Mariah Kessler, SD Soybean Communications Director
South Dakota Soybean Leader is published four times a year by the South Dakota Soybean Association, 5000 S. Broadband Lane, Suite 100, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 Phone: 605-330-9942. For address corrections contact South Dakota Soybean Leader at 5000 S. Broadband Lane, Suite 100, Sioux Falls, SD 57108. www.sdsoybean.org | sdsa@sdsoybean.org
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PRESIDENT’S OUTLOOK
By Kevin Deinert, President of the South Dakota Soybean Association
Slow Down! Every parent’s word to their children as they run about the house or through the yards. I too remember those words my parents said to me when I was a child (who am I kidding? They still say it to me!) And while we always think we won’t act like our parents, I too hear myself saying it to my children. As we enter the miracle of another growing season, we must remind ourselves to slow down not only for ourselves and those around us, but to appreciate the gift we have been given of being stewards of this land. As every farmer will tell you, while it may be stressful at times, there always seems to be fondness and excitement in the challenge that lies ahead of us in this time of planting.
KEVIN DEINERT SDSA President
From the South Dakota Soybean Association, greetings to you. While you farmers wrap up your busy spring, our directors are just getting started on their eventful summer. There continues to be no shortage of challenges that have been thrown our way. Tariffs are the talk of the town and rest assured that we have been doing our best to communicate to our elected officials the farmers’ struggles in these types of environments. Communication has also been the key as we continue to talk to our trade partners to shore up relationships and foster new growth.
Just like the weather, the political climate is ever changing and we here at SDSA are doing our utmost to advocate for you. We continue to support the completion of a Farm Bill and urge our national elected officials to make sure the safety nets are in place for our farmers. No stone is unturned as we continue to work to ward off harmful regulations and overreach from government organizations such as the EPA. As always, we want farmers to have every tool in the tool bag.
As the political environment always seems to be hot, the summer heat brings on new opportunities for you as farmers to connect with your elected directors. Be on the lookout for Shop Talks, fairs, and farm shows as we look forward to hearing from you. These types of events give us the opportunity to connect with you and help elevate our association.
I again thank you for your support of our organization. We sincerely appreciate your interest and support.
And just as I tell my 2-year-old (for the umpteenth time), I too ask you to slow down and appreciate what God has given us. From fields to pastures and gardens, there is no shortage of reason to not slow down. God bless, stay safe, and have a great summer everyone!
Sincerely,
Kevin Deinert
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SDSL
3 President’s Outlook
5 Letter From the Chairman
6 Soy Industry News
11 Letter from the Executive Director
12 South Dakota Farmers Take Center Stage at USGLC's 2025 Heartland Summit
14 Study: Biobased Fuels Boost U.S. Economy by More Thank $42 Billion
15 Using Prairie Strips to Protect South Dakota Water
16 Plant Soybeans Where They Can Shine: Maximize Your Return by Matching Soybeans to Soils Where They Thrive – Not Just Survive
18 Expanding Markets: South Dakota Soybean Leaders Explore Opportunities in Vietnam
20 Digging In: National Conservation Tour Highlights South Dakota Farmers' Smart Practices
22 Hungry for Truth: Edamame Hummus Recipe
23 Farm to Fork Event Bridges South Dakota's Rural and Urban Communities
24 Amanda Nigg's Farm Fit Training Brings Health to the Heart of Agriculture
26 Rebecca Blue's Mission to Connect Women in South Dakota Agriculture
27 The Buzz About Seed Oils
28 From Field to Fair: Hands-On Soy at the South Dakota State Fair
29 Soy Street: Where Every Day Soy Surprises Come to Life
30 Conservation Practices Offer Soybean Farmers a Win-Win Scenario
34 Top Yields, Top Quality: South Dakota Farmers Shine in 2024 Soybean Contest
40 Nurturing U.S. Soy Experts Through Accelerating Sustainability and Growing Connections
42 Farmers Fund Research on Soybean Production Practices
43 Increased Soybean Usage Helps Drive Checkoff-Funded Research
A BRIGHT FUTURE IN BIOPRODUCTS
By David Struck, Chairman of SDSRPC
Soybeans haven’t been grown in South Dakota or even the United States for all that long. But in just a few generations, they’ve become one of our most important crops. Most of the soybeans we raise are still used the way they always have been: as a high-protein feed source for livestock here and around the world. But the soybean story continues to evolve, and the future is full of promise.
Thanks to research and innovation, we’ve uncovered dozens of new uses for soybeans, especially soybean oil. Once considered a byproduct of meal production, oil is now a major driver of value. It is being used in renewable diesel, biodiesel, tires, asphalt sealants, engine lubricants, crayons, cosmetics and more. These soy-based bioproducts offer clear environmental benefits and give consumers more sustainable choices. For farmers, that’s a win.
