I also understand where the consumer is coming from. I hope I can be a translator between these two audiences.”

Contact Jeff Hutton at jhutton@iasoybeans.com

“ Darcy is a fantastic photographer and captures the beauty of Iowa and its agriculture history through the lens of her camera. Darcy is real, authentic and people-centered in her approach. Her messages are clear, concise and compelling.”

Lydia Zerby, ISA’s consumers insights and engagement manager

Iowa Soybean Association President Suzanne Shirbroun presented Darcy Maulsby with the 2024 Advocate for Iowa Agriculture Award, sponsored by Bayer.

Long-term Cover Crops Show Promise Through Soil Stratification Sampling

Mikaela Connelly ISA Research Agronomist mconnelly@iasoybeans.com

The 2024 growing season brought varying degrees of extreme weather conditions across Iowa and highlighted issues that have been absent in recent years, potentially because of adequate or excessive moisture. October is a great time to review the past growing season, specifically controllable factors that can be improved next year.

Soil fertility fundamentals

While weather patterns and genetics are key considerations that affect yield results, soil conditions, including soil fertility and nutrient stratification should not be ignored.

Most Iowa soils have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5; macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and sulfur are most available for plant uptake at a pH of 7.0. However, micronutrients, such as iron, manganese, boron, copper and zinc, are available at a pH of 5.5. To ensure your soil is at an optimum pH, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and Iowa Corn Growers Association (Iowa Corn) recommend regimented soil sampling across your fields to assess soil pH and nutrient values. See the September Iowa Soybean Review magazine for more details.

To avoid sampling frozen soils, soil sampling should be conducted every four years after harvest or the spring before planting. It is also recommended to sample in smaller grids to better understand variability within each field.

Results from long-term cover crop trials

ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) team has managed 14 long-term onfarm cover crop trials across the state that were implemented by ISA or Soil Health Partnership.

In 2024, the project entered its ninth year. The treatments within the study include cover crop and no-till vs. no cover crop and no-till in a cornsoybean rotation.

Earlier this year, ISA and Iowa Corn conducted an experiment to investigate nutrient stratification under different practices.

Throughout this research, soil sampling was conducted at four of the 14 long-term cover crop sites. To reduce variability, the four locations were chosen due to the history of consistent cover crop establishment, and all four were planted to soybeans in 2024.

Figure 1. Nitrate differences in early season and late season soil testing.

Figure 2. Compaction measurements at near field capacity comparing cover crops and no cover crops. (Soil depths not statistically significant are indicated by “NS,” soil depths marked with * represent a significant response. TRT refers to treatment.)

Stratified soil sampling was conducted in early and late spring. Soil sampling from 0-24 inches was completed in early April before planting, was sampled from 0-24 inches. Macronutrients and micronutrients were sampled as well as cation exchange capacity, organic matter and pH. In early June, late spring soil nitrate and ammonium testing was done at varying growth stages from 0-7 inches and 7-14 inches to understand the changes in soil nitrogen following cover crop termination.

Across locations, the results consistently indicated the cover crop treatment significantly reduced soil nitrate levels compared to the no cover crop treatment in early spring because the cover crops were still actively growing (Figure 1).

These results are consistent with other research that has shown cover crops are effective at scavenging residual nitrogen.

In late-season testing, we did not see the same pattern in the top seven inches of the soil but saw a significant reduction in nitrates in the soil sampled from 7-14 inches. During wet periods like this spring,

cover crops are especially helpful in reducing nitrate from leaching through the soil profile.

Additionally, the organic matter was greatest near the soil surface (0-2 inches) in the cover crop treatment compared to the no cover crop treatment. When compared at depths greater than 0-2 inches, there was no difference in the organic matter percentage.

In addition to soil nutrients, ISA tested soil compaction in mid-May, two to three days following a soaking rain. Compaction was decreased within the cover crop treatment across all depths, and the 0-12 inch depths were significantly different when comparing cover crop vs. no cover crop treatments. Neither treatment had yield-limiting compaction, which is typically classified as greater than 300 pounds per square inch (PSI). The reduced compaction in the cover crop treatments indicates that crop roots will have less resistance when growing in the soil (Figure 2).

Boosting organic matter

Implementing cover crops requires additional management considerations. Consulting with other farmers incorporating cover crops, Iowa Corn and ISA agronomists are resources available for successful cover crop implementation.

Notably, the results from this long-term dataset show cover crops provide increased organic matter in the top two inches of the soil and decreased soil nitrate levels and soil compaction.

If you have questions about cover crops or want to partner with ISA for a research trial, contact your local ISA research agronomist.

