Soybean Business May-June 2022

SOYBEAN THE MAGAZINE FOR MINNESOTA’S SOYBEAN GROWERS

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - VOLUME XX - ISSUE 3

B U S I N E S S

INSIDE

Climbing the Hill Soy Snapshots 2022 The Future of Soybeans

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 1

MINNESOTA SOYBEAN 151 SAINT ANDREWS COURT, SUITE 710, MANKATO, MN

MN

CONTENTS

SOYBEAN P.7 P.10 P.18 P.26 P.30

Minnesota farmers take pride in their industry. Now, thanks to MSGA’s advocacy efforts, Minnesota’s agricultural community can sport their love of farming on their license plates.

MSGA leaders returned to the state and nation’s capitals for the first time in two years this spring.

Farmer-directors visited with lawmakers from both parties to discuss a number of MSGA policy priorities.

For the third year in a row, Soybean Business held its reader-submission photo contest. Farmerphotographers from across the state gave it their best shot.

MSR&PC is once again looking toward the future by hosting a grower-research retreat at Cragun’s to tackle the agronomic issues and opportunities that farmers face.

OFFICERS Mike Skaug President Beltrami, MN Polk County

Bob Worth Vice President Lake Benton, MN Lincoln County Ryan Mackenthun Secretary Brownton, MN McLeod County Darin Johnson Treasurer Wells, MN Faribault County

ASA DIRECTORS Jamie Beyer Wheaton, MN Traverse County

George Goblish Vesta, MN Redwood County Adam Guetter Wabasso, MN Redwood County Christopher Hill Brewster, MN Jackson County Jim Kukowski Strathcona, MN Roseau/LOW Counties Michael Petefish Claremont, MN Dodge County

Soybean Business designer and staff writer Kaelyn Rahe didn’t quite know what she signed up for when she applied for the Minnesota Agricultural & Rural Leadership program. But she’s sure glad she did!

ABOUT THE COVER MSR&PC is walking the walk when it comes to promoting checkoff investments and making connections at the grassroots level. This summer, the Council is Stepping Up by promoting the latest innovations in soy-based technology while also giving back to health care heroes. Cover design by Alex Troska.

Read on Page 22

2 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Officers and ASA Directors:

Joel Schreurs Tyler, MN Lincoln County

ASA YOUNG LEADERS Mary Dybedahl Chandler, MN Murray County Andrew Sather Moorhead, MN Clay County Nathan Legatt St. Cloud Sherburne County

COUNTY DIRECTORS

Hannah Anderson Barnesville, MN Clay/Wilkin County Trevore Brekken Crookston, MN Polk County Mark Brown St. James, MN Watonwan County

Steve Brusven Cottonwood, MN Yellow Medicine County Steve Commerford New Ulm, MN Brown County Brian Fruechte Verdi, MN Lincoln County Gary Gertz Jasper, MN Rock County Theresia Gillie Hallock, MN Kittson County Tom Grundman Osakis, MN Douglas County Chris Hansen Clarks Grove, MN Freeborn County Corey Hanson Gary, MN Norman County Jeremy Hanson Morristown, MN Dakota/Rice Counties Matt Heers Owatonna, MN Steele County Ray Hewitt Le Sueur, MN Scott/Le Sueur Counties Brad Hovel Cannon Falls, MN Goodhue County

Jim Jirava Ogema, MN Becker/Mahnomen Counties Kyle Jore Thief River Falls, MN Pennington/Red Lake Counties Bob Lindemann Brownton, MN McLeod County Bruce Nelsen Rose Creek, MN Mower County Keith Nelsen Westbrook, MN Cottonwood County Robert Nelsen Westbrook, MN Murray County Tim Nelson New Richland, MN Waseca County

EDITORIAL STAFF:

MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 jsmentek@mnsoybean.com Art Director Doug Monson Sr. Director of Communications Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 dmonson@agmgmtsolutions.com Managing Editor Drew Lyon Sr. Manager of Communications Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 dlyon@agmgmtsolutions.com Layout & Design Kaelyn Rahe krahe@agmgmtsolutions.com

Nathan Potucek Warren, MN Marshall County

Alex Troska atroska@agmgmtsolutions.com

Andy Pulk Wannaska, MN Roseau/LOW Counties

CIRCULATION:

Tim Rasmussen Rothsay, MN Otter Tail/Grant Counties Jamie Seitzer St Peter, MN Nicollet/Sibley Counties Jeff Sorenson Morgan, MN Redwood County Lawrence Sukalski Fairmont, MN Martin County Doug Toreen Bird Island, MN Renville County Earl Ziegler Good Thunder, MN Blue Earth County

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.

ADVERTISING:

Doug Monson, Sr. Director of Communications 507-995-7534 | 888-896-9678 | dmonson@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.

mnsoybean.org

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 3

Letter from the President Law of Averages Have you ever been driving along and another motorist pulls into your lane and drives slowly?

The frustration of following at a slower pace delays everyone.

We know the feeling.

The Low Carbon Fuel Standard that’s being proposed in Minnesota fits this analogy. Biofuels that are renewable from soybeans have been traveling along successfully in our state, beginning in 2005 as a B2 blend rate. We are now going into the fifth year of statewide summer months use of B20. Increasing biofuels blend rates reduces exhaust emissions. The economic and health benefits are realized immediately as well – biodiesel adds nearly $1 to every bushel of soybeans and removes the emissions of nearly-quarter million vehicles from our state’s road each year. Over time, more energy sources are needed and will provide alternatives for consumers. Electric battery-powered vehicles can find their lane to travel by explaining the cradle-to-grave response to the environment and demonstrate a sustainable energy source that is produced in our nation, like biodiesel did. Our national Renewable Fuels Standard and Renewable Volume Obligation bring stability and credibility to the renewable fuels market. The industrial production of climate smart energy, like renewables, has a long history of being a credible source for supply and quality to meet demand.

MSGA continues to tell the biodiesel success story to legislators and to both the farming and non-farming public, while bringing those benefits to consumers, economies and our environment.

As we head out into our fields for another planting season, I recall people asking me over the years what

farming is all about. My response has been, “It’s a big game of averages.”

There isn’t anything that is scheduled or predictable with any accuracy. Many growers say, “If you don’t like the weather in Minnesota, wait fifteen minutes, it will change!”

When spraying crop protection products, waiting for the wind to change, rain to stop or temperature to drop so you can spray out the tank load can be extremely challenging. Especially when you should be attending a family event. Selling enough crop so that you can purchase an input product may come at a time when the grain market is trending lower. No matter what we buy or sell is not based on a particular time, but rather over a year’s time. It’s been said for generations that a farmer buys what is needed at retail, sells what is produced at wholesale and pays the freight both ways.

This business isn’t for the faint of heart, but it fits the faith-hearted person who believes that ultimately it will work out for the best; if we are satisfied, good health and wellbeing will prevail. As we begin a new growing season of producing food for all people, let’s heed a quote from John F. Kennedy: “If not us, who? If not now, when?”

MORE BUSHELS ARE OUT THERE.

On behalf of MSGA, I wish you all a safe, healthy and prosperous growing season in 2022.

Mike Skaug President, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

ASGROW.COM ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Asgrow and the A Design®, Bayer and Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. ©2022 Bayer Group. All Rights Reserved.

4 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 5

A Worth(y)

Award

MSGA VP honored at Commodity Classic

By Drew Lyon Bob Worth had a big week in the Big Easy.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) honored Worth, a longtime Minnesota Soybean Growers Association director, with its Outstanding State Volunteer Award at its annual banquet during the 2022 Commodity Classic in New Orleans.

“We had a great and busy week at Classic like all Classics,” said Worth, who attended the event with his wife, Gail. “But this Commodity Classic is one I will never forget.”

The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes the dedication and exemplary contributions of volunteers with at least three years of volunteer service in any area of their state association operation. Worth certainly qualifies on all fronts. He’s been a member and MSGA volunteer for more than 25 years, serving in various roles, including president, secretary and treasurer. He’s currently vice president of MSGA and had helped lead the organization’s membership outreach. He’s also a former mayor of Lake Benton and hosts his own radio show, “For What

it’s Worth.”

“We are so proud of Bob for being recognized for his volunteer efforts over the decades,” said MSGA President Mike Skaug, who attended the event alongside Executive Director Joe Smentek. “There’s no question MSGA is stronger thanks to Bob’s contributions at the county, state and federal levels of advocacy.”

Worth is passionate about the importance of membership and the role it plays in advocacy. He’s been recognized as a top recruiter multiple times over the years.

“Membership is so important to organizations like MSGA,” Worth said.

