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A Publication of the Nebraska Soybean Association and the Nebraska Soybean Board
Non-profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDLINCOLN, NEPERMIT #365
Winter 2015
If Nebraska farmers increased the protein content in their soybeans by
just 1 percentage point, they could earn an additional $12.96 per acre.
NOW THAT’S BRINGING HOME THE BACON.
M O R E D E M A N D . B E T T E R P R I C E .
FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN IMPACT YOUR QUALITY AT
MORE PER ACREPP$12.96
I N NEBRASKAI N NEBRASI N NEBRASK
WWW.NEBRASKASOYBEANS.ORG 402-441-3240
Winter 20152
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Winter 2015 3
In This Issue
A Publication of the Nebraska Soybean Associationand the Nebraska Soybean Board
4 Ron’s Soybean Summary: Great Year With Some Surprises
2015 was a great growing year for many Nebraska farmers, but itwasn’t without surprises.
5 I have EnjoyedServing the NSA
The NSA board will continue to assist on national issues. We havebeen working on getting the surface transportation bill passed.
8 BECOME the VOICEof Your District
If you are a soybean farmers residing within District 2, 4 or 8, you couldbe eligible to become the VOICE for your district.
12NCSRP research offersmicronutrient clarity
A research study funded by the NCSRP is focused on bringing clarityto uncertainty about at least one group of products, micronutrients.
13 Nebraska Extension’s On-Farm ResearchNetwork Helps Farmers Discover Answers
Farmers and/or educators jointly identify research topics and developresearch protocols, generally for field length strips.
16 Boswell elected to the American Soybean Association Board
Ken will replace Steve Wellman of Syracuse who’s eligibility on thenational board has been fulfilled in December.
18 Soybeans and Animal Agriculture: A Perfect Pair
How soybean farmers benefit from the success of poultry.
21Shickley Farmer Selected for 2016 Class of DuPont Young Leaders
Wade Walters and his wife Abby are involved in the family farmingoperation in Fillmore County where they raise corn, soybeans, seedcorn and have a cow/calf operation.
24-25 Nebraska Soybean BringsInternational Customers Home
Nebraska soybean checkoff welcomed AGP’s soybean and soybeanmeal customers from Southeast Asia, China, Thailand, Mexico andLatin America.
26Discovering FARMLAND
Educational Resources Based on the Documentary, FARMLAND
Cover Photo:Autumn sky oversoybean fields.
Photo by theNebraska Soybean Board
March 28-31, 2016
Come See for Yourself in the
Pacific NorthwestMonday, March 28, 2016,
depart Omaha Eppley Airfield and fly toPortland, Oregon.
A staff member from AGP, the Midwest'slargest soybean cooperative, will lead a tour
of their export facility in Grays Harbor
We also plan to tour a biodiesel plant and learnabout a soy aquaculture operation.
Educational tours are plannedin Portland, Grays Harbor and Seattle areas.
Thursday, March 31, return to Omaha by 3:00 pm
All flight, hotel, bus and group meal costs will be covered by the Nebraska soybean checkoff. Participants
are responsible for their own travel to and from Omaha’s Eppley Airport.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2016
Those chosen to participate will be notifiedby phone by February 15, 2016
Call, 402-441-3240 or Email,[email protected] and request
an electronic applicationVisit our website: www.nebraskasoybeans.org
We know you want to take this opportunity and
See for Yourself
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Have you ever wanted to see how your
checkoff dollars are invested
to increase worldwide demand for soybeans?
2015was a great growing year for many Nebraska farmers, but itwasn’t without surprises. While a wet spring delayed
planting in many areas, and other areas struggled to get timely rains,farmers across the state fared well overall. In fact, according to the Octoberprojections from USDA, Nebraska was pegged to have the higheststatewide average yield at 56 bushels per acre, which is up 2 bushels from 2014.
While Mother Nature’s overall cooperation helped bring in a great crop,there is always room for improvement. Thus, winter is a great time of yearto evaluate your decisions and brush up on best management practices fornext year.
Understanding and addressing the challenges of our fellow soybeanfarmers has always been a priority for our board, which is why we devotesignificant resources to research and producer education each year. In2015, your soybean checkoff invested $1.74 million in research and $1.9million in producer education and communications. These dollars providecrucial support for finding new and better varieties for Nebraska growingconditions, finding ways to combat yield-robbing pests and weeds, andhelping to improve best management practices.
In an effort to better disseminate the results of these projects, the soybeancheckoff sponsors several learning opportunities throughout the year. Hereis a list of some of the opportunities we fund:
• Soybean Management Field Days• Weed Resistance Field Days• Marketing in a New Era Workshops• Landowner/Tenant Lease Workshops
Be on the lookout for the results from our Soybean Management FieldsDays. We recently began taking these plots to harvest, and the datacollected will be included with the next edition of our magazine in March.
I also encourage you to attend one of the UNL Extension On-FarmResearch Network meetings in February. These meetings are a greatlearning opportunity featuring a variety of topics that aim to add value toyour operation. I encourage you to attend a meeting nearest you.
• February 8 – North Platte• February 9 – Grand Island• February 11 – Norfolk• February 12 – ARDC (near Mead)
Finally, I am honored to have been elected for a second term as chairmanand will continue to do my best to maximize your investments.
Happy Holidays, Ron Pavelka
3815 Touzalin AvenueSuite 101
Lincoln, Nebraska 68507
402-441-3240www.nebraskasoybeans.org
The Nebraska Soybean Board is a private,non-profit checkoff board that is responsiblefor the research and promotion of soybeansin an effort to increase the profitability of
the state’s 22,000 soybean producers.
Nebraska Soybean BoardDirectors
District 1Anne Meis, Elgin
District 2Tony Johanson (Treasurer), Oakland
District 3Richard Bartek, Ithaca
District 4Eugene Goering, Platte Center
District 5Daryl Obermeyer (Vice Chairman), Brownville
District 6Larry Tonniges, Utica
District 7Ron Pavelka (Chairman), Glenvil
District 8Terry Horky (Secretary), Sargent
At-LargeGreg Anderson, Newman Grove
United Soybean Board DirectorsMark Caspers, AuburnGregg Fujan, Weston
Greg Greving, ChapmanMike Korth, Randolph
Nebraska Soybean Board StaffVictor Bohuslavsky
R J CampbellDrew Guiney
Angi McAndrewDiane Muehlhausen
Lois RonhovdeTeri Ann Zimmerman
Ron’s SoybeanSummaryGreat Year WithSome Surprises
Winter 20154
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It is with mixed emotions that I write this article. I will have finished my term as NebraskaSoybean Association (NSA) president when you read this article and have enjoyed myterm. Having a hard-working board to assist with the issues has been greatly appreciated.
They have always been willing to do whatever has been asked of them. I want to give specialthanks to Jason Lavene who has volunteered nine years to the board and terms out as adistrict director. Lori Luebbe, the association's executive director, really makes the job ofpresident easier by keeping everything organized and running smoothly.
We have worked on a host of issues ranging from antibiotic use in livestock to Waters OfThe US rule. I wish I could say we solved all the issues. The truth is we will always have moreleft to work on than the number we solved.
At the state level, our newly elected president, Dennis Fujan, will still have property taxes,school funding, water regulations, livestock expansion, and the decline in the overallagriculture economy of the state to work on this session.
