SOYBEAN THE MAGAZINE FOR MINNESOTA’S SOYBEAN GROWERS
JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - VOLUME XX - ISSUE 4
B U S I N E S S
INSIDE 2022 Legislative Recap Ag Innovation Campus Construction Continues Research Revelations JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 1
MINNESOTA SOYBEAN 1020 INNOVATION LANE, MANKATO, MN 56001
MN
CONTENTS
SOYBEAN P.6 P.14 P.22 P.35 P.51
The 2022 Legislative Session was a missed opportunity in many respects. Nonetheless, MSGA secured policy wins – and protected priorities – on several key issues.
Construction resumes this summer on the Ag Innovation Campus. Checkoff leaders have big plans for the crush and research facility in Crookston.
Minnesota Soybean returns to Farmfest in August. Now’s your chance to try your luck at the Game of Soy.
Soybean checkoff continue to improve farmer profitability for Minnesota farmers. We dig deep into the checkoff-funded research that address agronomic challenges growers face.
The Farm Bill expires in September 2023, and the American Soybean Association released its soy priorities this spring. We look back at MSGA’s long history of Farm Bill advocacy. ABOUT THE COVER It took a veritable field of farmer-leaders to build and grow the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association over the course of 60 years. In this special issue, we trace the path from that first MSGA meeting in Sleepy Eye in 1962 to the legislative chambers that MSGA roams today. What a ride!
Read on Page 26
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Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Officers and ASA Directors: OFFICERS Mike Skaug President Beltrami, MN Polk County
Bob Worth Vice President Lake Benton, MN Lincoln County Ryan Mackenthun Secretary Brownton, MN McLeod County Darin Johnson Treasurer Wells, MN Faribault County
ASA DIRECTORS Jamie Beyer Wheaton, MN Traverse County
George Goblish Vesta, MN Redwood County Adam Guetter Wabasso, MN Redwood County Christopher Hill Brewster, MN Jackson County Jim Kukowski Strathcona, MN Roseau/LOW Counties Michael Petefish Claremont, MN Dodge County Joel Schreurs Tyler, MN Lincoln County
ASA YOUNG LEADERS Mary Dybedahl Chandler, MN Murray County Andrew Sather Moorhead, MN Clay County Nathan Legatt St. Cloud, MN Sherburne County
COUNTY DIRECTORS
Hannah Anderson Barnesville, MN Clay/Wilkin Counties
Kyle Jore Thief River Falls, MN Pennington/Red Lake Counties
Trevore Brekken Crookston, MN Polk County
Bob Lindemann Brownton, MN McLeod County
Mark Brown St. James, MN Watonwan County
Bruce Nelsen Rose Creek, MN Mower County
Steve Brusven Cottonwood, MN Yellow Medicine County
Keith Nelsen Westbrook, MN Cottonwood County
Steve Commerford New Ulm, MN Brown County
Robert Nelsen Westbrook, MN Murray County
Brian Fruechte Verdi, MN Lincoln County
Tim Nelson New Richland, MN Waseca County
Gary Gertz Jasper, MN Rock County
Nathan Potucek Warren, MN Marshall County
Theresia Gillie Hallock, MN Kittson County
Andy Pulk Wannaska, MN Roseau/LOW Counties
Tom Grundman Osakis, MN Douglas County
Tim Rasmussen Rothsay, MN Otter Tail/Grant Counties
Chris Hansen Clarks Grove, MN Freeborn County
Cal Spronk Edgerton, MN Pipestone County
Corey Hanson Gary, MN Norman County
Tim Stelling Osakis, MN Todd County
Jeremy Hanson Morristown, MN Dakota/Rice Counties
Jamie Seitzer St Peter, MN Nicollet/Sibley Counties
Matt Heers Owatonna, MN Steele County
Jeff Sorenson Morgan, MN Redwood County
Ray Hewitt Le Sueur, MN Scott/Le Sueur Counties
Lawrence Sukalski Fairmont, MN Martin County
Brad Hovel Cannon Falls, MN Goodhue County
Doug Toreen Bird Island, MN Renville County
Jim Jirava Ogema, MN Becker/Mahnomen Counties
Earl Ziegler Good Thunder, MN Blue Earth County
EDITORIAL STAFF:
MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek Minnesota Soybean Growers Association 888-896-9678 jsmentek@mnsoybean.com Art Director Doug Monson Sr. Director of Communications Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 dmonson@agmgmtsolutions.com Managing Editor Drew Lyon Sr. Manager of Communications Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 dlyon@agmgmtsolutions.com Layout Editors Kaelyn Rahe krahe@agmgmtsolutions.com Alex Troska atroska@agmgmtsolutions.com
ADVERTISING:
Bailey Grubish, Advertising and Sales Manager 507-740-0064 | 888-896-9678 | bgrubish@agmgmtsolutions.com
Advertising space reservations can be made by the 15th day of the month prior to 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. Advertisements within this publication contain the opinions and information of the advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Minnesota Soybean organizations or affiliated groups.
CIRCULATION: Soybean Business is published six times a year on behalf of Minnesota Soybean. Comments and suggestions can be submitted to: Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, 1020 Innovation Lane, Mankato, MN 56001.
mnsoybean.org
JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 3
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Letter from the President 60 Years of Achievements A continued success of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association for six decades is worth recognizing and celebrating. An accomplishment like this does not happen by accident. Many farmer-leaders had a passion to help their industry; they desired to volunteer and express ideas that were relative to current times and set a path for the future. Young, new leaders from agriculture had to be engaged to sustain its growth. Seeking more leaders has been a unique quality of MSGA. Today, our staff and grower-volunteers consist of talented people that expand other people’s interests, study issues affecting soybean growers and communicate pragmatic solutions that are respected throughout the industry. Not all of Minnesota’s 27,000 soybean growers are aware of the benefit MSGA has brought to them, but they are aware that today, the demand for soybean meal and oil is at record levels. And we don’t intend to overstate MSGA’s influence, but there’s simply no doubt we have helped create a more profitable environment for our state’s soybean farmers. If you are a member: Thank you for your support! If you’re on the fence, visit mnsoybean.org/msga to learn more and choose a membership option that fits for you. The foundation for growth in demand began by everyone collectively looking for ways to improve agriculture’s future in Minnesota. MSGA’s “Founding Fathers” most definitely had a vision, and we all reap the benefits of their foresight. They knew representation matters; and if not us, then who? The past 60 years have proven that the work is never easy – and legislative action doesn’t always happen at the pace we’d like to see – but there are rewards of various sizes that lead to success. The research, advancements and promotion of biodiesel, renewable hydrocarbon fuels, high protein soybean meal, heart-healthy cooking oils and biodegradable plastics are all derived from
soybeans. Looking ahead, producing an adequate supply of soybeans to keep end users sustainable could be the main mission of MSGA and its members. We have an exciting – though unpredictable – future ahead of us. The cover of the first 2022 issue of Soybean Business stated, “Expect the Unexpected.” Halfway through 2022, that sentiment held true. Change is the only constant, and I look forward to staying active while also helping the next generation of MSGA leaders take the mantle, adapt as necessary and keep us on the leading edge of grassroots advocacy. It’s been a privilege to work alongside my fellow directors and serve as president of MSGA during this historic year. In the past year, we returned to in-person visits, while also taking advantage of the virtual resources at our disposal. We also strengthened relationships with leaders at every level of government, secured funding for projects such as the Ag Innovation Campus and raised funds to amplify MSGA’s mission. In the coming months, we look forward to connecting with our fellow producers at Farmfest and Big Iron, while gearing up for the upcoming election. While I’m stepping aside from the presidency, I’m also eager to assist my fellow directors and share my experiences. We’re all on the same team, striving toward the same goal. Happy anniversary, MSGA. The next 60 years starts now!
Mike Skaug President, MSGA
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MSGA celebrates wins, laments missed chances in 2022 sessions By Drew Lyon Several days after the clock ran out on the 2022 Legislative Session, Gov. Tim Walz signed into law the bipartisan agriculture omnibus bill, providing long-awaited drought relief, investments in broadband and additional support for the Ag Innovation Campus. The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association extended their appreciation to lawmakers for compromising on the bipartisan package. “We thank the governor, Commissioner Thom Petersen, Sen. Torrey Westrom and Rep. Mike Sundin for their leadership and working together with our farmer-leaders and staff to move Minnesota agriculture forward,” MSGA President Mike Skaug said. “Although, we didn’t achieve all our policy goals, we’re pleased to see several of our priorities included in this bill.” MSGA helped ensure $750,000 in funding toward the Ag Innovation Campus, a top MSGA priority in 2022, was included in the agriculture budget. 6 - Soybean Business - JULY - AUGUST - 2022
Throughout the session, MSGA farmer-leaders, staff and lobbyist met in person with legislators and state agency leaders to protect the interests of Minnesota’s 27,000 soybean farmers. Construction on the AIC is expected to be completed next year. “As an advocacy group, we did everything we could to ensure the AIC was part of this bill,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek. “We appreciate the Legislature’s ongoing endorsement of this project.” Other funding highlights include: • $3.0 million toward the Ag Emergency Account • $1.5 million for the Agricultural Emergency Account to support animal disease preparedness and response, as well as $1 million to the University of Minnesota to purchase veterinary diagnostic equipment to test for animal diseases • $700,000 AURI – COLA and laboratory equipment • $500,000 Soil Health Grants increases the Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account from $350,000 to $550,000 • Establishes a soil health grant program • Requires report on grain licensing program for how to better protect farmers who sell grain
• $1.25 million for the creation of a new, innovative down payment assistance program targeted toward beginning farmers • $1.25 million for the Bioincentive Program to encourage commercial-scale production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals & biomass thermal energy • More than $200 million to support broadband development and the establishment of a lower population density pilot program “As farmers grapple with extreme weather, costs of modernization, and unforeseen events like avian influenza, this bipartisan bill helps to address some of the most urgent issues facing our agricultural producers,” Gov. Walz said. “I am proud that we can come together and make investments in supporting farmers through the issues of today while also investing in the future of the agriculture.” Missed opportunities MSGA is disappointed that a historic, bipartisan tax cut was left on the table, along with a bonding bill, which was never publicly released. Lawmakers also failed to address infrastructure improvements, despite a record $9.25 billion budget surplus. The $4 billion tax bill would’ve
eliminated the Social Security tax, along with increasing the agriculture homestead credit to $2.5 million and boosting the ag school tax credit to 85%. Earlier in the 2022 session, MSGA Secretary Ryan Mackenthun was the only Minnesota farmer to testify in support of raising the ag homestead credit. “Our team worked very hard on the tax bill,” Smentek said. “We were very proactive on raising the issue of the ag homestead credit, so it’s frustrating we couldn’t get that across the finish line, but we’re going to keep advocating for these proposals.” MSGA also notched crucial wins this session by preventing the passage of laws that would’ve damaged farmer profitability. MSGA protected the state’s historic biodiesel mandate by pushing back against a Low Carbon Fuel Standard that would’ve harmed the state’s use of biodiesel. MSGA also helped stopped seed treatment regulations from being enacted. “No one got everything they wanted out of this special session, but we still moved the needle,” MSGA President Mike Skaug said. “With an election coming up – and the entire Minnesota Legislature on the ballot – we look forward to visiting with legislative candidates in the months ahead.” The 2023 Legislative Session begins Jan. 3, 2023.