“Our members help fuel our mission, and we can’t accomplish our goals without them.”

At the national level, Worth previously served as an ASA director and vice president, in addition to sitting on numerous ASA committees during his years on the board. With his vast leadership experience, Worth is well-versed on soybean policy issues and always ready and willing to talk with legislators, administrators, media and other farmers about those issues.

“I just love talking about soybeans

Bob Worth, pictured here at Farmfest, always stays on message when speaking with the media.

6 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

and farm policy,” he said.

Worth helped lead the effort in Minnesota to advance B2 when the law was implemented in 2005 and continues to champion biodiesel and help educate others on its benefits.

He was instrumental in organizing and leading his state association’s Drift Task Force in 2017 to address dicamba issues.

“We’ve come a long way since the days of B20,” Worth said in 2018, when Minnesota moved to a 20-percent blend in the summer months.

In addition to his policy work, Worth is a strong advocate for farmer mental health. He is vocal about encouraging more resources for farmers and often offers a listening ear to anyone who may be struggling.

Worth is recognized by friends and colleagues as not only an outstanding state volunteer, but a man who loves his family, his community and farming.

“Bob and I have a great working relationship,” Skaug said. “He’s just a great resource for any MSGA director.”

As both an advocate and a lifelong farmer, Bob Worth believes in biodiesel.

Plates ahead

New ag-inspired license plates now available in MN

and each year afterward at vehicle registration renewal.

By Soybean Business staff Minnesotans can now use a new license plate to pay The funds go toward supporting FFA and 4-H members in tribute to the state’s storied agriculture legacy, while also Minnesota. The new plate is available at local Driver and Vehicle Services locations throughout Minnesota. supporting the next generation of agriculture leaders.

Both organizations expressed their gratitude for The new license plate designs were introduced during winter 2022. FFA members and 4-H’ers joined Minnesota supporting young people with a license plate honoring Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen agriculture.

“Agriculture is woven into 4-H’s past, present and future and Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Patrice Bailey for and it’s open to all youth the event, along with leaders in Minnesota. We plan to from both organizations.

At the April board meeting of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, the board passed a motion broaden and deepen young “We’re excited to have to put the ag-themed license plates on all Council vehicles. people’s knowledge and this new license plate that It’s a small but important gesture to show we’re supporting involvement in agriculture highlights the diversity of agriculture and the next generation of farmers. so that they act on their Minnesota’s ag economy,” -Council Director Ben Storm, who proposed the motion ability as agricultural Commissioner Petersen learners, leaders, innovators, said. “This is an opportunity for Minnesotans to show their commitment to agriculture global citizens and agents of change,” said Jennifer Skuza, associate dean for Youth Development at University of while supporting our young leaders in FFA and 4-H.” A contest was held last fall to solicit ideas on the license Minnesota Extension and Minnesota 4-H State Director.

Minnesota FFA Foundation Executive Director Val plate concepts. Inspired by nearly 100 sketches from 4-Hers and FFA members, the plate draws upon imagery Aarsvold said the license plates will help her organization continue to grow the next generation of agricultural from both organizations.

The hands holding seedlings symbolize the 4-H pledge of leaders.

“The Minnesota FFA Foundation ensures that students “my hands to larger service,” while the rising sun is a “token enrolled in agriculture, food and natural resource classes of a new era in agriculture” honored in FFA ceremonies.

Leaders of both groups voiced their appreciation for have access to premier leadership, personal growth, and the bipartisan legislation passed in 2021 that created the career success, regardless of their economic situation,” new plate. The legislation was supported by numerous Aarsvold said.

FFA is in 220 rural, urban and suburban schools Minnesota farm advocacy groups, including the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. The plate became available statewide. 4-H is an out-of-school, hands-on learning to Minnesota residents in February and will cost $15.50. program for students in kindergarten through one year A minimum $20 contribution is due with plate purchase past high school.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 7

the

PROTECTING

EPA, MDA announce guidelines for dicamba, Enlist

By Drew Lyon Regulatory agencies and the federal court system delivered mixed results for Minnesota farmers this spring in the ongoing battle to manage yield-robbing pests and weeds.

In March, the EPA issued its approval to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) state-specific use restrictions for three dicamba herbicide products during the 2022 growing season in Minnesota. The restrictions are aimed at curbing off-site movement of the products.

The affected dicamba formulations are Engenia by BASF, Tavium by Syngenta and XtendiMax by Bayer. These are the only three dicamba products labeled for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans.

“We understand that dicamba is an important tool in combating herbicide resistant weeds in dicamba-tolerant soybeans,” MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen said.

“However, these products must be used without impacts on neighboring homes, farms and gardens. The additional restrictions are based on scientific evidence from our drift investigations and discussions with the University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Drift Task Force.”

Because of a high number of alleged drift complaints

8 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

in the 2021 growing season, MDA is registering the three products for use in Minnesota in 2022 with the following additional restrictions: • DATE CUTOFF: No application shall be made south of Interstate 94 after June 12, 2022. North of Interstate 94, use is prohibited after June 30, 2022.

• TEMPERATURE CUTOFF STATEWIDE: No application shall be made if the air temperature of the field at the time of application is over 85 degrees Fahrenheit or if the National Weather Service’s forecasted high temperature for the nearest available location for the day exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Forecasted temperature must be recorded at the start of the application.

The product label with these EPA approved Minnesota-specific restrictions will be available on the product manufacturer’s website (Bayer, BASF, or Syngenta). Growers should check the company’s website to download the restrictions prior to application of any of these three dicamba products. The restrictions will also be promoted through the mandatory dicamba specific training, required

for anyone applying one of the approved products, on the manufacturer’s website. Compliance with these Minnesota-specific restrictions and other restrictions listed on the product label is mandatory.

Other federal requirements for the products that appear on the 2022 labels include: • Requiring an approved pH-buffering agent, also known as a volatility reducing agent, be tank mixed with dicamba products prior to all applications • Requiring a downwind buffer of 240 feet and 310 feet in areas where listed endangered species are located • Additional recordkeeping items In addition to the cutoff date, XtendiMax and Tavium have crop growth stage cutoffs. In Minnesota, Engenia, Tavium and XtendiMax formulations of dicamba are approved for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans only and are “Restricted Use Pesticides.” The dicamba products are only for retail sale to and for use by certified applicators.

Pesticide product registrations are renewed on an annual basis in Minnesota.

“If we can work together, that way we can keep the product without hurting the neighbor,” Drift Task Force Chair Bob Worth said. “It’s a two-fold approach.”

EPA reverses course on Enlist ban Following a robust advocacy push from MSGA and the nation’s soybean farmers, the U.S. EPA reviewed its proposed label amendment and has now approved the use of Enlist One and Enlist Duo in 134 additional counties, including six Minnesota counties, providing growers with additional weed management options for the 2022 growing season.

Now, farmers throughout Minnesota will have a chance to safely use this product for weed management. Clay, Marshall, Polk, Redwood, Renville and Stearns counties can all now apply Enlist Duo in 2022.

“This announcement shows the importance of engaging with regulators,” MSGA President Mike Skaug said. “Without the advocacy efforts of our members and leadership, growers likely would have been unable to have this tool in their toolbox.”

EPA previously prohibited use in these counties because the Agency expected that

the use of Enlist Duo would likely jeopardize the Eastern Massasauga rattle snake exposed on-field. However, EPA’s prior analyses were based on the Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2020 species range maps. EPA subsequently learned that FWS updated their species range map in 2021, which shows that the Eastern Massasauga rattle snake is no longer present in Minnesota. Therefore, EPA has now determined that the prohibition of Enlist Duo in these counties is no longer necessary.

“We’re very happy to see this senseless regulation has been revoked,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “With all the supply chain issues agriculture continues to face, it’s crucial that farmers are able to use this technology to maintain profitability.”

Court denies stay motion on chlorpyrifos rule In March, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a motion to stay the rule revoking tolerances of chlorpyrifos. The ruling revokes tolerances to remain in effect while the court hears the underlying case.

Essentially, this means growers will not be able to use chlorpyrifos for the 2022 growing season since EPA’s revocation rule, which went into effect on Feb. 28, will now remain in effect.

The purpose of the lawsuit was to seek a stay to prevent the rule from taking effect for 11 crops (including soybeans) in certain states which EPA identified did not pose a health risk — but for which the agency, regardless, revoked tolerances. However, that request has now been denied given the decision. The lawsuit also continues to seek a vacatur of the rule where it conflicts with EPA’s own science, especially regarding these 11 uses identified by the agency to be safe.

“Chlorpyrifos has been a critical tool in the toolbox for Minnesota farmers, especially in the fight against pests such as soybean aphids and spider mites,” Minnesota Soybean Director of Research David Kee said. “This decision is very disappointing.”