The NSA board will continue to assist on national issues. We have been working on gettingthe surface transportation bill passed. We are glad an extension to the positive train controlimplementation has been passed. At the same time, we are disappointed that theamendment to allow states to raise the weight limit for six-axle trucks on the interstatesystem to 91,000 pounds was not passed.
Helping on the trans-pacific partnership, a national labeling law, crop insurance funding,renewable fuels, and international trade will be just some of the issues I will continue to workon as I accept the challenges of my new position as a director on the American SoybeanAssociation (ASA) board.
As I move on to fill the director spot on the ASA for retiring director Steve Wellman, I wouldlike to thank him for the excellent leadership he has provided while representing Nebraskasoybean farmers on the American Soybean Association board.
Thanks again to the board of directors and the membership of the Nebraska SoybeanAssociation. I have enjoyed the time serving you and the industry we represent.
I have enjoyed serving the NSA
– by Ken Boswell, Shickley, NSA Past President1111 Lincoln Mall, Suite 308, Lincoln, NE 68508
www.nebraskasoybeans.org/ne-nsaPhone: 402-441-3239 or
Email: [email protected]
Past President Ken Boswell, Shickley, District 72016 President Dennis Fujan, Prague, District 5
STATE DIRECTORSBrent Svoboda, Pender. . . . . . . . . District 1Robert Johnston, Clearwater. . . . District 2Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . District 3Geoffrey Ruth, Rising City . . . . . . District 4Dennis Fujan, Prague . . . . . . . . . . District 5Nathan Dorn, Hickman. . . . . . . . . District 6Craig Frenzen, Fullerton . . . . . . . . At LargeShane Greving, Chapman . . . . . . . At LargeScott Richert, Gresham. . . . . . . . . At LargeDoug Bartek, Wahoo, Saunders CountyRepresentative
www.soygrowers.com
from the Association
Your P
olicy
Ad
voca
te
Winter 2015
AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS
Jim Miller, Belden, ASA DirectorKen Boswell, Shickley, ASA Director
SOYBEANEBRASKA is printed four times a year bythe Nebraska Soybean Association and managed bythe Nebraska Soybean Board.For address corrections contact the Nebraska SoybeanAssociation, 1111 Lincoln Mall, Suite 308 Lincoln, NE, 68508. Phone (402) 441-3239.E-mail: [email protected] advertising information in SOYBEANEBRASKA,please contact Larson Enterprises, phone(515) 440-2810. E-mail: [email protected] contact the editor: E-mail: [email protected]. Comments and statewide news articles should be sentto the above address. Advertising space reservationsmust be made by the first day of the month precedingpublication. In consideration of the acceptance of theadvertisement, the agency and the advertiser must, inrespect of the contents of the advertisement, indemnifyand save the publisher harmless against any expensearising from claims or actions against the publisherbecause of the publication of the content of theadvertisement.
a member-driven,grassroots policyorganization thatrepresents U.S.soybean farmers
Staff CreditsDiane Muehlhausen . . . . Editor/PublisherR J Campbell . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff WriterLori Luebbe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff WriterDrew Guiney . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff WriterTeri Ann Zimmerman . . . . . . . Staff WriterDave Larson . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales Director
I Believe, I Belong...By being a member of the Nebraska and American soybean associationsyou have a voice representing you and your interests. These organizationsare working for you when you can’t be in Washington DC or at theStatehouse. They are representing you on different policies & regulations
that are being consideredin Congress. All of thisaffects the future ofagriculture and our abilityto have the freedom tooperate, that’s why Ibelieve and belong to theNebraska and AmericanSoybean Association.
– Geoff Ruth, Rising CityDistrict 4 Director NSA
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SoybeanCheckoff SaysGoodbye to Two Leaders
Re-Appointedto the United
SoybeanBoard
Two Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) directors recently ended their terms of service thispast September. Ed Lammers, from Hartington, and Greg Peters, from DeWitt,served in several leadership positions during their time on the board. Their leadership
and unique insights were valuable additions to the soybeanindustry.
Lammers, who served six years on the board, was activelyinvolved in domestic marketing. He served as vice-chairmanfor three years. He also represented the board on the UnitedStates Meat Export Federation and attended many functionsto help promote the use of biodiesel and Bioheat.
Peters, who served 12 years on the board, was activelyinvolved in research and international marketing. He servedas chairman for one year. He also represented the board onthe North Central Soybean Research Program, United StatesSoybean Export Council, and Soy Aquaculture Alliance.
Both directors brought with them a passion to help advancethe soybean industry and critical thinking that allowed themto make tough decisions regarding how to invest checkofffunds. NSB Executive Director Victor Bohuslavsky expressedhis gratitude for their commitment and service. “We aregrateful for the strong leadership and dedication thatLammers and Peters displayed while serving on the board.Without a doubt, their time and efforts helped advance thesoybean industry in Nebraska. We wish both gentlemen thebest, and know their leadership and experience will servethem well in the future.”
Ed Lammers
Greg Peters
Mark Caspers, a soybean farmer fromNemaha County, was recently re-appointed toserve as one of four Nebraska directors on theUnited Soybean Board (USB). This will beCaspers’ third and final term representingNebraska on USB. Caspers previously served as a board member for NSB for four terms,serving on several committees includingchairman of the Domestic Marketing Committee.Caspers’ experience and decision making willbe a valuable asset on the USB Board.
“I’m looking forward to serving my final term on USB,” Caspers said.“We’re going to be met with a host of challenges over the next three years as we are seeing a shift in the farm economy. I’m excited to havethe opportunity to meet these challenges by making key decisions on howfarmers’ checkoff dollars will be invested. As a farmer myself, I take thisresponsibility seriously and will remain dedicated to maximizing theefficiency of these investments.”
Mark Caspers
Newly Elected Nebraska Soybean Board Officers and Committee Members Appointments – by Diane Muehlhausen
T he Nebraska Soybean Board held its first boardmeeting for FY16 on November 23-24, 2015 inLincoln, Nebraska. Restructuring of the board and the
committees took place for the new fiscal year, the followingofficers were elected by the board to serve a one year term:
Ron Pavelka of Glenvil – Chairman; Daryl Obermeyer ofBrownville – Vice Chairman; Terry Horky of Sargent –Secretary; and Tony Johanson of Oakland – Treasurer.
Horky, Johanson and Pavelka were re-elected to serve asofficers of the board for another one year term. This isHorky’s, third term and Johanson and Pavelka’s second term.
Committee chairman and members were also appointed as follows:
Officers (L to R): Tony Johanson, Daryl Obermeyer, Terry Horky and Ron Pavelka
Research Committee (L to R): Ron, Larry, Anne, Eugene and Richard
International Marketing Committee (L to R): Daryl, Greg,Terry and Tony
Domestic Marketing Committee (L to R): Eugene, Larry,Greg, Terry and Richard
Producer Education Committee (L to R): Ron, Daryl, Anne and Tony
Research CommitteeChairman: Larry Tonniges of Utica; and committee members:Richard Bartek of Ithaca; Eugene Goering of Columbus; Anne Meis of Elgin; and Ron Pavelka
International Marketing CommitteeChairman: Greg Anderson; and committeemembers Terry Horky; Tony Johanson; and Daryl Obermeyer.
Domestic Marketing CommitteeChairman: Eugene Goering; and committee members GregAnderson of Newman Grove; Richard Bartek; Terry Horky; and Larry Tonniges.