Up for grabs The upcoming elections are held Nov. 8. All 67 Senate and 134 House seats are up for election. Gov. Walz is expected to face Republican Scott Jensen in his reelection bid. MSGA is eager to visit with candidates throughout the summer. Look for a full election preview in the September-October issue of Soybean Business.
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Annual study again confirms higher profits for Ag Water Quality Certified farms Once again, farmers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) recorded higher profits than noncertified farms, according to a recent study by the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence. This marks the third consecutive year of data highlighting improved financial outcomes. The “Influence of Intensified Environmental Practices on Farm Profitability” study examined financial and crop production information from farmers enrolled in the Minnesota State Farm Business Management education program. The 94 MAWQCP farms in the study saw 2021 profits that were an average of more than $16,000 or 6% higher (median of almost $32,000 higher) than non-certified farms. Looking at the past three years of data, the average income was more than $25,000 higher for MAWQCP farms. Other key financial metrics are also better for those enrolled in the MAWQCP, such as debt-to-asset ratios and operating expense ratios. “We see that farms in the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program have major benefits on the environment, and now we see with three years of data that our certified farmers are, on average, also looking at better economic outcomes,” Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “I encourage all farmers and landowners to look into the advantages of certifying their land and contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District for more information.” The three years of data serve as an early indicator of a positive return on investment for whole-farm conservation management farmers
implement to become certified. “Minnesota Farm Business Management is excited to partner with the MDA to define the economic metrics around farmers who are water quality certified compared to their peers in the database,” said Keith Olander, Executive Director of AgCentric. “We have developed a three-year trend on the performance of these farms and find that those who are water quality certified use a management strategy that supports stronger farm profitability compared to their peers.” The MAWQCP puts farmers in touch with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate any risks their farm poses to water quality. Producers going through the certification process have priority access to financial assistance. After being certified, each farm is deemed in compliance with new water quality laws and regulations for 10 years. The more than 1,200 producers currently certified in the program – which is now in its seventh year of implementation – cover more than 850,000 certified acres and implement more than 2,445 new conservation practices. These practices are reducing over 42,000 tons of sediment of each year, 121,000 tons of soil, and cutting nitrogen loss by nearly 50%. Later this year, Gov. Tim Walz and the MDA have set a goal to certify one-million acres of farmland in Minnesota. Farmers and landowners interested in becoming water quality certified can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or visit MyLandMyLegacy.com. The full study can be found at agcentric.org.
Brought to you by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture 8 - Soybean Business - JULY - AUGUST - 2022
IT’S NOT JUST YOUR LAND. IT’S YOUR LEGACY. The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program rewards farmers like you for what you do best, taking care of your land and its natural resources. To get started and learn more, contact your local soil and water conservation district or go to:
MyLandMyLegacy.com
JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 9
Membership Matters
MSGA farmer-leaders urge fellow growers to join
By Kaelyn Rahe The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) continues to pound the pavement all year long in St. Paul and Washington, D.C., for soybean farmers and their families. “It gives me comfort knowing MSGA is looking out for not only my farming operation, but also my family’s legacy,” said MSGA Treasurer Darin Johnson, who helps lead the organization’s membership efforts. “Even during the busiest times of the year, they are still fighting on my behalf.” 2022 marks 60 years of heavy lifting promoting and defending farm-friendly policy. From tax policy to regulatory issues, MSGA has protected and propelled generations of Minnesota farmers, improving farmer profitability. However, MSGA can’t climb that hill alone. Members help drive MSGA’s mission, yet less than 10% of Minnesota’s 27,000 farmers are active in MSGA. Imagine the policy impact if more soybean farmers joined today. As a reminder: MSGA is federally prevented from using checkoff funds toward legislative activities. Members expect – and deserve – results. But MSGA is more than just lip service. Year after year, this nonpartisan organization reaches across party lines to deliver tangible wins for Minnesota farmers. “Join today,” Johnson said. “Together, with members and leaders like you, we can continue to flourish for today’s and tomorrow’s farmers.”
To celebrate MSGA’s 60th anniversary at Farmfest, join us Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Morton Building for a special celebration and membership offering. To show our appreciation for helping cultivate a 60-year legacy of notching policy wins for Minnesota, MSGA will offer a onetime membership flash sale at the reception in which members and non-members can renew or activate a one-year membership for only $60.
All MSGA members receive the following benefits and discounts: • Clean Fuels Alliance America Vehicle Discount • Cabela’s discount (10%) • Commodity Classic Registration - $100 Savings • American Soybean Association (ASA) Membership • $5,000 College Scholarship Opportunity • Access to 40 Square Health Plans (new benefit)
Cut on the line and return today
Name:____________________________________Date of Birth:______/________/_______ Farm/Company Name:_________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________State:______Zip:_________County:_____________ Email:*________________________Phone:*_________________Cell:__________________ 3 Year Membership: $250 (includes Minnesota Soybean sweatshirt and $100 biodiesel rebate) Pullover size (circle one): S M L XL XXL XXXL Biodiesel Coupon (Value $100)
Payment information:
Check Enclosed (payable to MSGA) CC: (VISA/MASTER?DISC/AMEX) Card:______-______-______-______ Exp. Date (M/Y):____/____ CVV:____ Signature_______________
1 Year Membership: $120 Yes I want to save $20! 1 Year Membership: $100 (with auto renew payment via credit card). By checking this option, I understand my annual membership to MSGA will renew automatically, charging the credit card on file at the time my membership expires Young Professional (age 35 and under) & Retired: $70 Student (age 22 and under): $20
I’m a new member
Renewing member ID#____________Recruiter Name:______________
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Minnesota Soybean Growers Association 1020 Innovation Lane Mankato, MN 56001 507-388-1635 Online applications also available at mnsoybean.org/msga/invest
You’re Invited!
Wednesday
August
3 1-3p.m. From
Morton building at Farmfest, Booth 422
Join us for a celebration honoring MSGA’s legislative legacy. Special Guests and speakers | Snacks and drinks available
Flash Membership Sale - 1-year membership for just $60! JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 11
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Learn more about what Mustang Seeds has to offer at www.mustangseeds.com.
By definition, normal means usual, typical or expected. You’d be hard pressed to find a farmer in the Upper Midwest who has had anything resembling a normal spring. Cold, wet weather led to planting delays in many areas, heavy rains either chased farmers out of the fields or kept them from getting started, and winds topping 100 miles per hour in some areas destroyed buildings, bins and some young, emerging crops. Despite the difficulties in many areas, farmers are exhibiting the resilience and determination to get crops planted. “To just get in as much as we can is still our number one goal,” says Jason Gross, of Edgeley, North Dakota. By late May, Gross had nothing planted. Trouble started early as Gross estimates he had over five inches of rain in April, which saturated the soil. A few nice days allowed him to get some field work done and fertilizer put down, but regular rains have kept the soil too wet to work. “Any time we get any sort of precipitation, it just makes it muddy,” Gross says. “It’s to the point where you can't even walk in the field.” Kasey Gehrels of Wentworth, South Dakota was able to get his corn planted, and the majority of his beans were in by late May. Still, Gehrels says the planting process has taken way longer than it should. “There really is no normal. It's one extreme to the other and it's caused plenty of challenges,” Gehrels explains. “There was dust blowing weeks ago, now there's mud holes and ducks swimming in the puddles that three weeks ago you could have planted right through.” Winds in excess of 110 miles per hour in the Wentworth area did damage to some emerging seedlings, which Gehrels expects will need to be replanted. Collin Gengerke of Groton, South Dakota, welcomed the rains last fall that brought relief from drought in 2021. “We had been really dry last summer, so those soaked up pretty nicely,” Gengerke says. “We were fairly full going into spring.” Gengerke says spring rains added to the soil moisture profile. By mid-May, he says one field had more than 9 inches of rain above the 10-year average. He estimates he’s gotten an additional two inches of rain on that
quarter since. He’s continuing to push to get as much crop in the ground as he can. “We're going to keep trying for a while, but we need a two-week window here with absolutely no precipitation, some sun and breeze and hopefully we can get a portion of it in anyway,” Gengerke explains. By late May, Chip Grube of Appleton, Minnesota had a small portion of his crop in the ground but ran out of fields dry enough to plant. Storms in mid-May brought heavy rains and high winds that wreaked havoc on fields and farm sites alike. “We got about seven inches of rain in five days,” Grube says. “We've got water standing where I've never had water standing before.” Farming presents new hurdles every year, but 2022 has thrown growers more than most years. “I've been farming a lot of years and it doesn't get any easier. It's just kind of the point in life where you farm for the averages, and you take the good with the bad,” Grube contends. “It's a full-time job just to keep handling your emotions, so you just take each day as it comes.” Mustang Seeds sales manager Eric Brandenburger confirms that conditions have varied around the region, with some farmers having success getting crops planted while others may be forced to go the route of prevented planting. He says Mustang Seeds worked with their customers to accommodate changes brought about by spring weather. “We are a diverse company, so we’ve been able to shuffle maturities for farmers who needed to change seed out,” Brandenburger says. While prevented planting acres are likely in portions of Minnesota and North Dakota, with strong commodity prices and the innate desire to get crops in the ground, farmers will push to the end to get as much planted as they can in this challenging spring of 2022. Brandenburger says Mustang Seeds is committed to working with farmers to get them the seed they need. “The will is there to get crops planted,” Brandenburger says. “As long as the conditions are there, farmers are going to try to get the crops in.”