Growers shouldn’t use any remaining chlorpyrifos they may still have on their operations in 2022. For disposal, farmers are urged to contact their retailers. If opened, growers should contact MDA. For containers that store more than 300 pounds of chlorpyrifos, MDA asks farmers to call ahead.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 9

full delegation met with Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith’s staff.

“Between the board meeting and Hill Visits, we had a very productive time in Washington, D.C.,” Smentek said. “After being unable to be at the Capitol for more than two years, we don’t take for granted the opportunity to be in D.C.”

MN farmers make Capitol comeback

ASA Directors Michael Petefish (left) and George Goblish (right) visit the U.S. Capitol during ASA’s Hill Visits.

By Drew Lyon They’re back. In person. Finally.

After a two-year hiatus, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association walked familiar ground in March. Farmer leaders from MSGA and the American Soybean Association gathered in Washington, D.C. and St. Paul for the return of state and federal Hill Visits.

“It was an honor to once again walk the halls of the Capitol and advocate for soybean growers at the state and national levels,” said MSGA President Mike Skaug, who last visited the nation’s capital in July 2019. “While virtual meetings certainly have their place, nothing beats face-to-face connections.”

Skaug and Executive Director Joe Smentek were joined by six of the seven farmers MSGA supports on the ASA board: Jamie Beyer, George Goblish, Chris Hill, Jim Kukowski, Michael Petefish and Joel Schreurs, respectively (Adam Guetter was unable to attend). On a picturesque March morning, Minnesota’s team divided into two groups and headed for the Hill. Capitol security now mandates that all visitors are brought in via staff escort, creating longer lines at entrances. Still, it was a small price to pay to return to in-person advocacy.

“The restrictions inside the Capitol aren’t ideal, but we made the most of it,” Hill said. “We got used to it by the end of the day.”

Farmers also promoted ASA’s

10 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

priorities in the upcoming Farm Bill.

ASA has already held 12 Farm Bill listening sessions and will continue developing principles this spring.

“We want to be considered in the conversation when the Farm Bill is being developed,” Petefish told Rep. Michelle Fischbach.

Goblish, who sits on ASA’s Executive Committee, asked the congresswoman to support a key ASA priority: extending the Biodiesel Tax Credit through 2025.

“Everyone wants clean air and biodiesel is the way to do it,” Goblish said.

In the afternoon, Skaug, Hill and Smentek met with Rep. Angie Craig, who offered her continued support of the biodiesel tax credit, which expires at the end of the year. Throughout the meetings, farmer directors also urged legislators to support the AQUAA Act to increase U.S. aquaculture production.

“Aquaculture is a win-win for consumers and farmers,” Schreurs said.

Other policy topics during the Hill Visits included: lowering farmers’ tax burdens, conservation practices and increasing market access.

“Policies like the stepped-up basis help us sustain our farming operation so the next generation can carry on,” said Skaug, who farms alongside his wife, DeAnn and their son, Ryan.

The day on the Hill concluded with a meeting in the Hart Senate Office Building, where MSGA’s

Dependent on agriculture After a week in New Orleans for Commodity Classic, MSGA directors reconvened a week later in St. Paul. Although soybean prices have reached highs not seen in a decade, skyrocketing fertilizer prices and supply chain wrenches have left farmers in a bind, MSGA directors told legislative leaders during state Hill Visits in St. Paul.

“Our fertilizer prices are three times as high as normal,” MSGA Vice President Bob Worth, who has farmed for more than 50 years, told Sen. Bill Weber. “Prices are good, but input costs are off the charts.”

MSGA returned to the Hill for the first time since March 10, 2020, just days before access to the Capitol became restricted. About a dozen farmers gathered in St. Paul this year to advocate for MSGA’s 2022 policy priorities, from property tax relief to funding for the Ag Innovation Campus. In total, MSGA met with more than 20 legislators from both parties and chambers.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman met with farmers and said that, while options are limited, the Legislature will do all it can to help farmers navigate turbulent markets.

“We’re such an ag-dependent state,” she said. “Your health and our health are intertwined.”

Skaug met with state Sen. Mark Johnson to discuss the latest developments of the Ag Innovation Campus. Throughout the day, MSGA leaders spoke with elected officials about the building-cost increases related to the pandemic. Since the pandemic began, construction costs have increased by at least 35%.

The AIC continues construction this spring, with plans to begin

With the Capitol in the background, President Mike Skaug (left) advocates alongside former President Jamie Beyer (front right) and Director Rose Wendinger (back right) during a meeting with Senate Finance Committee Chair Julie Rosen.

production in early 2023.

“It’s a project I believe in 100 percent,” said Sen. Johnson, one of the first legislators to support the project. “The research that’s going to come out of the facility is fantastic.”

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Thom Petersen also met with MSGA’s leadership during lunch and outlined MDA’s initiatives for 2022. On National Ag Day, Petersen emphasized the importance of agriculture on Minnesota’s economy.

Agriculture contributes between 25 and 30% toward Minnesota’s GDP. “During the last big recession we had, agriculture really saved Minnesota’s economy,” he said.

With agricultural land value increasing, raising the ag homestead exemption to $2.5 million was another big topic during the Hill Visit. Earlier in March, MSGA Secretary Ryan Mackenthun testified in support of the bill – sponsored by Sen. Weber – which could provide farmers millions of dollars in property tax relief.

“The transition from one generation to the next is one of the

biggest problems we have,” Weber said.

During a meeting with Senate Democrats, MSGA farmer leaders advocated for improvements to rural infrastructure and broadband access.

“The cell phone coverage in rural areas is very spotty,” Director Brad Hovel said. “We’ve seen in the past two years the need for good broadband, good roads and good infrastructure.”

Later in the afternoon, Smentek and Worth visited with Gov. Tim Walz to further discuss MSGA’s legislative priorities. Walz and MSGA discussed the AIC, tax relief, rural health care and biofuels.

“We can be the state that figures out the middle ground and I think there’s a place for biofuels,” Gov. Walz said.

Skaug said MSGA will continue promoting its priorities throughout the rest of the session. Look for a full legislative recap in the July-August issue of Soybean Business.

“We had a lot of good conversations with leaders from both parties and we’re full steam ahead toward achieving our goals for 2022,” Skaug said.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 11

‘A smooth process’: Minnesota farmers tell their soil health stories at Capitol event

IT’S NOT JUST YOUR LAND. IT’S YOUR LEGACY.

Above all else, Minnesota farmers are leaders in their field when it comes to protecting our state’s resources.

“We lead the nation in our commitment to water quality,” Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said, “and that’s especially true for our farmers.”

During the 2022 Legislative Session, directors from Minnesota’s corn and soybean advocacy groups, along with Rep. Paul Anderson, headed to the Capitol to visit with MDA officials and promote the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).

“The program is excellent. What I like as a legislator and a farmer is that it’s a volunteer program,” said Rep. Anderson, who grows corn, soybeans and wheat in Starbuck. “I really endorse (the MAWQCP).”

During the roundtable discussion, Darin Johnson, treasurer of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, received his farm sign for becoming MAWQCP certified. Johnson Farms enrolled five years after starting strip-tilling on a trial basis. He noticed a few neighbors had become certified and realized he was already employing similar management practices.

“It isn’t a one -size-fits-all program,” said Johnson, who worked with a local co-op to enroll. “You do have options.

For us, it was a good fit, we scored really high. I’m a fourth-generation farmer and I want to make sure we’re keeping our land in better shape for the fifth and sixth generations.”

Murray County farmer Bryan Biegler, who serves as president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, worked with his local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to become certified. Both MCGA and MSGA have advocated for legislative support for the MAWQCP. “It was a really smooth process,” Biegler said. “They were great to work with.”

Farmers can contact their local SWCD to apply for MAWQCP certification and then complete a series of steps with local certifiers using a 100 percent site-specific

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program rewards farmers like you for what you do best, taking care of risk assessment process. By law all data is kept private, and only by signing a formal release can a farmer’s name be released publicly. After becoming certified, farmers receive a 10-year contract ensuring them they will be deemed in compliance with any new water quality laws, an official MAWQCP sign to display on their farm, and other benefits developed by local MAWQCP providers.

“The concept is excellent,” Rep. Anderson said. “There’s a lot of support for conservation… This helps us lower expense costs and keep yields high. It’s really a win-win situation.”

your land and its natural resources.

