Soybean Business May-June 2023

SOYBEAN THE MAGAZINE FOR MINNESOTA’S SOYBEAN GROWERS

May - June - 2023 - VOLUME XXI - ISSUE 3

B U S I N E S S

INSIDE

Protecting Biodiesel Gillie’s Goodbye Soy Sunday Fun Day

MINNESOTA SOYBEAN 1020 INNOVATION LANE, MANKATO, MN

MN

CONTENTS

SOYBEAN P.6 P.16 P.20 P.26 P.30

Left out of the rulemaking process, MSGA took to the court system to challenge the state of Minnesota’s adoption of the “Clean Cars Rule.” Farmers are urged to support MSGA by becoming members.

Theresia Gillie stepped down from MSGA after 15 years of service. The Hallock farmer recounted the highs and lows and looked ahead to her next endeavors.

Earlier this year, Council Director Ron Obermoller stepped down from his post with the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute Board. The Brewster farmer reminisced on a decade of innovation with AURI.

MINNESOTA AGRICULTURAL EXPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Minnesota Agricultural Export

• Minnesota is the 4th largest agricultural exporting state in the U.S. • Minnesota exported $9.2 billion in agricultural products in 2021.

• Minnesota’s top export commodities are soybeans, corn, feeds, red meat, dairy, and wheat, the combined which accounted for two-thirds of the state’s total agricultural exports.

• From 2000 to 2021, Minnesota’s total agricultural export more than tripled – far higher than the national growth rate.

• Exports are crucial to Minnesota’s agricultural economy, contributing over one-third to the state’s total agricultural sales.

• In Minnesota, ag exports support more than 52,000 jobs both on-farm and off-farm, and generate over $14 billion in total economic impact.

U.S. Top 10 Agricultural Exporting States (Billion $)

$27.5 $25.0

$9.0

Trendline

$8.0 $7.0

$17.5 $15.0 $12.5

$5.0 $4.0 $3.0 $2.0 $1.0

MN Ag Export by Commodity (%-share by value)

Processed grain products 3% Vegetable oils 3% Dairy 4% Soybean meal 5%

$9.2

$9.2

$10.0 $7.5

$7.5

$7.1

All other 13%

MN Top Ag Export Markets (%-share by value) China 18%

All other 30%

$8,000

$4,000 $3,000 Corn 19%

The world wants Minnesota soy. Once again, soybeans are Minnesota’s top ag export, accounting for more than $2 billion in sales each year.

Canada 15%

Vietnam 2%

S. Korea 5%

Japan 8%

Mexico 12%

MN Ag Export Commodities Growth Trends (Million $) $9,000

$5,000

Feed 11%

$5.2

$0.0

$6,000

Pork 10%

$5.4

$2.5

$10,000 Soybeans 26%

$6.6

$5.0

$7,000

Source: USDA; MDA-AMD

$11.4

Taiwan 2% Netherlands 2%

$0.0

Beef Wheat 3% 3%

$14.2

Indonesia 2% Colombia 2% Philippines 2%

$6.0

Nicollet and Sibley County soybean farmers held their second annual Soy Sunday Fun Day this spring. This year’s event brought the life of a soybean to a full circle.

$20.0

Minnesota Agricultural Export Trend (Billion $)

$10.0

$24.4

$22.5

$2,000 $1,000 $0

All other Poultry Beef

ABOUT THE COVER Everywhere we turn, we see soy. The miracle bean is in the products we wear, paint we use, vehicles we drive. Soy is all under one roof – literally. Thanks to help from the soybean checkoff, hundreds of soybased products are hitting the marketplace every year.

Wheat Dairy

Soybean meal Pork

Feeds Corn

Soybeans

Prepared by Su Ye, Chief Economist, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (January 2023)

Read on Page 22

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Officers and ASA Directors: OFFICERS

Bob Worth President Lake Benton, MN Lincoln County Darin Johnson Vice President Wells, MN Faribault County Brad Hovel Secretary Cannon Falls, MN Goodhue County Ryan Mackenthun Treasurer Brownton, MN McLeod 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 Gary and Tina Schoenfeld Waseca, MN Waseca County

Paul Mesner and Mary Dybedahl-Mesner (2021-22 Class) Chandler, MN Murray County

COUNTY DIRECTORS

Trevore Brekken Crookston, MN Polk County

Tim Nelson New Richland, MN Waseca County

Mark Brown St. James, MN Watonwan County

Lucas Peters Luverne, MN Rock County

Steve Brusven Cottonwood, MN Yellow Medicine County

Nathan Potucek Warren, MN Marshall County

Jason Cadieux Hallock, MN Kittson County

Andy Pulk Wannaska, MN Roseau/LOW Counties

Brian Fruechte Verdi, MN Lincoln County

Matt Purfeerst Faribault MN Dakota/Rice Counties

William Gordon Worthington, MN Nobles County

Tim Rasmussen Rothsay, MN Otter Tail/Grant Counties

Tom Grundman Osakis, MN Douglas County

Justin Remus New Ulm, MN Brown County

Corey Hanson Gary, MN Norman County

Mike Skaug Beltrami, MN Polk County

Matt Heers Owatonna, MN Steele County

Cal Spronk Edgerton, MN Pipestone County

Ray Hewitt Le Sueur, MN Scott/Le Sueur Counties

Jamie Seitzer St Peter, MN Nicollet/Sibley Counties

Jim Jirava Ogema, MN Becker/Mahnomen Counties

Jeff Sorenson Morgan, MN Redwood County

Kyle Jore Thief River Falls, MN Pennington/Red Lake Counties

Lawrence Sukalski Fairmont, MN Martin County

Bob Lindemann Brownton, MN McLeod County

Jeremy Tischer Breckenridge, MN Clay/Wilkin Counties

Bruce Nelsen Rose Creek, MN Mower County Keith Nelsen Westbrook, MN Cottonwood County Robert Nelsen Westbrook, MN Murray County

Doug Toreen Bird Island, MN Renville County Rose Wendinger St. James, MN Watonwan County 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 Integrated Marketing Ag Management Solutions 888-896-9678 dmonson@agmgmtsolutions.com Managing Editor Drew Lyon Sr. Manager of Communications Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 dlyon@agmgmtsolutions.com Layout Editors Alex Troska atroska@agmgmtsolutions.com Kaelyn Rahe krahe@agmgmtsolutions.com

ADVERTISING:

Erin Rossow, Sales Manager 507-902-9191 | 888-896-9678 | erin.rossow@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

MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 3

Letter from the President Courting members The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) followed the direction of our board by staying proactive in our advocacy efforts to begin spring 2023, making for a productive – but unusual – Hill Visit to St. Paul.

We earned state and national headlines after joining a lawsuit challenging the state of Minnesota’s adoption of California’s “Clean Cars Rule.” Our position is clear: We strongly feel that biodiesel – which is working right here, right now to remove the greenhouse gas emissions from roughly a quarter-million vehicles every year – needs to be considered during the rulemaking process. Minnesota has been a national leader in biodiesel for more than 20 years; losing this market would be devastating to our industry.

We need to be part of the discussion, not left out. To prove our point, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency readily admits that adopting California’s rules will significantly reduce the demand for liquid fuels in the state.

The best way soybean farmers and the agriculture industry can support our ongoing legal fight is to join MSGA today. Legal cases are expensive, and we need membership support to continue these endeavors on behalf of Minnesota’s 27,000 soybean farmers. Membership is one of my passions within MSGA. This is a watershed moment for those non-members – my fellow farmers and agribusinesses that may have been past members, or perhaps have never joined MSGA – to step up, lock arms with us and join an organization that is actively defending positions that affect the profitability of Minnesota soybean producers. Please, join today! It truly matters, and we need your membership now more than ever.

Throughout our Hill Visits, we vocalized the need to protect biodiesel, along with pesticides, during visits with legislators and the Department of Agriculture. These visits are so crucial to a successful legislative session; and as someone who’s walked the halls of our state and nation’s capitols many times, it is an honor and privilege to represent soybean farmers during meetings with elected officials. We also conveyed our disappointment with the revised ag budget target released by the governor

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and DFL leaders.

Agriculture is the second leading industry in the state, accounting for roughly 2530% of our GDP, yet accounts for less than 1% of the total state budget.

We endorsed the initial target, which set the ag budget at around $72 million, but this second proposal sorely lacks funding for agricultural priorities.

In this issue, you’ll read more about our advocacy stances, both in the legislature and the court system. We also pay tribute to my dear friend, Theresia Gillie, who is retiring from MSGA after 15 years as a director. I’ve come a long way with Theresia and will miss her dearly.

However, I’m pleased she’ll continue to sit on her county board. Theresia will always be a member of the MSGA family. In addition, we also take a closer look at how our checkoff colleagues at the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council are helping to drive demand for soybean oil, fuel export growth and promote local connections through our organized county program.

This winter was grueling, no doubt about it. At times, it seemed doubtful that the snow would ever melt. Yet, here we are, starting another successful growing season. From one farmer to another, I wish you all a safe and smooth planting season. We’ve earned our spring and summer this year. Let’s enjoy it!

Sincerely,

Bob Worth, President, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

DEPARTMENT DISPATCH THE LABEL IS THE LAW WHEN IT COMES TO DICAMBA

COMMISSIONER

This column is a series in Soybean Business featuring leaders from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Pesticides are powerful tools for farmers and homeowners, and they’re used in a wide variety of industries. While they may have benefits, we must keep user and environmental safety in mind when applying pesticides.

Each year since 2017, the first year dicamba was registered for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has fielded complaints of off-site movement onto neighboring property.

The MDA wishes to preserve this tool for farmers. But we must recognize the continued registration of dicamba products labeled for this use is dependent on these products being used without impacts on their neighbors’ homes, farms and gardens.

The MDA will again implement state-specific use restrictions for Minnesota during the 2023 growing season. These restrictions are the same ones implemented in 2022 when we saw a major decrease in complaints of off-target movement from 2021.

The 2023 label requirements for the products include a date cutoff of June 12 south of Interstate 94 and June 30 north of Interstate 94. There is also a temperature cutoff if the air temperature of the field at the time of application is over 85° or if the National Weather Service’s forecasted high temperature for the nearest available location for the day exceeds 85°. The temperature restriction is statewide.

These restrictions are based on scientific evidence from our drift investigations. The peak of our complaints in the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons happened on approximately June 30. Symptoms of dicamba off-target movement usually show up on plants 2-3 weeks after application. Therefore, a June 12 cutoff date can help stop a repeat of complaints.

We saw evidence that these cutoff dates and temperature restrictions work when, in 2022, the MDA received 25 formal complaints and eight responses to an informal survey, all alleging off-target movement. This

THOM PETERSEN

was a major decrease from 2021, which saw a total of 304 formal complaints and survey responses.

It is also important for farmers and applicators to understand that we will continue our enforcement of the use of these products by examining application records.

Remember, accurate recordkeeping is also the best tool applicators have to prove they are following this complex label.

Remember: The label is the law. You are breaking the law by willfully or accidentally using dicamba, or any pesticide, without following the label language.

I want to thank the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association’s Drift Task Force and the University of Minnesota Extension for their work on this issue. We will continue our work with the U of M on research to better understand how these products can move off target. Our ability to gather data, successful adoption of best management practices and continued training are all critical for the continued use of dicamba products in the future.