Brought to you by Mustang Seeds JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 13
GETTING DOWN TO IT
Ag Innovation Campus construction resumes, eyes 2023 launch By Sydney Harris The smell of freshly worked soil. The sound of a tractor firing up as the sun rises. The hint of green as the crop finally peeks through the ground. This is just a short list of things that make a farmer’s heart beat a little faster. Farmers might find their thrills in different ways, but this summer, Minnesota’s farming community is excited about a project we can all get behind: The Ag Innovation Campus (AIC) in Crookston. “What am I excited about? The whole thing,” said Jim Lambert, recently retired AIC project manager. “When the AIC is up and running, it’s going to have a dramatic impact, not only on Crookston and the surrounding region, but worldwide.” Situated on a 10-acre plot on the southwest side of Crookston, earthwork for the AIC has been completed and construction on the building itself resumed in June. Barring supply chain delays, crush plant operations are expected to begin in spring 2023. The AIC crush plant will process about nine semitrucks a day, crushing a grand total of 62,400 tons of soybean meal per year. But the crush plant is just the first phase in this three-phase vision. As a not-for-profit, phases two and three are the motivation behind the AIC. Phase two will comprise of an office complex and research labs, also becoming the new home of the Agricultural
Utilization Research Institute (AURI). Phase three consists of rentable discovery bays and a “Crushwalk” that will be available for short to mid-term use for companies that want to prove their designs at full production scale. “Our vision is to provide a source for specialty oils that are benchtop ready but don’t have a way to get to commercialization,” said AIC Chair Mike Skaug, who’s also president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, which helped the AIC receive $750,000 in state funding toward the project. “We’re going to provide that way for products to get commercialized.” The AIC has contracted Wells Concrete to oversee the crush plant build. Advanced Grain Handling Systems is managing the grain handling equipment. The AIC has also retained the services of Trinity Machine’s Mark Joseph to replace Lambert as project manager. “We’re very happy with the team we’ve compiled,” said AIC Director Gene Stoel. “Jim did a great job managing this project for two years, and we thank him for moving the AIC forward.” Workforce enhancement Industries across the globe are dealing with inflation, and the AIC hasn’t been immune to steep rises in input costs. Since the project began, building costs
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have increased by as much as 40% overall. And, like farmers, the AIC has rolled with the punches and found creative ways to making the most of the hand they have been dealt. Acting CEO Tom Slunecka said the team is maintaining a positive attitude. “This project has endured large price increases, but on the flip side, crush margins have increased at nearly the same rate,” Acting AIC CEO Tom Slunecka said. “Once construction is complete, the revenue stream from crush operations should have a dramatic bump in the ability for the AIC to complete phase two and three and to offer long term sponsorships of programs that will utilize the center.” As anyone who’s shopped for a home will attest, the maxim “location, location, location” isn’t just a cliché. The same went for finding a home for AIC. Crookston was chosen as the ideal location because northwest Minnesota is one of the world’s top soybeanproducing regions, harvesting more than 50 million bushels in 2021. Despite its fertile soil and diverse agriculture, the region has some of the nation’s lowest soybean prices. The AIC’s operations will not only add more value to the region’s farmland but also to the local community. “It’s going to really enhance the workforce and the involvement that the community can capture in Crookston and the surrounding area,” Skaug said. “Initially, we’re going to have 25 full time jobs available.” The pipeline The possibilities hardly end there. With limitless innovation bound to be born at the AIC, both producers and consumers will reap the benefits of new products and technologies. “The AIC will help us to get to the next type of soybeans that will have even more added values built in,” Slunecka said. “Soybeans such as high oleic soybeans, non-allergen soybeans, higher protein soybeans and soybeans with different types of oil compositions that make them viable for many new types of products, feeds and foods around the world.” The longevity of this project is not to be ignored. AIC’s operations will have a snowball effect, attracting publicity to the infinite uses of soybean oil. “That sort of commercialization will encourage more companies in the commercial business to look to soybean oil to fit their needs and it’ll all be produced right in Crookston in northwest Minnesota,” said Skaug, who farms near Beltrami, just 20 minutes from Crookston. As founding members of the AIC, the Minnesota
Nestled in Red River Valley ag country – and home to some of the world’s most fertile soil – Crookston is the ideal location to host the Ag Innovation Campus.
Soybean Research & Promotion Council and MSGA remain steadfast in their pursuit of advancing the state’s soybean market, putting Minnesota at the top of the soybean leaderboard. Checkoff investments, which MSR&PC directs at the state level, will find a home at the AIC. “Minnesota has long been an innovator in types of soybeans and a leader in the development of food-grade soy and specialty soybeans, making Minnesota the largest producer of specialty soy,” said Slunecka, who also serves as MSR&PC CEO. “Our Campus will quickly become the center for all new soybeans being developed that are in the pipeline today of both university and private companies.” JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 15
WISHH catches new markets for U.S. soy by advancing aquaculture.
ASA/WISHH is helping explore opportunities for soy-based feeds to grow aquaculture in 8 sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania
Connect with WISHH wishh.org
WISHH is a program of the American Soybean Association and is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs.
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WISHH graduates entrepreneurs from global training for high-quality foods and feeds.
Connect with WISHH wishh.org
WISHH is a program of the American Soybean Association and is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs.
JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 17
Fork to Farm?
‘Pure’ Soybeans Council-sponsored event takes a stab at Identity Preserved movement By Shane Frederick an Small stood before an audience that included more than 20 people representing soy foods businesses in southeast Asia and showed off her Minnesota-sourced and Minnesota-made tofu and soymilk during an event at the historic Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River. The international trade team that included visitors from Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, was there for “Fork to Farm,” a program put on by the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance and sponsored by
the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. The onlookers had spent most of the week of June 6-10 in North Dakota at Northern Crops Institute, learning procuring practices for food-grade and identity preserved soybeans from the United States for their own businesses. So what could Small, whose startup, MinnTofu, began in early 2020, just before the pandemic, teach them about tofu? “I’m not an expert,” she admitted. “I’ve only been in this business for two years, so all you guys have a ton more experience than me. But I’m learning.”
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You might ask yourself, “SSGA’s event was titled ‘Fork to Farm.’ Wait, isn’t that backwards?” While you might have heard of Farm to Fork, SSGA flips the script. Identity preserved crops are traceable through the value chain back to the farm. That allows for feedback through buying process in which consumers and customers tell their suppliers what they want and need, in turn telling the farmers what to grow. Learn more at usidentitypreserved.org and soyagrainsalliance.org.