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

MyLandMyLegacy.com

The nearly 1,200 producers currently certified in the program – which is now in its seventh year of implementation – cover more than 835,000 certified acres and implementing more than 2,300 new conservation practices. These practices are reducing over 40,000 tons of sediment of each year, 120,000 tons of soil and cutting nitrogen loss by nearly 50%. Later this year, Gov. Tim Walz and the MDA have set a goal to certify one-million acres of farmland in Minnesota.

“This program is really continuing to grow,” Commissioner Petersen said.

The Water Quality event was held in partnership with We Are Water MN, a traveling exhibit that celebrates Minnesotans’ relationships with water. The discussion is archived on the MDA’s YouTube page.

“The data helps provide us answers and puts the trust behind the practices that we use,” Johnson said.

Brought to you by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

12 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 13

New FSA executive director has deep MN ties

By Kaelyn Rahe From small town to big city, Whitney Place has put her boots on the ground to help Minnesota farmers.

Originally from Okabena in southwest Minnesota, Place grew up in town, not on the farm. However, she was surrounded by corn fields in her backyard and always found herself enjoying her grandparents’ farm, where her father still grows corn and soybeans.

During high school, Place was involved in FFA and cultivated an interest in plants, leading her to attend the University of Minnesota to study plant science.

“I was going to be a plant breeder just like Norman Borlaug,” Place said. “Then I got there, and I worked on an oat breeding project for a while as a student worker, and I decided that research wasn’t going to be my path for everyday life.”

After deciding she didn’t want to pursue plant research anymore, Place found an interest in her issue-based coursework, specifically environmental issues.

This path led her to an internship with the National Farmers Union, where she decided agriculture policy was the direction to take. Place studied at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and earned a degree in environmental policy, which led her to start a decade-long career 14 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture across both the Dayton and Walz administrations.

“They really welcomed me in, and I just learned so much from all the different experts in the agency,” Place said. “Our staff really care about the community and about the issues, and that is kind of how I got my foot in the door.”

Place has built many relationships along her journey at MDA. During nearly a decade working together, she developed a close bond with current MDA Deputy Commissioner Andrea Vaubel. ‘ “I think one of the great things about Whitney is she has a great energy,” Vaubel said. “She’s really passionate about this work, and she’s also willing to speak up about how she feels about things, even if it’s not the most popular. She’s just really thoughtful and has a strong ag background.”

Price also fostered connections with state commodity leaders, including Minnesota Soybean Growers

Conquering self-doubts As a female leader in agriculture, Place encourages young women to stay self-assured.

“I remember when I was a legislative director, and I would have to testify at the legislature and it’s super scary when you are first doing it,” she said.

“However, former MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson would always tell me, ‘You are the smartest person in the room on this topic. Have confidence in it. You know everything about this topic. No one else does.’”

Vaubel, who joined MDA in 2013, said she and Place have counseled each other on navigating a largely malecentric industry.

“Being young women working in agriculture, we gave each other advice and talked through issues that arose,” Vaubel said. “Whitney thinks about things in a different way and helped me broaden my thoughts on a lot of issues.”

Association (MSGA) Executive Director Joe Smentek, whose background in state politics dates back more than 20 years.

“Joe has been a mentor of mine,” Place said. “He is someone I can always call and bounce ideas off of.”

Place had admired MSGA’s efforts in proactively advocating for its policy priorities, including promoting MDA’s Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP), which Place helped oversee at MDA. Though MSGA and MDA are sometimes on opposite ends of issues, both groups approach their differences with respect.

“I think the Soybean Growers have a good, forward-thinking approach and I am pleased with what they are doing with conservation,” Place said.

“Sometimes we don’t always agree but we can have good conversations to work through issues.”

Continued on Page 16 MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 15

Smentek commended Place for networking with growers from every corner of the state.

“We have had a great working relationship with Whitney during her time with MDA,” Smentek said. “She has built strong relationships with soybean farmers across the state, and we look forward to working with her more in her new position.”

‘The new challenge’ After 10 years with MDA, Place was ready for the next step.

Earlier in 2022, President Biden’s administration appointed Place to serve as executive director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Minnesota office.

“I was really sad to leave MDA and excited for the new challenge at FSA,” Place said.

Place complimented the team at MDA, including Vaubel and Commissioner Thom Petersen for always creating a positive work environment and being supportive.

“I want to thank Whitney for her decade of service here at the MDA and for her dedication to agriculture,”

Commissioner Petersen said. “She has been a valuable member of our team and I look forward to continuing to work with her at the FSA on issues and policies affecting farmers in our state.”

Vaubel commended her friend and longtime colleague for embracing her new challenge.

“Thom and I said, ‘You would rock this, you would be amazing.’ I know it was nerve-wracking for her putting herself out there, interviewing with U.S. senators,” Vaubel said. “It can be scary stuff, but she brings an energy and freshness to this position.”

As executive director, Place wants to do her part in fostering a more inclusive environment at FSA. “I want to make sure that agriculture, specifically FSA programs, are accessible to everyone and, historically, USDA has had some challenges with underserved groups,” she said. “I think our staff does an amazing job delivering programs, but sometimes we need to look at things in a little different way to make sure we are being accessible.”

Coming from an environmental

background, Place has conservation on her mind. She wants to continue promoting conservation efforts and to maintain programs like the MAWQCP that are workable and beneficial for both farmers’ and their land.

Her last goal involves growth and bringing agriculture into the next era while still maintaining stability.

“In agriculture we are going to be facing this turnover in staff from retirements,” she said. “It is going to be important to work through and retain the next generation of agricultural leaders at that county level, the regional level and at our state office level.”

Place is excited to work on her goals and continue to grow and improve FSA efforts.

“It’s where the rubber hits the road in our county offices when we are implementing these programs that we have these national conversations about,” she said, “but it is really the work of the boots on the ground and connecting those farmers to those programs, and I am excited about that.”

YOUR AG BANK THROUGH THICK AND THIN Banking | Mortgage | Insurance | Trust | Investments

Member FDIC

Ian Bents

Martin County President 507-235-7562 ianb@profinium.com

Ron Kopischke

West Region Business Development 507-235-7561 ronk@profinium.com Whitney Place is a proud FFA alum. She was practically born into it.

16 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

Veronica Bruckhoff VP Business Development 507-380-0859 veronicab@profinium.com

Garrett Schock

AVP Ag/Business Banking 507-848-0945 garretts@profinium.com

Jerry Kopel

SVP Ag/Business Banker 507-456-2916 jerryk@profinium.com

David Thamert

SVP Ag Banking 507-456-1565 davidt@profinium.com

Taylor Nawrocki Ag/Business Banking 507-235-7612 taylor@profinium.com

Before her current role with FSA, Place spent 10 years with MDA. All photos courtesy of Whitney Place.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 17

SOY SNAPSH Photographic Memories

TS

“Pasture Promises”

By Tar Tut

“Hereford Heir”

By Tar Tut

For the third straight year, we asked our loyal readers to comb through their photo albums and share with us their favorite pictures capturing the pastoral beauty of life on Minnesota farms.

The votes were tallied via an online contest on our social media platforms, and we are proud to share the best of the best.

“Can We Combine Soybeans After a Light Rain?”

By Rochelle Krusemark “Bean Harvest”

By Vanessa Payne

By David Gartner

“Field of Dreams”

By Levi Janssen

18 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

“The sun sets on Autumn’s Coming Harvest”

By Cheri Kopveiler

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 19

“Summer Storms”

By Jim Gordon

“Soy Sunset”

By Angela Guentzel

“The Next Generation”

By DeAnn Skaug

“Spring Planting”

By Lisa Ditlefsen

“Monarch on Lemon Queen Sunflower”

By Lisa Ditlefsen

20 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

“Sunset on the Sea of Soybeans in Southern Minnesota”

By Holly Covington

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 21

Walking the Walk Council taking giant steps with new promotion

By Drew Lyon Spanning more than 30 years, the soybean checkoff has left a deep fiscal footprint on Minnesota’s – and the nation’s – economy by putting money back into farmers’ pockets. For each dollar soybean farmers pay toward checkoff resources, growers receive $12.33 in return value.

“We’re bringing value right back to the American farmer,” said Belinda Burrier, a Maryland farmer and director with the United Soybean Board (USB), which oversees the national checkoff program. “Once that soybean hits the mill, it’s local, it’s national, international – it’s everywhere.

The money farmers make back on the checkoff is fantastic.”

This summer, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) is taking another giant leap forward to promote checkoff investments – from the farm to frontline.

“Each year, our farmer-led board tasks our team with spotlighting checkoff projects – everything from biodiesel to road sealants to tires – in unique ways,” MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka said. “These initiatives help inform growers throughout the state on the ways the checkoff continues to add to their bottom lines.”