For more general information about cover crops, please reference the Advances in Cover Crop Management guide on the ISA website, and the cross-site report on yield results from the long-term cover crop trials. For information on cost-share programs, go to iaagwater.org/iowa-cost-sharecomparison.

*This project was conducted in collaboration with Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn, Terraform Tillage and SoilView.

can potentially explore it as a topic in a future issue. Better yet, we’ll connect you with your local expert so you can implement a trial on your farm.

A participant in the final North Iowa Tractor Ride drives from Vinton to Brandon.

An original barn from 1891 stands on Gallagher Farms, just north of Washington, featuring a vibrant patriotic mural.

Clockwise from left: A railway view next to a Key Cooperative location in Story City;

Brandon Iddings, ISA conservation services manager, discussing oxbows with a farmer during the Innovation to Profit event near Oskaloosa;

A semi being loaded at the Landus facility in Mitchellville; Sheila, a golden retriever, poses for a photo near a soybean field in Madrid;

ISA summer intern Ethan Wing in a soybean field near Ankeny;

ISA Research Technician Craig Woods examines soybeans outside of Grinnell.

New study shows Iowa agriculture contributes $159.5 billion to state economy

Ashlynn Jones pauses for a moment to pet her favorite cow near Hedrick.

Iowa’s 86,911 family farms continue to be a key driver of Iowa’s economy, contributing 32% more to the state economy than in 2017, according to a new study commissioned by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). The study shows that more than 22% of Iowa’s total economic output came from Iowa agriculture in 2022.

The study analyzed data from the 2022 UDSA Census of Agriculture, USDA/NASS datasets, the IMPLAN modeling system, and the 2022 IMPLAN dataset to determine the contributions of Iowa agriculture. The agriculture industry goes beyond just impacting the total economic output of the state. Nearly one in every five Iowans are employed due to agriculture and ag-related industries, accounting for more than 385,000 jobs.

“This study underscores how productive and innovative farmers continue to be, despite some very challenging times during Covid,” said Spencer Parkinson of Iowa-based Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), which conducted the study. “In fact, since the first report of this nature was completed by DIS in 2009, the labor income finding its source in agriculture and related industries has more than doubled, increasing from $12.6 billion to $25.8 billion in 2024 — these earnings benefit more than just those in agriculture, they support all Iowans.”

Family ownership

Even with this growth, Iowa’s farmers maintain their roots. More than 96% of farms in Iowa are family owned and operated with farm size averaging 345 acres.

“The agriculture industry remains a vital part of Iowa communities,” said Brian Waddingham, CSIF Executive Director. “We see this every time we host an open house with livestock farmers. It’s common to see hundreds of community members attend to celebrate what a new barn means to their community: jobs, kids in school and a boon to local businesses.”

Waddingham noted that livestock farming and related industries account for $20.4 billion in value-added contributions for the state, up nearly $5 billion from 2017. It also accounts for nearly 170,000 jobs across Iowa.

“It’s a testament to the tenacity of livestock farmers, in particular, who have persevered through a global pandemic, low commodity prices, tariffs

and Mother Nature to actually see an increase in economic output related to livestock in the state. There’s no question that the livestock industry is a critical piece to Iowa’s overall economy,” said Waddingham. “It’s also key to keeping farm families living and working on the land.”

“In the 20 years since the Coalition was formed, we’ve assisted more than 5,300 farm families wanting to responsibly grow their farms and bring young people back to rural Iowa. Diversification seems to be a key component to Iowa’s thriving livestock industry, from established livestock farmers to crop farmers adding livestock for the first time. Calls to CSIF for assistance remain high as farmers want to discuss which options are best for their farms.

Whether it’s a new and beginning farmer or an existing and well-established farmer calling us, there is a great deal of optimism about adding livestock to the farm,” he added.

Waddingham noted that the calls for assistance include concerns over DNR and EPA inspections, neighbor relations, siting new livestock and poultry barns as well as raising shrimp.

There are many opportunities in Iowa’s livestock industry today which will continue to evolve to provide farmers additional opportunities in the future. “As agriculture evolves so will CSIF and the services we provide to ensure the success of livestock agriculture in our state,” he said.

The study also noted that crop farming and processing account for 99,271 jobs, and $16.2 billion in value-added contributions to Iowa, up from $11.1 billion in 2017.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly. It’s a partnership involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Midwest Dairy and the NC Poultry Association. The non-profit, non-partisan organization provides assistance to farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the coalition at 800.932.2436.

For more information on the study and a county-bycounty break out, visit supportfarmers.com/iowaagintel.

Soybeans & Proposed Tax Credits

Editor’s note: There’s been a lot of buzz regarding tax credits associated with biofuels, but what does it mean for farmers? We’ve asked Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Chief Officer of Demand and Advocacy Matt Herman for the latest.