Producer Education CommitteeChairman: Daryl Obermeyer; and committeemembers Tony Johanson; Anne Meis and Ron Pavelka.
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BECOME the VOICEfor Your District
If you are a soybean farmer residing within District 2, 4 or 8,you could be eligible to becomethe VOICE for your district on theNebraska Soybean Board.
This is an opportunity to see foryourself how Nebraska soybeancheckoff dollars are invested andbecome a part of the decisionmaking process.
The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share offunds generated by the soybeancheckoff which is one half of onepercent times the net sales priceper bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff fundsare invested in research, education, domestic and foreignmarkets, including new
uses for soybeans and soybean products.
For more detailed informationabout the Nebraska SoybeanBoard election call402-432-5720.
RICHARDSONPAWNEE
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KIMBALL CHEYENNE
Winter 2015
The soy checkoff is looking for farmers from diverse backgrounds to get involved in the United Soybean Board or in one of
the 31 state or regional soybean boards across the country. There are a variety of
opportunities to serve, and your talent and input can make a difference.
YOUR PERSPECTIVE IS WORTH GROWING
Help to lead the U.S. soybean industry into the future. Contact your state checkoff andget involved today, or visit www.UnitedSoybean.org/GetInvolved.
Winter 2015 9
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– by Jim Specht and Angi McAndrew
NSB board member Ed Lammers asks a question of Mr. Abe Smith from Kearney'sDow AgroSciences office.
Many of us watch sparks fly on theFourth of July. This September,however, more than 120 soybean
researchers created a different type ofspark when they attended a day-longSoybean Researcher Symposium. Theevent’s goal was to be a catalyst forconversations between all soybeanresearchers resulting in new collaborativeefforts.
Guests from 11 states attended the one-dayevent. These bright folks ranged in experi -ence from graduate students to seasonedprofessionals, representing both industryand academia. The Nebraska InnovationCampus Conference Center, a facilityspecifically designed to connect these twokey stake holder groups, provided the perfect venue.
Soybean scientists provided guests with up-to-date information about ongoingcutting- edge research.
Dr. David Hyten, of the University ofNebraska - Lincoln, showed how he will beusing newly available low-cost quick-timeDNA sequencing tools and instruments toenhance the magnitude and rate of futuresoybean genetic improvement. Dr. MichelleGraham of the USDA (Iowa) discussed
soybean iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) andhow scientific discoveries about ironmetabolism in plants are revealing geneticroutes to improve soybean IDC tolerance.
Dr. Bill Schapaugh, of Kansas StateUniversity, described how soybean canopyspectral measurements can be used toevaluate genotypic differences intranspiration (water loss from soybean leafstoma). Dr. Felix Fritschi, of the Universityof Missouri, discussed the experimentalresearch tools he uses to identify soybeangenotypes that have root systems that growfaster and deeper.
Dr. George Graef, of the University ofNebraska - Lincoln, provided examples ofhow his soybean breeding program istailored to identify soybean varieties thatare high yielding in both irrigated andrainfed production systems. He alsodiscussed how his genomic mappingresearch on soybean seed protein –
oil – carbohydrate could lead to soybeanvarieties tailored to meet consumerpreferences in various markets.
The symposium also featured industryspeakers who informed the audience ofnew genetic technologies that would soonbe available for soybean producers.
Another key element to the day was anextended working luncheon. Attendeesseparated according to areas of interestand brainstormed possible projects. Plentyof busi ness cards were exchanged and anoverwhelming majority of attendeesplanned to follow up with at least two newcontacts made at the symposium.
With research being the key to increasedyields, the Nebraska Soybean Board waspleased to co-sponsor this event with theUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln. If you areinterested in receiving an electronic versionof the symposium program showing pre senta tion overviews, please call us at 402-441-3240 or email Angi [email protected].
SparkingIdeas!
UNL graduate students Iqbal Singh, Khang Hoang and Hanh Nguyen enjoy aconversation during the symposium.
NSB Research Chair Greg Peters, left,thanks UNL's Dr. David Hyten for hispresentation. Dr. Hyten recently joinedUNL as an associate professor ofSoybean Genetics Genomics.
Winter 2015 11
UNL Welcomes Dr. David HytenNew Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture
Dr. David Hyten is a new Associate Professor at the University of
Nebraska in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture with a
research focus in soybean genetics and genomics. Over the last 16
years, Dr. Hyten has gained extensive research experience that spans
academia, government, and private industry. His primary research has
included developing genomic knowledge and tools, which are currently used
to enhance the rate of genetic gain within soybean breeding programs. In
addition, he has worked on wheat and common soybean marker
development and technology development for industrial genotyping. Dr.
Hyten has co-authored 52 peer-reviewed scientific publications, which
include articles in high-impact journals such as Nature, Nature Genetics,
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Plant Cell, and Genetics.
Prior to joining the University of Nebraska, Dr. Hyten worked at DuPont
Pioneer as a senior research manager focusing on technology development
for industrial, high-throughput genotyping of agricultural crops. He has also
worked at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, as a research geneticist
developing tools to better characterize and effectively utilize soybean genetic
variation within soybean breeding programs. Dr. Hyten earned his Ph.D.
degree specializing in Crop Genetics from the University of Maryland and his
M.S. degree specializing in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University
of Tennessee. He is currently a member of the Crop Science Society of
America, Agronomy Science of America, and American Association for the
Advancement of Science.
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David’s future plans benefiting Nebraska soybean farmers:
• Develop new genomic tools and knowledge that accelerates thecurrent improvement of important traits in high performing Nebraskasoybean varieties.
• Identify new genes that can be used to create Nebraska soybeanvarieties with increased drought tolerance and disease resistance.
• Develop new methods to better exploit the vast reservoir of unknowngenetic diversity present within the USDA germplasm collection toensure the long term improvement of public and private soybeanvarieties grown in Nebraska.
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RES
EARCH to
IMPRO
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The planned publication, due out in the fall of2016, will summarize research being done infive North Central states regarding micro -nutrient efficacy on a variety of soil types. Thepublication will discuss soybean micronutrientneeds and utilization and the value of soil andplant tissue testing to diagnose sufficiencylevels in determining fertilization.
“Dr. Mallarino and his colleagues are workingto assemble their own research and that ofothers in order to determine whether andunder what conditions micronutrientapplications might benefit soybean health andyield,” said Ed Anderson, Ph.D., NCSRPexecutive director. “A publication focused onmicronutrients for soybeans is important andespecially timely, given farmers’ uncertainty,the number of product options and decreasingmargins. Dr. Mallarino’s team will empowerMidwest farmers with information for makingsound decisions for their production systems.”
While the study is not yet complete, a fewthemes are coming from the data. One of thethemes confirmed what regional researchersalready knew, that soybeans have a minimalyield response to micronutrients. Researchers
Farmers have more seed, crop pro -tection and nutrient product optionsthan ever before. Each one promising
a higher yield boost than the last. How dofarmers know which ones are worth theinvestment – especially during low marketyears? A research study being funded by theNorth Central Soybean Research Program(NCSRP) is focused on bringing clarity touncertainty about at least one group ofproducts, micro nutrients.
Led by Antonio P. Mallarino, Ph.D., AgronomyExtension, Iowa State University, the project“Micronutrients for Soybean Production: APosition Paper for the North-Central Region”looks to help farmers make data-baseddecisions.