Now, the momentum we’ve seen with oil is expanding into soybean meal as well. While animal feed remains its primary use, soybean meal is being used in innovative new products like soybased firefighting foam. Soybeans are also playing a growing role in human diets as a valuable source of protein that is composed of essential amino acids.
At the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, we’re investing checkoff dollars into research that supports these kinds of innovations. Every new use helps build long-term opportunities for farmers and brings value to people who use soy-based products every day.
Whether it is fueling a truck, coloring with crayons, or improving everyday products, soybeans are showing up in more places than ever. And we’re just getting started.
DavidStruck
David Struck Chairman of SDSRPC
DAVID STRUCK, Chairman of SDSRPC
Another Successful Soy100
On March 27, Soy100 convened in Brookings with strong attendance and a full agenda focused on soybean production and marketing. The event opened with a keynote presentation from Ed Usset of the University of Minnesota, who outlined five common mistakes in grain marketing. Dr. Cheryl Reese followed with an analysis of historical Yield Contest data, offering insights into trends and strategies for improving yields. Additional presentations included soybean management recommendations from a Dekalb technical agronomist and an overview of the SD Mesonet program. Afternoon breakout sessions allowed for deeper discussion between attendees and presenters. Thanks to all who attended!
Celebrating Soy-mazing Moms
Hungry for Truth hosted a Mother’s Day-themed event on May 3, offering guests a hands-on floral arrangement experience led by The Bouquet Bar in Sioux Falls. Attendees enjoyed a soy-based charcuterie spread, an iced coffee bar with soy creamer and flavor syrups, and took home soythemed gifts including soy butter, candles, recipe cards, and personalized Mother’s Day notes. The event aimed to celebrate local mothers while highlighting soy-based products in everyday use.
Clean Fuels in Washington, DC
Centerville area farmer Tim Ostrem serves on the governing board for Clean Fuels Alliance America. They met in Washington, DC in March to share information about biofuels and renewable fuels.
That’s a “Latte” Soy
South Dakota Soybean partnered with Kool Beans in Brookings to encourage students and local patrons to try a soy milk latte. The outreach effort helped spark conversations about soy and its many uses, while offering a chance for community members to sample soy milk— many for the first time.
South Dakota Ag Leaders Address EPA Policy Changes
South Dakota Soybean partnered with South Dakota Wheat Growers, South Dakota Corn, and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to host educational sessions focused on pesticide regulations and conservation compliance. The event, titled Navigating the EPA Strategies and Endangered Species Act Mitigation, featured updates from the South Dakota DANR on the EPA's herbicide strategy, pesticide policy developments, and recommended mitigation practices. Attendees gained insights into how evolving federal regulations may affect agricultural operations, and the session concluded with a networking lunch.
Soy Street Hits the Washington Pavilion
South Dakota Soybean introduced its new Soy Street exhibit on March 22 at Ag Day at the Washington Pavilion. The interactive display engaged both kids and adults with hands-on elements designed to highlight the many uses of soy in everyday life.
Read more on page 29.
Farmers Gather for First-Ever WNAX Spring Ag Educational Forum
The South Dakota Soybean Checkoff was proud to sponsor the inaugural WNAX Spring Ag Educational Forum, a free event held March 13 at the Morton Center near Baltic. Designed to bring farmers and agricultural professionals together, the forum provided a valuable opportunity to hear from industry experts, gain insights on market trends, and explore innovative strategies for success. Attendees enjoyed a day filled with expert analysis, practical knowledge, and a great lunch. Dawn Scheier took the stage to highlight the many ways the checkoff is working to support farmers and boost their bottom line, making sure every soybean dollar works as hard as they do!
Supporting the Next Leaders in Agriculture
South Dakota FFA members were recognized at the 97th South Dakota State FFA Convention for excellence in developing career-specific skills through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Proficiency projects.
The FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards recognize members who have developed their skills and abilities related to employment, internships, apprenticeships and their future careers at agribusiness or agriculture-related organizations.
Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production is sponsored by SD Soybean Checkoff.
Left to Right: Briella Wettlaufer of Howard, Karlie Stiefvater of McCook Central, and Ridge Roduner of Wessington Springs with Jerry Schmitz, Executive Director of SDSRPC and SDSA.
1. Briella Wettlaufer, Howard
2. Karlie Stiefvater, McCook Central
3. Ridge Roduner, Wessington Springs
HURON SHOP TALK
Wednesday, July 9
9:30 am - 1 pm
NorthWestern Energy
600 Market Street SW
Huron, SD 57350
Register now to join South Dakota Soybean for an exclusive educational event with an engaging evening of learning, networking, & meal in Huron or Faulkton!