Small, a native of China and a licensed food safety instructor, started her business, which also includes bean sprouts, when she noticed Minnesota soybeans being shipped to California and returned back in the form of tofu and other products. Why not manufacture and sell freshly made tofu – the kind she was raised on – right here in the North Star State, where there’s a growing market for tofu and other healthy, plant-based foods, she thought. “Fresh tofu tastes way different,” she said. Especially fresh tofu from Minnesota, whose soybeans, she said, are perfect for her tofu and sprout products. “There’s something about the soybeans here that are very pure,” Small said. “I don’t know why it’s different.” MinnTofu is available in many grocery stores around the Twin Cities and elsewhere in the state. While she originally intended to sell directly to restaurants, COVID-19 got in the way, as many of those businesses had to close during the lockdown. But as the virus spread, so did the demand for healthy food options and meat alternatives, and grocery stories turned to Small for fresh tofu. “I got lucky,” Small told the group. “I got lucky from the pandemic – being local, serving local, being fresh.” The group, which included Minnesota- and Midwest-based identity preserved processors, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen and Deputy Commissioner Andrea Vaubel, among others, tasted for themselves. Gathering in the Oliver Kelley Farm’s state-of-the-art testing kitchen, Small provide airfried tofu cubes with various sauces, as well as chocolate, strawberry and unflavored soy milk or “juice.” The
years.” international guests, who were part SSGA Director and Minnesota of one of the first trade teams from farmer Keith Schrader, talked about southeast Asia to travel to the Upper Midwest since prior to the pandemic, raising IP soybeans and other crops. He explained this year’s tough, seemed impressed by the local late-spring planting conditions that products, as they dug in not long farmers have gone through, along after enjoying lunch together. with the transportation and shipping “Yan is always open to trying new issues foreign buyers need to be varieties to see if they will improve aware of. her product or make her product “For me, as a farmer, it means as more consistent,” said Craig Tomera, much to me to get that product to identity preserved crop specialist at you as it means to you getting the Grain Millers, a national company product from us,” said Schrader, who headquartered in Eden Prairie that represents MSR&PC on the SSGA processes IP soybeans in its St. Peter facility. “She wants consistency, so it’s board and is former chair of the Councill. “We’re looking forward to very important to her that the first being able to send you some really batch is the same as the last batch.” high-quality soybeans.” Identity preserved soybeans are If the international guests weren’t planted and harvested separately already sourcing identity preserved from conventional beans in order to soybeans from Minnesota, they maintain specific varieties, such as might have decided to start after flavor, size, color or protein content, tasting the tofu Small made from and that segregation is maintained those same Minnesota beans. throughout processing, packaging and shipping. SSGA, the national association of GET YOUR GRAIN HEAD READY IP and other high-quality, specialty fieldcrop companies, held the Fork to Farm event to bring different representatives of the value chain S��� S���� R���������� P��� F������ together in one room. “In Minnesota, we have 68,000 farmers and almost 26 million acres of farmland,” Commissioner Petersen said, “and A���� T����� L���� 5 F����� Q���� T���� identity preserved is one of the most exciting things, I think, that has the maywes.com | 1(320) 587-2322 potential to grow Made in Hutchinson, MN in the coming JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 19
No Ordinary
Joe Renville County farmer reelected as MSR&PC chair By Drew Lyon The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council reelected Renville County farmer Joe Serbus as chair during the organization’s June board meeting. “I’m honored to have the confidence of my fellow farmerleaders,” Serbus said. “It’s been a successful year for the Council. We’ve been able to move many of our checkoff-supported projects forward, and I look forward to continue working on behalf of our state’s soybean farmers.” Earlier this spring, Serbus and Tom Frisch (District 4), along with Gail Donkers (District 8) and Gene Stoel (District 7), respectively, were all reelected to the Council` by their farming peers. Winona County farmer Glen Groth, who was appointed to the Council in 2020, was
also elected to serve his first full term. “It’s a privilege and an honor to serve all soybean farmers from the state of Minnesota,” said Serbus, who farms in Bird Island. “I am a proud advocate of agriculture education, along with all types of education to keep our rural areas strong. We continue to be good stewards of the land as we raise a quality soybean product, and it is important that we continue to share our story.” Serbus is also a Minnesota crop adjuster and serves on the Bird Island Hawk Creek board of directors and is a committee member of his local church. Serbus grows soybeans, corn and sweet corn in Renville County and is MSR&PC’s District 5 and 6 representative. He was first elected to MSR&PC in 2016 and became treasurer in 2017 and 2018 before serving as vice chair under Cole
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Trebesch in 2019 and 2020. The Council’s full leadership team remains intact for another year. Frisch, a Traverse County grower, was reelected vice chair and begins his second term as director. “I am honored to be reelected vice chair of the Council,” said Frisch, who also serves on the Ag Innovation Campus (AIC) board of directors. “I look forward to this next year as we continue to move forward on Council projects like the AIC and Plasma Blue.” Donkers returns as treasurer and longtime Director Pat Sullivan will again serve as secretary. “By showing up and being the voice of Minnesota’s soybean farmers, I hope to make a difference for not only our farm, but for all the soybean growers in Minnesota,” said Donkers, who farms in Faribault.
Council directors serve three-year terms, which begin July 1. During the meeting, the Council discussed its strategic plan for the upcoming fiscal year and the latest progress with the Stepping Up campaign and the AIC. During the meeting, the Council voted to continue its financial support of the AIC. Directors also received an update on South Dakota State University’s Institute of Global Ag Sustainability and Leadership. The Council has invested in SDSU’s Precision Ag Center, and farmerleaders toured the facility last year. “It’s an exciting time at Minnesota Soybean,” Serbus said, “We have a strong team at the Council, a lot of upcoming events and projects, and we’re eager to continue representing our farmers and keep improving farmer profitability.”
Council leaders pose after the June board meeting in Mankato.
Congratulates Minnesota’s soybean growers on the
Adding value The soybean checkoff is federally mandated and has been in existence for more than 30 years. Every time a Minnesota soybean farmer sells soybeans, one half of 1% of the market price is checked off. Half of the checkoff is used by Minnesota and directed by the Council, while the United Soybean Board oversees the other half. Checkoff resources are used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans. Through those investments, the soybean checkoff has boosted the state and nation’s economy by putting money back into farmers’ pockets. For each dollar soybean farmers pay toward checkoff resources, growers receive $12.34 in return value. “I see serving on the Council as another way for me to help promote an understanding of an industry and crop that has provided so much for me and my family,” Frisch said.
60th anniversary of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association! Minnesota Farmers Union dates to 1918 when the first local chapter started in Jackson County. Area farmers came together and organized to address a need – fairer prices for their products. This kind of cooperation has driven our organization for more than a century.
As MSGA works to promote new markets and uses for soybeans and to advocate on behalf of the state’s soybean growers, MFU works to promote all types of agriculture and a robust marketplace where growers are paid a fair price for their products. “Every ag commodity group offers something. It’s critical to have that coalition as you work in St. Paul and D.C. on issues like biodiesel...
When we show we have a unified voice, it makes a difference." -MFU President Gary Wertish
Learn more about
From L to R: Former MFB President Kevin Paap, Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association Chairman Yau-Kuen Hung, Former MN Gov. Mark Dayton, MFU President Gary Wertish, MSGA CEO Tom Slunecka, Former MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson
Join MFU mfu.org/join-renew-membership
nfu.org/fairness-for-farmers
@mnfarmersunion
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It’s all in the Game
MN Soybean returns to Farmfest By Drew Lyon Minnesota Soybean returns to Farmfest, and we’re bringing the fun with us. At the 2022 Farmfest, held Aug. 2-4 at the Gilfillan Estate in Morgan, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association are teaming up to walk attendees through the Game of Soy. “As we prepare every year for Farmfest, our farmer-led boards encourage staff to think of creative ways to tell our story,” said Tom Slunecka, CEO of Ag Management Solutions, which oversees both MSR&PC and MSGA. “This year, we’re raising the bar.” At Minnesota Soybean’s booth (#620), attendees can travel through the Game of Soy. The interactive board game allows attendees to select a career path, make soy stops along the trail and see for themselves how the checkoff and advocacy organizations work sideby-side (and sometimes apart) to move agriculture, all while traversing the wacky twists and turns of this thing called life. Come with your thinking cap on, though: there will be life decisions needed to be made, along with a trivia component to the Game of Soy. Prizes will also be awarded. Meeting face-to-face with Minnesota’s farming community is one of the biggest features of Farmfest, one of the marquee events in
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Minnesota agriculture. Farmer-leaders are eager to visit with growers and showcase how – through sponsoring research, creating renewable valueadded uses and strengthening market access – the soybean checkoff puts farmers on the path toward profitability. “Farmfest is one of the best chances we get all year to shake hands with growers and explain how we’re investing checkoff dollars, and how that’s benefitting their operation and financial outlook,” said Council Chair Joe Serbus, who farms in Renville County. “As Council directors, we all take pride in visiting with our peers and explaining how the checkoff program works for them.” This year’s Farmfest will also have a heavy legislative presence. With a big election looming – local, state and federal lawmakers are all on the ballot – the Minnesota Soybean booth promises to be teeming with legislative candidates. MSGA is also celebrating its 60th anniversary on Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 1-3 p.m. in the Morton Building. “We always look forward to visiting with legislative and state agency leaders at Farmfest, but there will be more activity than usual this year,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “Both parties are going to be working hard to win the rural vote, and, of course, Farmfest is an ideal place to get that message out.”
Blue skies ahead. Cleanfuels.org The National Biodiesel Board is now Clean Fuels Alliance America.
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unitedsoybean.org
RESEARCHING A BETTER BEAN
Whether you’re dealing with drought, flood, heat or other climate-related stress, the soy checkoff is working behind the scenes to diversify U.S. soybean genetics and increase stress tolerance. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you. See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for soybean farmers at unitedsoybean.org
Brought to you by the soy checkoff. ©2018 United Soybean Board. Our Soy Checkoff and the Our Soy Checkoff mark are trademarks of United Soybean Board. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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unitedsoybean.org
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
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MSGA 60: A Leadership Legacy By Drew Lyon Sixty years ago this September, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association was born in the Municipal Building in Sleepy Eye. That fateful meeting would have far-reaching effects for Minnesota’s farmers, from the Capitol building in St. Paul to trade offices in Asia – and everywhere in between. “We needed representation. We just figured, as far as the government was going to play a part in agriculture anyway, that we better have representation,” said Bert Enestvedt, a Sacred Heart farmer who attended the first meeting and later would serve as a state and county director for a quarter-century.
Although the American Soybean Association had already been existence for more than 40 years, MSGA was the first state soybean advocacy group. MSGA’s legacy continues to grow, but the mission remains the same: improving farmer profitability through grassroots advocacy. “It’s really incredible to think of all the farmer-leaders who laid the groundwork for where we are today,” MSGA President Mike Skaug said. “They blazed the trail, and we all stand on their shoulders.”
The Way it Was: 1962 1 farmer feeds 46 people
Price of wheat: $2.20/bushel
2.23 million acres of soybeans planted in MN
Price of eggs: 54 cents/dozen
Soybean yield: 19.5 bushels/acre
Price of milk: 49 cents/gallon
Price of soybeans: $2.34/bushel
MN ag land value: $156/acre
Price of corn: $1.05/bushel
Average tractor price: $10,000-$20,000
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Minnesot� Soybean Growers Association
est.1962
The way it is: 2022 1 farmer feeds 155 people
Price of wheat: $11.71/bushel
88 million acres of soybeans planted
Price of eggs: $1.88/dozen
Soybean yield: 51.4 bushels
Price of milk: $4.21/dozen
Price of soybeans: $17.05/bushel
MN ag land value: $6,780/acre
Price of corn: $7.78/bushel
Average tractor price: $50,000-$75,000
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ASA holds 50th anniversary in Minneapolis. MSGA advocates Legislature for soybean research funding. First statewide yield contest held; winner reports 53.12 bushel average.
MSGA divides directors into districts.
MSGA holds first “Field Days” in Anoka County. Farmer-leaders lobby Legislature for $500 in soybean research.
December 1962: Membership dues are set at $12.50 ($119 in 2022 dollars). Former ASA President John Evans is MSGA’s first elected president.
IN THE BEGINNING: 1962-1987
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For the first time, more than half of the U.S. soybean crop is exported. Checkoff referendum fails at 59%. Yearly membership dues raised to $10.