According to the recently submitted semi-annual progress reports, “Soybean growers inthe North Central region have been askingmany questions concerning possible soybeanyield loss due to deficiency of micronutrients.Questions arise because of a desire to increaseyield and profit ability.” With claims being madeabout the effectiveness of micro nutrients andlimited information, it’s no wonder farmers andtheir consultants aren’t sure what to believe.
NCSRP research offers micronutrient clarity
also found that the soil and plant tissue testssuggested by most micro nutrient literature canlead to excessive and unnecessary fertilization.
While most of the region showed little to noresponse to micronutrients, fields with sandy orcoarse textured soils that are generally nutrient-deficient did see a positive response. It was alsofound that soil pH, moisture and aeration mayalso influence micronutrient fertility. Researchon these points and publication of the paperwill continue for the next year.
The publication will be a first-of-its kind for theNorth Central region and the creators hope itcan be used to establish future guidelines thatresearchers can apply to their specific locations.
Ed Anderson sees the “Micronutrients forSoybean Production” project as a meaningfulattempt to analyze and assimilate a number ofregional lab and field studies into a clarifyingpublication for farmers’ use in deciding whetherto invest in micronutrient applications for yieldimprovement given their soil types, environ -mental conditions and agronomic practices.
This article is brought to you by the NCSRP. Formore information visit www.ncsrp.com.
– by Allie Arp, ISA research communications specialist
Photos by Joseph L. Murphy/Iow
a Soybean Association
Winter 2015 13
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In 1990 the Nebraska Soybean Board funded athree-year pilot project in Saunders County. Thegoal: to evaluate the effectiveness of a farmer-
focused research group. There were 12 farmerparticipants in the initial program. Keith Glewen,Nebraska Extension Educator, explains, “Afterthree years, we discovered that this method wasan excellent way to accelerate farmer learningand adoption of new practices. Farmers were verysupportive and felt it brought increased profit -ability to their operations. ”Twenty-five years later,some of the original twelve are still conductingon-farm research and the program is still goingstrong. The program has grown to become a state-wide effort with the support of the NebraskaSoybean Board, Nebraska Corn Board, andNebraska Corn Growers Association. With thediverse range of growing conditions in Nebraska,on-farm research remains one of the mostvaluable ways to enhance farmer learning on awide variety of agronomic issues that farmers dealwith. Nebraska Extension has also demonstratedtheir on-going commitment to the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network; in 2014 LauraThompson was hired as an extension educatorfocused solely on the on-farm research efforts.
So how does this program work? Farmers and/oreducators jointly identify research topics anddevelop research protocols, generally for fieldlength strips. The trials are implemented, usuallyby the farmer, using his or her equipment.Extension Educators assist with data collection,statistically analyze the yield data, and createsummary reports. Study results are discussed byfarmers, consultants, Extension Educators andSpecialists at the Annual Results Updatesmeetings each winter.
This year, there are over 100 studies beingconducted by more than 65 farm operations. Avariety of soybean topics are being evaluatedincluding row spacing, starter fertilizer, seedingrate, fungicides, and a seed treatment for suddendeath syndrome. Starting this year, the NebraskaOn-Farm Research Network launched study-specific partnerships with private industry,allowing for more in-depth exploration of specifictopics. The partnership with Bayer Crop Scienceto study the effectiveness of ILeVO seed treatmentfor sudden death syndrome is one such projectand has been very successful.
Looking to the future, agriculture technology offersincreased opportunities for spatial data collection,
Nebraska Extension's On-FarmResearch Network Helps FarmersDiscover Answers– by Laura Thompson, Cropping Systems & Agriculture Technologies,
and Keith Glewen, UNL Nebraska Extension Educators
Harvesting ofan on-farmresearch plot.
Student interncollecting dataon a soybeanrow spacingstudy.
2015 Nebraska On-Farm Research Network study locations.
2016 Annual Results Update100+ results of 2015 studies presented
No cost to attend, but pre-registration is required 2 days in advance for meal planning purposes. To
register call 402-624-8000 or email [email protected].
February 8West Central Research and Extension Center,
North Platte – 12noon to 4:30pmFebruary 9
Hall County Ext. Office, College Park Campus,Grand Island – 9am to 4:30pm
February 11Lifelong Learning Center, Northeast
Community College, Norfolk – 9am to 4:30pmFebruary 12
Agricultural Research and DevelopmentCenter, near Mead – 9am to 4:30pm
and yield monitors make conducting on-farmresearch easier than ever before. The NebraskaOn-Farm Research Network is embracing the useof technology in on-farm research. Recently, aninteractive grower’s guide was created, smart -phone app was launched, and interactive archivedatabase of study results is in development. Aspart of this progression, the network will berebranding to better emphasize opportunitiespresented by agriculture technologies. While theprogram grows and changes, the original missionhas remained the same – to help farmers addressquestions that will impact their productivity,profitability, and overall long-term sustainability.
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It’s never too early to start thinking about next year’scrop. Use the winter months to knock out a few tasksso you will be better prepared for spring planting.
The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) invests a part ofyour soybean checkoff dollars into production researchthat may help you protect and increase your yields andprofit potential. This research helps develop BestManagement Practice (BMP) recommendations for yourfarm. Below are some of those practices for you toconsider in between harvest and planting.
Soil fertility management: As increasing soybeanyields in Nebraska pull greater amounts of nutrientsfrom the soil, it becomes more important for farmers tomonitor this nutrient removal and replace them asnecessary.
“Soil sampling definitelycomes to mind first,” saysGregg Fujan, soybeancheckoff farmer-leaderfrom Weston, Nebraska,when asked aboutoffseason tips he has forsoybean farmers. “This isextremely important, it’s fairly easy and it gives a goodidea of soil productivity.”
Soil testing is the most important tool for determiningthe nutrient needs of a crop. It determines the fertility ofthe soil and the amount of fertilizer and other nutrientsthat need to be applied. For best results, follow thesebest management guidelines:
• Sample at the same time of year, following the samecrop in a rotational system.
• Test each field at least once every four years.• Gather soil samples at a depth of 7 inches.• Maintain accurate records with field maps, sampling
points and timing, crop and fertilizer history and othermanagement activities.
Nematode management: Soybean cyst nematode(SCN) is the most economically damaging pest tosoybeans, costing U.S.soybean farmers morethan $1 billion in yieldlosses each year. The firststep for proper nematodemanagement is samplingfor SCN shortly afterharvest.
“We continue to find morefields with SCN,” says Loren Geisler, Ph.D., University ofNebraska-Lincoln soybean and turf specialist. “It’simportant that farmers are getting their fields tested tosee if they have it or not.”
NSB funds a program through which farmers can testtheir soils at no cost. For more information about freetesting, SCN management and other diseases, visit:www.cropwatch.unl.edu/plantdisease/soybean
Seed selection: Selecting the right seed varieties canmake a big difference in your bottom line. By selectingvarieties that address the unique history and conditionsof each of your fields, you can maximize your soybeanyield and profit potential.
– by United Soybean Board
Post-HarvestBMPs That Will Help You Next Year
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“Proven yield, maturitygroups and resistance todiseases and nematodes,especially SCN, areimportant to rememberwhen selecting seed,”says Jim Specht, Ph.D.,University of Nebraskaemeritus professor ofagronomy and horticulture. “The University of Nebraskaputs out trial results in early January for seed companiesthat elect to put their seed in those trials.”