MSR&PC, which directs the state’s soybean checkoff resources, is Stepping Up to amplify farmer profitability and promote the value-added uses of the “miracle bean.” Coming off the heels of the successful Driving Soy promotion, Minnesota soybean farmers are lacing up to promote valueadded products while also giving back to frontline health care workers in their counties.

“The Driving Soy campaign was a success by any measure. It exceeded all expectations,” said Council Director Gene Stoel, who helped oversee Driving Soy and proposed the Stepping Up promotion at the Council’s April board meeting. “We want to build off the goodwill that campaign brought to our communities, and improve upon it by activating our county organizations to once again promote our commodity while giving back to our hometown heroes.”

22 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

Oil Change Walk in our shoes all summer long at #SoySteppingUp.

In 2020, Skechers released its GO line of footwear, which incorporates soybean oil to improve grip, stability and durability. Skechers is using the same technology featured in Goodyear Tire Company’s checkoffsupported line of soy-based tires, which incorporated soy into its rubber technology. MSR&PC promoted the soy-based tires in summer 2021 by donating sets of tires to dozens of sheriff ’s departments throughout the state.

For Skechers, a California-company that was founded 30 years ago, using soybean oil helped create a better shoe.

“Discovering ways to make product more sustainable is top of mind for Skechers,” said Kurt Stockbridge, Skechers vice president of Product Development and Innovation. “Though we were aware of the sustainable qualities of soybean oil, we were surprised to learn what the oil could do to improve our outsole rubber performance and were excited to utilize it in product across multiple divisions.”

As part of the Stepping Up movement, Minnesota’s 44 county boards – no other state has an organized county program – are eligible to donate up to 50 pairs of Skechers soy-based shoes to a local health care facility, including (but not limited to): local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The Stepping Up campaign kicks off in May and runs throughout the summer. The statewide effort strives to inform both farming and non-farming public on the environmental advantages of soybean oil and the myriad uses of soybeans.

“We know how much health care workers sacrifice for others in communities throughout Minnesota, especially in the past couple of years. I’ve seen it firsthand,” said Council Chair Joe Serbus, whose wife, Doreen, has worked in health care for more than 40 years. “This campaign is an investment in both value-added soybean products and in the selfless health care professionals who keep us safe and healthy.”

Once just a byproduct, soybean oil has developed into a lucrative value-driver for farmers. It’s now used as sustainable, environmentally friendly and functional replacement for petroleum in industrial products.

• Thanks to soybean checkoff investments, more than 1,000 soy-based products – products ranging from shoes to machinery lubricants to asphalt – that use commodity soybean oil and high oleic soybean oil are now commercially available.

• In 2020 alone, 35 new commercial products using soybean oil were introduced by companies that received checkoff funding.

A step above the rest Skechers collaborated with Goodyear for several years using the soy rubber technology to improve its outsoles.

After several test trials, Skechers determined the shoes’ rubber outsole compound featured improved durability and traction in a range of climates and conditions – ideal for Minnesota’s four seasons. The soy-based models carry the label “Goodyear Performance Outsoles.”

By using soybean oil in Skechers’ Go, Goodyear’s tire compound reduces petroleum-based use, ultimately cutting energy consumption, weight and promoting sustainability while increasing efficiency. Goodyear has pledged to fully replace all of its petroleum-driven oils by 2040.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 23

unitedsoybean.org

Driving Demand We know how much health care workers sacrifice for others in communities throughout Minnesota, especially in the past couple of years. I’ve seen it firsthand.

This campaign is an investment in both valueadded soybean products and in the selfless health care professionals who keep us safe and healthy.”

- Council Chair Joe Serbus, whose wife, Doreen, has worked in health care for more than 40 years

Soybean oil demand continues to skyrocket, reaching 80 cents per pound by lateApril. According to USDA’s Production, Supply and Distribution database, soybean oil demand grew even within the past year. During the last marketing year, 9% of U.S. soybean oil was exported, 54% was used for food, feed and other industrial uses and 37% went toward biofuels. Compare that to this marketing year, with a dip in exports to 5% and a bump in domestic demand for use in biofuels to 42%.

“Demand for oil is just wild right now,” Burrier said. “It’s helping to secure farmer profitability and opens doors for other products.”

“This collaboration is an example of two trusted brands coming together to create a high-tech product that will truly benefit our consumer,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

Since its initial 2020 launch with three running shoes from the Skechers GOrun collection, the range of styles featuring Goodyear Performance Outsoles includes a broad assortment of running and walking sneakers (GO WALK).

The models have expanded to include athletic lifestyle, trail and work footwear categories for men and women, as well as kids’ styles. Skechers are available at most of the nation’s shoe retailers.

Now, everyone can stand, run and walk on soy.

“U.S. soybean growers are pleased to see this multiplier effect growing from their own collaboration with Goodyear through the soybean checkoff,” USB Director Ralph Lott II said. “USB worked with Goodyear to support their innovation with U.S. soy that is now available in four lines of Goodyear tires.

We’re enthusiastic that consumers have a new choice for performance as well as sustainability with U.S. soy in a range of Skechers footwear.”

Stockbridge said the company has received overwhelmingly positive reaction from consumers.

“Our product testers and consumers tell us constantly – especially regarding our technical running product line – that the traction and durability of our Goodyear rubber is outstanding,” he said.

Burrier wore the shoes throughout the trade show floor at Commodity Classic and was impressed with the lightweight feel of the shoes’ cushion.

24 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

“If you don’t want to be dragging a heavy shoe around, this shoe is it,” Burrier said. “The cushion definitely helps.”

GO time USB’s checkoff investment in Goodyear dates back more than a decade. After nearly six years of research and development, Goodyear debuted its Assurance WeatherReady’s soybean-oil tread compound in 2017.

Today, Goodyear Performance Outsoles are featured in nearly all of Skechers’ footwear product line. Just like with the tires, the shoes’ outsoles offer the same traction in both wet and cold conditions.

“The soybean oil replaces conventional petroleum-based oil in this polymer.

Its use in the rubber reduces the use of petroleum-based raw material, making it a more sustainable product – a goal we have throughout Skechers,” Stockbridge said. “We recognized early on in our relationship with Goodyear that nearly all consumers could benefit from improved traction and durability.”

The Council will launch a new website – mnsoybean.org/stepping-up – to launch the campaign. For the Council, it’s “GO” time this summer, Serbus said.

“We’re looking forward to making connections in our communities and promoting our products,” Serbus said.

“It’s bigger than shoes: This campaign really encompasses everything the Council and our county organizations set out to achieve. We’ve all experienced some setbacks but we’re excited to step up and move the checkoff forward.”

The United Soybean Board contributed to this article.

RESEARCHING A BETTER BEAN

Whether you’re dealing with drought, flood, heat or other climate-related stress, the soy checkoff is working behind the scenes to diversify U.S. soybean genetics and increase stress tolerance.

We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you.

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

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

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 25

Have challenges? Will retreat MSR&PC annual event helps spark innovation for soybean industry

Driving Demand for Higher Oil Soybeans Brought to you by Mustang Seeds

By Doug Monson

When the price of soybean oil eclipsed the price of soybean meal, a thunderous crack could almost be heard ripping through the traditional soybean market.

To be clear, soybean oil has long been the byproduct of crushing for valuable protein to feed to livestock. This byproduct, at times, has been a burden on prices. Soybean oil has also sparked many great innovations such as biodiesel, or as a replacement for petroleum oil in tires, road sealants, lubricants, plastics, foams and more.

“Innovation often comes from places of strife,” said Tom Slunecka, CEO of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC). “Some of the greatest inventions in agriculture have come from a need to overcome bad conditions, whether it be in market disruption, supply or some other unforeseen factor.”

In July, the Council will tackle this very concept with the return of its annual researcher and farmer gathering, “The Future of Soybeans Retreat.”

“We’ve found we can do a lot more remotely these past few years,” said Ben Storm, MSR&PC District 9 director from Dover. “However, there really is no replacement for the annual soybean retreat with researchers. Researchers hear from farmers who have unique challenges, which allows those researchers to create more targeted projects to better support the Minnesota soybean industry.”

Unlike in the past, this year’s retreat will boast an Emerging Young Leaders seminar ahead of the retreat.

Farmers identified to participate in the young leader portion were nominated by farmer-leaders from their counties and regions.

“I’m excited the Council can host these emerging leaders,” said Glen Groth, MSR&PC District 9 director from Ridgeway. “We’re always looking for ways to help grow the next round of leaders, and I think this retreat is a great way for them to network with other leaders and share ideas.”

The Future of Soybeans Retreat” is by invitation only.