What are the current tax credits in place for fuel made from soybeans?

There are two tax credits that soybean oil-based biofuel producers are eligible for. The long-standing blenders tax credit provides $1 per gallon of biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that was blended into the U.S. fuel pool, even if the fuel is imported. In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) extended the blenders tax credit through the end of 2024. The IRA created two additional biofuel tax credits; the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit (40B) which will expire at the end of 2024, and the Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit (45Z) starting in 2025.

Farmers may have heard about 45Z, but what is it?

The 45Z tax credit changed the blenders tax credit approach in three important ways. First, the biofuel must now be produced within the United States to qualify for the tax credit. Second, the tax credit now applies to a wide number of fuels, including biodiesel, ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel and many more. Third, rather than the tax credit being a fixed value of $1 per gallon, the value of the tax credit is dependent up on the life cycle carbon footprint of the gallon of biofuel. This last change is significant as it means the farmer can now be compensated for the adoption of certain conservation practices which lower the carbon footprint of the grain used in biofuel production.

How does the carbon footprint affect the tax credit value?

Both the 40B and the 45Z adjust the credit to reflect the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of the biofuel. In short, fuels with greater GHG reductions generate a larger tax credit. The 40B guidance released earlier this summer credited a limited number of conservation practices for corn and soybean farmers. If a farmer were to implement cover crops, no till, and a nitrogen stabilizer, a 10-point reduction would be applied to the resulting corn-based sustainable aviation fuel. For soybeans, adoption of cover crops and no-till resulted in a five-point reduction. This is estimated to be worth 35 cents and 17.5 cents per gallon, respectively.

How has industry responded?

Industry and the Iowa Soybean Association have responded with caution. While the idea of driving greater value to farmers is alluring, practical implementation will be key. In July, the industry delivered a clear message to the U.S. Department of the Treasury: the limited practices, contracting requirements and bundling approach discussed in 40B are impractical and should not be carried over to the 45Z tax credit, which starts Jan. 1, 2025. The soybean industry asked Treasury and USDA to allow for a much wider set of practices, more flexibility in grain delivery, easier contracting with farmers, and sensible verification procedures. The industry expects final guidance from the Treasury following the election.

How does the 45Z tax credit relate to foreign feedstock importations?

In anticipation of the 45Z tax credit and its carbon footprint-based approach, there have been record imports of used cooking oil (UCO) and tallow driven by increased domestic production of renewable diesel. Those feedstocks have lower carbon intensity scores than domestically grown soybeans, giving them an advantage in the market. The combination of carbon intensity-based production and consumption policies across the globe have collectively heightened demand for low carbon feedstocks, displacing soybean oil’s once-dominate position in the U.S. feedstock market.

What financial impact does the importation of used cooking oil/ foreign feedstocks have on soybean prices?

This surge in supply of imported fats and oil has put downward pressure on soybean oil prices and is directly affecting soybean prices. According to some estimates, if importation continues at this pace, imported tallow and UCO could displace the soybean oil from about 5.7 million acres, more than half of Iowa’s crop, and could be impacting prices by as much as a $1.30 per bushel.

How is ISA engaging in this issue?

ISA is working to educate farmers, industry, and all stakeholders on the negative impact a poorly implemented 45Z tax credit will have on farmers across Iowa and the United States. The Iowa Soybean Association has supported the National Oilseed Processors Association and American Soybean Association as they also seek to engage on these issues.

Photo credit: Picturellarious -

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Bridging Gap

Blake Van Der Kamp honored as Iowa Soybean Association’s Rising Star

BY JEFF HUTTON

Being involved in FFA in high school sparked Blake Van Der Kamp’s passion for agriculture.

An interest in food insecurity and how agriculture can help bridge nutrition gaps spurred his eagerness to earn three degrees from Iowa State University (ISU) in ag communications, international agriculture and public relations.

Although he did not grow up on a farm, this Prairie City native’s passion for telling the story of agriculture and how it impacts lives has been a driving force.

Earlier this year, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) awarded Van Der Kamp the Rising Star Award, presented by Farm Credit Services of America. The $2,000 education stipend, which accompanied the award, is now being put to use at Butler University in Indiana where he is working toward a master’s degree in strategic communications.

‘A boost to move forward’

“I am so grateful for this award,” Van Der Kamp says. “For me, it’s about giving back, helping others and telling them about the amazing things agriculture does.”

Van Der Kamp submitted his application for the ISA award last fall.

The award itself, he says, represents an opportunity to follow his desire.