FAULKTON SHOP TALK
Thursday, July 10
5:30 - 9 pm
Lakeside Country Club 35049 W Lake St
Faulkton, SD 57438
Call the SD Soybean Office at (605) 330-9942, visit our site, or email vwillson@sdsoybean.org to RSVP!
FROM INVESTMENT TO PRODUCTIVITY
GROWING PROSPERITY:
DIRECTOR
HOW THE SOYBEAN CHECKOFF BOOSTS FARMERS AND GLOBAL MARKETS
By Jerry Schmitz, Executive Director of South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council & South Dakota Soybean Association
The goal of the Soybean Checkoff is pretty simple: Increase profitability for soybean families. The success of soybean families is at the heart of everything the Checkoff does. The Checkoff's most important role is to help you grow soybeans economically and sustainably and then find repeat markets for the soybeans you have produced.
The SD Soybean Research and Promotion Council (SDSRPC) and the national United Soybean Board members, farmer volunteers elected by soybean farmers, drive innovation by funding research at universities and private businesses to enhance existing uses for food, feed, fuel, and industrial uses. They also work to discover and bring consumers new uses for soy. Many of the ideas for new uses are sparked by suggestions from farmers themselves.
Your SDSRPC Board creates detailed, evolving plans of action that they continually review, renew, and execute. They look beyond what is possible to what might be possible. They think big and move proactively to uncover every potential use for soybeans, from new products to emerging markets. Their work fuels innovation through research and new strategies developed to provide economic benefits for soybean families, economic development in their communities, and renewable, environmentally friendly products for the world.
By establishing new international markets, farmers are also contributing to global stability. World trade fosters peaceful, cooperative relationships, and developing countries are increasingly looking for reliable sources of affordable, highquality protein. Many high-ranking military leaders, past and present, regard international trade as the first line of defense for U.S. national security and a major component in maintaining world peace.
Developing countries are hungry for protein that provides human and animal nutrition with health benefits. In 2025, seven of the top ten countries with the fastest-growing economies in the world are in Africa. Many of those countries hold huge soybean meal and oil consumption potential.
Enter soy, a low-cost protein produced by South Dakota farmers, containing all of the essential amino acids needed for human and animal health. As demand for protein rises globally, soy is emerging as a smart, sustainable solution.
Checkoff dollars are used to support the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), which links U.S. soybean growers with developing and emerging markets. That simple step is the beginning of very impactful relationships. Leveraging Checkoff funds with federal aid, WISHH helps deliver soy protein food to poor, food-insecure countries, opening the door to long-term trade relationships. WISHH monitors global protein trends and works with local buyers in high-potential regions, helping build stable demand for U.S. soybeans while improving global food security.
JERRY SCHMITZ Executive Director of SDSRPC and SDSA
As poor countries grow their economies, their people seek more valuable proteins in the form of fish, poultry, and other meats. Checkoff dollars are used to educate international buyers about the advantages of using high-quality U.S soy as a feed ingredient for their fish and animals. This strategy helps close the global protein gap and opens new markets for soybean growers that wouldn’t exist without the support of Checkoff investments.
You have recently seen or heard comments in news reports and on social media about “seed oils” being unhealthy. Independent, verifiable, and repeatable scientific research has consistently shown that soybean oil actually provides many health benefits with very few health concerns. A New York Times article dated November 9, 2024, challenges the anti-seed oil rhetoric.
SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT USGLC’S 2025 HEARTLAND SUMMIT
By: Elizabeth Onibokun, Communications & Press Manager at USGLC
In April, farmers and agricultural leaders from across South Dakota gathered in Mitchell for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s (USGLC) 2025 Heartland Summit—where over 130 local leaders joined in person—and 18,000 more tuned in virtually—to discuss how America’s global engagement benefits South Dakota’s farmers, economy, and security.
In powerful remarks, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) delivered a compelling message: “Our farmers aren’t just stewards of the land— they’re defenders of America’s national interest.” He emphasized that American leadership abroad helps avoid military conflicts by building allies through strategic investments, especially in emerging markets where competitors like China and Russia are making inroads.
South Dakota’s global footprint was on full
display with key leaders in the room. With nearly $7 billion in exports—more than $5 billion of which are agriculture-related—the state’s producers play a key role in feeding and fueling the world. More than 80% of exporters in the state are small businesses, and 30% of exports go to emerging markets like India and Indonesia. These global ties are not just about economics, but about values and opportunity.