Thom Petersen, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

MDA COMMISSIONER THOM PETERSEN LIVES ON A HORSE FARM IN PINE CITY AND WAS APPOINTED TO A SECOND TERM AS COMMISSIONER BY GOV. TIM WALZ. FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER AT @THOMMYPETERSEN

MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 5

In it to win it

MSGA takes to court system to challenge state’s “Clean Cars Rule”

By Soybean Business Staff In March, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) joined several energy industry groups in filing a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota for its adoption of California’s “zero emission vehicle” mandate. MSGA is determined to ensure the concerns of Minnesota’s 27,000 soybean farmers are heard and addressed by state leaders.

“Having Minnesota blindly follow California’s rules gives up our ability to make our own decisions and would sabotage our own growers and producers of liquid fuels in the heartland,” MSGA President Bob Worth said. “Minnesota consumers know better than California politicians what is best for their own lives.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, challenges the legality of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules requiring that new cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles in the state meet emission limits set by California and match California’s requirements for the sale of a certain percentage of so-called “zero-emission vehicles,” as defined

by California regulators.

“Duplicating California’s mandate for one vehicle technology over others will not achieve anyone’s goals,” said Henry O. Armour, president and CEO of the National Association of Convenience Stores.

“Some of the most significant reductions in carbon emissions from transportation have come from using more renewable fuels and more efficient internal combustion engines. Adopting California’s rules in Minnesota would stop further investments in efficient use of renewables and other liquid fuels and would result in more net carbon emissions than we would have without these misguided rules.”

The lawsuit contends that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), which creates a uniform national standard for vehicle fuel efficiency, prohibits states from adopting policies “related to” federal fuel-economy standards.

EPCA says that a “state or a political subdivision of a state” cannot “adopt or enforce a law or regulation related to fuel economy standards or average fuel economy standards.”

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In EPCA, Congress expressly forbade the National Highway Safety Administration from considering the fuel economy of vehicles that run on “alternative fuels” (such as electricity) in setting fuel-economy standards, according to the lawsuit.

The suit also challenges Congress’s decision to grant California – and only California – special authority to adopt its own motor-vehicle emission standards different from those set by the U.S. government.

“The state shouldn’t let California tell Minnesotans what kinds of cars they can and can’t buy,” said Lance Klatt, executive director of the Minnesota Service Station & Convenience Store Association.

“Politicians have a terrible track record of deciding which technology will best meet peoples’ needs, and California politicians even more so.

This mandate is bad for Minnesota consumers, businesses and the state economy. Minnesota fueling stations are open to exploring all energy options through a free-market approach, including homegrown biofuels and electrification.”

Advocacy in Action

MSGA leaders, pictured here at the 2023 MN AG EXPO with Gov. Tim Walz and Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen, go beyond the legislative realm and advocate through the court system on behalf of its members.

A clean fuel This scheme, the lawsuit contends, violates the Constitution’s equal sovereignty doctrine because it grants California a greater degree of sovereignty and capacity for selfgovernment than all other states.

In Minnesota, biodiesel is helping to grow the economy. About $1.7 billion of Minnesota’s GDP comes from the biodiesel industry and biodiesel supports nearly 5,400 jobs in the state and 65,000 jobs in the U.S. Every 100 million gallons of production supports 3,200 jobs and adds more than $1 to every bushel of soybeans.

“With profit margins being so close, if we lose our biodiesel market, it would be a serious matter for soybean farmers to face,”

said Worth, who helped advocate for the passage of the original biodiesel law that Minnesota passed in 2002.

Aside from economic benefits, the biodiesel industry helps protect the environment – a growing concern in today’s world. Studies show that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% and displaces roughly 130 million gallons of petroleum diesel in Minnesota each year. Using a B20 blend in the summer and a B5 blend in the winter equates to removing the emissions from approximately 245,000 vehicles from state roads every year.

The issue is pressing. California’s already taking the next step − its newest regulations would outlaw the internal combustion engine by 2035.

“Although we strongly support Governor Walz’s goals of reducing

carbon emissions, the bottom line is this rule purposefully hurts our farmers by lowering the need for liquid fuels,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “Suing in court is our last venue to actually get those concerns heard.”

Because MSGA is a nonprofit organization that relies on membership dues to support its mission, Vice President Darin Johnson is encouraging the agriculture community to join MSGA and help fund costly legal efforts to maintain the state’s biodiesel market.

“Court cases are expensive and can take a long time,” Johnson said. “To prevail in this case, we’re going to need resources, and that’s why membership in MSGA is so important.”

To support MSGA’s legal action in the courts, visit mnsoybean.org/msga.

MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 7

MSGA Hill Visits

Sound strategies

By Sydney Harris and Kaelyn Rahe Strategy is a vital component of farming. Imagine a farmer forgetting to purchase their fertilizer before spring planting, realizing they forgot to grease a bearing after it goes out or leaving their cooler at home during a long day in the tractor.

The days that lack strategy just don’t go smoothly.

Farmers’ strategizing doesn’t end at the county line. It extends all the way to the legislative arena. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) directors traveled to St. Paul to implement their policy strategy during MSGA’s annual legislative reception and Hill Visits.

After joining several advocacy groups in a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota, MSGA navigated a different legislative environment at this year’s Hill Visits.

“We want to be sure we have (liquid fuels) built in and have a seat at the table,” MSGA Secretary Brad Hovel said.

MSGA continued its defense of protecting pesticides this legislative session. Proposed bills in the Minnesota Legislature could jeopardize the use of these tools, which would severely impact farmers’ ability to fight yieldrobbing pests.

“That type of seed treatment grows along with the plant and prevents insects from eating or feeding on those plants in the future,” MSGA Vice President Darin Johnson said.

“We just want to make sure that we can use products when we need them. And we don’t use them if we don’t have to, because they’re costly and we care about our land.”

MSGA endorses fully funding the grain indemnity fund

MSGA directors promote, defend policies during Hill Visits

bill to protect farmers who’ve delivered their soybeans to an elevator that goes bankrupt prior to the farmer receiving payment. MSGA also advocated in support of raising the Ag Homestead Tax credit to $3.5 million, which would help keep the next generation of farmers on the land.

“Acres are shrinking because the values are going up so much,” Johnson told Sen. Gene Dornick.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Thom Petersen visited with Worth and Executive Director Joe Smentek to hear MSGA’s hopes for the remainder of the session, which runs through May 22.

“I want to thank (MSGA) for working on our Trade Office,” said Petersen. “We see a lot of advantages and options in that. If we could get even one more, we’d be crushing it.”

Earlier in the legislative session, MSGA proposed a bill to the Senate Ag Committee that would appropriate an additional $500,000 per biennium to MDA’s Trade Office to develop international marketing opportunities for farmers and value-added processors.

The Port of Duluth was another common topic introduced during trade discussions. Rep. Paul Torkelson was excited for the opportunities that the port presents.

“I am a big fan of the Duluth port. It is a great asset to Minnesota,” he said. “The opportunities for shipments are big.”

Through advocating, MSGA showcased the impact policies can have on farms. Farming is more than a profession; it’s a legacy passed down through generations, Worth said.

“We work tirelessly to leave our operations, including our land, better than they found it,” Worth said. “These Hill Visits give us the ability to tell legislators how their decisions have direct impact to what we do and our livelihood.”

Look for a full recap of the 2023 legislative session in the July-August issue of Soybean Business.

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unitedsoybean.org

INVESTING IN NEW MARKETS FOR U.S. SOY

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

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

Brought to 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.

MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 9

By Drew Lyon Minnesota farmer-leaders returned to the pressing business of legislative engagement during a March visit to a bustling Capitol as part of the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) semiannual Hill Visits in Washington, D.C. “We had a lot of good, constructive conversations with our federal legislators on both sides of the aisle,” Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) President Bob Worth said. “We received a lot of support, and I think our team felt this was one of the best Hill Visits we’ve had.”

For the first time since prior to the pandemic, walking the halls of the Capitol felt close to normal again for farmers and legislators alike. Security restrictions within the Capitol have relaxed somewhat, and advocacy organizations and student groups have returned in droves.

“It’s just fun to see everyone again,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said during a

meeting with Minnesota farmers and her legislative aides.

Worth was joined by MSGA Vice President Darin Johnson and six of Minnesota’s seven ASA directors (Redwood County farmer George Goblish was unable to attend).

The directors divided into two groups and met with members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation to discuss ASA’s 2023 policy priorities, which include: Advance Soy in 2023 Farm Bill Development • Support an on-time, sufficiently funded, meaningful and comprehensive Farm Bill that addresses ASA priorities, including: • Protecting crop insurance • Improving the farm safety net for soybeans • Growing investments in the promotion of U.S. commodities globally • Enhancing access and

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continuing the voluntary, incentive-based, flexible approach to conservation programs • Promoting new market opportunities through research, rural development and nutrition.

Improve EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard for soy-based biofuels • Biofuels: Support higher renewable volume obligation targets for biomass-based diesel in the EPA proposed Renewable Fuel Standard rule for 2023-2025 • Feedstock Availability: Ensure soy remains an eligible feedstock in renewable fuel opportunities • Impact of the WOTUS rule • Consider efforts to improve the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule so it works for farmers.

Many legislators wanted to speak with farmers about ongoing

MSGA Hill Visits tensions with China. Although soybean farmers have opened up new markets in recent years, China remains far and away the top purchaser of U.S. soybeans.

In 2022, the U.S. exported about $15 billion worth of soybeans to China. In Minnesota, roughly one in three rows of soybeans is shipped to China, ASA Director Michael Petefish told Rep. Pete Stauber.

“We need China from an agriculture perspective,” Petefish said. “It’s important that we maintain that market.”

Petefish and fellow Director Jamie Beyer also explained to Rep. Stauber about MSGA’s efforts to increase grain exports from the Port of Duluth, along with the Farm Bill and burdensome pesticide regulations.

“I want you farming, not dealing (with regulations),” Stauber said.

“We need to get back to basics.”

‘Right there with you’ Worth, MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek and ASA Director Adam Guetter visited with House Committee Member Rep. Angie Craig about the Farm Bill and her ongoing support for biodiesel. In a meeting with Sen. Tina Smith,

growers thanked the senator for introducing the Expanding Agricultural Exports Act, which is estimated to boost agricultural exports by $7.4 billion through doubling funding for the advertising programs of agricultural goods in foreign countries. The bill would double authorized funding levels for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program to $400 million and $69 million.

“Additional support for these programs is critical,” ASA Director Jim Kukowski said.

Immediately following her visit with MSGA, Sen. Smith passed on her takeaways during a Senate Ag Committee meeting.

In the day’s final visit, Beyer, Petefish, Johnson and ASA Director Chris Hill visited in a private room in the Capitol with Sen. Klobuchar, who could become the next Senate Ag Committee chair following current Chair Debbie Stabenow’s recent announcement that she won’t seek reelection in 2024. Farmers and Sen. Klobuchar found common ground on several topics, from crop insurance to renewable fuels to a shared hope for a smooth planting season back home in Minnesota.

