Soybean Quality Promotion Edition

The name of the game in 2022 was the promotion of Minnesota soybeans in Southeast Asia through the investment in Northern Soy Marketing. From market research, focusing primarily on buying habits and knowledge of critical essential amino acid values, to in-person conversations with end users at various international conferences and meetings, the checko took a hands-on, more direct approach to building relationships and trust for our high-quality beans.

Walking the Walk Edition

In the summer of 2022, the soybean checko launched the Stepping Up: From Farm to Frontline campaign, allowing MSR&PC to showcase a checko initiative through Skechers soy-based shoes and the overall versatility of soy. Grower-leaders from across Minnesota donated Skechers shoes to various health care facilities as a way to connect with non-farmers and say “thank you” for their dedication and commitment to their communities.

Skechers uses the same checkoff-supported technology featured in Goodyear Tire Company’s line of sustainable soy-based tires, which incorporated soy into its rubber technology

Farm Safety Donation Edition

To help bring more grain bin safety equipment to rural communities across Minnesota, the checko developed a nomination process for community members to nominate their local rst responders to receive one of ve aluminum grain bin rescue tubes and auger. Each selected re department was also trained on how to use the equipment in case of an emergency.

Soy Spotlight Edition

Minnesota’s 44 organized soybean counties showcased soy in 2022 through creative promotional and community-minded events. While most counties participated in the Stepping Up campaign, many boards also participated in other projects that boosted the presence of agriculture in their communities.

Lincoln, Murray, Pipestone and Lyon counties broadcasted a video during sporting events. The funding allowed for the creation of the videos and the advertising spots.

Ottertail/Grant County raised $90,000 through business sponsorships to install five North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) stations throughout the counties.

In summer 2022, RePlay, a soy-based road sealant product, was applied on county Highway 14 in Becker County.

Nicollet/Sibley County hosted a Soy Sunday Fun Day to promote unique products made with soybeans. The event started with participants painting a farm scene on a canvas. Why paint? Paint is one of the unique products that contain soybean oil. The board also offered a spread of tofu, beef bulgogi skewers marinated in a soy glaze, baked goods and meat products containing soy-based products.

Goodhue County offered grant applications to every fire department in their county to apply for grain bin rescue equipment. The board later hosted a grain bin rescue training session at the Goodhue County Fair.

Renville County spent two days in third grade classrooms teaching students about the lifecycle of soybeans. Working with Minnesota Ag in the Classroom, the growers provided a science project and ag-related books to the students.

ResearchRevelations AgronomyEdition

AGRONOMIST

Agronomist

You’reapro!You’vestudiedyour craft,learnedthetoolsofthe tradeandarenowacerti ed agronomist.Whenafarmer needstoconsultexperton agronomicissuesfacingtheir operation,theyturntoexperts inthe eldlikeyou

Checko -funded research updates were featured in the July-August 2022 issue of Soybean Business. The article focused on projects related to soybean aphids, managing Iron De ciency Chlorosis, cover crops and more.

In 2022, the Council funded 24 projects related to production research in targeted areas. The Council invested checko resources toward projects that increase yield, develop new varieties and address agronomic issues facing growers.

Checko projects are long-term investments, but they share a common mission: improving farmer pro tability.