General Laura Richardson, former Commander of U.S. Southern Command and co-chair of USGLC’s National Security Advisory Committee, underscored the national security stakes, noting China’s aggressive Belt and Road investments in critical infrastructure and agriculture-rich regions of the Western Hemisphere. “China is on the ground—building ports, embedding in supply chains, and filling a vacuum the U.S. should be leading in,” she warned.
Innovation is central to South Dakota’s strength. Senator Rounds highlighted the transformative impact of biotechnology and drought-resistant seeds developed in the state— doubling corn yields in places like Lyman County thanks to homegrown research and partnerships with institutions like South Dakota State University. As Rounds noted, “We’re not resting on our laurels.” Instead, South Dakota continues to lead the world in agricultural innovation.
DaNita Murray of South Dakota Corn emphasized the long-term connection between global food security programs and economic opportunity for South Dakota producers. She explained that longstanding initiatives like Food for Peace are designed not just as humanitarian tools, but as strategic economic ladders. By partnering with countries to become more food secure, we can foster future markets for U.S. commodities like pork, beef, and soybeans. It’s a model where doing good abroad directly supports the state’s producers at home.
The summit also celebrated South Dakota’s legacy of global leadership—rooted in Senator George McGovern’s pioneering efforts on food aid—and launched USGLC’s Farmers for Prosperity initiative in the state.
In a state where 1 in 5 jobs is tied to international trade, the message from the Heartland Summit was clear: A strong South Dakota starts with smart global engagement— and farmers are at the heart of that mission.
Liz Schrayer (President and CEO, USGLC) with U.S. Senator Mike Rounds at the USGLC’s 2025 Heartland Summit in April.
Left to right: Eric Moore (Heartland Director, USGLC), Liz Schrayer (President and CEO, USGLC), General Laura Richardson (former Commander of U.S. Southern Command and co-chair of USGLC’s National Security Advisory Committee), U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, and DaNita Murray (Executive Director of SD Corn).
STUDY: BIOBASED FUELS BOOST U.S. ECONOMY BY MORE THAN $42 BILLION
U.S. economic activity was tens of billions of dollars better in 2024 thanks to biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production. A study commissioned by Clean Fuels Alliance America (CFAA) used data from 2024 when U.S. biodiesel production was 5 billion gallons.
“Total economic impact there was $42.4 billion, which ended up supporting over 107,000 U.S. jobs, and wages paid [were] approximately $6 billion annually,” said Kate Shenk, director of regulatory affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance America, “so really, really strong impact there.”
The study, “Economic Impact of Biodiesel on the U.S. Economy 2024,” was conducted by GlobalData, according to a news release from the CFAA. It evaluated direct, indirect and induced economic impacts and jobs across the entire value chain, from raw-material production, collection and processing to fuel production and distribution.
The report shows that nearly half of the total economic impact—$19.9 billion and 41,500 jobs—came from fuel production, and it shows major benefits for those parts of the country that are home to many U.S. soybean farmers.
“Breaking it down we looked at soybean growers or oilseed production,” said Shenk. “That was 30,600 jobs, about $1.5 billion in wages and $15.2 billion in economic value that’s benefiting our soybean growing states.”
Significant employment was also reported in oilseed processing (8,600 jobs) and rendering (12,700 jobs).
Industry insiders regularly project future biodiesel production at 6 billion gallons. The study’s projection into the not-too-distant future, however, is 7.4 billion gallons. That, said Shenk, is based on actual announced investments in either new or expanded production facilities.
“This is a number that we really think can be reached in the near future,” said Shenk, “and so that could support 145,700 jobs and generate $60.25 billion in U.S. economic activity.”
Not included in the main study, but among details that contribute to the generous national data projections for biodiesel’s economic impact are the figures for South Dakota specifically.
“So we have almost $870 million in total revenue, which is over 2,000 jobs and $93 million in total wages,” she said, “so a great story there really, really helping the economy in South Dakota.”
“I just think continued growth of U.S. biomass-based diesel will bring economic value to our farmers, feedstock producers and fuel producers,” Shenk concluded, “so really, encouraging the growth of the industry will have a great impact on our rural communities as well.”
USING PRAIRIE STRIPS TO PROTECT SOUTH DAKOTA WATER
By David Kringen, SDSU Extension Water Resources Field Specialist
Prairie strips (CP43) are a new continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practice that integrates native prairie plantings oriented linearly within a row crop field to reduce soil erosion and runoff. Prairie strips are designed to intercept surface and subsurface water flow to remove nutrients, sediment and other pollutants through deposition, plant uptake, denitrification and other processes.
Prairie strips can be placed along the edge of a field, through the field, in terrace channels, next to waterways or in pivot corners. Prairie strips also provide needed pollinator habitat due to the mix of grasses and forbs. Grasses will compromise approximately 50% of the mix and forbs will include species that flower in the early, mid and late growing season.