RESEARCHER MUSICAL CHAIRS “The Future of Soybeans Retreat” is intended to better align research with the challenges facing the soybean industry. Here is a closer look at how the researcher portion works: • Farmers participate in a speed-dating style gathering with other farmers and a pair of researchers • Topics are predetermined for each table with researchers from those topic areas • Topics mirror MSR&PC’s strategic plan • Farmers are given an allotment of time to discuss challenges they are facing • Researchers serve as mediators at the tables, asking questions to spark deeper discussions

26 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

Demand for biofuels like biodiesel, renewable hydrocarbon diesel and sustainable aviation fuel is spurring development of additional soybean crushing capacity throughout the Midwest. Several processing facilities in the region are expanding, are under construction or have been proposed to extract the valuable oil that soybeans produce.

For many years, soybean meal was the driving force in the soybean market as a high-quality protein source for livestock like pigs, chickens and dairy.

More recently, soybean oil has increased in value as a source to help meet growing biofuel needs. States like California and Oregon that have low-carbon fuel standards in place are turning to biodiesel and renewable diesel to meet carbon requirements.

Combine domestic demand with an increased desire for energy independence in light of world events like the invasion of Ukraine, and soybean oil is a hot commodity. The emerging opportunity is not lost on farmers.

Mustang Seeds Soybean Product Manager Mason Roerig says the growing demand for soybean oil has farmers interested in planting varieties with a higher oil content.

“We’re just starting to see some guys interested in that,” Roerig says. “All these crushing plants going in across the region is really going to spike that interest. There are some plants that have just started construction and that’s going to increase the demand for soybeans in the entire area.”

A typical 60-pound bushel of soybeans produces about 12 pounds of oil. Soybean breeders are working to develop and propagate soybean varieties capable of producing more oil. Roerig says Mustang Seeds and its partner GDM recognize the opportunity higher oil production presents to soybean farmers.

To learn more about Mustang Seeds and their seed portfolio, visit mustangseeds.com.

“We’re working with GDM to analyze oil data from GDM germplasm across the territory to identify the best oil-yielding soybeans,” Roerig explains. “We’re targeting the high-yielding and high oil varieties.

We’re going to be working with GDM to get varieties at the oil levels we want them to be.”

According to the American Soybean Association (ASA), U.S. farmers planted 83.1 million acres of soybeans in 2020, producing 4.14 billion bushels of beans. ASA reports 24.9 billion pounds of soybean oil produced in the U.S. in 2019-2020. That number will likely increase as demand for soy-based biofuels grows.

“The main thing is identifying these higher oil varieties because it hasn’t been an industry focal point the past few years, but now it is. We’ll be able to identify those varieties and have them available to growers,” Roerig says.

Roerig encourages farmers to consider planting higher oil varieties or simply shift to more soybean acres so growers can capitalize on some of the value that crush plants are going to bring.

Mustang Seeds is making higher oil variety education and information a point of emphasis with their sales managers and dealers, according to Roerig. Interested farmers should connect with their sales representative to get pointed in the right direction.

“We’re aware of the rising biofuel market in the area and our goal is to get ahead of it and help our farmers capitalize on it the best they can, all the way from Nebraska to North Dakota and everywhere in between,” Roerig says.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 27

News you can use

AURI Forum shows latest and greatest in innovation

By Sydney Harris The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute’s (AURI) New Uses Forum provides a setting for innovators and investors to gather to present their work, highlight soybean checkoff investments and network with other professionals. This year’s focus, “Exploring the Intersection of Sustainability, Innovation and Investment in Food and Agriculture,” spotlighted a variety of speakers and panel discussions, including Jocelyn G. Brown Hall from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Dr. Karama Neal with USDA Rural Business – Cooperative Service.

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) has a longstanding partnership with AURI, working with them on a variety of checkoff-supported projects through the years. Council Director Ron Obermoller, who represents MSR&PC on AURI’s board, said the New Uses Forum is the perfect opportunity for “entrepreneurs, investors and dreamers” to come together in one room to learn from each other.

For Obermoller, the most important part of the New Uses Forum is the exposure to innovative ideas, especially for soybean producers and Council directors.

“For me, the most interesting part is seeing people come out of the woodwork. Some of them have been thinking about this project for 20 years,” said Obermoller, who serves as AURI chairman. “And Minnesota Soybean gets exposed to a lot of ideas at the New Uses Forum. When we are in our committee rooms, we are in a sheltered part of the world. Here, they get to see a little bit of everything else out there and come out of their shell.”

‘Imagination to fruition’ The Ag Innovation Campus, of which MSR&PC is a founding member, opened and closed the Forum. In her opening comments, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan commented on the cutting-edge research that the AIC will birth.

“The Ag Innovation Campus will secure Minnesota’s 28 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka highlights the potential of the Ag Innovation Campus while presenting at the 2022 New Uses Forum.

reputation as a national leader in agriculture,” Flanagan said. “We believe this project will do incredible work and are excited for the opportunities this will bring.”

To cap the New Uses Forum, acting AIC CEO Tom Slunecka presented during the MN Food and Ag Ecosystems Highlight panel. Construction on the 10-acre site in Crookston continues this spring, with production to follow next year.

“The intersection between fresh, but small ideas and the impact roles of a larger corporation and a larger volume product usage is where this idea came from,” said Slunecka, who’s also CEO of Ag Management Solutions, which oversees both MSR&PC and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. “It’s a nonprofit. It’s a crush plant. It’s a research facility. It’s all of the things you need to get through that valley of death.”

To celebrate AURI’s Ag Innovator of the Year, Executive Director Shannon Schlecht that the Ag Innovator of the Year takes an “idea from concept to commercial marketplace.” This year, the award went to NewStarch Solutions, co-founded by Dean Bartels, Don Niles and Matt Niles. NewStarch Solutions works to create packaging products from starch, a sustainable and renewable source.

“The economies of scale on this allows us to break ground in areas we’ve never seen before,” Bartels said in his acceptance speech.

Among the MSR&PC attendees was Director Rochelle Krusemark, who praised the Council’s ongoing partnership with AURI. “AURI never disappoints. This year showcased another diverse group of entrepreneurs,” Krusemark said.

“MSR&PC’s investment promotes innovative concepts while AURI offers support through technical assistance, product analysis and startup – taking imagination to fruition.”

When the world relies on you for healthy food ® choices, rely on SOYLEIC SOYLEIC® is a non-GMO, high-oleic option for today’s soybean farmers — and those they serve.

•

Maturity Groups for Your Area

•

Competitive Yields

•

Added Value for Culinary and Livestock Markets

That means the future of a healthier food system isn’t manufactured — it’s grown.

See why soybean farmers are embracing SOYLEIC®. soyleic.com

(573) 635-3819 734 S. Country Club Drive Jefferson City, MO 65109

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 29

By the Book: A Leadership Journey

By Kaelyn Rahe The newspaper was titled “All Ears for Corn.” There was me, a kindergartner, sitting in the back of my parents’ trailer bagging sweet corn in North Minneapolis.

I would like to think this is where my story began.

Growing up, I had the privilege of working on my family’s fruit and vegetable operation in Comfrey. It wasn’t until many years later that I truly reflected on my experience and realized why family and farming are so important to me.

It was the care and time we put into our products, and the ability to feed and provide for not only ourselves but others.

At the end of the day, it was never easy work, but it was meaningful work.

My life experiences are what instilled my love for agriculture. It was seen in my success in FFA, my career exploration as I attended South Dakota State, first to pursue agricultural education before quickly switching to agricultural communications degree. I’ve put those skills to use in my current career with

Photo 1

Photo 3

Photo 2

Photo 4

Photo 1: My team reflected on our leadership search activity where we got to seek forms of leadership while in Washington D.C. Photo 2: My cohort met with governmental officials, including Minnesota Senator Julie Rosen during our St. Paul seminar. Photo 3: My team learned to utilize the resources we had, both intellectual and physical objects, to attempt to build the largest tower. Photo 4: After exploring Thief River Falls, my team presented on natural capital, a component of the community capital framework.

Ag Management Solutions, the organization that oversees Minnesota Soybean.

In college, it was hard to envision what life after graduation would look like and what career opportunities were out there. As a result, SDSU required students to have an internship in order to graduate; therefore, I applied to a couple internships.

After rejection from some internship opportunities, I found myself with an internship offer with Minnesota Soybean. That summer, I spent time learning design, writing, event planning and – much to my surprise – driving the truck built by the DieselSellerz. Through this internship, I felt I had set a path of what I wanted to do.

However, after college I will be honest: I struggled. I applied for over 30 jobs and only received two interviews with no callbacks. Luckily, I have a positive mindset and believe everything will work out and everything happens for a reason.