Half-cent checkoff resolution passes at MSGA’s fifth annual meeting. Membership level reaches 1,000.
Half-cent checkoff first proposed. MSGA becomes first state affiliate of the American Soybean Association. To increase membership, dues lowered to $5.
September 1962: Thirty years after Minnesota’s soybean acreage reaches 1,000 acres, twenty-five farmers gather in Sleepy Eye for the first meeting of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. ASA President Charlie Simpson is named temporary secretary.
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1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500
President Reagan
MSGA
St. James farmer Roger Asendorf elected ASA president. Two-cent checkoff referendum fails. MSGA works with Gov. Albert Harold Quie to extend Port of Duluth shipping season.
MSGA sends letter to President Reagan asking for Soviet grain embargo. MSGA discusses Farm Bill with Sen. Rudy Boschwitz.
Three-year membership costs $80 for 3 years ($353 in 2022 dollars). Soybean Cyst Nematode first found in Minnesota.
MSGA receives $75,000 in state funding toward market development. “Dock Strike” hits agriculture.
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MSGA celebrates 25th anniversary; establishes Political Action Committee and leads advocacy push that creates the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute.
One farmer feeds 115 people. MSGA works with Sen. David Durenberger to introduce legislation against future grain embargoes.
Lyon County becomes the first organized soybean county. Forty-three more Minnesota counties would establish organization over the ensuing decades. In 1983, MSGA reorganizes into an affiliation of county soybeans associations.
MSR&PC board meets for the time; halfcent checkoff passes by 75% majority. U.S. government imposes first of four grain embargoes.
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MSGA fends off moratorium on livestock feed expansions. Murdock farmer Mike Yost becomes ASA president. The economic impact of Minnesota’s soybean industry reaches $1.6 billion in value.
Kevin Paap elected MSGA president. Membership exceeds 3,000. MSGA lays groundwork for property tax reform and receives $150,000 in state funding toward increasing protein and oil content.
National soybean checkoff begins implementation. Soy mark is put on trucks hauling soy oil to create America’s first “moving” billboard for the soy mark.
State passes bill recommending all government offices print with soy ink. MSGA purchases “Wheel of Soy” to promote soy ink and soy cooking oil.
NEXT LEVEL ADVOCACY: 1988-2012
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Production begins on first soy-based crayons. Inaugural joint MN Soy/Corn Expo held in Bloomington. B20 pilot project introduced in the Minnesota House.
The North American Free Trade Agreement is approved. MSGA successfully lobbies for $30 million in property tax relief and reform.
Longtime Director Bert Enestvedt awarded lifetime ASA membership. MSGA becomes eligible to place four farmers on ASA board. In 2022, MSGA supports seven farmers on ASA.
MSGA hires first lobbying team. National soybean checkoff launches. MSGA holds first “Soy Shopping Spree.” Soybeans are “Featured Commodity” at State Fair.
JULY JULY -- AUGUST AUGUST -- 2022 2022 -- Soybean Soybean Business Business -- 31 31 Gov. Pawlenty signs B20 bill into law. Financial crisis hits U.S., reducing the value of the 2008 soybean crop by more than $1 billion.
B2 begins implementation; Minnesota opens two biodiesel plants. MSGA successfully lobbies for level III biocontainment facilities to be built on the University of Minnesota campus.
Minnesota’s biodiesel mandate becomes law. Soybeans recognized as a program crop in Farm Bill. Kristin Weeks Duncanson is elected first female president of MSGA.
B5 legislation introduced by Rep. Torrey Westrom. USDA announces $300 million renewable fuels program. President Clinton visits Minnesota soybean farm.
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January 2012: MSGA celebrates 50th anniversary at MN AG EXPO. At fundraising event, President Kurt Krueger shaves it all off for the cause.
At Farmfest, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announces plan to raise biodiesel blends to 20%.
Federal biodiesel tax credit signed into law; biodiesel production triples within one year. President George W. Bush tours a Minnesota farm during campaign stop.
Minnesota’s soybean acreage exceeds 7 million acres. MSGA’s advocacy efforts lead to Minnesota farmers enjoying $68 million in tax relief.
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April 2018: China and U.S. begin trade war. MSGA leaders are front and center in local, state and national media highlighting the damage from tariffs. A week later, an MSGA press release leads to the Dayton administration backtracking on buffer proposal, saving farmers tens of thousands of dollars in potential fines. MSGA later wins first national agri-marketing award for the press release.
August 2017: At Farmfest, President Michael Petefish announces 2018 move to B20 alongside Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson.
MSGA issues “Buyer Beware” press release, becoming the first advocacy group cautioning growers about planting dicamba-tolerant soybeans because there wasn’t a proper label available at the time.
MSGA celebrates B10 implementation. MSGA membership exceeds 4,000. Lincoln County farmer Bob Worth serves as ASA vice president.
A NEW ERA: 2012-2022
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October 2017: MSGA organizes its Drift Task Force, the first-farmer led group to address solutions concerting the use of dicamba in dicamba-tolerant soybeans. Exports to China reach $14 billion – roughly one of four rows of Minnesota soybeans are shipped to China.
September 2016: MSGA notches judicial victory when lawsuit challenging the state’s biodiesel mandate is dismissed, clearing the road for B20 implementation in 2018
MSGA unveils new logo at Farmfest. Gov. Mark Dayton announces proposal that would require 50-feet “buffers” on all river, streams and farm drainage systems in Minnesota. MDA’s Ag Water Quality Certification Program, which MSGA supported, launches. By summer 2022, the MAWQCP has certified more than 800,000 acres.
Summer 2012: Minnesota Soybean Executive Director Jim Palmer retires. Board hires Tom Slunecka as CEO.
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MSGA hosts first virtual Hill Visits and helps to bring Payroll Protection Program (PPP) tax conformity into federal law. The law provides more than $1 billion in tax relief toward Minnesota farmers and businesses. MSGA also helps prevent a House bill that would’ve banned dicamba and allowed cities to enact their own pesticide regulations.
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March 2020 MSGA activates digital advocacy campaign to provide critical relief to producers during onset of COVID-19 pandemic.
Spring/Summer 2019: MSGA plays crucial role in Ag Innovation Campus receiving $5 million in state funds toward a crush and research facility in Crookston. Bill Gordon participates in trade mission to South America, the largest in USDA history, and later that year becomes the sixth Minnesota farmer to serve as ASA president.
May 2018: Minnesota becomes the first state in the nation to move to B20 in the summer months. Lincoln County farmers host Sen. Amy Klobuchar at local café.
MSGA returns to in person Hill Visits in St. Paul and D.C. Soybean prices reach decadehigh; demand for soybean oil skyrockets. The future for MSGA is bright!
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January 2020: Gordon and Theresia Gillie attend White House signing of the Phase One trade deal with China. The next week, Gordon attends signing of the USMCA. Director Darin Johnson hosts presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg at his family farm in Wells.
Fall 2018: Slunecka attends Governor’s Mansion signing of trade deal with Taiwan. N Fertilizer Rule delayed. Joe Smentek becomes MSGA executive director.
Summer/fall 2020: Jamie Beyer becomes first female to serve consecutive terms as MSGA president. In a huge win for agriculture, MSGA assists in securing Section 179 tax conformity, bringing tens of millions in tax relief to Minnesota farmers and small businesses.
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Happy 60th anniversary to our friends at MSGA!
Proud to assist the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association preserve soil and water, now and in the future.
MEG Corp is proud to partner with Minnesota Soybean to provide biodiesel education and technical support for diesel users and fuel suppliers throughout the state.
(952) 437-0044 • info@MEGCorpmn.com
Congratulations on 60 Years of Success! houstoneng.com
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Questions about diesel or biodiesel? Contact the Diesel Helpline at (800) 929-3437
A look inside the soybean checkoff
HOW THE CHECKOFF WORKS
When a farmer sells soybeans to a local elevator or processing plant, a small percentage of their grain check is held back for a commodity checkoff. But where does that money actually go, and more importantly: How is it used? For more than 30 years, the soybean checkoff has been supported entirely by soybean farmers, with individual contributions of 0.5% of the market price per bushel sold. Half of this total amount is used in Minnesota, with the other half sent to the United Soybean Board.
Minnesota has roughly 27,000 soybean farmers across the state.
The soybean checkoff focuses investments in three key areas: education, promotion and research (no checkoff dollars can be used for lobbying or policy activities). In Minnesota, 15 elected soybean farmers direct these dollars by funding a variety of research projects and promotional efforts designed to improve farmer profitability. Throughout the next several pages, we highlight several of those checkoff-supported projects, including production research and animal agriculture.
Board elected fr members are o of Minn m every district esota to ens soybean farmers ure all equal vo have an ice.
OVERVIEW
Checkoff dollar investments are directed by 15 elected soybean farmers, representing their region of the state.
Production Research
CHECKOFF PRIORITY AREAS 21% 16% 16% 14% 13% 13% 8%
Every time a soybean farmer sells soybeans, one half of one percent of the market price is “checked off.”
Market Development
Production Research Product Development/New Uses Communications Leadership Development Market Development Multi-Focus Area Projects Influencer Education
In 2021, the checkoff, funded 16 production research projects in the private and public research sector. Managing soybean cyst nematode, waterhemp, soybean aphids and IDC are a few examples of funded projects.
*yearly average percentage of checkoff budget split between priority areas
Influencer Education
Product Development/ New Uses
Leadership Development
These checkoff dollars are used for education, promotion, and research. No checkoff dollars can be used for lobbying or policy activities.
LATEST CHECKOFF SUCCESSES
Assisted with written comments to the U.S. Trade Representative against 9 trade restrictions that have a damaging impact on soy exports.
Led the Ag Innovation Campus evolution after seeing research and technology barriers within the ag industry.
In 2021, the checkoff invested in the Driving SOY campaign to bring awareness to the Goodyear soy-based tire line.