A blooming prairie strip with a variety of grasses and wildflowers growing throughout. Figure 2. Blooming prairie strip at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm. Courtesy: Omar de Kok-Mercado, Iowa State University
Strips may not exceed 25% of the cropland area per tract and can range from 30 to 120 feet in width. While they cannot be used as travel lanes, strips planted as field borders may be used for equipment turning during normal field operations.
For more information on prairie strips and the Conservation Reserve Program, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Blooming prairie strip at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm. Courtesy: Omar de Kok-Mercado, Iowa State University
Infographic of prairie strips in the Conservation Reserve Program. The goals are to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat. For an in-depth description of this graphic, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.
Courtesy: STRIPS Team, Iowa State University.
PLANT SOYBEANS WHERE THEY CAN SHINE:
MAXIMIZE YOUR RETURN BY MATCHING SOYBEANS TO SOILS WHERE THEY THRIVE — NOT JUST SURVIVE
By Buz Kloot
How do we get the maximum value from soybeans––not by pushing them onto every acre, but by positioning them where they can truly shine?"
That question kept coming back to me as I spent time talking the last 12 years with producers, conservation and soil health advisors across eastern South Dakota. We often looked at problem areas of saline soils, and talked about how those salty soils were dragging yields and profits down on the whole farm.
Saline soils have quietly but steadily expanded across South Dakota over the past several decades. According to SDSU Extension and USDA NRCS reports, more than 7 million acres statewide now show some degree of salinity issues, with some of the worst in the James River Valley. As SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist Anthony Bly explains, today's salinity challenges are the result of a "perfect storm" of flat landscapes, deeper water tables, higher rainfall, and the shift away from small grains and deep-rooted perennials toward soybeans and corn.
A CRITICAL CROP
Soybeans remain a highly important crop, with ever-increasing new uses. They help displace petroleum by fueling renewable diesel, provide safer alternatives to PFAs in packaging, and serve as a sustainable protein source for livestock and humans. They
also offer a more flexible, lower-input crop compared to corn.
But soybeans aren’t profitable on every acre. Ask Jeff and Scott Hamilton, who watched parts of their ground in Beadle, Kingsbury, Hamlin, and Hyde Counties become increasingly saline. “You think it'll go away, but it doesn’t," Scott said. "It only gets deeper."
SHIFTS TO PERENNIAL GRASS, SMALL GRAIN ROTATIONS
Instead of pouring more inputs into unresponsive ground, the Hamiltons successfully shifted more than 150 acres of salty soil areas from corn and soybeans into perennial grass for grazing. "We started seeding some of the areas back to a grass/legume mixture," Scott said. "Land that once produced nothing now yields up to 3½ tons of hay per acre."
Jesse Hall’s pathway to steady improvement in soybean yields was to add small grains to his rotation. "I would say within a three-year span, my soybean yields probably went up 3 to 5 bushels an acre across the farm average," the Kingsbury County no-till farmer told me.
Independent crop consultant Lee Briese has watched as more salt-tolerant wheat, barley and sunflowers have given way to less-tolerant corn and soybeans in North Dakota. The saline acres need to be managed differently, he says, adding “Each acre has to pull its own weight in the system. If it's not paying you, it's costing you."
The lesson to me over the years from South Dakota farmers is that saline areas need to be managed differently. Plant soybeans where they can shine, but step away from them on saline soils. A step toward forage or more diverse rotations on those soils isn’t retreat. It’s resilience.
Jeff Hamilton says he got tired of growing nothing on areas damaged by salt and sediment, with the land steadily going backward. They stopped spraying the saline areas and seeded them to grass. Since saline spots can grow over time, he’s learned that extending the seeding just beyond the visible salt edge helps the land fill in and recover much faster.
Photo Credit: Jeff Hamilton
Dr. Buz Kloot is a research associate professor in the Environmental Health Sciences Department at the University of South Carolina. He’s worked with South Dakota farmers on soil health research and told their stories through video for more than 10 years.
Photo Credit: Joe Dickie
In the last five years, soy checkoff investments have generated a 4.5-to-1 ROI in export market development and an 18% increase in U.S. soybean exports.1 Investing $400,000 for infrastructure research, analysis and design at the Port of Gray’s Harbor helped to expand the facility and increase capacity for the export of soybean
EXPANDING MARKETS: SOUTH DAKOTA SOYBEAN LEADERS EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN VIETNAM
Vienovo Company is one of Vietnam’s leading pet food manufacturers.
SD Soybean and USSEC representatives saw soy-based feed utilized at a local fish farm.
Tran My Hanh, USSEC In-country Representative for Vietnam and SDSRPC Chairman David Struck sharing positive sentiment about Vietnam using U.S. soy!