Geisler advises farmers to select seed based on diseasesand other issues that cropped up last summer.
“We saw more Phytophthora stem and root rot this year,along with brown stem rot and some sudden deathsyndrome, similar to 2014,” he says. “With an increase inthe number of fields with disease, it is important to makesure diseases are correctly identified and appropriateresistance packages are selected.”
You can find variety trial results atwww.cropwatch.unl.edu/varietytest/soybeans.
For best results, select seed varieties based on acombination of the below factors:
• Proven yield potential – It is important to rememberthat the average soybean variety may yieldsignificantly less than the best variety. Selecting avariety based on proven yield potential, not price, canhelp maximize your profit potential. Nebraska varietytrial information is a valuable tool to help farmerschoose varieties with the best yield potential.
• Maturity Group – Select varieties based on desiredlength of growing season and their developmentthrough the season, to attempt to avoid approximategrowth stages at certain parts of the season, toattempt to avoid parts of the growing season whencrops are more likely to be affected by drought andpests.
• Resistance to nematodes and selected diseases –Resistant varieties are the first line of defense againstnematodes and diseases that rob soybeans of yield.
Seed treatment: Evaluating the value of a seedtreatment is not an easy task. Seed treatments do nothave an outright visible effect on the plants, buttreatments offer a variety of benefits that may bebeneficial and act as aform of insurance.
Data indicate that manyfungicides are consistentlybeneficial, but plant healthand other seed treatmentsdepend on your operation.
Select and apply seed treatments based on the followingfactors:
• Select materials that control diseases, insects andnematodes that are prevalent in your area.
• Early-season pests that need to be minimized toensure a good stand.
Weed management: Herbicide-resistant weeds cansignificantly decrease yields and sharply increase inputcosts if additional herbicides must be applied to controlweeds later in the season. It’s important to controlweeds present in soybean fields year-round: beforeplanting, at planting, after emergence and after harvest.Therefore, successful weed management must beapproached as a yearlong process.
“Pay attention to rosettesof winter annual weeds,like marestail, as they arerelatively easy to controlby fall-applied herbicides,says Stevan Knezevic,Ph.D., professor ofagronomy andhorticulture at Universityof Nebraska-Lincoln.
However, it is important to pay attention to temperaturesto maximize herbicide effectiveness.
“The key is to apply herbicides at least 4 to 5 daysbefore cold weather” says Knezevic. “Mostpostemergence herbicides require a minimum of 50-
degree nights and60-degree daytimetemperatures for four tofive days in order totranslocate well within theplant. Several options areavailable for fallburndown in both cornand soybeans.”
Check the tables of “Weed Response to Fall BurndownHerbicides” in the soybean and corn sections of the 2016Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska found on theUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension website atwww.extension.unl.edu.
The months following harvest are also a good time tocreate a plan of action for the coming year. Consideravailable herbicides to control the weeds in each of yourfields. Also consider alternatives to implement in case ofweather delays, attend educational meetings andexplore new technologies to help reduce herbicideresistance.
For more information, visitwww.TakeActionOnWeeds.com.
Boswell elected to the
American SoybeanAssociation Board
Ken Boswell of Shickely hasbeen elected to represent
Nebraska as one of twodirectors on the AmericanSoybean Association (ASA)board of directors. Boswell wasfirst appointed to the NebraskaSoybean Association (NSA) in2009 and has served the southcentral area as a district director for the past sevenyears. While on the Nebraska Soybean Associationboard of directors he has served on the executiveboard and most recently serving as President of theorganization for the past two years. He has beeninvolved in many aspects of membership recruitmentand policy work during his term. Ken will replaceSteve Wellman of Syracuse who’s eligibility on thenational board has been fulfilled in December. JimMiller of Belden currently serves as the other Nebraskarepresentative on ASA.
During Wellman’s nine-year termon the American SoybeanAssociation board of directors heserved on the Executive board atASA as Chairman, President,First Vice President andTreasurer. His duties alsoincluded serving as chairman of
the Public Affairs, Membership and Finance & Auditcommittees. Steve has served on several advisoryboards and committees representing the ASA. Prior tothe ASA board Steve was on the Nebraska SoybeanAssociation board of directors since 2006.
The 45 member board of the American SoybeanAssociation represents all U.S. soybean farmers ondomestic and international issues of importance to thesoybean industry. ASA’s advocacy efforts are madepossible through voluntary farmer membership byfamers in 30 states where soybeans are grown.
Winter 201516
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Growers report seeing strong stands, full pods and clean fields where Enlist™ soybeans grew this year. As the first year of commercial use of Enlist Duo™ herbicide with Colex-D™ technology draws to a close, growers continue to see the benefits of the Enlist Weed Control System.
Steve Wertish, a Mycogen Seeds grower from Minnesota, participated in seed production for Enlist soybeans under the Dow AgroSciences’ Field Forward™ program. Field Forward gives select growers an opportunity to experience new technology before it is commercially available. He experienced exceptional weed control with no escapes. His clean fields have caught the attention of his neighbors.
“Neighbors have stopped because they have seen that our fields are weed-free,” Wertish says. “We’ve told them about our experience this summer with the Enlist system and how pleased we are. Now they are ready to plant Enlist on their farm.”
Wertish agrees Enlist Duo was easy to handle and delivered on the on-target application benefits. For him, the on-target application offers peace of mind and means greater weed control because the herbicide reached the intended target.
“Colex-D technology has been a real eye-opener for me,” Wertish says. “Anybody who’s going to be worried about drift or volatility with Enlist Duo is going to be very surprised. There just seems to be none whatsoever in my case.”
In future seasons, Enlist soybeans will be available in elite varieties from Mycogen Seeds. For more information about the Enlist system, contact your local Mycogen Seeds representative.
Harvest Completes Successful Year 1 Launch of Enlist Duo™ HerbicideProduction growers combine weed-free fields of Enlist™ soybeans
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The Enlist Weed Control System is owned and developed by Dow AgroSciences LLC. Enlist Duo herbicide is not yet registered for use on Enlist cotton. Enlist Duo is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. ©2015 Dow AgroSciences LLC
®
Winter 201518
Peanut butter and jelly. Milk and cookies.Soybeans and animal agriculture.
It’s true. Just like many other famous pairings,soybean meal and animal ag were made foreach other. With its excellent protein levels,essential amino acids and other valuablenutrients, U.S. soybean meal is an ideal feedingredient.
It’s such an ideal ingredient that the livestockand poultry sectors are U.S. soybean farmers’No. 1 customer, consuming 97 percent of U.S.soybean meal. In fact, it’s estimated that more
than 75 percent of all soybean meal producedin the world is fed to poultry and pigs.
While soybean meal is often the sole source ofsupplemental amino acids in diets fed to pigsthat are 40 pounds or larger, domestically,poultry continues to be the single largest userof soybean meal.
Dr. Kevin Roberson, Nutritionist for MichaelFoods Egg Products Co., contributes to thatstatistic. “Soybean meal provides our birds withreadily available amino acids for featherdevelopment, muscle growth, and egg proteins.It also has less fiber than other oilseed meals somore energy is available to the birds comparedto alternative protein sources.”
Soy is for the BirdsSoybean meal is the main protein source forpoultry, due to its consistent nutrient content,availability and high levels of crude protein. It isthe only common protein source without alimitation on the quantity that can be used inpoultry rations.