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Rese arch Rew ards Each year, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) supports research projects to uncover the best practices for pest and disease control and soil fertility project. This research is important to keep Minnesota growers informed of the changing and expanding methods that researchers are testing. MSR&PC farmer-leaders work with growers around the state to find what issues are the most pressing to be addressed each year. In 2021, MSR&PC funded 16 projects related to production research in the areas targeted. The Council invested checkoff dollars to sponsor the projects to improve yields, develop new varieties and address agronomic issues growers face. Checkoff projects are long-term investments, but they all share the same mission: improving farmer profitability. We’ve captured the highlights from eight of those 16 projects. For a complete list of checkoff-funded investments, visit mnsoybean.org. 36 - Soybean Business - JULY - AUGUST - 2022
Project: Soybean insect management, Soybean aphid and Japanese beetle Researcher: Bob Koch, U of M Extension Entomologist The soybean aphid continues to be the most damaging insect pest of soybeans in the Midwest, with the Japanese beetle spreading more and causing injury to soybeans. In its third and final year of the project, the work done evaluated the impact of combined infestation by aphids and the Japanese beetle on soybean yield, quality and spectral reflectance of the soybean canopy. Per-plant aphid counts, visual defoliation, computer calculated defoliation, and hyperspectral measurements were taken of all plots over multiple weeks.
Project: Applied soybean disease and insect management research Researcher: Bruce Potter, U of M Extension IPM Specialist
Finding where soybean gall midge (SGM) is and how it spreads is important in discovering how to fight the pest. A survey from a North Central Soybean Research Program project was conducted, focusing on dry bean production areas and prairie habitats. In 2021,
The Bottom Line: Results of the project showed defoliation by
the Japanese beetle was most severe in the upper third canopy of the soybean plant (average as high as 13.5%), but average total canopy defoliation of plants fed on by Japanese beetle ranged from 3.8 to 6.8%. Low levels of soybean aphid (~ 100 aphids/plant) did not affect yield or seed quality. However, Japanese beetle defoliation was found to reduce seed quality, but not the total yield. Additionally, intense defoliation (66%) decreased total yield and seed quality. The Japanese beetle and artificial defoliation were found to decrease near infrared reflectance of soybean plants. Nearinfrared reflectance was previously identified as promising for the detection of soybean aphids. Thus, Japanese beetle defoliation when higherthan-typical levels in the field and intense defoliation (66%) could affect the detection of soybean aphids with remote sensing. Researchers observed damage to soybean plants they had never seen previously. They also discovered a new species feeding on soybeans called Macrosaccus morrisella, a caterpillar of a tiny moth.
The Bottom Line: Delimiting the range and prevalence of this
insect could provide clues to the stability of SGM populations and whether its range is static or expanding. If ongoing – and if new survey tools such as pheromones or weatherdependent predictive models can be developed – SGM surveys might help determine whether growers within a geographic area need to begin aggressive SGM management.
13 new counties with SGM were confirmed in Minnesota, bringing the total to 29 counties in the state. Larvae from each county where SGM was observed were collected and preserved in ethanol and submitted to the U of M Extension Entomologist Bob Koch’s lab for future work on parasitism. The detection of SGM at very low population densities is most effective in late R5 to early R6 stage soybeans, near the end of the growing season. This limits the time for growers, their advisors or planned surveys to find initial infestations. Soybean gall midge larvae are small white- to orange-colored maggots. Photo by Bruce Potter.
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Project: Managing Iron Deficiency Chlorosis with Agronomics and Economics Researchers: Maykon da Silva and Seth Naeve Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) is a major yield-limiting stressor for soybeans grown in the Upper Midwest. During the 2021 growing season, six on-farm research trials were established at three locations in western Minnesota and on two IDC-prone field areas (hotspot vs. non-hotspot) to evaluate the effectiveness of three of the most often used management strategies for IDC from a systems
The Bottom Line:
Overall variety selection, increased seeding rate and in-furrow application of iron chelates were effective in controlling IDC and minimizing yield losses. More research will evaluate the impact of these three management strategies individually and collectively on return on investment. Along with an economic analysis, this work provides producers with more refined recommendations for managing IDC and support them in their efforts to achieve the greatest economic return on the farm.
approach: variety selection, seeding rates and iron chelates. Preliminary results suggested different management strategies to be recommended depending on the field location and the intensity of IDC symptoms.
Iron Deficiency chlorosis (IDC), can cause reductions in soybean yields by up to 30%.
Project: Summary of Comprehensive Waterhemp Control From Micro-rate Combinations of Soil Residual Herbicides Researcher: Andrew Lueck, Owner of Next Gen Ag LLC Waterhemp is a continuous pest in soybean fields. This research pursued the best layered herbicide approaches at treating the pest. Ideal rainfall for activation of most soil residual herbicides is a rainfall greater than 0.40 inches within 30 days of pre-emergent (PRE) application. A single rainfall event of 1.0 inches is likely to achieve that goal. Growers should consider applying the residual micro-rates approach PRE as a potential cost and time saving one-time application in years with average early rainfall. In years with below-average early rainfall, the grower must be prepared to utilize a glufosinate or 2, 4-D EPOST as a rescue on glyphosateresistant waterhemp populations.
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The Bottom Line:
The PRE-only residual micro-rates program allows the grower an opportunity to “wait-and-see” what other necessary inputs will be required rather than trying to predict the unknown. This program is also universal across all soybean genetics minimizing tank cleanout events for operations that grow multiple herbicidetolerant soybean genetics.
Project: The U of M/MSR&PC Drainage and Tillage Research Site: Enhancing Soybean Production with Residue Management and Cover Crops Researchers: Carlos Sanchez, Fabian Fernandez and Seth Naeve Soybean planting dates have minimal effect on yields, but emergence dates and early season vigor show a significant impact. This project – held at a 14-acre site north of Wells – focused on a broad range of crop management scenarios impacting drainage, tillage and crop residue management on soil temperatures, moisture content and nutrient availability at the seed and in the rhizosphere throughout the vegetative and reproductive stages of soybean. Physical, chemical and biological
The Bottom Line:
This research provides a better understanding of the implementation of fall tillage and cover crops under different soil drainage conditions, drained and undrained, on early planted soybeans. Preliminary results showed conventional and strip tillage enhanced soybean growth starting early and continuing throughout the season. The sampling of soybean roots showed that plants in conventional tillage and in undrained soil conditions had longer roots. There is significant interaction between drainage and tillage during an unusually dry growing season – suggesting a need for additional years of research.
analysis of a long-term drainage and tillage research site was done in order to assess the long-term impact of drainage and tillage on Minnesota soil productivity.
The Bottom Line:
Project: 2021 Northwest Minnesota Soybean Research & Tech Transfer Researcher: Angie Peltier, U of M Assistant Extension Professor The 2021 western Minnesota IPM survey program visited soybean
These banners were deployed at a minimum of 18 UMN Extension winter meetings for more than 657 farmers and the SGM banner is on permanent display at the UMN Southwest Research & Outreach Center in Lamberton.
farm to scout insect pests and diseases. Through online newsletters and radio interviews, in-season and at winter meetings, the results were shared with crop producers. In-season information could be used by producers to better focus scouting efforts or make treatment decisions. Post-season meetings provided a season-long summary of survey results and additional information about the most widely observed soybean pest in 2021: two-spotted spider mite.A mid-project re-budgeting and change of scope related to objective two allowed for creation of re-usable, collapsible banners for display at winter meetings held throughout Minnesota focused on a new or expanded geography of production challenges. Soybean gall midge (SGM) and sudden death syndrome (SDS) were highlighted by creating multiple copies for deployment throughout the state through large, high-quality pictures.
Two-spotted spider mites feed on soybean leaves and cause injury by sucking contents out of leaf cells. Because populations can increase quickly, researchers recommend repeated scouting every four to five days.
Continued on Page 40 JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 39
Project: Influence of Phosphorus and Potassium Applications in a Multi-Year Spring Wheat-Soybean Crop Rotation Researchers: Dave Grafstrom of the U of M; Melissa Carlson, Minnesota Wheat On-Farm Research Network Spring wheat and soybeans are a common crop rotation for producers in northwest Minnesota. In a ten-year period from 2007 to 2017, soybean acres increased from 1.1 million to 1.8 million acres in northwest Minnesota. Reported wheat yields in 2007 were 50.4 and in 2017 was 65.8 bu/ac, but soybean yields were relatively flat at 35 bu/ac. One of the theories for the flat response in soybean
The Bottom Line:
Small plot wheat yields ranged from 60 to 84.8 bu/ acre and soybean yields ranged from 46 to 54.1 bu/ acre. Wheat yields from the low phosphorus rate (20) were increased by 12.6 bu/ac and all phosphorus rates produced 19.6 bu/ac or more than untreated. Soybean yields were flat, probably due to drought conditions in August. On-farm soybean trials gave a positive response to additional 50 units phosphorus and potassium in 25% of the sites.
yields was a lack of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The project sought to determine if elevated levels of phosphorus and potassium will improve wheat and soybean yields compared to standard rates. The wheat and soybean research trials were conducted at two sites with small plot replicated trial methods and five locations with on-farm strip trial methodologies.
The Bottom Line: Project: Assessing Management Options and Inputs for Significant Soybean Diseases in Minnesota Researcher: Dean Malvick, U of M Frogeye leaf spot (FLS) has been increasing in distribution and severity in Minnesota in the past few years. With the continued spreading of FLS, more research was needed on how it is
All isolates of the pathogen tested from Minnesota were resistant to QoI fungicides. This study confirms widespread distribution and resistance to QoI fungicides for the FLS pathogen across Minnesota and a need to choose appropriate fungicides to manage FLS.
distributed and its sensitivity to fungicides. Soybean leaf samples with symptoms typical of FLS were collected in 2021 from scattered fields in southern and central Minnesota. Samples were taken and FLS was isolated and confirmed the disease and pathogen using standard pathogen isolation techniques and DNA sequencing. Isolates of the pathogen were sent to a cooperating laboratory, where they were tested for sensitivity to QoI (strobilurin) fungicides.