“I’m right there with you on biodiesel,” the senator said.

Prior to Hill Visits, ASA held the first portion of its board meeting. The board received a lay of the legislative land in D.C. from ASA’s policy team; updates on the ongoing chlorpyrifos lawsuit; news from the soybean checkoff via the United Soybean Board; and heard from House and Senate Ag Committee leaders, who outlined their priorities for the Farm Bill, which expires later this year.

The committees have a lot of work to do, and time is tight, House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson told ASA directors.

“To get all this done, we will need help from the experts,” Rep. Thompson said. “You know firsthand where there may be room for improvements, and we need that feedback. Finding the resources to make these improvements may be challenging, but it’s a challenge my team and I are willing to put our shoulders into.”

During the board meeting, Petefish, who served as MSGA president from 2017-19, relayed his takeaways with his fellow ASA directors.

“Everyone we met with was extremely receptive toward having a Farm Bill on time,” he said.

During a visit to the Capitol, ASA Director Chris Hill (left) speaks with Sen. Amy Klobuchar about the need to protect and grow the Renewable Fuel Standard.

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FARM BILL

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Budget Direction Provided

Oversight Hearings

Conference Negotiations

Consideration in Full House & Senate

Vote in Full House & Senate

Legislative Drafts Developed

Consideration in Committees

Presidential Consideration

The current farm bill, which was signed into law in 2018, remains in effect through the 2023 crop year. Oversight hearings as part of the next farm bill process began in 2022 and continue in 2023, with budget direction and additional steps starting in 2023. The farm bill comes up in Congress approximately every five years.

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Implementation

unitedsoybean.org

MAINTAINING OUR REPUTATION TO DELIVER

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

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

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

MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 13

Doing their part: Pine City farm is open to ideas Pine City farmer Craig Mold is a big proponent of taking tips from the farming generation below him.

“It’s the younger generation that’s leading the way,” said Mold, who will plant his 53rd crop in 2023. “They’re not afraid to try new things, and that’s a good thing. … You have to be willing to change.”

Mold, who retired last year after serving 20 years on the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District, is no stranger to improving the soil health on his operation. But he also relies on experts within his family. He farms with his son, Andre, who encouraged his dad to switch to vertical tilling. And Craig’s daughter, Jennifer Hahn, is a soil scientist and Extension educator for the Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership.

“Vertical tillage was quite an adjustment for myself, but not so much for my son and daughter,” Craig said. “They pushed for us to go do it, and I’m a true believer in it now.”

Mold reports a big improvement in the consistency of his soil structure on his farm, which has helped to reduce fuel costs and boost yields. It’s all part of the Molds’ goal to experiment with new practices, including a 55-acre wetland restoration project and placing buffers throughout his land in 2017.

“When water goes through a culvert, it’s clear,” Craig Mold

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said. “In my lifetime, I didn’t think I would see that, but it really makes a difference. … Everyone has to do their part.”

Craig’s dad started the farm in 1954 with 35 cows on 120 acres. Craig and Andre now farm 1,000 acres and grow corn and soybeans. During his farming career, Craig has seen his corn yields double, and soybean yields have continued increasing over the past two decades. In 2021, the Molds enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Certification Program (MAWQCP) by working with Ryan Clark, their local MAWQCP specialist. They only had to modify a few practices, namely reducing their fertilizer use.

“My son always says, ‘You don’t want to buy those last few bushels with increased fertilizer,’” Craig Mold said. “We try to get right in that sweet spot.”

Clark said the Molds’ advanced nutrient management practices, wetland restoration, sediment basins and crop history made them ideal candidates for the MAWQCP. Moving to vertical tillage was their final step needed.

“It was easy to explain the process to Craig,” Clark said.

“He’s always able and willing to learn new things. They’ve come a long way, and we appreciate their efforts.”

MAWQCP connects farmers with local conservation district experts like Clark to identify and mitigate any risks their farm poses to water quality. Producers going through the certification process earn priority access to financial assistance. After certification, each farm is deemed in compliance with new water quality laws and regulations for 10 years. MAWQCP currently has five endorsements available to certified producers: Climate Smart Farm, Soil Health, Integrated Pest Management, Wildlife and Irrigation Water Management.

“It’s a good program,” Mold said. “It gets you to look at what you’re doing. It makes you feel good.”

More than 1,311 producers are currently certified in the voluntary program, covering more than 963,380 certified acres and implementing more than 2,500 new conservation practices.

Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will certify 1 million acres of farmland in Minnesota in 2023.

Mold, 69, said he’ll never stop learning from others.

“I’m always looking for new things coming up,” he said. “I’m sure there will be something new in the future that we don’t even know about yet.”

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.

ASA USB To get started and learn more, contact your local soil and water conservation district or go to:

MyLandMyLegacy.com

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Kittson county farmer Theresia Gillie was recruited by Bob Worth to join the board. 15 years later, she’s departing the board during Worth’s return to the presidency.

By Bailey Grubish Every day, Hallock farmer Theresia Gillie takes wisdom from a former president of the United States.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader,” John Quincy Adams once said.

Those words continue resonating with Gillie.

“My leadership is not about me,” she said. “My leadership is about how I bring others up.”

Gillie never sought to join the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) board. Farming wasn’t in her career plans, either.

“Farming has gotten to be such a big part of who I am and my identity because I have a huge identity being ‘Theresia Gillie, Woman Farmer,’” she said.

She learned to farm as an adult after marrying a lifelong farmer, Keith Gillie. It was a steep learning curve.

But from the time she married Keith and gave birth to their son, Bryce, to a 15-year run with MSGA, Gillie endured tragedy and emerged with a story to tell.

How it began Her MSGA journey began in 2006 when the organization strived

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to grow the number of organized counties in northern Minnesota, and Gillie volunteered to help with membership. She possessed an innate ability to recruit members. She brought a dozen memberships after a short time. Gillie’s recruiting abilities impressed then (and now current) President Bob Worth.

“I saw that she was fantastic in recruiting,” Worth said. “She also had a leadership quality that was good.

Her membership numbers explain how good of a membership person she is. Just look at her county. She’s got almost all the eligible people in Kittson County signed up. That’s unheard of.”

Advocate Profile

Theresia Gillie, pictured here at MN AG EXPO with Bruce Schmoll (left) and Kurt Krueger (right), helps support MSGA by participating in fundraising events.

Worth encouraged Gillie to join the state board. Before she accepted, she first wanted to organize the Kittson County Soybean Growers Board. A year later, the board was established, after Gillie recruited 48 members, easily surpassing the 30 required to organize a county board.

“I came in with Bob Worth and I left with Bob Worth,” Gillie said. “I was thinking about Mark Twain. How Mark Twain came in with Halley’s Comet and he died when Halley’s Comet came back.”

Earlier in 2023, Gillie retired from the board after 15 years of service.

She was honored at MSGA’s April board meeting.

“I want to retire and have this wonderful feeling in my heart,” Gillie said. “Minnesota Soybean will have a place in my heart the rest of my life.”

Gillie, who’s the second female farmer elected MSGA president, is stepping down knowing it’s time to let the next generation take over. Hallock farmer Jason Cadieux will fill Gillie’s position.

“I need to make sure that there’s somebody good in my place,” Gillie said. “I do believe that it’s my job, being a director and a past president to encourage that next line of leadership.”

Cadieux and his wife farm soybeans and sugar beets in Kittson County.

“I’m looking to learn a lot with MSGA,” Cadieux said.

Gillie is eager to recede into the background, but said she’ll be available to mentor Cadieux.

“Minnesota Soybean will always have a place in my heart,” she said.

Making her way in the soybean world Gillie served on various MSGA committees in her 15 years, but she found a passion in promoting membership.

“Selling membership is not the most fun thing, but if you have a little bit of fun with it and bring some excitement, then you get them excited to join,” said Gillie’s friend, Veronica Bruckhoff, a former Minnesota Soybean staff member. “Theresia was really good at explaining the difference between MSGA and the checkoff. She is active in farming, so she can speak to them oneon-one on the same level.”

Gillie and Worth also teamed up in her early years to boost MSGA’s internal industry relations action team. She’s traveled to Washington, D.C., many times to speak with federal legislators, including a visit in January 2020 to the White House for the signing of the U.S.China Phase One trade deal. Gillie also attended Hill Visits at the state Capitol.

Continued on page 18

Theresia Gillie, pictured here speaking with Sen. Tina Smith at Farmfest, has established relationships with legislators across the political spectrum.

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In 2017, Theresia’s world changed forever when her husband, Keith, died by suicide near the family farm in Hallock.

“She wasn’t afraid to tackle the tough situations you were in once in a while,” Worth said. “She could handle a (legislator) respectfully, but firmly.”

MSGA relied on Gillie’s strong suits when it was time for her to speak with lawmakers and agency leaders. In turn, she holds the organization in high regard.

“I firmly believe that Minnesota Soybean is the leading ag organization in our state,” Gillie said. “I think that we are the most organized and that we are the most in touch with our state legislators.”

After serving on the board for several years, Gillie was named secretary and vice president before being elected as MSGA president in summer 2016.

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Unexpected path Her presidency was hardly the term she expected. Gillie arrived at the position armed with goals, but what she thought was her life’s plan and presidency changed overnight.

Toward the end of her term, Gillie’s life was upended. On April 1, 2017, Keith Gillie died by suicide near the family farm.

“It wasn’t easy,” Gillie said. “I’ll tell you, it’s never easy to talk about it. This has made such an impact and woke so many people up on the fact that if this can happen to the president of an association, it can happen to anybody. It brought awareness really quickly.”

Gillie received messages from throughout the soybean community, including MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council CEO Tom Slunecka. She said still has those messages saved on her phone. Gillie learned right then that Minnesota Soybean will always support her.

“We were all devastated for Theresia and her family,” Smentek said. “Everyone in our organization rallied around her, and we all admired how Theresia did her best to keep going and advocate for an issue that resonates throughout society and also became deeply personal to her.“ This April marked six years since the most difficult day of Theresia and Bryce’s life. Feelings of anxiety from that day crept in as the anniversary approached and Theresia relived her final conversations with Keith. At the time of his death, the Gillie’s farm struggled.

Crop prices were poor, and weather had destroyed recent harvests.

Gillie said that Minnesota Soybean protected her at a very vulnerable time in her life as her priorities as president shifted.

“My legacy kind of ended up (vocalizing) the awareness of isolation in agriculture,” Gillie said.

Getting up When she started her term, she aspired to become an American Soybean Association (ASA) director. Gillie was also a fierce advocate for affordable rural health care, but, in the aftermath of Keith’s death, her life and career paths were forever altered. Since Keith’s suicide, Gillie has become a national advocate for farmer mental health through interviews with the Associated Press and dozens of state and national interviews, including a 2018 cover story in Soybean Business.

“Now, I talk a lot about resilience,” she said. “You know life is going to throw you a lot of curves, and I will tell you that I’ve had my knees knocked out from under me on more than one occasion and you have to learn to get up.”

She recalled when her first Kittson County Commissioner meeting was held just a couple of weeks after Keith’s death.

She didn’t think she could handle the moment. Gillie reminded herself that she either had to get up or give up. In her mind, there was only one option.