The nutritional bundle of U.S. soybean mealgoes well beyond crude protein, though. Theamino acid profile balances well with corn,which is especially important in all-vegetablediets. Plus, the digestibility of those amino acidsis relatively high. Soybean meal also contributesenergy, vitamins and minerals.
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Soybeans and Animal Agriculture:A Perfect Pair – by Kelsey Ruthman, United Soybean Board & Teri Zimmerman, Nebraska Soybean Board
“Due to the high levels of consistency anddigestibility of amino acids in soybean meal, itis the only high protein feedstuff used in rationsfor starting pullet chicks up to four weeks ofage,” says Dr. Kevin Roberson. “In addition tohigh-protein commodity soybean meal, MichaelFoods also uses extruded soybean meal in layerrations. Extruded soybean meal, produced inNebraska, has 7-8% oil content left from theseed which provides an excellent source ofenergy for our birds in addition to highlydigestible amino acids from the soybean.”
Greater Protein, Greater ValueThe higher the protein content in soybeans, thegreater the demand for them will be from theanimal ag sector. However, over the lastdecade, the protein content of U.S. soybeanshas been consistently decreasing.
U.S. soybean farmers have the power to reversethat trend. They should work with their seeddealer to select high-protein varieties in order tocontinue to provide customers with high-qualitysoybean meal that contains the importantamino acids needed for optimum poultryperformance. The greater demand that this will generate will lead to greater value forsoybean farmers.
Success of the soybean industry leads to thesuccess of the poultry industry, but the reverseis also true.
“Soybeans and animal ag have a mutuallybeneficial relationship,” says Nebraska soybeanfarmer-leader Anne Meis. “If we continueproviding the poultry and livestock industrieswith a high-quality feed source, we can expectto see an endless return.”
How soybeanfarmers benefit fromthe success ofpoultry
Winter 2015 19
Domestic animal agriculture’s soybean meal (SBM) consumption grew by 578thou sand tons in FY13/14 and is
on track to rise over 2.7 million tons – 9.3percent – in FY14/15, according to USDA.These increases come despite stiff competitionfrom other protein sources and diseasechallenges like PEDv and avian influenza.
A near double-digit gain in the U.S. surprisedsome who consider the domestic market forSBM to be mature. But Nebraska’s soybeanfarmers saw this opportunity years ago whenthey decided to partner with USB in support ofits Feed Industry Marketing program.
The Nebraska Soybean Board is one of theforward looking states that noticed thesoybean industry took for granted that animalnutritionists understood SBM’s value for toomany years, and as a result had not positionedSBM – its key product – to maximize itssuccess.
The extra promotional punch from thisprogram enhanced the effectiveness of otherfeed related programs like Animal NutritionWorking Group, Nutritionist Direct Outreachand Soybean Meal Information Center throughplacing articles, developing web applications,creating reprints, developing handouts, spon -soring key animal nutrition meetings and more.
The combined result of these programsworking together is a heightened awareness of SBM’s total value beyond amino acids.Tonnage gains are a critically importantmeasure of this rising interest but there isanother sign of SBM’s rising profile. Prior tothe Feed Industry Marketing program beinglaunched, SBM represented between 60-65percent of a processor’s revenue. For the pasttwo years, SBM has represented between 70-75 percent of that processor’s revenue.
Another testament to the effectiveness of thenutrition programs’ partnership has been theability to maintain or improve SBM inclusionrates. For instance in 2014 despite intensecompetition from other protein products SBMinclusion levels in sow diets rose 2 percentwhile inclusion levels held steady in swinegrower/ finisher diets. And SBM inclusion ratesin all phases of broiler diets were steady toslightly higher. So, feed manufacturers aretaking notice.
The best part is that the promotional power ofthese combined programs is just beginning tobe realized. For a long time, the soybeanindustry did not position SBM – a key productthat represents 80 percent of the soybean’svolume. Through its support of the FeedIndustry Marketing program, NebraskaSoybean Board is partnering to activelyposition SBM as a consistent product withmultiple avenues for adding value and thatpartnership is making a difference in domesticSBM utilization.
GrowingDomesticSoybeanMealDemand– by Philip Lobo, United Soybean Board
Despite stiff competition from otherprotein sources and disease
challenges, domestic animalagriculture’s soybean meal (SBM)
consumption grew by 578 thousandtons in FY13/14 and is on track to riseover 2.7 million tons – 9.3 percent –
in FY14/15, according to USDA.
Dan Kluthe a pig farmer from Dodge, Nebraska.
Mike Shinn a turkey farmer from Gibbon, Nebraska, examining feeder.
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In recent years, the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska,better known as AFAN, has found its niche in livestock develop ment. Tosupport this major focus of livestock development several messages
have emerged. Even though we are considered an agri cultural state,many of our citizens are at least three generations removed from thefarm. Helping communities understand the importance of agriculture ineconomic terms and correcting misinfor mation are two major areas ofthe program. Helping producers through zoning hearings for newoperations or expansion of current facilities, also keeps AFAN busy.
Throughout AFAN’s experiences at public hearings, it is becom ing moreapparent that there has been a dangerous increase in misinformationbeing spread to consumers and neighbors. Today, various forms of media,especially social media, have created multiple outlets for misinformationabout animal agriculture to be communicated to a larger audience. Thus,skepticism about conventional agricultural practices has growntremendously. After these experiences, the need for more informationabout mis conceptions of various agricultural practices has had theorganization searching for a way to share why and how Nebraska farmersand ranchers raise their animals and how it impacts their local and state economy.
With growing skepticism, AFAN decided it was time to do somethingabout the growing amount of negative messages. Shortly after thisrealization, Nebraska Soybean Board Executive Director, VictorBohuslavsky shared a series of informational brochures developed byIndiana Corn and Soybean that reflected the educational goals AFAN hadconsidered. AFAN contacted Indiana to compli ment them on theirexcellent campaign and voiced a desire to be able to use the campaign inNebraska. After many consultations with the Indiana Soybean Alliance,the two parties reached an agreement. AFAN then helped design aNebraska specific series of informational pieces that were inspired byIndiana. Our pieces, entitled Farmers and Ranchers Deliver, will eventuallybe handed out in “lunchboxes” to influencers in communities, as they
have a crucial role in the decisions made at zoninghearings and other public forums. The lunchboxcampaign will be used in multiple ways to help everyoneunderstand the truth about animal agriculture today.
The goal of this project is to create a better under -standing of animal agriculture so that influencers,community leaders and all citizens in the stateunderstand where their food comes from and how it israised in a responsible manner. Alongside the food totable information, awareness of the many benefits ofanimal agriculture to our communities and state are alsoexplored and explained. The launch of the project willoccur in February 2016, with a total of eight infor -mational print pieces and a website.
AFAN is grateful to the Nebraska soybean checkoff forproviding part of the funding for this project and IndianaCorn and Soybean for allowing us to use their design.Indiana is flattered and excited about a consistentmessage being shared throughout the Midwest, andAFAN is excited that we can adapt this campaign soquickly. With this collabor a tion, all of agriculture wins!
FarmersandRanchersDeliver– by Emily Skillet, AFAN
Winter 2015 21
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AGP’s Export TerminalPort of Grays HarborAberdeen, WA Photo by Marc Sterling
Linking Nebraska soybean producers to global markets
The 32nd class of American SoybeanAssociation DuPont Pioneer Young
Leaders began their leadership journey atPioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, inearly December. Wade Walters of Shickely,NE was selected as the 2016 NebraskaSoybean Association’s Young Leader andparticipated in the training event.