Interflour Cai Mep Port is a crucial hub for Vietnam’s agricultural imports.
South Dakota soybean farmer leaders recently visited Vietnam to explore and discuss opportunities for U.S. soybeans in this growing market. Representing the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (SDSRPC) were directors Derrick Scott, David Struck, Dawn Scheier, Mike McCranie, and Chad Schooley. Joining them were Tanner Hento of the South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) and Rachael Weiland of South Dakota Trade.
The delegation engaged with industry stakeholders, including feed mill operators, soybean crushers, and farmers, to better understand the opportunities and challenges of increasing U.S. soybean exports to Vietnam. As the country’s middle class continues to expand, so does the demand for protein sources such as pork, chicken, and fish. This shift, along with a move from traditional wet markets to modern retail markets, presents new avenues for U.S. soy products.
During meetings with Vietnamese importers, the South Dakota team discussed the benefits of U.S. soy, particularly its quality and sustainability. The U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) was a key point of discussion, emphasizing the reliability and environmental advantages of American soybeans.
The group also visited a soy processing facility to see firsthand how imported soy is used in Vietnam’s growing feed industry. Additionally, they toured aquaculture operations, as Vietnam is one of the world’s largest exporters of farm-raised fish, further demonstrating the importance of a steady and high-quality soybean supply.
“Getting South Dakota soybeans into this market, compared to Eastern markets, offers a challenge, but our increased crush capacity in the future will likely lead to more competitive soybean meal pricing,” said Geddes farmer and SDSRPC director Derrick Scott. “Additionally, there is interest in non-GMO soybeans, which could create further opportunities for our producers.”
While the market is promising, logistical challenges remain. Infrastructure limitations and road congestion can impact delivery times, and Vietnam primarily utilizes smaller vessels and drop hatch vessels for imports.
“Stable policies would help build confidence for customers looking to buy from the U.S.,” said Dawn Scheier, an SDSRPC director from Salem. “At the same time, the quality of U.S. soybeans and the sustainability assurances we offer through the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) make us a strong and reliable supplier.”
By engaging with Vietnamese buyers and understanding their needs, South Dakota’s soybean farmers are working to strengthen relationships and position U.S. soy as a key player in this growing market. The connections made during this visit will help SD soybean farmers remain competitive in an evolving global marketplace.
Vienovo Company.
SD Soybean and USSEC representatives at local fish farm.
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) represents 320 members that account for 80% of the country’s seafood exports. The U.S. is Vietnam’s top seafood market.
DIGGING IN: NATIONAL CONSERVATION TOUR HIGHLIGHTS SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS' SMART PRACTICES
For the first time in its 17-year history, the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) brought its Conservation in Action Tour to South Dakota. More than 150 participants from 27 states and Canada, including farmers, agronomists, educators, conservationists, and ag professionals, gathered in Sioux Falls to learn from local farmers who are implementing practical conservation strategies.
The two-day tour opened at POET’s headquarters and bioethanol plant in Chancellor, where guests saw how biofuels can fit into a circular, sustainable ag system. In the evening, the group heard from a retired Air Force colonel who shared insights on leadership and decision-making under pressure, drawing parallels to the challenges of farming.
On the second day, the group traveled to several key conservation sites. At the EROS Data Center, participants viewed satellite imagery that tracks land use and environmental change. From there, the tour visited Ryan and Christina Larson’s farm near Garretson, where the couple has adopted practices like strip-till, cover crops and rotational grazing to build a more resilient system. Conservation programs such as EQIP played a role in helping them get started, and they’ve since seen improvements in soil structure and nutrient efficiency.
A stop at the Hefty Morton Center included lunch and presentations about voluntary conservation efforts in South
Ryan and Christina Larson’s farm near Garretson.
Kurt Stiefvater and his wife, Kathy, hosted the final stop at their farm near Salem. This photo shows Kurt explaining their approach to no-till, and how cover crops and rotational grazing have benefited their livestock and soil.
Dakota. Attendees heard from state leaders and researchers who emphasized the importance of farmer-driven innovation. Long-term studies comparing tillage systems and nutrient management demonstrated that it’s possible to reduce inputs without sacrificing yield.
The final stop was the Kurt and Kathy Stiefvater farm near Salem. Their approach to no-till, cover crops and rotational grazing has evolved over the years into a system that benefits both their livestock and their soil. By keeping fields covered and rotating cattle through pastures and cropland, they are improving soil health, retaining moisture and building long-term productivity.
The tour ended with a discussion at Falls Park in Sioux Falls focused on partnerships that support water quality in the Big Sioux River watershed. Rural and urban groups are working together to find solutions that benefit everyone.