As seen here, frogeye leaf spot on soybeans develops into brown spots marked by a darker reddish-brown or purple ring.
40 - Soybean Business - JULY - AUGUST - 2022
NCSRP: Getting
into the weeds for Answers
WHERE WE’RE AT
Weed control in soybeans was revolutionized in the 1990s with the introduction of transgenic, herbicidetolerant soybeans. Farmers could control weeds without killing the plants and reduce cultivation. But now as more weeds develop resistance to several popular herbicides, NCSRP is promoting what works today and exploring new innovations to enhance weed control.
Herbicide Resistance Management
Addressing weed resistance includes delaying potential resistance and taking control of already herbicide-resistant weeds. Through the Take Action Herbicide Resistance Management Program funded by the soybean checkoff, farmers get the direction needed to manage weeds most effectively. Rotating modes of action, adding in non-chemical practices and more put farmers in control.
Non-Chemical Control
Effective herbicide-resistance management combines a variety of chemical and non-chemical management tactics to diversify selection pressure on weed populations and minimize spread of resistance genes. For example, tillage works the soil and can control weeds through burial of small weeds, disrupting roots and cutting or severely stunting weed growth. Tillage practices must be monitored to prevent buildup of weeds in the soil seedbank.
WHERE WE’RE GOING Weed Electrocution
One non-chemical weed control option gaining traction with researchers is weed electrocution. The technology may prevent weed seed production for some of the most common weeds found in Midwest soybean fields; including Palmer amaranth and waterhemp. Researchers in multiple states are comparing weed electrocution to other non-chemical treatments and exploring the overall effectiveness of weed electrocution on common weeds and weed density.
CRISPR Novel Resistance Traits
As existing and emerging weeds become tolerant to limited herbicides used in soybeans, researchers are collaborating to equip soybeans with new genetic traits that confer tolerance to three novel classes of herbicides. Improved cultivars amenable to a wider selection of herbicides would provide more effective weed control. Scientists are establishing a CRISPR base editing system to quickly and non-transgenically generate these new herbicide-resistant soybeans.
13 NCSRP MEMBER STATES REPRESENT MORE THAN 355,000 SOYBEAN FARMERS
GET THE
411
ON SOYBEAN RESEARCH AT
SOYBEANRESEARCH INFO.COM
The Soybean Research and Information Network (SRIN) is a joint effort of the North Central Soybean Research Program and United Soybean Board. The online resource contains checkoff-funded soybean production challenge research findings with direct links to the respective underlying scientific studies housed in the National Soybean Checkoff Research Database. Funded by the soybean checkoff.
JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 41
This summer, Minnesota soybean farmers, with the help of the soybean checkoff, are stepping up and saluting frontline workers by donating pairs of soy-based Skechers shoes to local health care facilities. As a bonus feature, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is also encouraging community members to nominate a health care worker who is most deserving of a free pair of shoes. Nominations will be accepted from June 1 through August 4. Tell us about your health care hero today. Scan for nomination form
42 - Soybean Business - JULY - AUGUST - 2022
JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 43
NICE TO By Drew Lyon The pandemic snarled in-person trade visits, particularly for American business leaders seeking to visit with partners in Asian countries. Prior to 2020, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) annually sent farmer-leaders to Japan to grow and strengthen trade relations. “That all stopped with COVID,” MSR&PC Market Development Director Kim Nill said. But COVID-19 hasn’t stopped the Council’s affiliation with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The Council, along with other Qualified State Soybean Boards and the United Soybean Board, support USMEF’s efforts to increase international red meat consumption. This past year, the Council invested $150,000 in promoting USMEF’s import-exports to Japan. “USMEF is doing a fantastic job. You couldn’t ask for better people,” said Council Director Gene Stoel, who toured Japan in 2017. “And the livestock industry is our biggest customer; it’s a very important relationship to soybean farmers. USMEF has some great programs, and with their help, it’s pretty clear the Japanese people want our products.” U.S. pork exports used 2.45 million tons of soybean meal, which is the equivalent of 103.2 million bushels of soybeans. At an average annual price of $8.98/bushel, pork exports accounted for $927 million in market value to the soybean industry. In 2020, pork exports contributed $1.06 per bushel, or 12% of the average annual price of $8.98/bushel. With total production of 4.14 billion bushels, the value of pork exports was $4.4 billion to the U.S. soybean crop; soybean producers would have lost $4.4 billion in value if there were no pork exports. At an average annual price of $8.98/bushel, pork exports accounted for $927 million in market value to the soybean industry. Those stats are likely to rise when the 2021 stats are released. “We invest in the Japanese market to defend it – it’s not for opening a new market,” Nill said. “It’s a premium market that we sell at a high price.” In 2019, the United States and Japan finalized the first phase of a trade agreement. Its food self-sufficiency ratio is also the lowest of any developed country, partly due to aging population and limited geographical space for agriculture (Japan is roughly the size of Montana).
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YOU
“Opening up the meat market in that country has significant impacts on farmers and soybean growers, because utilization of soy is a big part of growing hogs,” MSR&PC Director Patrick O’Leary said. “For us as soybean growers representing a checkoff organization, the potential for more open export markets and reducing tariffs is a big impact.” U.S. beef and pork exports brought critical returns to the soybean industries in 2020, according to an independent study conducted by World Perspectives, Inc. and released by the USMEF. According to the study, U.S. beef and pork exports contributed $1.06 per bushel to soybeans in 2020. “As the study indicates, my farm gains from red meat exports in the price of every acre of crops that we grow,” USMEF Chair-elect Dean Meyer said. “Red meat exports are vital to my family’s operation.”
EXPORTIN SOYBEANS TH
In 2021 the market value of pork exports to
Minnesota Soybeans = $104.7 millio (soybeans consumed by pork exports at average annual soybean price) 8 million bushels x $13.13 per bushel
In 2021 pork exports accounted for
8 million bushels of Minnesota soybean usage
Gochipo is a pork mascot created by USMEF to build awareness and deliver a positive image of American pork among Japanese consumers. Photo provided by USMEF.
Feed Use by Cuts Expor Per head slaughtered in 2021
EXPORTING MINNESOTA SOYBEANS THROUGH U.S. PORK In 2021 the market value of pork export to
In 2021 pork exports contributed
Minnesota soybeans = $104.7 million (soybeans consumed by pork exports at average annual soybean price)
12.6% of bushel value = $1.65
8 million bushels x $13.13 per bushel
at an average price of $13.13 per bushel
NG29.4% MINNESOTA of U.S. pork wasU.S. exported, HROUGH PORK
on
For the estimated total economic impact:
a new record
Pork exports were the
fastest growing category of soybean meal use from 2015-2012
in 2021 pork exports accounted for
8 million bushels
$
$
of Minnesota soybean usage
In 2021, pork exports accounted for
Pork export value equated to
For the estimated total economic impact:
2.36 million tonsInworth 2021ofpork exports contributed soybeans meal use, the 12.6% ofequivalent bushel value = $1.65
$62.86 per head slaughtered, a new record
of 99.3 million bushels soybeans at anofaverage price of $13.13 per bushel
(export value divided by 2021 commercial hog slaughter
Feed Use by Cuts Exported U.S. pork exports contributed
$77.55 Minnesota $77.55 perper Minnesota soybeanacre acre soybean at $1.65/bushel at a yield of U.S. pork exports contributed
at $1.65/bushel at the yield 47 bushels/acre in 2021 of 47 bushels/acre in 2021
Per head slaughters in 2021 Bushels of Corn Lbs. of Dried Distillers Grains Lbs. of Soybean Meal Butt
0.35 bu. 1.15 lbs. 4.27 lbs.
0.40 bu. 1.32 lbs. 4.91 lbs.
Picnic 0.69 bu. 2.26 lbs. 8.39 lbs.
rted
0.07 bu. 0.23 lbs. 0.86 lbs.
Loin
Sparerib
Belly
Ham
1.29 bu. 4.22 lbs. 15.66 lbs.
0.18 bu. 0.58 lbs. 2.15 lbs.
JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 45
AURI Congratulates the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association on its 60th Anniversary and Thanks its Members for the Long-Standing Partnership and Support in Advancing Value-Added Agriculture.
To learn more about AURI’s work with the MSGA, visit our website at AURI.org
46 - Soybean Business - JULY - AUGUST - 2022
HOW GLOBAL TRADE ISSUES, SUPPLY AND DEMAND ARE DRIVING UP FERTILIZER COSTS At The Mosaic Company, our mission is to help the world grow the food it needs. We do everything we can to offer stable prices and a reliable supply of critical fertilizer to U.S. farmers. In fact, we supply about half of the phosphate fertilizer applied in the United States. We recognize that fertilizer costs have increased dramatically over the past several months, and feel a responsibility to share our global perspective on this complex issue. 1) Fertilizer demand follows commodity prices Demand for fertilizer has increased as farmers try to capture additional revenue from higher crop prices, leading to an increase in both planted acres and fertilizer use. The trade outlook for U.S. agricultural commodity exports remains strong for 2022, as it was in 2021, and with higher grain prices driving higher fertilizer demand, higher fertilizer costs historically follow. Additionally, fertilizers are globally traded commodities, just like soybeans, and as a result, fertilizer prices are influenced by many factors such as increases in commodity prices driving global demand of fertilizers. 2) The cost of fertilizer production has increased Higher input costs such as ammonia and sulfur, two critical inputs for production of phosphates, were subject to sharp increases in 2021, and have seen further acceleration in 2022. Prices have increased 428% and 401%, respectively. 3) Trade and Supply disruptions continue to reshape the market Other countries announced restrictions of fertilizer exports to ensure their own domestic supply. For example, China, which accounts for over 25% of global phosphate exports, imposed strict export controls in October 2021 and are expected to remain for the
foreseeable future. In addition, the geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe is further complicating global fertilizer supplies. While the U.S. is in a better position than many other countries, global product supply and supply chain has been disrupted due to sanctions and port closures. Until this situation deescalates, and transportation normalizes, fertilizer supply will continue to be constrained keeping prices elevated in 2022. In March 2021, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued a countervailing duty on Moroccan and Russian phosphate fertilizer imports due to unfair foreign subsidies. Irrespective of this, phosphate imports came into the U.S. at record levels, and from a more diversified supply base. In fact, U.S. phosphate imports increased by 1.7 million metric tons or 73% year-over-year in 2021 and from double the amount of suppliers relative to historical norms. This has resulted in a more balanced and fairtrade market, which creates a more competitive environment with trusted and reliable suppliers for American farmers and American agriculture in the long term. Phosphate prices in the U.S. are currently $150 to $200 per ton less than in other major agricultural markets such as Brazil and Europe. Assertions that the countervailing duties are driving U.S. prices higher are simply untrue.