30 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

Just in the nick of time, I saw a job opening as an administrative assistant at Minnesota Soybean.

KAELYN’S KEY TAKEAWAYS I applied and was offered the job a day before college graduation.

• You are never too young to make a difference. Instead of Timing is everything. waiting to be asked to be on a board, reach out. You are As much as I loved working as an allowing yourself to be stagnant by not taking action. administrative assistant, I found my calling • Sometimes you need to step down for someone else to back to communications when a job opened as step up. a communications project manager. Through • At the end of the day, the only person 100% on your side my time at Minnesota Soybean, I realized I was is yourself. You are your biggest advocate. missing something. Although I loved and still love my job, I couldn’t quite grasp what I really wanted and needed. I was always so active in high other cultures. school and college, but I felt like life got stagnant, and I wasn’t Along the way, I built a network that I felt was missing before making the impact I knew I could be making.

MARL. Fortunately, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion My cohort was a huge part of my growth. Everyone enabled Council allowed me the opportunity to join the Minnesota me to think strategically. They offered advice, personal Agricultural Rural Leadership Program (MARL). MARL is a experiences and opportunities that I would have never had. I leadership-development program for engaged adult agricultural am thankful for those relationships and all they have provided. and rural leaders in Minnesota. The program ignites growth MARL taught me to think outside the box, to become and success by practicing real world scenarios in and out of confident in my abilities and knowledge and to continue to the classroom, and challenging participants to get out of their yearn for opportunities. comfort zone.

As I graduate in June, I want to thank MSR&PC for their MARL did exactly that for me – got me out of my comfort faith in me and investing in my future. I also want to salute zone. I’m shy, introverted, and I learned to reflect on my my co-workers and Soybean Business colleagues for giving me strengths and weaknesses. I realized that it is OK to be me and the opportunity to become a better leader, affording me the that there is always room for self-improvement. opportunity to increase my knowledge and overall helping me MARL provided me the opportunity to travel around grow professionally and personally.

Minnesota, including visiting our state Capitol, along with Thanks to their support, it’s my hope that my agriculture flights to Washington D.C. and Ecuador, where I learned about story has many more chapters. agriculture, leadership and the importance of understanding Follow Kaelyn Rahe on Twitter at @kaelynrahe.

Keeping Family Farms Farming Here at FarMN Apparel Co., our number one goal is to keep family farmers across Minnesota farming. All proceeds from these sales directly benefit our hard-working farmers through the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association’s advocacy efforts. Check out our store today.

Here you can see me holding a guinea pig.

Guinea pigs are special to the Ecuadorian culture. They consume 3-4 guinea pigs a year.

If you’re wondering, yes I ate one. Would I eat it again? Probably not.

The FarMN Apparel Co. is created and managed by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 31

Finding a home for research

Soybean Research Information Network puts a spotlight on checkoff projects

By Drew Lyon Reading updates and comprehending insights from soybean checkoff-funded research may feel like a daunting task for laypersons.

“To a lot of growers, it can be a lot of information to read sometimes,” said Cate Newberg, former marketing director with Iowa Soybean.

Several years ago, the United Soybean Board (USB) approached Newberg to ask for her help in overseeing a database that gathers information from across the Qualified State Soybean Board (QSSB) spectrum, while also cutting down on overlapping research projects. A similar website already existed, but USB wanted to modernize the site and make it more accessible to the farming community.

About seven years ago, with support from USB and the North Central Soybean Research Program, the Soybean Research Information Network (SRIN) launched to simplify how farmers and QSSB staff distribute checkoff-funded research.

“This site cuts down on redundancy and repetition,” said Newberg, SRIN’s program manager. “We started SRIN because we wanted to make that research easy to digest. It just makes sense.”

SRIN’s content is dedicated to all matters related to soybean research: agronomy, soybean diseases, pests, aquaculture, timely resources and more. Checkofffunded research from across the country is posted on the website each week.

“We work with every state so they can all add their own research,” Newberg said. “We wanted a glimpse of

32 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

what every state is doing.”

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) has posted dozens of research projects on SRIN from throughout the years, including content related to variety trials, managing white mold and fertilizer recommendations. Checkoff-funded researchers also participate in blogs and interviews on SRIN. “We are always looking to get our research into the hands of our farmers any way we can,” said Council Director Kris Folland, who serves on a committee that gives first approval to MSR&PC-funded projects.

“SRIN is a great place to host all this research under one site.”

Newberg said every research project should always be answerable by a critical question: How will this help soybean farmers and improve profitability?

“If the principal investigator can’t explain how this benefits a farmer, then I’d question the project because that should be the focus,” she said. “Farmers want to know, because they’re going to take this info and put it into their farming practices.”

Visit soybeanresearchinfo.com to learn the latest in soybean checkoff investments from across the country.

“We’re trying to get as much research into farmers’ hands as possible,” Newberg said.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 33

Pushing back against pests Checkoff-funded research making strides to combat soybean aphids

By Bailey Grubish

Soybean aphids. pests, diseases and to give yield. Many of the current Detrimental. Destructive. Pest. Farmers in the Midwest aphid-resistant varieties of soybeans include only one know this all too well when they find the tiny green insect Rag gene that are resistant to aphids, meaning the pest on their soybeans. can more easily develop virulence to overcome genetic Longtime researcher Aaron Lorenz, a University of resistance. The Rag genes are specifically meant to reduce Minnesota associate professor of aphids in soybeans.

Soybean Breeding and Genetics, The aphid-resistant seed are is working on creating varieties especially important to organic of soybeans that are resistant to producers who don’t have the aphids. His colleague, University insecticide option. of Minnesota Extension Soybean Entomologist Robert Koch, is ‘Tremendous significance’ determining the best insecticide Thanks to support from the options for aphid management. soybean checkoff, Lorenz hopes to “Soybean aphids have been the release stacked varieties with three key insect pest of soybeans in or four Rag genes in the next two Minnesota and more broadly in the to three years that will be more region, for over two decades now,” effective in treating aphids. One Koch said. challenge for developing these Lorenz and Koch have been varieties is stacking more Rag genes collaborating for several years to while maintaining or increasing improve management for soybean yield. aphids.

“There’s a tremendous significance “When I started the project, for it (checkoff funding),” Lorenz Bob Koch recommends that growers who have aphids were still one of the biggest said.

“Checkoff funding generally fields infested with aphids should scout every seven to 10 days. threats to soybean production,” has helped to support a broad Lorenz said. “I think my philosophy has always been robust network of public soybean researchers. … And that if you can come up with a solution in the seed, then fortunately, we have this checkoff money to help support that’s always a better solution. And then optimizing other that area of soybeans.” external inputs, like additional fertilizer or additional With the lack of aphid-resistant varieties, spraying insecticides.” insecticides is the main option for fighting aphids. During A soybean variety is made up of several genes to oppose his research Koch found that some populations of aphids 34 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

were resistant to certain pyrethroid insecticides. With increased regulations there are more difficulties on what GET YOUR GRAIN HEAD READY to use. The tools that can be used on aphids have slightly changed with the ban on chlorpyriphos. The three newer insecticides that Koch spoke on were Transform, Sefina and Sivanto.

“We’ve been evaluating those (Transform, Sefina and Sivanto) insecticides,” Koch said. “Fortunately, they’ve proven effective at controlling aphids, and kind of as an added bonus, they’re less toxic to some of the good insects like the predatory lady beetles and other things out there.”

S��� S���� R���������� P��� F������ The treatment trigger, called the economic threshold, is 250 aphids or more per plant and at least 80% of plants infested. Koch said it’s not always the right decision to spray insecticides when spraying herbicides because it might not be necessary; this could lead the pests to being resistant to the insecticides from the unnecessary exposure.

Lorenz and Koch are able to conduct research with the help of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion A���� T����� L���� 5 F����� Q���� T���� Council. With support of MSR&PC, Lorenz and Koch are able to be more exploratory and take on higher risk projects, versus searching for something specific a company might be interested in. maywes.com | 1(320) 587-2322 “Past checkoff research projects have led to the Made in Hutchinson, MN development of current solutions for soybean aphids,” MSR&PC Research Director David Kee said. “Our current investments are focused a little bit less on aphids and more on other insects, specifically soybean gall midge. For the same reason, we have to invest in research now so we can have solutions for tomorrow.”

Early in the growing season, farmers should keep a close eye fields in areas with abundant buckthorn, smaller fields with wooded borders and/or early-planted fields.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 35

WISHH catches new markets for U.S. soy by advancing aquaculture.