“I had to get up,” Gillie said. “Take a deep breath and keep going as much as it hurt. It wasn’t an easy thing to do.”

She adapted to her new normal. With support from her friends, family and loyal neighbors, she continued farming and still makes daily decisions for the farm. Her canine companion, Bridget, is never far away, riding along in the tractor.

“What a privilege I have living where I live, being part of this big state and the fact that Minnesota Soybean gave me help that was amazing,” she said.

Finding another passion From working with MSGA, Gillie found herself wondering what else she could take on. It didn’t take her long to find her next aspiration: becoming a county commissioner.

“Minnesota Soybean gave me not only the knowledge of how to handle meetings and how to do some of the stuff that you do as leaders, in not only your community but also in our state,” Gillie said. “It gave me, for lack of a better word, courage to run for a county commissioner position.”

In 2016, she was elected to her first term, earned reelection and is seeking a third term.

“I’m very involved with the Association of Minnesota Counties,” she said, “and when it comes to farming stuff, guess where they go? I am right in the middle of any agriculture conversation.”

With her involvement in both organizations and gaining knowledge from various trainings and Hill Visits, Gillie takes calls from state and federal lawmakers.

“She’s been a huge asset to the soybean farmers of Minnesota,” MSGA Secretary Brad Hovel said. “It’s been

absolutely wonderful over the years to work with her. She has a vast knowledge of the soybean industry; it’s really refreshing. I hope that everything bodes well with her and her adventures of being a county commissioner. Having that ag policy background is wonderful and beneficial for the citizens of Kittson County.”

Gillie participated in several leadership programs since her leadership journey began. She is an alumnus of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) program, Annie’s Project and Colin Powell’s High Performance Leadership Academy.

“My goal is to is to encourage more women to not only farm but be engaged in their farms and to seek those leadership positions,” Gillie said. “I really do feel that they have a purpose on these boards. I want them to understand how valuable they are and to help them understand that they have some real knowledge. I will always encourage anybody to go out there and get dirty. It’s OK. You’re going to get a little dirty. It’s going to be a little frustrating every time you run new equipment; you are going to feel a little wonky. But don’t let that stop you.”

‘New hope’ In supporting other women in agriculture, Gillie founded the Service to Community scholarship. This program is in its first year and is specifically for female students planning to attend a two-or four-year college or trade school.

Gillie will continue serving on her county board and – rest assured – recruiting future MSGA members.

“There is only ever going to be one Theresia Gillie,” Worth said.

These days, Gillie lives with gratitude. However, like most of her fellow growers in northwest Minnesota, by April she was past ready for spring to arrive after a brutal and prolonged winter.

“I am just anxious for that smell when we turn the dirt over in the spring,” Gillie said. “There’s just this new hope, a new beginning. … It’s been such a fun ride.”

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Pursuing a Passion Council Director Ron Obermoller looks back on a decade with AURI

By Sydney Harris When someone is passionate about a pursuit, it seeps into every aspect of their life and becomes an integral part of their identity.

Ron Obermoller’s passion is agriculture. After serving on the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) Board for more than a decade, the lifelong farmer is hanging up his hat and riding off into the sunset – presumably on a biobased road surface.

Raising corn and soybeans near Brewster in southwestern Minnesota, Obermoller has spent his entire life in rural America, and that has fostered his passion for growing rural economies and created opportunities for today’s and tomorrow’s producers.

“My interest has always been rural development. How do we keep money on the farm? How do we keep our kids on the farm? How do we create jobs out here in Minnesota?” said Obermoller, the current District 7 representative for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC).

The answer to his questions was AURI. AURI’s purpose Recycling has become a common practice in modern life. Finish a can of pop? Throw it in the recycling bin. Done reading the newspaper? Recycle it.

When one is finished using a product for its original purpose, the remains can be used to create something new. Reducing as much waste as possible is the goal.

Likewise, AURI works to ensure that every component of the soybean – and other commodities, such as corn and wheat – is used to its fullest value.

“We are finding value in and new uses for the byproducts of

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Checkoff Leader Profile commodities – like soybeans, corn and wheat – and keeping it out of the landfill,” Obermoller said. “That’s worth a lot to our customers.”

Created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1989 as a nonprofit, AURI’s mission is to foster long-term economic benefits for Minnesota through valueadded agricultural products. This mission is carried out by developing and promoting 100 projects every year.

Many of AURI’s projects are supported through checkoff researchers directed by the (MSR&PC).

“AURI is invaluable to MSR&PC and Minnesota soybean farmers,” MSR&PC Chair Joe Serbus said. “They conduct research from all different angles that all help the economic growth of agriculture, including their soybean research.”

No small task Sitting on the AURI board isn’t just about having a snazzy title. It’s about absorbing information, ruminating on proposals and making tough decisions – notably, debating which projects will be further explored and which will be tabled.

It’s a tall order, but Obermoller was willing and able to put in the work.

During his tenure, he brought a Minnesota farmer’s voice to the table.

His sentiments echoed those of growers across the state, and his influence reverberated. In January, AURI held a reception in Obermoller’s honor to celebrate his retirement after a decade as chair.

“Ron brought commitment and passion and enthusiasm to the organization and our mission of advancing value-added opportunities,” said Shannon Schlecht, AURI executive director.

Obermoller’s involvement with Minnesota Soybean – he’s also a past director with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and played a role in the national biodiesel movement – helped him build a foundation suited to AURI, playing an integral part on the board.

“Ron has worked tirelessly to help ensure that AURI accomplishes its many goals and provides new value to agriculture,” Council CEO Tom Slunecka said. “He has been instrumental in ensuring AURI has connections with the right people, from the countryside to Washington, D.C.” Obermoller helped oversee multiple projects that examined soybeans through a new lens, creating novel products that have the potential to alter the market. A prime example is AURI’s extensive research on biodiesel, which helped lead to the passage of Minnesota’s historic biodiesel legislation in 2002.

“We did a lot of research on biodiesel to help get it going,” Obermoller said. “Originally, we did a lot of the feasibility studies to get it going.”

AURI’s soybean exploration didn’t end there. Refusing to settle for the status quo, the organization always looks for the next project that will increase a soybean’s value. Naturally, there are a few projects that hold a special place in Obermoller’s heart.

“We are working closely with the United Soybean Board on RePlay, a road sealant product, to get that commercialized,” said Obermoller. “I’m excited to see where it goes. It’s viable but we have to change people’s buying habits.”

The next chapter After years of serving the agriculture

industry, Obermoller has earned a welldeserved retirement from the AURI board. And there is no doubt that his successor has big shoes to fill.

“I’m going to miss his straightforward demeanor and his working to engage,” Schlecht said. “The other thing that Ron did a lot of was getting us to dream bigger as an organization.

He pushed us to think beyond our borders in terms of how can we benefit agriculture in different ways, not just locally and regionally but nationally and internationally as well.”

Though Obermoller is stepping down, Minnesota soybean farmers will continue to reap the benefits of AURI’s work. And he’ll remain involved in agriculture leadership as a director with Minnesota Soybean Processors. Later this spring, Obermoller will also learn if he was reelected to serve another term with MSR&PC. Serbus was appointed to represent the Council and fill Obermoller’s position on AURI. The Bird Island farmer, who attended his first AURI board meeting in March, is primed to participate in the decision-making that supports AURI’s mission and benefits soybean growers.

“I’m just honored to be at the table, sitting with other respected people who have a vested interest in agriculture,” Serbus said. “Ron did a fantastic job representing the Council on AURI, and I’m ready to be a strong contributor to a very talented team.”

When the gavel rang at his last board meeting, Obermoller closed the book on his tenure with the AURI board.

He’ll miss the relationships most of all.

“You get to be very close friends with board members and staff,” he said. ”You get to know them very well, and I’ll miss them.”

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Soy in the Marketplace There’s never been a better time to support soy

By Sydney Harris A soybean’s life doesn’t end when the truck leaves the field and is sold at the elevator. In fact, their worldwide adventure is just beginning. Pretty soon, those soybeans are transformed into oil and incorporated into everyday products that you can fuel your vehicle with, wear on your feet or even use to clean your house. With endless uses, soybeans have more than earned their sterling and sustainable reputation as “the miracle bean.” Throughout the years, Minnesota Soybean has played an integral role in advocating lawmakers and promoting the benefits of soy-based products through checkoff investments.

Below are just some of the more than 1,000 available products that the checkoff has brought to the marketplace, helping to increase farmer profitability while reducing dependency on petroleum.

1 – Biodiesel

After Minnesota Soybean celebrated two decades of the state’s biodiesel law, there is no denying soybean oil’s impact on consumers. As a clean-burning fuel, biodiesel boasts big environmental benefits; Minnesota’s B20 requirement during the summer months results in carbon dioxide emission reductions equal to removing nearly a quarter-million vehicles from Minnesota roads. The benefits of biodiesel extend beyond environmental – a recent study published by Clean Fuels Alliance America shows that U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel production help decrease diesel fuel prices. The first state with a minimum biodiesel blending requirement, Minnesota ranks 10th in biodiesel production and accounts for 13% of the value of Minnesota soybeans, adding more than $1 to every bushel of soybeans. Biodiesel is the solution everyone’s been looking for.

It’s cleaner, better and just a fuel pump away.

2 – Road Sealants

Most Minnesotans have been victim to potholes, grimacing when they bottom out their suspension on a particularly unpleasant rut. Luckily, soy-based road sealants are the answers that bring us one step closer to a life without potholes. RePlay, BioRestor and Colorbiotics are soy-based solutions designed for asphalt surfaces, while products such as PoreShield are designed for concrete.

Research shows that RePlay applications outperform chip-seal applications, extending the roads’ lifespan by up to 11 years. RePlay sealed the deal in summer 2022 when it was applied to three miles of County Road 14 in Becker County.

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Checkoff Investments

3 – Goodyear Tires

With Minnesota’s unpredictable weather, reliable tires are important to safely travel from one destination to the next. Acting upon their pledge to eliminate their use of petroleum-based oils by 2040 (the company also intends to produce the first 100% sustainable tire by 2030), Goodyear offers a growing selection of durable tires made with soybean oil. Replacing the petroleum oil with soybean oil improves tire flexibility at low temperatures, enhancing traction in rain and snow – which Minnesotans have plenty of experience with. In 2022, a year after Minnesota Soybean’s Driving Soy promotion, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz placed a set of soy-based Goodyear Tires on his official government vehicle.

4 – Footwear

You can never have enough shoes, right? Now, you can strut around town wearing soy-based shoes. Collaborating with Goodyear, Skechers uses Goodyear’s soy rubber technology to improve the durability and traction of the outsoles on their soy-based models carrying the label “Goodyear Performance Outsoles.” Another footwear company, Okabashi, produces sandals that are made with bio-based material, of which approximately 40% is U.S.grown soy.

“Soy-based solutions are now helping to deliver sustainable, innovative fashion, expanding the possibilities of agriculture well beyond food and feed,” United Soybean Board (USB) CEO Polly Ruhland said.