Wade and his wife Abby are involved in thefamily farming operation in Fillmore Countywhere they raise corn, soybeans, seed cornand have a cow/calf operation. He holds aBachelors degree in Agribusiness-AgBanking and Finance option and a Minor inGrazing Livestock Systems. Wade is amember of the NE Soybean Association,American Soybean Association, NE FarmBureau and NE Corn Growers where he
serves as the president of the local chapter.He served as a Council member for theNebraska Agricultural Youth Institute and isa graduate of the NE Corn and SoybeanMentor program and participated in theUnited Soybean Board’s See For YourselfProgram. He is involved in his local church,American Legion Post and is a participant inthe Fillmore County Odegeo Leadershipproject.
Wade says the top issues facing the soybeanindustry are being able to develop enoughdemand both domestically and inter -nationally to support the continued growth inproduction of soybeans here in the UnitedStates. Wade said “we also need to be ableto have the freedom to operate as wecurrently do without more regulationsharming our business.”
The Johnston training session was the firstphase of a program designed to identify newand aspiring leaders and provide them withoppor tunities to enhance their skills andnetwork with other growers. Representativesfrom 23 states and Canada participated intraining that included educational and skill-building components. The second phase ofthe training program will take place duringthe Commodity Classic held in New Orleans,LA in early March. The Young Leaderprogram identifies aspiring agriculturalleaders and provides them with training tosomeday serve in a leadership role for thesoybean industry.
ShickleyFarmer Selected for 2016 Classof DuPontYoung Leaders
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One state’s commitment to reducing carbon emissionscould mean more value for U.S. soybeans. Biodiesel was
recently given the best carbon score among all liquid fuels inCalifornia’s revised Low Carbon Fuels Standard, boosting thefuel’s demand potential in the nation’s most-populated state.
“California’s reaffirmation of biodiesel as a low-carbon fuel isgood news for soybean farmers in the U.S.,” says GregAnderson, a Nebraska soybean farmer and soy checkofffarmer-leader. “Biodiesel is great for the environment. Thislatest analysis shows that it’s almost as clean as electric.”
According to California’s new standard, biodiesel reducesemission between 50 percent and 80 percent relative toconventional fuel.
“Anytime we as farmers can support making our air cleanerwith something we’re already doing – like producing soy -beans sustainably – that’s good for all of us,” Anderson says.
Soybean oil is the primary feedstock for biodiesel, which iswhy the soy checkoff supports research to demonstratebiodiesel’s sustainability benefits. The checkoff’s life-cycleanalysis of soybeans, along with other research conducted incooperation with the National Biodiesel Board, provided datathat helped California decision makers determine biodiesel’scarbon score.
One of the most interesting changes in the revised standard,says Don Scott, director of sustainability for NBB, is in indirect-land-use-change estimates. In a life-cycle analysis, researchersmake estimates for the amount of land that is put intoproduction to create a fuel rather than for other uses.
“Soybeans, for example, are 20 percent oil and 80 percentmeal, so as demand increases for oil, more meal in the markethas positive benefits for animal agriculture and can displaceother crops,” Scott says.
That displacement was acknowledged in the new standard.
Even though farmers aren’t directly producing biodiesel,soybean farmers benefit from increased demand for the fuel.“They’re producing a low-carbon feedstock, and as Californiaand other regions put value on carbon reduction, thatcommodity has a value that will benefit farmers,” says Scott.
As for the decision’s impact on the California fuel market, Scottsays biodiesel has several advantages in the marketplace. Fuelproviders can blend biodiesel in existing infrastructure anddrivers can use it in vehicles on the road now. The fuel’s lowcarbon scores will give fuel companies another incentive toprovide biodiesel blends.
New California Standard Could Boost Soybean Value– by United Soybean Board
Biodiesel given top score for reducing carbon emissions
Expanding exports ofpork to Mexico is akey initiative of the
U.S. red meat industry in themonths ahead – and soybeangrowers will once again play amajor role in making that initiative asuccess.
One example is the Nebraskasoybean checkoff, which is helpingfund projects by the U.S. MeatExport Federation (USMEF) aimedat growing the market for U.S. pork.The projects include one that willpromote U.S. pork in retail storesacross Mexico in order to reachmore consumers and another withthe goal of sending more U.S. porkto further processors in Mexico.
“The United States has spent timeand effort in increasingconsumption of pork in Mexico andthose efforts have paid off in theform of strong demand,” said PhilipSeng, President and CEO ofUSMEF. “Mexico’s per capita porkconsumption has increased anaverage of 3.3 percent in each ofthe past three years, suggestingthe efforts have enhanced theimage of U.S. pork in Mexico andhad a positive impact. We plan tocontinue our work to furtherincrease demand.”
What does growing demand forU.S. pork in Mexico mean toNebraska soybean farmers?
About 97 percent of soybean mealproduced in the U.S. is fed to thelivestock industry, meaningsoybean farmers benefit directlyfrom the export of U.S. meat.
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Growth in meat exports results ingreater demand for not only beefand pork but also for feed grains.Statistics show that every pound ofU.S. pork exported represents theuse of 1.3 pounds of U.S.soybeans.
More numbers that show the valueof red meat exports to the U.S.soybean industry:
• More than 80 million bushels ofU.S. soybeans were exportedthrough U.S. red meat in 2014
• U.S. pork exports in 2014 totaled4.8 billion pounds valued at$6.67 billion
• In 2014, 26.5 percent of hogsproduced in the U.S wereexported
• The value of exports equated to$62.46 per head
USMEF’s goal of increasing exportsto Mexico is a team effort: Alongwith the Nebraskasoybean checkoff,funding is coming fromUSDA, the Pork Checkoffand national soybeancheckoff.
The retail campaign willexpand the number oflocations in Mexico thatconduct in-storepromotions and tasting
U.S. Pork in Mexico Making a Positive
Impact– by U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)
demonstrations that feature U.S.pork over the next year. Thedemonstrations will highlight thequality, versatility and taste of U.S.pork. By giving consumers a taste,USMEF can more effectively tell thestory of U.S. pork – a story thatincludes the use of nutritious U.S.soybean meal used by Americanpork producers.
With the further processinginitiative, USMEF plans to focus onhams, which is the single largestpork cut exported to Mexico.USMEF will work with distributorsand processors to highlight theattributes of U.S. pork and growdemand for boneless butts,boneless picnics and other porkraw materials for furtherprocessing.
“We must continue to grow exportsof our pork and beef in order tokeep the U.S. livestock and grainindustries strong,” said Seng. “Ittakes a team effort and we’rehappy to be joined by theNebraska soybean checkoff inthese projects to grow demand forU.S. pork in Mexico.”
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This fall the staff and soybean farmers from theNebraska soybean checkoff rolled out the big redcarpet for Ag Processing Inc. (AGP’s) soybean and
soybean meal customers from Southeast Asia, China,Thailand, Mexico and Latin America.