“It has given me a boost to move forward,” says Van Der Kamp, who is currently working full-time for a

non-profit organization while continuing his studies at Butler.

His work will allow him to merge ideas from different perspectives toward a career that will connect those in agriculture to those who are not.

“You know, I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I just fell in love with agriculture,” he says. “What I learned from my first ag class in high school is that the ag industry helps with transformative skills, technical skills, tenacity and critical thinking.”

Van Der Kamp wants to be a storyteller, bridging the gap between agriculture and non-agriculture.

“I relate with people in agriculture,” he says. “And it’s imperative in the next century that we bring awareness to the industry.”

Van Der Kamp wants to open up the dialogue on all that agriculture and farmers contribute to every life, every day. Whether it’s about food insecurity and filling the shelves of food pantries, agriculture has a role to play, he says.

“I didn’t have the strongest roots to agriculture growing up, but I see the connection to it more every day,” he says.

Committed to agriculture

A look at this young professional’s resume and his passion for agriculture is clear. As the Iowa FFA State Reporter, he has sought to bring awareness to agricultural education and the hard work of modern producers.

“What I learned from my first ag class in high school is that the ag industry helps with transformative skills, technical skills, tenacity and critical thinking.”

Blake Van Der Kamp

In 2020, Van Der Kamp was awarded one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students — a United States Presidential Scholar for Career & Technical Education by the Department of Education; this award is given to only 20 high school seniors annually across the U.S. He received this award for creating a high school recycling program that generated an estimated 26,400 lbs. of recyclables, a supply drive that provided around $5,000 worth of school supplies to disadvantaged, rural youth and his overall contributions to agricultural education in Iowa.

More recently, he was one of five North American delegates at the biennial Bayer Youth Ag Summit. He also served as a youth panelist and speaker for United States Farmers and Ranchers in Action’s Honor the Harvest Forum.

Professionally, Blake has worked in communications for numerous organizations such as Green & Growing Education, Iowa Pinto Horse Association, Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation and the World Food Prize Foundation. In these roles, he has advocated for youth to take hold of opportunities and brought awareness to how integral agriculturalists are to solving food insecurity.

At ISU, he held positions as a representative on the university’s Sustainability Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. His aspiration to excel has also earned him the title of being a Cargill Thrive and Ronald E. McNair Scholar.

A privilege to share the story of agriculture

Van Der Kamp has taken an active role in promoting Iowa agriculture through local, state and national endeavors and displays a commitment to remain involved in agriculture both professionally and personally.

“To receive this award is not only a privilege, but a reminder of doing the good work that needs to be done,” he says.

Know of a high school senior or college student who takes an active role in promoting Iowa agriculture and has plans to remain involved in agriculture through future personal or professional activities?

The applications for the 2025 awards are open and due soon at iasoybeans.com/programs/awards.

Contact Jeff Hutton at jhutton@iasoybeans.com

ISA President Suzanne Shirbroun and award sponsor Jim Knuth of Farm Credit Services of America presented Blake Van Der Kamp with the Rising Star Award.

Seven Farmers Elected to IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BY BROCK JOHNSTON

Seven farmers, including two incumbents, have been elected to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors. The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.

Newly elected farmers who will serve threeyear terms on the board are: Mike Yegge, Lake Mills (District 2); Amanda Tupper, Ionia (District 3); Matt Willimack, DeWitt (District 6); Jeff Ellis, Donnellson (District 9); and Jack Boyer, Reinbeck (At-Large).

Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were: Brent Swart, Spencer (District 1); and Lee Brooke, Clarinda (District 7).

“Whether as a voter, candidate or both, we thank Iowa soybean farmers for engaging in this important process,” said Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA president and soybean farmer from Farmersburg. “As a farmer-led association, their participation contributes to the success and longevity of ISA and our industry.”

Directors are elected by Iowa soybean farmers in July and take office in September. Members vote for two farmers from their crop reporting district and vote for four at-large directors. The seven directors elected join 15 full-time soybean farmers in developing ISA’s policies and programs each year.

Those continuing their service as directors are: Paul Kassel, Spencer (District 1); Sam Showalter, Hampton (District 2); Rick Juchems, Plainfield (District 3); Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4); Jeff Frank, Auburn (District 4); Dave Struthers, Collins (District 5); and Corey Goodhue, Carlisle (District 5).

Also continuing their service to the board: Dave Walton, Wilton (District 6); Scot Bailey, Anita (District 7); Warren Bachman, Osceola (District 8); Randy Miller, Lacona (District 8); Tom Adam, Harper (District 9); Brent Renner, Klemme (At-Large); Aimee Bissell, Bedford (AtLarge); and Sharon Chism, Huxley (At-Large).