5 – Cleaning Products

Like clockwork, spring is upon us, which means spring cleaning is in full force. This year, make household chores more exciting by using soy-based cleaning products. A division of Natural Soy Products, The Clean Environment Company offers cleaning products that are non-toxic and biodegradable and use both soybeans and corn. From the kitchen to the bathroom to the bedroom, Natural Soy Products have everything you need to refresh your home after a long winter. You can even get ready for backyard grill outs by purchasing Natural Soy Products’ soy-based BBQ grill cleaner at natsoy.com.

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6 – PureBond Hardwood Plywood

A leader in responsible forestry products, Columbia Forest Products has delivered a hardwood plywood made with soy-based technology. PureBond Hardwood Plywood is made without added formaldehyde adhesives, instead opting for soybased assembly technology. What makes this product even more exciting is that it’s made in North America and is cost-competitive with most decorative veneer-core hardwood plywood. If you’re looking to spruce up your cabinetry, look no further than PureBond. Products can be purchased at purebondplywood.com.

7 – Low Mu Tech

Using soy protein and commercialized through soy checkoff resources, Low Mu Tech DUST product acts as a replacement to talc and graphite and acts as a cleaner, safer seed flow lubricant. Dust is food-grade manufactured and contains no insecticides and carcinogens, posing no risk to human health or the environment.

Low-Mu Tech is owned and operated by a group of farmers across generations. Farmers benefit from Low Mu Tech’s alliance with USB, which provided checkoff funding for the research and commercialization of this innovation. To find a local dealer, visit lowmutech.com

8 – Roof Maxx

Since 2018, checkoff investments and soybean oil have been instrumental in rejuvenating roofs across the United States, helping grow the Roof Maxx business to more than 600 locations in just two years. Roof Maxx is the world’s first roof rejuvenation spray treatment and first sustainable roofing solution, which can save property owners over 80% on roof replacement costs. In Minnesota, a Roof Maxx application could extend the life of the roof by up to 12 years. Roof Maxx currently has locations in Grand Rapids, Jackson and St. Cloud. To learn more about the soybean checkoff investments in Roof Maxx and to find a dealer, visit the Roof Maxx website at roofmaxx.com or by calling 1-855-RoofMaxx.

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9 – SYNLawn

From rooftops to airports to road medians and rocket-launch viewing sites, SYNLawn keeps us walking on soy. Since 2008, the company has installed 82 million square feet of U.S. soy-backed grass across 200,000 installations in the United States and 19 other countries. Thanks to checkoff investments, North America’s largest manufacturer of artificial grass plans to add more soy than ever to its products and will increase its use of U.S. soy by 10%. At the 2023 Commodity Classic, USB displayed SYNLawn in its booth.

SYNLawn artificial grass is made with EnviroLoc Plus Backing System, an exclusive soy-based backing with an enhanced multi-layer component system with durable turf fibers, extending a product’s life cycle. EnviroLoc Plus uses soy-based polyol technology developed with checkoff support. Soybean oil displaces an estimated 60 percent of the petroleum-based polyurethane in EnviroLoc Plus.

10 - Blue Bear Soy Gel Paint and Urethane Stripper

Looking to tackle a DIY project? Blue Bear Soy Gel Paint & Urethane Stripper is a consumer-trusted remover that effectively removes multiple layers of paint, varnish, enamel, urethane, other single-component coatings and lead-based paint. Blue Bear So Gel is non-caustic, biodegradable and contains no toxic fumes, making it ideal for lead-based paint removal. It can be used indoors and outdoors – even in the winter. Best of all, this product is made with 100% American soybeans! Prices start at just $25 per quart at franmar.com.

Soy much impact

According to a USDA Rural Development study, biobased products in the U.S.: • Support 4.6 million American jobs through direct, indirect and induced contributions • Contribute $470 billion to the U.S. economy • Generate 2.79 jobs in other sectors for every biobased job • Displace about 9.4 million barrels of oil a year To learn more about how checkoff investments lead to commercialization, visit SoyNewUses.org and SoyBiobased.org

Support soy by scanning the QR code below

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County Connections

County board gets creative for second annual Soy Sunday Fun Day

By Kaelyn Rahe Soybeans are everywhere! The legume remains one of Minnesota’s most resourceful crops; it’s no wonder the little bean is famous for its big impacts.

The Nicollet-Sibley County Corn & Soybean Growers board wanted to display the versatility of the crop they grow and promote. Last year, the group hosted its first “Fun Day” which brought together consumers across the two counties to communicate the value of soybeans through a soy-based painting class, soy-based snacks and a presentation about the processing of the crop and all of its end uses.

“We had such a great turnout last year we wanted to keep the ball rolling,” said Board Secretary Kelsey Henke. “However, we wanted to have a little bit of a twist of what we did from last year to keep it new and exciting.”

This year’s Soy Sunday Fun Day, held in spring 2023 at the Warehouse in Gaylord, offered a twist on one of today’s latest trends: charcuterie boards. Attendees selected one of five different soy-based stains to create their own charcuterie board. The Nicollet-Sibley board collaborated with the Sibley FFA chapter to design and create the boards.

Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Director Gail Donkers, who represents the NicolletSibley district, attended and enjoyed watching checkoff promotions take place at the grassroots county level.

“It is great to see county boards get creative to promote the products we grow,” said Donkers, who farms in Faribault.

Donkers gave a presentation while the charcuterie boards dried. She introduced herself and her farming operation, highlighted some of the latest checkoff investments and

promoted the myriad products that contain soybeans.

Accompanying her presentation was a mini soy-based house that demonstrated all the household items that contain soybeans.

“Soybeans really do come full circle. They are in the products we eat, many of the products we buy and in the vehicles we drive,” she said. “They are everywhere, and you sometimes don’t even realize it.”

During a break from the charcuterie boards, attendees enjoyed a personalized cheese class hosted by Christine Leonard of Grater Good.

Leonard started her career at Redhead Creamery, but her passion led her back to her family’s dairy farm, where she became the sixth generation to oversee the operation.

She founded Grater Good as an avenue to bring together consumers and farmers through food.

“I use cheese as a vessel as a way to have consumers be closer to their food and our farm,” she said.

Leonard shared more about the dairy industry, the process of making cheese and pairings to go with her cheeses. She also tied in soy’s role in the dairy industry.

“Soy is an important part of our dairy’s ration,” she said.

“It is a great protein source for them.”

After the class, Fun Day attendees sealed their charcuterie boards and wrapped them to bring home.

“We look forward to bringing new ideas to the table and showcasing all the innovative products soybeans have to offer,” Henke said. “We can’t wait to have another event in the future.”

During the Soy Sunday Fun Day, attendees select from five different soy-based stains to put on their charcuterie boards.

Attendees sampled and ranked five different cheeses along with their pairing food. During this time, attendees learned soy’s benefits to dairy cow’s rations.

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County Connections

NEXT STEPS MSR&PC continues soy-based shoe promotions

By Soybean Business Staff With the successful Stepping Up: From Farm to Frontline campaign having completed its first leg, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) was left with big shoes to fill. The Council decided the best way to make a bigger impact on communities through promoting the “miracle bean” was to dedicate more checkoff resources to the campaign and cast a wider net.

This year, Stepping Up is running another lap and giving back to not just health care personnel, but any qualifying organization or entity in the state. Minnesota’s organized county soybean boards are eligible to donate to schools, homeless shelters, fire departments, students in need and organizations that impact their communities.

The continuation of the Stepping Up campaign aims to inform more consumers on the value that soybeans bring to the market, as well as how versatile the crop is. Minnesota farmers also want to honor groups in their communities that are making a difference.

In 2022, more than 53 counties around Minnesota

participated in the first Stepping Up campaign.

Minnesota farmers and the soybean checkoff donated nearly 3,000 pairs of Skechers soy-based shoes across 120 Minnesota health care facilities.

“The Council felt the drive to provide more funds to continue Stepping Up after seeing the impact on the recipients,” MSR&PC Chair Joe Serbus said. “Health care workers were thankful and appreciative of the gesture last summer, so we chose to continue to spread our message on soybean versatility and the joy the shoes bring to the recipients.”

In spring 2023, Polk County soybean farmers donated 15 pair to Fosston Essentia Health.

“It means a lot to be recognized for the hard work and sacrifice health care workers have made over the past few years,” Director of Nursing Stephanie McKnight said. “It is fascinating to think that these shoes could have come from soybeans grown on a local farm.”

Big value In 2020, Skechers released its GO line of footwear, which uses soybean oil to improve grip, stability and durability. Skechers is using the same checkoff-supported technology featured in Goodyear Tire Company’s line of sustainable soy-based tires, which incorporated soy into its rubber technology. By using soybean oil in Skechers’ GO line, Goodyear’s tire compound reduces petroleum-based use, ultimately cutting energy consumption, weight and promoting sustainability while increasing efficiency.

For each dollar soybean farmers pay toward checkoff resources, growers receive an estimated $12.34 in return value. More than 1,000 commercially available products – ranging from shoes to machinery lubricants to asphalt – use commodity and high oleic soybean oil.

“U.S. soybean growers are pleased to see this multiplier effect growing from their own collaboration with Goodyear through the soybean checkoff,” United Soybean Board Director Ralph Lott said. “We are excited consumers have a new choice for performance as well as sustainability with U.S. soy in a range of Skechers footwear.”

Learn more about Stepping Up by visiting mnsoybean.org/stepping-up.

“We’re excited to keep moving local organizations and the checkoff forward.” Council CEO Tom Slunecka said. “Successful campaigns like these happen thanks to the dedication of our county organizations and the leadership of our state board.”

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Seasonal Engagements

By Soybean Business Staff Prior to spring planting, counties throughout Minnesota were in full swing hosting and sponsoring numerous events and annual meetings.

The county program typically pauses, or at least slows down, later in spring while farmers are spending long days in the field. By summertime, county board members reengage with their community through donations, events and fundraisers.

Southern Minnesota In March, the Dakota/Rice Corn and Soybean Growers board hosted its annual meeting with a guest speaker from Post Consumer Brands that highlighted their products, the process of producing those products and consumer trends.

Additionally, the board presented Skechers soy-based shoes to the Nerstrand Fire Department as a token of appreciation for protecting the community.

The Dakota/Rice board also participated in a Food Awareness Day at HyVee in conjunction with Rice County Farm Bureau. At the event, the board distributed coupons promoting livestock consumption of soybean meal. They also promoted

corn and soy-based products via the donation of T-shirts for the Dakota County Jackpot show.

The Nicollet-Sibley board had a busy March. They sponsored the University of Minnesota Extension’s Crop Management Update. Topics included nutrient management, insect pest management, weed management and crop management.

The board also held its annual meeting with guest speaker, farm management analyst Kent Thiesse, and capped the month with the second annual Soy Sunday Fun Day (see page 26).

Mower County hosted its annual meeting with guest speaker Matt Bennett, co-founder of AgMarket. net. He brought forth the producer perspective and discussed formulating risk-management strategies for corn, soybean farmers and livestock producers.

Blue Earth County chose a new venue, Indian Island Winery, for its annual meeting to help draw a different crowd. Keynote speaker Jessica Rollins, executive director of

28 - Soybean Business - MAY- JUNE - 2023

FarmAmerica, gave a presentation describing the opportunities and future events at the venue, which is co-sponsored by Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council checkoff funds. Additionally, the board is finalizing a sponsorship with the Mankato MoonDogs baseball club to showcase the value of corn and soybeans within the county.