Throughout the tour, participants saw how South Dakota farmers are leading by example. Conservation in this state is about making smart, flexible choices that work for the operation while protecting natural resources for future generations.
The Conservation Technology Information Center is a national nonprofit that promotes conservation farming systems and sustainable agriculture. Its annual Conservation in Action Tour brings people together to learn from producers and each other. Learn more at ctic.org.
The South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is proud to support education, conservation and promotion efforts that strengthen soybean farming in our state.
Big Sioux River watershed
EDAMAME HUMMUS
Experience our Edamame Hummus, a unique take on the classic hummus that'll elevate your dining experience. As we get into creating this vibrant dish, imagine a lush spread of hummus adorned with the rich, green hues of edamame.
DID YOU KNOW?
The soybean harvest will cover 5.05 million acres of land in South Dakota.
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ cups shelled edamame
⅓ cup water
⅓ cup tahini
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sesame oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 big handful cilantro
INGREDIENTS
1. If you are using frozen edamame, boil them in a medium pot for 3-4 minutes. Strain and set aside.
2. In your food processor, add your edamame, water, tahini, olive oil, sesame oil and puree for 2 minutes.
3. Next add the lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and cilantro and puree again for 4-5 minutes. (The trick to getting extra creamy hummus is to puree it for a while!)
4. Adjust taste if you like more salt or herbs.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
EDAMAME VERSUS SOYBEANS FOR HUMMUS
This recipe’s delightful twist on traditional hummus is a visual and culinary masterpiece. Edamame originated from China but became super popular in Japan. It became popular because it's rich in vitamins and isoflavones. Edamame is keto-friendly and a great low-carb snack because of its high fiber content and low net carbs.
Edamame is the main ingredient of this dish. It offers a fresh and slightly nutty flavor that beautifully complements the classic hummus ingredients.
Using edamame in this recipe shows the use of soybeans in our culinary world. Not only does it add flavor to the Edamame Hummus, but it also reflects the importance of soybean cultivation in South Dakota and the vast agricultural landscape.
Find more recipes at hungryfortruthsd.com
FARM TO FORK EVENT BRIDGES SOUTH DAKOTA’S RURAL AND URBAN COMMUNITIES
South Dakota Soybean’s Annual Farm to Fork Dinner was hosted on June 12th by United Soybean Board South Dakota director Tim Ostrem and his wife Kari. The purpose of the event, according to Ostrem, is to strengthen bonds between farmers and those less connected to the land.
“South Dakota Soybean wants to develop that relationship in a positive manner where the farmer meets urban individuals, legislators [and] community leaders,” said Ostrem, during an interview on his farm. “We want to try to get them one-on-one with farmers.”
South Dakota Soybean Checkoff board member Dawn Scheier of Salem, who attended the dinner, agreed, adding that maintaining that relationship is essential.
“As the population grows, there’s less connection back to rural America, and it’s really important they know where their food is coming from and that it's safe and nutritious,” Scheier said, while standing in line for the dinner. “And so bringing them to the farm and seeing what we’re doing is what we’re hoping to accomplish tonight.”
Farmers are generally proud of what they do and how they do it. For that reason, Mitchell farmer Bruce Haines, a board member of the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, was anxious to engage with lawmakers and others and to tell them what he does.
“We kind of bust at the seams when we get a chance to showcase these great things that agriculture is doing,” said Haines, at the event. “It’s more than just raising a crop; it’s a way of life.”
South Dakota Soybean Association board member Jeff Kloucek reiterated the way farmers feel about producing food and fuel.
“We can show off the pride that we take in growing a crop and feeding an industry that we love so much,” said Kloucek, who farms in Scotland, South Dakota.
Addressing the gathering, Hunter Roberts, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, cited a USDA statistic that South Dakota’s population has become more urban than rural.
“People are less tied to the land; they have less of those tentacles into what happens in farm country,” Roberts explained
to the South Dakota Soybean Network, “So, I think we just, as ag producers, as the ag community, need to spend more time educating [those who are not as connected agriculture] on all the great things we are doing for our state, for our country, and feeding the world.”
“That is striking to me,” remarked Liz Larson of Sioux Falls, Minority Leader in the South Dakota State Senate, reacting to the shift in the state’s demographic makeup. “I think it means that it’s evermore important to make that link between agriculture and the city folk if you will, because this is where we get our food in the city, and there’s nothing more important than that.”
Although the change in that balance is hard for South Dakota Soybean Checkoff Chairman David Struck to believe, the Wolsey, South Dakota farmer said he could see it coming.
“The farming communities are getting very thinned out,” he said. “Younger generations didn’t come back to the farm; the equipment is getting bigger and faster; we don’t need as many people. So, it doesn’t surprise me that the urban areas are getting bigger and the rural communities are getting smaller.”