From Mid-August to Mid-October, the Nebraska soybeancheckoff and AGP staff hosted visitors on farmsthroughout central and eastern Nebraska to educatecustomers about farm operations, our soybean handlingsystem, and the quality of this year’s soybean crop. Beingon the western most edge of the soybean production belt,Nebraska is ideally suited to provide both whole soybeansand soybean meal to customers in Southeast Asia andChina. Nebraska’s south-central location in the soybeanproduction belt makes it an ideal origin for wholesoybeans and soybean meal by rail to Californiaand Mexico.
Nebraska’s first team from Southeast Asia had 20 buyersfrom five different Southeast Asian countries that primarilybuy soybean meal. They lack crushing industries and dueto land limitations focus on livestock production,particularly poultry and pork. There is also an increasinginterest in high quality US soybean meal due to the growthin aquaculture Southeast Asia. The countries representedare Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, andSingapore.
In addition to meeting AGP’s management and discussingprospects for future purchases, the team was able to visitNebraska farms and get a firsthand look at the progress inthe soybean crop in late August. They were also able to seea train loading facility, a processing plant, and a farmingoperation. They completed their visit with a receptiondinner with the Nebraska Soybean Board in Lincoln.
A week later a buyer group from Latin America also cameto visit some Nebraska farms in the southeast corner of thestate, took a tour of the soybean processing plant inSergeant Bluffs, Iowa and visited AGP headquarters inOmaha, Nebraska. This group was also approximately 20people representing Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala,Columbia, and Honduras. Like the Southeast Asian team,they were able to visit farming operations, a processingplant, and get an idea of the quality of the soybeans thatwere to be harvested in a month.
A week later, a group of Mexican facility managers andpurchasing managers came to Nebraska to get a firsthand
look at the crop and also meet with AGP and some of itsmembers to promote the shipment of whole soybeans andsoybean meal to their facilities and companies in Mexicoby rail. The group was impressed with the high qualitycrops and modern shipping facilities which the Nebraskacooperatives have built over the last decade.
Nebraska Soybean Checkoff BringsInternational Customers Home– by Peter Mishek, Mishek Inc & Associates
Nebraska Soybean Board Chairman, Ron Pavelka discussessoybean yields.)
District Four Director, Eugene Goering hosts the Mexicantrade team near Platte Center, Nebraska.
Winter 2015 25
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Mexico is currently the largest importer of US soybeanmeal and the second largest buyer of whole soybeansfrom our region. The country produces nearly 30 millionmetric tons of commercial feed for their dynamic livestocksector.
Nebraska Soybean Board was one of two organizationschosen to host a high level delegation from Thailand thatwas also here to look at crop progress and cement traderelationships with AGP and its Nebraska cooperativemembers. The team visited a major railroad, met AGP’s topmanagement and Nebraska’s top agricultural officers.There was particular interest in the expansion of the AGPplant at Hastings Nebraska, irrigation systems, andNebraska’s rail access to the West Coast. This team was ableto see some early soybean harvest in eastern Nebraska.
Finally, this year our Chinese soybean customers got anearly assessment the soybean quality for much of thewestern producing areas. From September 26th throughOctober 6th, a team of agricultural buyers from Chinatraveled through 6 major producing states to collect 2015soybean samples, observe fall harvest conditions, getbetter acquainted with U.S. farmers, and our marketingand grain handling system—from the farm gate to theexport elevator.
This sampling tour gave them an opportunity to evaluatethe impact that summer growing conditions had on thecrop and get a better handle on how final soybean yieldswould turn out. One aspect of the tour that wasparticularly beneficial to the participants was to see theeffects that an ideal growing season had on cropconditions, quality and yields. Sampling tour participantsthis year joined us from China and Indonesia.
This year the NSB hosted dinners in Fremont and Lincoln.The team representing 75% of China whole soybeanimports spent four days visiting farms and facilities fromNorfolk to Hastings to Beatrice to Omaha. The team wasable to get 72 samples of soybeans from Nebraska farmersand facilities to measure crude protein, oil, and eventuallythe amino acid levels in Nebraska soybean.
The Nebraska soybean checkoff has a long history ofleadership in International Marketing initiatives and is afounding member of the Grays Harbor Project, Black Seaand Mediterranean project, and the newer Latin AmericanInitiative. AGP views its partnership with Nebraskasoybean checkoff as crucial for soy market developmentand for the development of Nebraska agriculture as over50% of all US soybeans must reach export markets.
72 samples of soybeans were collected by Chinese customersfrom Nebraska farmers.
District Three Director Richard Bartek’s farm near Ithica,Nebraska. The Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) out of Thailandis the largest overseas soybean meal buyer for AGP andconsequently benefits Nebraska soybean farmers.)
One aspect of the tour that was particularly beneficial tothe participants was to see the effects that an ideal
growing season had on crop conditions, quality and yields.
26 Winter 2015
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The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA) launched an all-neweducational initiative designed to provide high school students afirst-hand glimpse into modern agriculture. Created in conjunction
with Discovery Education, the global leader in standards-based digitalcontent for K-12 classrooms, Discovering FARMLAND uses the award-winning documentary, “FARMLAND,” as a foundation. This new curriculumoffers interactive resources that allow teachers and students to experiencethe industry through the eyes of six young farmers and ranchers, all whilelearning about food production's connection to science, economics,technology and sustainability.
Discovering FARMLAND provides high school students, educators andparents with standards-aligned lesson plans and interactive activities thatexplore concepts critical to modern agriculture, such as sustainability,technology, and science. Designed by Discovery Education's curriculumexperts, these resources aim to stimulate thoughtful conversationsbetween educators and students about key issues including: innovativeuse of technology on farms and how it has transformed the industry,challenges farmers face such as weather and growing conditions,common stereotypes around farmers and ranchers, and market supplyand demand. Additionally, FARMLAND will be integrated into DiscoveryEducation Streaming Plus™, a comprehensive digital library containingmore than 200,000 learning assets aligned to state and nationalcurriculum standards.
"I'm excited for this curriculum to show students the connectionsbetween science and agriculture through real-world examples showcasedin Discovering FARMLAND," said Lisa Lunz, USFRA secretary and Nebraskasoybean farmer. “We need to keep the conversation going about modernagriculture and educate about farming practices. Using the FARMLANDdocumentary and this new curriculum will help us share the agriculturestory in schools.”
FARMLAND was created by Academy Award®-winning director James Mollto connect viewers with people who grow and raise our food. Manypeople have never visited a farm and do not know that 95 percent of thefarms in the U.S. are family-owned. With the use of this film andaccompanying resources, teachers and students will have a better under -standing of where their food comes from, as well as the various careerpaths available in this essential industry.
Director James Moll said, "Before making this film I had never evenstepped foot on a farm, and that seems to be the case for more and moreAmericans. So I'm thrilled that Farmland is reaching a whole new leveltogether with Discovery Education."
"Discovery Education is proud to partner with the U.S. Farmers & RanchersAlliance to provide students across the country, especially urban youth,this unique learning opportunity," said Lori McFarling, Senior VicePresident of Discovery Education. "The engaging resources available inDiscovering FARMLAND will transport students to farms across America,and connect science, technology and entrepreneurship skills to real-worldcareers and practices in today's modern agriculture industry."
The Discovering FARMLAND materials are available for viewing anddownload at www.DiscoveringFarmland.com. The film is also availableon various platforms including Netflix, Walmart.com (as well as select retailoutlets) and additional video-on-demand and digital download platforms.Please visit www.FarmlandFilm.com for additional information.
Educational Resources Based on the Documentary,
FARMLAND
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