We understand the pressures ag retailers and farmers are facing during this tumultuous time and the frustration that comes with it. We value our long-standing relationships and are committed to our retail partners and their farmer customers, and will continue to offer them transparency and support as they navigate tough decisions ahead.
©2022 The Mosaic Company • All rights reserved • mosaicco.com • MC1381 05032022
MC 1381 Mosaic State Soybean Ad 05032022.indd 1
5/3/22 7:37 PM JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 47
United Soybean Board releases Sustainability Overview The soybean checkoff released the inaugural U.S. Soy Sustainability Overview, which outlines key environmental achievements made by U.S. soybean farmers. The U.S. Soy Sustainability Overview, developed by the checkoff on behalf of U.S. soybean farmers, details the modern practices and advanced As one of USB’s sustainability goals, growers aim technologies to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2025. deployed by farmers in recent years to conserve land, water, energy and other natural resources. With the U.S. soybean industry progressing toward its 2025 sustainability goals to reduce land use, soil erosion and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing energy efficiency, significant progress has also been made in the past four decades. • Between 1980 and 2020, conservation efforts by U.S. soybean farmers have improved: Land use efficiency by 48% per bushel • Irrigation water use efficiency by 60% per bushel • Energy use efficiency by 46% per bushel • Greenhouse gas emissions efficiency by 43% per bushel • Soil conservation by 34% per acre • Soy production by 130%, using roughly the same amount of land The U.S. Soy Sustainability Overview highlights climatesmart farming practices stimulating results, shares the stories of farmers across the country who have driven dramatic improvements simultaneously in sustainability and productivity, and establishes a benchmark for U.S. Soy, setting the foundation for broader measurement and reporting in the years ahead. For regular updates about U.S. soybean sustainability, visit ussoy.org
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ASA applauds EPA’s announcement on RFS volumes While slightly lower than originally anticipated in December, the nation’s soybean farmers remain pleased with the blending volumes announced Biodiesel now adds roughly $1 to the value of June 3 by the soybeans. U.S. EPA, which include the largest-ever renewable volume obligation for biomass-based diesel and clear a troublesome backlog of small refinery exemption, or SRE, requests. The 2022 finalized rule aligns with levels previously determined by Congress, setting the 2022 BBD volumes at 2.76 billion gallons, up from 2.43 billion for 2020 and 2021. The 2022 overall volumes are set at 20.63 billion gallons and retroactive volumes for 2021 at 18.84 billion gallons, 2020 at 17.13 billion gallons. These are the largest-ever volumes for total renewable fuels since the renewable fuel standard was created. EPA denied 72 pending petitions from small refiners, clearing the backlog of SREs. Going forward, the agency will require new methodology for evaluating petitions. The final rule also confirms EPA will restore the 500 million gallons of biofuels that were wrongly waived in 2016, with 250 million supplemented in 2022 and the other half in 2023. USDA also announced nearly $700 million in payments for biofuel facilities to support the maintenance and success of the biofuels market. The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry supports 65,000 U.S. jobs and more than $17 billion in economic activity each year. Every 100 million gallons of production supports 3,200 jobs and $780 million in economic opportunity. Biodiesel production supports approximately 13% of the value of each U.S. bushel of soybeans,
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JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 49
FACES OFMSGA
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) is the nation’s premier soybean association because farmers and agri-businesses recognize the value their investment in MSGA brings. Here are two examples of Minnesota members who actively promote Minnesota’s soybean industry. By Sydney Harris
Visit the Compart family farm on any given day and you might think you stumbled into a holiday get-together. It’s a family affair: Jim Compart runs a hog, corn and soybean operation in Nicollet alongside his wife and son, his two brothers and their wives, and a nephew. In turn, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association goes to work for the Comparts by protecting their livelihood. “I just have a very strong feeling for being an advocate for farming,” Compart said. A strong presence in the hog industry prompted Compart to serve on the National Pork Council board for 6 years and the Minnesota Pork Producers board for 9 years. His experience helped him recognize the vital relationship between legislators and their constituents. “I realize that it’s very important that legislators and farmers get together,” Compart said. “The legislators that get voted in have people that will back them up and work with them to try to make a difference.” When it comes to politics, it can be easy to go down
the rabbit hole of believing that your voice won’t be heard. Compart has wise words to deter that line of thinking. “A lot of people say, ‘Well I’m one person. I’m not important.’ But you know, you’re very important,” said Compart. “It’s very important that farmers work together in support of our industry.” Compart hopes more farmers join him as MSGA members. “It takes a group effort, and a group voice needs to be put together to get things done the way we need to get them done,” he said.
You never know where you’ll be when MSGA leaders will come knocking at your door. At least that was true for Mike Knutson, whose son was the ring bearer in the same wedding that MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek’s daughter was the flower girl. Though he had heard of MSGA before, it wasn’t until the wedding and meeting Smentek that he decided to invest and become a member. “Our kids took a liking to each other, and we’ve gotten together a few times since,” Knutson said. “I really enjoy visiting with Joe about what is happening with MSGA.” Meeting Smentek wasn’t the only reason he decided to join. Because of a family history in organizational engagement, it was only natural for him to get involved. “My dad and grandpa both served in many different organizations during their farming careers with the goal of keeping the ag industry strong and the next generation involved,” Knutson said. “That’s important, whether they are in farming or any other areas of agriculture.” Knutson knows his MSGA membership is important
to soybean farmers across the state because he recognizes the need for the agriculture industry to be represented in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. “With so much of the ag industry at risk ‘politically,’ I feel it’s important to have someone speaking up for us at the capital and tell the good story of agriculture,” said Knutson. “MSGA does that.” Knutson has previously been involved in Jaycees and on his local elevator board and was the president of his church congregation. Today, he farms near Canby with the help of his 3 sons – Kendon, Braden, and Jacob. His father, Sherwood, is retired but helps whenever he is needed.
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MSGA DIDYOU KNOW
Craig Weir was a lifelong farmer in Faribault County.
By Drew Lyon
Farm Bill
W
During a 2019 visit to the USDA’s headquarters, MSGA farmer-leaders saw a sealed copy of the 2018 Farm Bill legislation.
hile farmers were busy this spring planting the 2022 crop, the American Soybean Association released its 2023 Farm Bill priorities. As the House and Senate Agriculture Committees lay the foundation for this pivotal legislation, ASA hopes its initial priorities list will provide insight and assure soy growers’ interests are considered as the farm bill process continues with hearings this year and legislative development next year. The document contains a general needs assessment and topical breakouts, including farm safety net, conservation, trade, energy, rural development, research and nutrition. Among the priorities included: • Improving the Title I farm safety net for soybeans • Continuing the voluntary, incentive-based, flexible approach to conservation programs • Investing into promotion of U.S. commodities globally • Building biobased and biofuels opportunities • Ensuring broadband coverage is accessible throughout rural America Minnesota’s delegation that sits on ASA spoke with legislators about these priorities during ASA’s March Hill Visit and will continue engaging with legislators during July’s visit to the nation’s capital. ASA’s steps for determining its farm bill principles began internally with education sessions for farmers serving on the ASA Board of Directors and soy state affiliates, including MSGA, to hear more about the various titles included in the farm bill. ASA then worked in conjunction with allied soy groups to distribute a widespread survey to farmers. Finally, ASA hosted a series of 12 listening sessions, by both titles and geographic regions, in which farmers and states could share input –
or follow up by comments submitted to ASA staff. These priorities will be refined into more specific requests by early 2023. The current Farm Bill expires in September 2023. This spring, MSGA Vice President Bob Worth joined commodity leaders by meeting with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, who sits on the Senate Ag Committee. Worth said he expects tweaks to the bill but urged the senator to keep crucial safety nets in place. “It’s a good bill from a farmers’ standpoint,” Worth said. MSGA has a long history of advocating for the Farm Bill with policymakers. The late Craig Weir, who was featured in the last month’s issue of Soybean Business, sat on an ASA Task Force that helped establish 1990 Farm Bill priorities. That same year, Sandy Ludeman, who served on both MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, led the effort toward having the federal checkoff included in the 1990 Farm Bill. “It was the right thing to do at the right time,” Ludeman said of the checkoff program. “If we had waited for a different time, it might not have gotten done. In the 1996 Farm Bill, MSGA helped secure planting flexibility and higher loan rates of soybeans. Both provisions were included in the bill. MSGA also provided valuable input on the 2014 Farm Bill, including $200 in million in research funding. “What happens in the nation’s capital these days can be almost as important as the weather when it comes to soybean profits,” then-MSGA President Roger Asendorf said in 1979. That notion rings truer than ever today. JULY - AUGUST - 2022 - Soybean Business - 51
Some things make no sense at all.
Our partnership with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is not one of them.
The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association are a winning combination. Together, we move the needle and improve the profitability of Minnesota’s 27,000 soybean farmers. Because checkoff dollars cannot be used for legislative activities, it’s MSGA that amplifies our voice at the Capitol and advances policies that benefit us all.
From one soy partner to another, we salute you! Congratulations on 60 years, MSGA! 52 - Soybean Business - JULY - AUGUST - 2022