Dodge County hosted its annual meeting with guest speaker Todd Vagts of Lanesboro. Vagts is a technical agronomist and brought his forth his expertise to talk about trends and upcoming issues that farmers may see in their fields.

Nobles County held its annual meeting in April at the American Reformed Church in Worthington.

Teaming up with First State Bank Southwest and the Rock Nobles Cattlemen’s Association, the banquet was a success. The cattlemen’s association grilled steaks for the attendees of the meeting to enjoy prior to the banquet starting. The crowd heard updates from checkoff representatives, local FFA, food

shelf representatives, scholarship winners and past American Soybean Association President Bill Gordon, who is also a member of the Nobles County Corn and Soybean Growers board and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association director.

Before Gordon spoke, the Nobles County Corn and Soybean Growers handed out scholarships to students.

This is something the board does every year to help support students interested in agriculture. The board also donated money to two food shelfs in the county. Each year at the annual meeting, the board donates money to the food shelf.

The Manna Food Pantry in Worthington and the Worthington Christian Church food pantry in Worthington also received funds from the board.

Central Minnesota A snowstorm didn’t stop Chippewa County from holding its annual meeting in Maynard.

The meeting featured guest speaker Andy “Caygeon” Junkin, who specializes in farm succession and farming with family. His signature brand, Stubborn.farm, features a new approach to helping stubborn farm families work better together.

Everyone at Chippewa’s annual meeting received a free copy of his book, “Bulletproof Your Farm.” By the time the meeting concluded, the snow was flying, and attendees got home just in time to hunker down and dig into their new book.

With the never-ending uncertainty looming over Minnesota growers, Douglas County welcomed Kent Thiesse as the guest speaker at their annual meeting in March. Thiesse, a senior vice president and chief

ag loan officer for MinnStar Bank, delivered a timely presentation ripe with advice for growers to successfully navigate the unknowns.

Northern Minnesota During Ag Month, Kittson County placed print ads in local newspapers and sponsored a local prom and donated to Environthon.

The board also elected to donate Skechers to three area schools.

Marshall County continues promoting Minnesota Soybean and Ag Month with a print ad in the Northern Watch in March. The board teamed up with Pennington– Red Lake County in the ad.

Polk County celebrated Ag Month by placing radio ads within the Crookston and Fosston radio stations.

The board also donated Skechers soy-based shoes to Essentia Health in Fosston (see story on page 27).

Pennington–Red Lake County held its annual/update meeting in late March in St. Hilaire, bringing in several dozen attendees. Dave Franzen, North Dakota State University professor and soil

specialist, appeared as the event’s keynote speaker.

Norman County works closely with KRJB Radio to promote soybeans and corn throughout the county. The board held soybean and corn trivia in March to celebrate Ag month, with prizes awarded to the winners. The county also received funding for a special project for a rescue auger, which will be used in grain bin/elevator rescue situations.

This donation was placed with the local fire department.

Roseau–Lake of the Woods donated $600 to the Northwest Community Action program. These funds were used to purchase hams for those in need for Easter. The board celebrated Ag month by placing radio ads with local radio stations. The county board is also teaming up with Badger native Brook VonEnde (the 2023 Miss Minnesota Agriculture) to promote agriculture throughout the counties.

Each of the northern counties is planning to continue participating in the 2023 Skechers and Driving Soy promotions.

MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 29

BLOCKBUSTER TRADE

MINNESOTA AGRICULTURAL EXPORT HIG

Minnesota Agricultural Export

Minnesota, national exports continue growing

• Minnesota is the 4th largest agricultural exporting U.S. Top 10 Agricultural Ex state in the U.S. $27.5 • Minnesota exported $9.2 billion in agricultural $24.4 $25.0agricultural exporting state; largest positioned in international markets

By Soybean Business staff products in 2021.

2000 to 2021, the state’s farm contribute strongly The world continues seeking $22.5 • Minnesota’s top exportand commodities are to resilience from our meat, state economy, DEED exports Minnesota-grown products. $20.0increased by more than soybeans, corn, feeds,inred dairy,” interim and wheat, 300%. Throughout the state, ag Commissioner Kevin McKinnon Minnesota exports of agricultural, the combined which accounted for two-thirds of $17.5 exports support more than 52,000 said. “We will continue to engage mining and manufactured products $14.2 state’s exports.efforts to bring $15.0 jobs both on-farm and off-farm $9.2 in multi-faceted notched a the record high of total $27 agricultural $11.4 • 2022, From 2000 to total agricultural and generate over $14 billion in Minnesota companies and goods to billion in according to a2021, Minnesota’s $12.5 $9.2 export more than tripled far higher total economic impact.

Following the–global stage.” than the report released by the Minnesota $10.0 soybeans, Minnesota’s top export According to the Minnesota Department of Employment andrate. national growth $7.5 commodities are corn, feeds, red Department of Agriculture (MDA), Economic Development (DEED).

• Exports are crucial to Minnesota’s agricultural $5.0 the 2022 state level agricultural The state’s economy, exports extended their contributing over one-third to the state’s meat, dairy and wheat, respectively. $2.5 the Minnesota Soybean In 2022, growth streak from 2021, jumping total agricultural sales.export data won’t be available until Research later this year. However, in 2021, 16% over the year. $0.0 & Promotion Council • In Minnesota, ag exports support more than 52,000 (MSR&PC) signed a trade deal with Minnesota’s soybean exports valued “Minnesota’s record export sales jobsexport bothgrowth on-farm off-farm, and generate over Taiwan worth nearly $2 billion to billion, accounting for about and continued are and $2.4 billion total economic impact. total ag exports.

Minnesota soybean and corn farmers.

26% of Minnesota’s great news.$14 These trends in show that our manufacturers are well-

Minnesota is the nation’s fourth

Council checkoff investments also

Minnesota Agricultural Export Trend (Billion $)

$10.0

$9.0 $8.0 $7.0 $6.0 $5.0 $4.0 $3.0 $2.0 $1.0 $0.0

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Trendline

MN Top Ag Export M All other From 2000 to 2021, Minnesota’s 30% total agricultural exports have increased by more than 300% – far higher than theIndonesia national growth rate. Data courtesy of the Minnesota 2% Department of Agriculture

Colombia 2% Philippines 2%

Taiwan 2% Netherlands 2%

Vietnam 2%

S

Developing Markets

M

A

the Minnesota Soybean Growers million) and Spain (up $158 million). led to the first-ever shipment of U.S. INNESOTA GRICULTURA Association is leading a push toward Among products, surging global soybean meal to Uzbekistan. increasing resources for MDA’s sales of mineral fuel, oil (up $1.8 “Trade is so important to our Agricultural Export export program, , which is managed billion), electrical equipmentMinnesota (up industry, and these statistics show th by International Trade Manager $618 that checkoff investments have helped $681 million) and cereals (up • Minnesota is the 4 largest agricultural exporting U.S U.S. Phillips. million) contributed the moststate to in theJeffrey make Minnesota’s economy thrive,” $27.5 Minnesota exported in agricultural “Jeffrey$9.2 doesbillion a fantastic job leading Minnesota’s export gains in •2022.

MSR&PC Chair Joe Serbus said. $25.0 products in 2021.

MDA’s trade missions that benefit Mineral fuel, oil exports doubled North American markets drove $22.5 • Minnesota’s top export commodities are our industry, ” said MSGA Executive to $3.6 billion – propelled by soybeans, corn, Minnesota’s export growth in 2022. feeds, red meat, dairy, and wheat, $20.0 Director Smentek. believeof Minnesota exports to North America Canada and petroleum products. the combined which Joe accounted for“We two-thirds $17.5 the state’s total agricultural exports. to support $15.0 it’s time for the legislature High-growth markets for electrical grew to nearly $12 billion, jumping • From 2000 to 2021, Minnesota’s total agricultural $12.5 additional resources to increase that equipment included Canada (up by 30% over 2021. Exports also export more than tripled – far higher than the $10.0 program 38%), Germany (up 49%) andnational growth strongly performed to the European rate.so we can continue growing $7.5 developing new markets. ” Singapore (up 50%); while those Union (up 26%), the Caribbean, • Exports areand crucial to Minnesota’s agricultural $5.0 contributing over one-third to the state’s for cereals included Canada – economy, the Central America and South America $2.5 total sales. trend A national primary market for cereals – as wellagricultural (up 22%) and the Middle East (up $0.0 U.S. Top 10 Agricultural Exporting as States (Billion $) • In Minnesota, ag exports support more than 52,000 The American agricultural sector emerging markets for wheat such 30%), but fell to Asia (down 2%). jobs both on-farm and off-farm, and generate over posted its best export year ever in as Yemen and Indonesia.

“I am proud to see Minnesota’s $27.5 $14 billion in total economic impact. $24.4 Minnesota conducted $70 billion in 2022 with international sales of U.S. $25.0 exports continue to break records,” total trade in goods with 215 countries farm and food products reaching $22.5 Gov. Walz said. “Over 200 countries Minnesota Agricultural Export Trend (Billion $) $196 billion. Final 2022 trade in 2022. Total trade grew 25% $20.0 look to our workforce to put food $10.0since data released by the Commerce 2021.

With nearly $43 billion in on the table or manufacture their $17.5 $9.0 Trendline $14.2 imports (up 31%), the state $8.0 ran a trade Department shows that U.S. $15.0 goods. This is another data point that $9.2 $7.0 agricultural exports increased 11 deficit of about $15 billion in 2022. the diversity of our $12.5 demonstrates$11.4 $6.0 $9.2 percent, or $19.5 billion, from the U.S. exports overall grew 18% $10.0 economy, strength of our workforce $7.5 $7.1 $5.0 $6.6 2021 and 2022. Minnesota previous record set in 2021. between and influence in the global economy. ” $7.5 $5.4 $5.2 $4.0 “This second consecutive year of among Individual national markets gaining ranked 21st highest in exports $5.0 $3.0 record-setting agricultural exports, the 50 states for total exports, up over $150 million in exports from $2.0 $2.5 coupled with a record $160.5 from 22nd in 2021. The state’s $1.0 exports $0.0 the state in 2022 included Canada billion in net farm income in 2022, of goods supported about 118,000 (up $2.3 billion), Mexico (up $349 $0.0 demonstrates the success of the Minnesota jobs in 2021. million), the Netherlands (up $239 During the 2023 legislative session, Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts million), Korea ($794 million, up $211

URAL EXPORT HIGHLIGHTS

MN Top Ag Export Markets (%-share by value)

)

China 18%

All other 30% Indonesia 2% Colombia 2% Philippines 2% Taiwan 2% Netherlands 2%

Beef Wheat 3% 3%

Canada 15%

Vietnam 2%

S. Korea 5%

Japan 8%

Mexico 12%

Minnesota exports over $9 billion in agricultural products each year.

MN Ag Export Commodities Growth Trends (Million $)

$10,000 $9,000

MN Ag Export by Commodity (%-share by value)

Processed grain products 3% Vegetable oils 3% Dairy 4% Soybean meal 5%

$10,000 Soybeans 26%

$9,000

$8,000

$7,000

$6,000

$5,000

$4,000

$3,000

Pork 10%

Corn 19%

$2,000

$1,000

$0

Feed 11%

Soybeans continue to top Minnesota’s ag export commodity, accounting for more than a quarter of all ag exports. More than 33% of all ag sales in Minnesota are exported.