Connect with WISHH wishh.org

WISHH is a program of the American Soybean Association and is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs.

36 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

ASA/WISHH

ASA/WISHH is helping explore opportunities for soy-based feeds to grow aquaculture in 8 sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania

WISHH graduates entrepreneurs from global training for high-quality foods and feeds.

Connect with WISHH wishh.org

WISHH is a program of the American Soybean Association and is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs.

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 37

unitedsoybean.org

Tyler farmer reappointed to USSEC Joel Schreurs, a longtime director with the American Soybean Association and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, was reappointed to serve on the US Soybean Export Council’s 2022-2023 Board of Directors.

“I was really glad to be reappointed to the USSEC board,” said Schreurs, who farms in Lincoln County. “The biggest reason why I appreciate it so much is Joel Schreurs is former vice chair of the Soy because the Soy Transportation Coalition.

Excellence Center project is going forward. I was selected to be on the SEC, and I want to see the project through for another couple of years, especially since I was just down in Honduras.”

USSEC’s board comprises 15 members representing various stakeholders from the U.S. Soy industry. Four members are appointed from the American Soybean Association (ASA), four members are appointed from the United Soybean Board (USB), and seven sub-class seats are elected representing industry, state and trade organizations.

“Our board is looking forward to building on the immense achievements in recent years,” said new USSEC Board Chair Doug Winter. “And I am energized about collaborating with USSEC’s global team to enable companies to experience the full value of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 80+ countries internationally.”

38 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

Council director appointed to United Soybean Board Patrick O’Leary, who helps oversee Minnesota’s soybean checkoff investments, will now helped direct the nation’s soybean checkoff.

In a longPatrick O’Learly (right) served as Council chair awaited from 2017-2019. announcement, the USDA confirmed the appointment of O’Leary and eight U.S. soybean farmers to serve on the United Soybean Board (USB) and reappointed eight directors for an additional term. Farmer-leaders will serve a three-year term. O’Leary replaces Council Director Rochelle Krusemark on the board. He joins Gene Stoel, Lawrence Sukalski and Bill Zurn on USB. O’Leary is a current director with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and served as chair from 2017-2019. He’s chair of Northern Soy Marketing group.

O’Leary attended his first USB meeting as director in April.

“Seeing farming progress and growing the market for soybeans are why I’m involved,” O’Leary said in 2017.

U.S. soybean farmers receive an estimated $12.34 in value for every dollar they invested in the checkoff.

Those investments continue to fund programs that build preference for U.S. soybeans across the country and around the world.

KEEPING THE FUTURE OF SOYBEANS BRIGHT

From researching new uses for soybeans to identifying new markets for U.S. soy, the soy checkoff is working behind the scenes to create new opportunities and increase profits for 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 - 2022 - Soybean Business - 39

SOYcialMedia Before spring planting commenced, Minnesota Soybean leaders were hard at work in March traveling to Commodity Classic, speaking with national media, testifying to legislative leaders and celebrating milestones.

The Council and MSGA’s social media teams documented it all.

GIF

40 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

Tweet

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 41

FACES OFMSGA

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) is the nation’s premier soybean association because farmers and agri-businesses recognize the value their investment in MSGA brings. Here are two examples of Minnesota members who actively promote Minnesota’s soybean industry.

By Sydney Harris

Chris Bryce believes it takes a village – whether you’re

raising children, soybeans or advocating for farmers.

Pope County farmer Chris Bryce became an MSGA member because he recognized the need for the agricultural community to join forces.

“One person can’t tackle the issues facing not only soybean farming, but agriculture in general,” said Bryce, a regional agronomist for LG Seed. “By banding together, we can accomplish more.”

These are the same ideals that prompted Bryce, who grew up on a corn and soybean farm in Glenwood, to join his county Corn and Soybean Board.

“My dad was a past board member and a lot of farmers that I work with on a day-to-day basis are part of it,” Bryce said. “It’s supporting the people that support me in my daily work, and just being part of telling our story.”

Bryce spotlighted the valuable work that MSGA accomplishes for its members, and soybean farmers across Minnesota, adding to the list of reasons he encourages all producers to invest in MSGA.

Pete Henslin

, investing in MSGA is a “no-brainer.”

For “MSGA is increasing the value of the crop we grow,” Henslin said. “They lobby for our soybeans when most farmers don’t have the personal time to contact legislators.”

Henslin, who operates a small corn, soybean and cattle farm near Dodge Center, attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and worked for four years in agronomy and another four years in ag lending after graduation. He decided to join MSGA after a friend reached out to him, and he has reaped the benefits ever since.

“When I moved back after college, my friend was the president of the local board and needed more board members,” Henslin said. “Being a member helps me stay in touch with what’s going on in agriculture and the key issues that agriculture is facing.”

Henslin, who also owns and operates an insurance 42 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022

“MSGA is important because of the support they provide the soybean industry through foreign trade and legislative advocacy,” he said.

As the gap between food producers and food consumers widens, Bryce hopes that the ag community will rally together.

“As an industry, we have to grab the bull by the horns, or in this case, the bean by the pod,” Bryce said.

“There are a lot of people making decisions that have huge impacts on our daily lives that don’t necessarily understand the decisions that they’re making or the ramifications of those decisions.”

agency, recognizes that MSGA benefits more than just the soybean producers.

“When our ag community is strong, the surrounding community is strengthened,” he said.

Henslin said that it shouldn’t even be a question for producers to be an MSGA member if they’re raising a crop. A three-year membership in MSGA costs less than a quarter per day.

“Just do it. Unless people want to lobby on their own, $250 for three years is pretty reasonable,” Henslin said. “A dollar goes a long way to supporting our business.”

MSGA DIDYOU KNOW

Craig Weir was a lifelong farmer in Faribault County.

By Drew Lyon

A ‘Towering’ leader: A tribute to Craig Weir

T

he Minnesota Soybean Growers Association mourned the passing of a “larger than life” leader in March when former President Craig Weir died of cancer at the age of 70.

“He was everything you wanted in an advocate for soybeans,” said former Minnesota Soybean Executive Director Jim Palmer. “Craig was very involved, very constructive and very personable.”

Palmer said Weir, who stood well over six feet tall and always sported a full beard, might’ve looked imposing but remained good-natured and kindhearted. He could tease others without being derogatory.

“He towered over me but he was never intimidating,” Palmer said, “and he always had that beard. He might’ve been born with it.”

Weir was born and raised on the family farm in Delavan, where he grew corn and soybeans. In 1986, Weir replaced Jerry Greenslit as MSGA president and served a two-year term. Palmer recalled Weir taking proactive stances on several key policy issues. At the time, then-Minnesota Attorney General Skip Humphrey proposed a moratorium on livestock production in the state. Considering more than 95% of soybean meal is used to feed livestock, Humphrey’s plan went off like a lead balloon in farm country.

“Craig took a strong lead on that position and that was just one of the impressive things he did that made a difference,” Palmer said.

The moratorium never gathered momentum and died on the vine – thanks, in large part, to MSGA’s efforts.

“With advocating, it isn’t always what you make happen,” Palmer said. “It’s what you prevent from happening and that was Craig’s first big success.”

In 1987, through Weir’s leadership, MSGA was the first commodity group to help start the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) through the Greater Minnesota

Corporation.

Thirtyfive years later, AURI continues developing value-added soybean products, boosting the bottom lines of the state’s soybean farmers.

“Craig took a strong involvement (in forming AURI) and was very supportive of it,” said Palmer, who retired from MSGA in 2012. “He understood that legislative success isn’t always home runs – sometimes it’s base hits.”

During Weir’s presidency, MSGA hired its first lobbying team. After his presidency ended in 1988, Weir later served on the American Soybean Association (ASA) board. In 1990, Weir sat on an ASA Task Force that helped establish priorities for the 1990 Farm Bill.

“Craig was a good booster for soybeans and he really dedicated his time,” said Gary Joachim, who presided over MSGA from 1997 to 1999. “He was a good person in the history of MSGA.” Weir was a man of many talents: He flew planes and volunteered as a firefighter; loved hunting, fishing and sports, and was a jack of all trades on the family farm. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Tonia, and sons, Spencer (Shelly) Weir of Delavan and Jordan (Ami) Weir of Delavan; along with three granddaughters and two brothers.

“Craig’s heart was in the right place,” Palmer said. “He promoted what he believed in and was the consummate farmer-leader. MSGA was lucky to have his engagement.”

MAY - JUNE - 2022 - Soybean Business - 43

Onward now.

Cleanfuels.org The National Biodiesel Board is now Clean Fuels Alliance America.

44 - Soybean Business - MAY - JUNE - 2022