Source: USDA; MDA-AMD

All other

All other 13%

MN

Prepared by Su Ye, MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 31

al

$27.5 $25.0

$24.4

$22.5

the world, we are also setting our to create new and better markets for $20.0 wheat, America’s agricultural producers and sights on new growth opportunities s of $17.5 ” USDA Secretary Tom in places like Africa, Latin America, businesses, $14.2 $15.0said. “We’re strengthening the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Vilsack $9.2 $11.4 tural relationships with our trading partners Overall, there were 30 markets where $12.5 e U.S. exports exceeded $1 billion in and$10.0 holding those partners accountable $9.2 $7.5 $7.1 $6.6 27 markets 2022 – an increase from for their $7.5commitments. We’re making $5.4 $5.2 al historic investments in infrastructure to in 2021 – demonstrating the broad $5.0 tate’s strengthen supply chains and prevent global appeal of American-grown $2.5 products,” Vilsack said. market disruptions. We’re knocking The top commodities exported trade barriers that hamper U.S. 52,000 down$0.0 by the United States in 2022 were e over producers’ access to key markets. And soybeans, corn, beef, dairy, cotton and we’re continuing to invest in export tree nuts, which together comprised market development programs, partnering with industry to bring high- the majority of U.S. agricultural export Billion $) MN Top Exportvalue.

Markets (%-share bymany value) International sales of U.S. quality, cost-competitive U.S.Ag products products – including soybeans, cotton, to consumers around the world.”

China dairy, beef, ethanol,18% poultry, soybean The value of sales increasedAllinother line meal, distilled spirits and distillers’ each of the United States’ top 1030% grains – reached record values. agricultural export markets – China, “At the end of the day, agricultural Mexico, Canada, Japan, the European Indonesia trade is all about opportunities – for Union, South Korea, Taiwan, the 2% Canada America’s farmers and ranchers, Philippines, Colombia and Vietnam, 15% Colombia for our rural communities, for the with sales in seven of 2% the 10 markets Philippines U.S. economy and for our global (China, Mexico, Canada, South 2% customers,” Vilsack said. “We extend Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Taiwan our gratitude to the Americans across Mexico Colombia) setting new records.

2% 12%who create the agricultural industry “While we remain committed to Japan Netherlands Vietnam andS.support our established customer base around Korea those 8% opportunities

alue)

2%

2%

5%

by growing, processing, selling and shipping our farm and food products to the world.”

U.S. Soy’s combined exports (whole soybeans, meal and oil) achieved a record value of $40.42 billion for the marketing year (MY) 2021/22, up 17% year-on-year. To view the latest soybean export data, visit soystats.com “As farmers, we have a deep commitment and responsibility to nourish the world sustainability.

MY21/22 marks another successful year for the soy checkoff, with record high value and the second-highest ever export volumes,” United Soybean Board Director Doug Winter said.

“This is largely attributable to the soy checkoff ’s sustained investment and commitment to delivering solutions that create long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

Minnesota Soybean’s international marketing efforts continue this year.

In April, Smentek traveled to Europe on behalf of MSR&PC and MSGA to promote checkoff investments exports via the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System.

MN Ag Export Commodities Growth Trends (Million $) $10,000 $9,000 $8,000 $7,000 $6,000 $5,000 $4,000 $3,000 $2,000 $1,000 $0

32 - Soybean Business - MAY- JUNE - 2023

All other Poultry Beef Wheat Dairy Soybean meal Pork Feeds Corn Soybeans

In Minnesota, ag exports support more than 52,000 jobs both on-farm and off-farm, and generate over $14 billion in total economic impact.

LETS

Checkoff Events

TRANSPORTATION

Council sponsors annual shipping conference

By Doug Monson Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook how complex the world matrix is when it comes to sending soybeans to different parts of the world. With commodity beans, it might be as easy as taking a load to the elevator and then not thinking too much about the journey those little soybeans are about to take.

Thankfully for Minnesota soybean farmers, the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) is actively involved in discussions exploring those complex issues. In March, SSGA brought the industry together with its annual Transportation Go! conference.

“Transportation Go! is a recipe for success because it asks the corn, soybean, wheat, beef and pork industries to come together at a single place to talk about what their transportation logistics issues are for intermodal and units to use rail and access international markets,” said Eric Wenberg, executive director for SSGA, which hosted the transportation and logistics industry in Omaha, Neb., to dig into some of the industry’s biggest challenges.

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC)

sponsored the conference. District 9 Director Ben Storm, from Dover, Minn., attended the two-day conference on behalf of the Council.

“This was a really interesting conference,” Storm said.

“Transportation and logistics are complex subjects, and the lineup of speakers dug into some very serious issues impacting the central U.S. states and their ability to reliably deliver crops to international markets.”

The lineup of speakers covered a wide range of topics including: • Economic and supply chain issues • Rail freight and economics update • Hiring, developing and retaining talent in ag logistics • Container ocean shipping — a port’s perspective • Untapped potential of the Missouri River • Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway’s growth • Finding solutions from rail to sea • Top issues facing trucking Thursday morning, the group was addressed by Max Vekich of the Federal Maritime Commission.

Vekich talked about struggles with container shipping and also some of

the obstacles companies are facing in moving product across the globe.

“The transportation system isn’t really a system,” Wenberg said. “It’s more of a way we have to actively ask these transportation and logistics professionals to work together.

Transportation is not seamless.

As we’ve heard this week, there are obstacles in every transaction, sometimes insurmountable, but that there is relief on the way with the Federal Maritime Commission’s upcoming demurrage rule, which is going to provide relief we’ve sought for a long time.”

At the 2022 conference, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System dominated discussion. From that event, 200 containers of Chippewa Valley Bean kidney beans left the Port of Duluth-Superior bound for Europe, a historic shipment that made plenty of news.

“Transportation Go! is about finding that success, about having people undertake that dialogue that will lead to better transportation from the central states,” Wenberg said.

To view presentation materials from this year’s conference, visit transportationgo.com/.

MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 33

Make Moves with U.S. Soy WISHH connects Trade, Development & Food Security in Cambodia where fish account for 61% of households' animal protein intake. We cultivate trade with Cambodian feed mills that are buying U.S. soybean meal for the growing aquaculture industry that WISHH is developing. Our trade and development work makes protein more available in the country where 45% of Cambodians live in moderate or severe food insecurity.

Find out how WISHH’s three pillars of trade, development and food security cultivate new markets for U.S. Soy protein.

Trade. Development. Food Security.

34 - Soybean Business - MAY- JUNE - 2023

On World Food Day and every day, WISHH’S strategic partners take local action.

Guatemalan Rotary Clubs - a WISHH Strategic Partner

Connect with WISHH www.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.

MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 35

By Sydney Harris Farmers are proactive.

They purchase crop insurance before the hailstorm hits, secure their seed long before the snow melts and sometimes they’ve even sold portions of their crop before it’s been harvested.

Therefore, it only makes sense that they’re proactive when it comes to marketing the product they painstakingly grow.

Thus, Northern Soy Marketing (NSM) was born.

In February, NSM, a farmer-led board comprising Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin soybean checkoffs, ventured to Indonesia to promote soybeans grown in the Northern U.S. As the most populous country and largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is an ideal target for NSM’s mission, which is to increase the profitability of soybean producers in the United States.

On the trip were South Dakota soybean grower and NSM Vice Chair Mike McCranie, University of Minnesota Agronomist Seth Naeve and poultry nutrition consultant Bob Swick.

“This trip was really important because we know that we are going to have a lot of meal coming out of our 36 - Soybean Business - MAY- JUNE - 2023

region and going through the Pacific Northwest (PNW),” said McCranie. “The best customers that we have are in Southeast Asia, so we do have to look at countries like Indonesia to expand our market.”

The delegation traveled to seven feed mills throughout Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and Surabaya, meeting with general managers, nutritionists and purchasers.

“It’s vital that our message reaches not only the nutritionists but also the folks making the purchasing decisions. We need both entities in the room,” said McCranie, who serves as treasurer on the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. “We can talk until we’re blue in the face with the formulators who understand the science but ultimately the purchasers make the decision.”

Naeve and Swick, two industry experts, guided the conversations. Historically, soy quality is determined by the crude protein content, a measure of nitrogen, but this measurement doesn’t necessarily equate to higher protein or nutritional value. Instead, protein quality is based upon the balance of essential amino acids.

Checkoff Trade Missions “Protein itself doesn’t paint the entire picture of quality,” Naeve said. “U.S. soybean meal should be viewed not as a commodity but as a package of nutrients for animals.”

Instead, NSM encourages buyers and nutritionists to consider the critical amino acid value (CAAV).

Measuring protein quality instead of quantity, CAAV is the sum of five essential amino acids – lysine, threonine, tryptophan, cysteine and methionine – as a percent of crude protein.

The resounding echo heard while in Indonesia was that though the feed mills recognize the superior quality of U.S. soybean meal (SBM), the higher price prevents them from making more purchases.

In the coming years, there are a significant amount of crush plants coming online in the United States, driven by the demand for soybean oil. Consequently, there will be an abundance of soybean meal, much of which is poised to be exported out of the PNW. “Because there are more crushing plants coming online, the price of U.S. soybean meal will become more competitive with Brazil and Argentina,” Swick said.

To further build connections with the soybean industry in Indonesia, the U.S. Consulate General hosted a soybean mixer at his residence in Surabaya. While there, the NSM delegation had the unique opportunity to chat with representatives from the Foreign Ag Service, U.S. Embassy, feed mills and livestock industry.

“It was a setting you can’t reproduce,” McCranie said.

“I met a lot of potential customers. It was a good way to build our relationships with livestock growers and feed mills in Indonesia.”

To round out a successful mission in Indonesia, NSM hosted the “Essential Amino Acid Value in Soybean Meal” seminar, inviting a plethora of feed mill industry representatives and local media.

“The seminar really brought home the messaging that we pushed during our feed mill visits and allowed us to go into more detail using visual aids,” McCranie said.

“And the turnout was great. When I got up to give my presentation, I was shocked at how much the room had filled.”

NSM has its work cut out, but luckily, the farmerled group isn’t afraid of a challenge. As always, they will continue to serve their member states, working to grow global demand for northern-grown soybeans and shift the soybean value standard from crude protein to nutritional value.

“It is clear to me that Indonesian nutritionists appreciate that protein concentration is not a good measure of soybean and soybean meal value,” Naeve said.

“They are interested in increasing the sophistication of their operations by sourcing soybean protein with better amino acid balance and higher energy.”

The visit to Indonesia came on the heels of an NSMled trip to Thailand, which was attended by NSM Chair and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Director Patrick O’Leary. The trade missions are only the beginning of realizing the full potential of U.S. SBM in not only Indonesia, but Southeast Asia.

“The trip exceeded my expectations,” McCranie said.

“The conversations we had and the traction we gained were extremely promising. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

NSM officials visit with representatives from Arya Agro Wijaya, an Indonesian closed house layer farm. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the farm’s general manager visited South Dakota on a trade mission and met NSM Director Mike McCranie.

MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 37

Checkoff Research

Getting to the ground truth Checkoff program seeking fields for on-farm research

By Drew Lyon The North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP) is seeking about 10 Minnesota soybean farms to participate in on-farm research trials during the 2023 growing season. The organization’s goal is to eventually create a new digital cropping system application that compiles soil, seed, weather, planting date, seeding rate, chemical inputs and soybeans to give farmers resources to improve profitability.

“We want to build a functional application model that farmers can use to manage production on their fields,” University of Minnesota Extension Agronomist and NCSRP State Specialist Seth Naeve said. “We think we can do just as good of a job as the big companies, and this project is basically driven by data through farmers.”

There’s little hassle involved for farmers willing to participate. NCSRP researchers will scout a farm field every few weeks during the growing season. Agronomists will be looking for insects, weeds, diseases, growth stages and abiotic stressors.

“The quality of the product is based on the number of samples we get,” said Naeve, who works with eight NCSRP state specialists. “The more data that comes from your region and farm, the better the product is. It’s going to do a lot of high-level stuff for farmers.”

Farmers will be asked for their yield monitor data at the end of the year; NCSRP will add soil, weather and satellite imagery information to each participating farmers’ yield data. The on-farm trials are part of NCSRP’s mission to continue delivering relevant information to growers.

“The soybean agronomy community I’m part of has really changed in the past few years,” Naeve said. “NCSRP has done a really nice job supporting and collecting work, and we need some ground truthing to know what’s going on. It helps us understand if there was sudden death or aphids in your field.”

38 - Soybean Business - MAY- JUNE - 2023

NCSRP is also asking famers to complete a short survey providing 2022 information related to field locations, planting date, harvest date, yields, tillage and drainage types, etc. During the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association’s (MSGA) April board meetings, Naeve urged both boards to take a few minutes and participate. Many directors, including MSGA President Bob Worth, complied with Naeve’s request.

“We all know farmers are asked to take a lot of surveys,” Worth said, “but this one is really beneficial to researchers who put a lot of time into improving our yield quality and addressing production challenges facing farmers throughout Minnesota.”

NCSRP is a collaboration of 13 state soybean groups, including MSR&PC (Vice Chair Tom Frisch sits on NCSRP’s board), covering about 85% of the soybeans grown in the U.S. It invests checkoff resources to improve yields and profitability through university research and extension. Any data that farmers share with NCSRP is kept anonymous.

To learn more about NCSRP, visit ncsrp.com/ or to discuss logistics, contact Naeve at naeve002@umn.edu.

Scan here for more information on participating in NCSRP’s on-farm research:

Stay on top of pests.

Get certified.

We’ll reimburse.

Through wise checkoff investments, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is offering reimbursement to the first 200 Minnesota farmers ages 18-35 who complete the $75 Minnesota Private Pesticide Applicators Certification. The certification lasts for three years.

Scan here for instructions on how to qualify for reimbursement:

The young farmer private pesticide applicator license rebate program is funded by Minnesota soybean checkoff dollars MAY - JUNE - 2023 - Soybean Business - 39

Commodity Classic notches record attendance After a dip in attendance in 2022, the nation’s agriculture community returned in droves to the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando, Fla., to learn about the latest technology advancements, receive research updates, network and walk the sold-out trade show floor.

For the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), Commodity Classic also meant joining the American Soybean Association (ASA) and its state affiliates in finalizing federal policy priorities for the coming year. The delegate session was the culmination of a months-long undertaking, which began last fall with Minnesota’s county delegates bringing resolutions to MSGA’s board. More than 20 Minnesota farmers participated as ASA delegates.

“This is what it’s all about,” MSGA President Bob Worth said. “No other organization has a process like ours.”

Throughout the week, MSGA and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) directors, along with Council CEO Tom Slunecka and MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek, met with industry supporters and organizations.

“This was a great Classic. We had a fantastic time networking and visiting with the businesses leaders who help keep agriculture moving forward,” said Council Chair Joe Serbus. “We also had lots of chances to promote the innovative checkoff projects taking place in Minnesota.”’

Attendance numbers this year reached a record 10,400. The 2023 event broke the previous Commodity Classic record of 9,770 attendees, which was held in New Orleans in 2016.

“The excitement in Orlando was energizing,” said Minnesota farmer George Goblish, who co-chaired the 2023 Commodity Classic. “We knew going into the event that registration was up 30% over last year, but to have a record-breaking show just blew us away.”

The 2024 Classic takes place Feb. 29-March 2 in Houston.

Spill the Beans returns MSGA’s Spill the Beans webinar, first established in 2021, is hosted by MSGA directors and feature appearances from industry professionals and policymakers. The series returns for its third year in April and continues through August. Each episode will stream

40 - Soybean Business - MAY- JUNE - 2023

on Zoom and MSGA’s Facebook page.

The remaining Spill the Beans will air: Wednesday, June 7 Wednesday, July 12 Wednesday, Aug. 2 To sponsor a future episode, contact MSGA Events Manager Todd Ginter at Todd@agmgmtsolutions.com. All proceeds from Spill the Beans benefit MSGA’s policy efforts.

MSGA director appointed to Agricultural Chemical Response Compensation Board Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan appointed Beltrami farmer Mike Skaug, a director and past president with MSGA, to serve as a farmer representative to the Agricultural Chemical Response Compensation Board.

Skaug’s term began April 5, 2023, and expires on Jan. 4, 2027.

“I’m happy to contribute to MSGA and Minnesota farmers in any way I can and appreciate the governor and the Department of Agriculture for endorsing my appointment,” Skaug said.

The Agricultural Chemical Response Compensation Board accepts applications for reimbursement from the Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account (ACRRA), determines eligibility and amount of reimbursement due, and notifies the Commissioner of Agriculture of eligible claims. The ACRRA was created to reimburse persons for costs incurred in cleaning up agricultural chemical (pesticide and fertilizer) incidents.

The account is funded by annual surcharges on pesticide and fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, applicators and dealers. The surcharge rate is determined by Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen.

REMEMBER, HE CREATED YOU FOR THIS. Don’t be afraid. Just believe. Mark 5:36

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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 MSGA members who actively promote Minnesota’s soybean industry.

By Bailey Grubish

Colin Wegner understands the meaning of family farming.

Wegner sells seeds and grows soybeans and corn on a fifth-generation operation in Wells. He works alongside his dad, Eric, great uncle, Ron, and Ron’s sons Britt and Blair.

Colin’s wife, Mikayla, and their one-year-old son, Cash, also help around the farm.

Colin’s grandfather, Mike, farmed with them until he died unexpectedly last year in a farming accident.

“He’s probably been my biggest mentor from an agricultural standpoint,” Wegner said. “I learned a lot from my grandpa.”

Wegner hopes to mentor Cash if he pursues farming like the generations before him.

“I really enjoy working with my family members and learning successful tips and tricks from my family members,” Wegner said. “Those are the guys that I look up to when it comes to farming and anything agriculture related.”

His neighbor is Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Vice President Darin Johnson, who helped Wegner get involved with the local Faribault County Corn and Soybean Growers. Wegner’s board position then led to his MSGA membership.

“I think it’s important for farmers to realize just how integral everything that MSGA does, or the various organizations do, to ensure that we’re going to have a marketable crop,” Wegner said. “There’s a lot of people trying to advocate for farmers.”

Debra

Douglas County farmers and Brent Johnson have seen good and bad years of farming. As fourth-generation farmers, they did their best to keep going.

“The first years were tough,” Debra said. “They had high interest rates and farms were in trouble. We went on the custom harvest run in those years to supplement our farm income. I definitely feel that we survived those years by doing that.”

Now retired from custom harvesting, the Johnsons farm soybeans, corn, wheat and raise sheep. They’ve also added land, parts of which their family have picked rock on for 150 years.

“My parents worked side-by-side through the hard years,” she said. “I could see their passion to farm, and they wanted that lifestyle for their children. They impressed upon me wise choices, hard work and love of the land.”

Working on the farm with two of her children, she also does bookwork for farms in the area. During harvest, their third child helps, too.

“I’m very thankful to enjoy living and earning a living on our farm,” Debra said.

Debra’s the scholarship chair and runs social media for the Douglas County Corn and Soybean Growers board. She’s been on the board for nine years and is a longtime MSGA member.

“MSGA is a great organization to be part of, as they advocate on behalf of all soybean growers,” Debra said. “I’m especially grateful for the support of the farmers by improving profits by monitoring government policy that is favorable to us.”

42 - Soybean Business - MAY- JUNE - 2023

A Soy Salute to Our Members!

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association thanks the 30+ members who joined MSGA in spring 2023. We also extend our appreciation to the over 200 members who renewed their support of MSGA since February.

Together, we’re moving agriculture forward and fighting on your behalf St. Paul and Washington, D.C. To join the nation’s premier state soybean association, visit mnsoybean.org/msga/invest. Membership levels start at just $20 for students, and a 3-year membership costs less than a quarter per day!

Member County Owen Gohlke Carver Michael Wellens Carver Tyler Anderson Dodge Brayden Schultz Faribault Alan Roelofs Lincoln Chet Lockwood Lyon Alan Castor Lyon Taylor Herbert McLeod Mitchel Wentzlaff McLeod Jerry Paumen McLeod Michael Jans Murray Jessica Miller Murray Mark R. Legare Nicollet Russell Penning Nobles Chad Wieneke Nobles Duane Schmitz Nobles

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 • Ability to join 40 Square Health Plans

Rachel Geilenfeld Out of State Scott Mattocks Out of State David Garry Pennington Pivot Bio Pipestone Doug Noyes Pope Barry L. Georgius Redwood Erin Rossow Rice Ron Elbert Sibley Gerald Lorentz Sibley Roger L. Johnson Sibley Andrew B. Portner Sibley Bobbie Harder Sibley Conrad Stoterau Todd Scott Mars Todd Kevin Pederson Traverse James Grubish Waseca

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)

Payment information:

Check Enclosed (payable to MSGA) CC: (VISA/MASTER?DISC/AMEX) Card:______-______-______-______ Exp. Date (M/Y):____/____ CVV:____

Pullover size (circle one): S M L XL XXL XXXL Biodiesel Coupon (Value $100)

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:______________

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association 1020 Innovation Lane Mankato, MN 56001 507-388-1635 Online applications also available at mnsoybean.org/msga/invest

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2023 MSGA BIODIESEL OPEN AUG 21 MONDAY | 2023

11AM REGISTRATION + LUNCH NOON SHOTGUN START 5 PM DINNER REGISTER BELOW

CROW RIVER GOLF CLUB 915 Colorado Street NW Hutchinson, MN 55350

$100 One Player

$400 Foursome

CONTACT US SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ERIN ROSSOW erin.rossow@agmgmtsolutions.com | 507-902-9191 EVENT QUESTIONS TODD GINTER todd@agmgmtsolutions.com | 507-810-9791

All proceeds from this event benefit the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and their advocacy efforts. MSGA is a farmer-led advocacy organization that works on behalf of the interests of Minnesota’s nearly 28,000 soybean farmers in St. Paul and D.C. In short, MSGA keeps soybean farmers farming – now and for generations to come.