Richard Vasgaard made much the same observation.
“We’ve seen for years,” said the Centerville farmer and member of the South Dakota House of Representatives, about South Dakota’s comparatively shrinking rural population. “As a kid, there used to be a farm on every quarter section, and as we got more efficient, as machinery allowed us to cover more ground, fewer and fewer farmers were on the landscape, and that has continued to today where farmers are large farmers and cover a lot of ground, so there are fewer of us.”
Vasgaard added that it’s all the more important to hold events like the Farm to Fork Dinner.
“It’s absolutely critical,” he said, “because there are fewer and fewer of us in Pierre that do legislation that have any idea what farm production is or what production of animal agriculture is. This gives them an opportunity to see it and to hear it from producers firsthand. I think the big thing that was stressed tonight is to understand that we are part of the environment. What we do to the land, what we do to the water affects our families and that’s key to everything.”
AMANDA NIGG’S FARM FIT TRAINING BRINGS HEALTH TO THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE
Amanda Nigg, founder of Farm Fit Training, is bridging the gap between two seemingly unrelated worlds: agriculture and wellness. Amanda saw a missing piece in the support available to farmers and their families. Driven by a deep understanding of farming life, she created Farm Fit Training—a program tailored specifically to address the physical and mental health needs of the agricultural community.
For Amanda, this mission is personal. Married to a fifthgeneration farmer, helping on the farm herself, and mother of two young boys, she knows firsthand how important farmers' health is to sustaining their work and lifestyle. Her fitness routines are not just about staying in shape; they are designed to meet the demands of daily farming activities while promoting mental well-being. Through Farm Fit Training, Amanda is cultivating a new culture where farmers can thrive, both physically and mentally.
When a devastating fire affected her family, Amanda found herself at a crossroads. Instead of giving in to the overwhelming circumstances, she turned adversity into action, launching Farm Fit Training. Amanda’s agricultural background deeply influenced this decision, as she recognized the connection between physical labor on the farm and the lack of wellness programs catered to farmers. Starting something new in the midst of personal chaos was challenging, but Amanda's resilience helped her forge ahead, and she was determined to help others facing similar hardships.
Farmers face numerous physical challenges, such as injuries from repetitive movements or strenuous labor, and mental health struggles, like stress and isolation. Amanda’s program specifically addresses these issues by incorporating exercises that can be done with minimal equipment and designed around a busy farming schedule. Through her own experiences, Amanda understands these challenges, which fuels her passion to make a difference.
Balancing the roles of farmer, fitness advocate, business owner,
and mother is no easy task. Amanda acknowledges that there were moments when everything felt overwhelming, but she used those moments to reassess her approach, ultimately finding balance.
Farm Fit Training also emphasizes mental health, with Amanda encouraging farmers to manage stress through fitness, self-care, and community. Her family is a big part of her journey, with her two boys often involved in farming and fitness activities. Knowing they’re growing up with these values means the world to Amanda. She hopes to inspire the next generation of farmers by promoting a lifestyle of health and resilience.
Looking ahead, Amanda is eager to expand Farm Fit Training’s reach, continually motivated by its impact on the farming community. Her future goals include developing more fitness routines specific to farming and extending the program to more agricultural families. To the farming community, Amanda’s message is clear: prioritizing health and wellness is not only possible but essential for a long, thriving life on the farm.
REBECCA BLUE’S MISSION TO CONNECT WOMEN IN SOUTH DAKOTA AGRICULTURE
Rebecca Blue’s journey into agriculture wasn’t linear, but every step along the way prepared her for her mission: empowering women in South Dakota’s agriculture and conservation industries through storytelling, connection, and leadership development.
From her early experiences tending a sprawling family garden in Huron, South Dakota, to shaping agricultural policy in Washington, D.C., Rebecca’s path highlights the wide-ranging opportunities in agriculture. Today, through her podcast, The Best Job in South Dakota, and a groundbreaking statewide networking initiative, Rebecca is helping women find their voice, build networks, and claim their place in agriculture’s evolving future.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF STORYTELLING
When Rebecca returned to South Dakota after years of shaping agricultural policy and consulting on international markets, she was struck by an unexpected realization. “I had built a career in agriculture, but I didn’t have a network in my home state,” she explains. That discovery sparked her journey to create opportunities for women in agriculture to connect, collaborate, and share their stories.
Rebecca launched The Best Job in South Dakota, a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in agriculture. “The power of storytelling is incredible,” Rebecca says. “Hearing someone’s journey can make you realize you’re not alone. It connects and inspires us.”
Through the podcast, Rebecca shares diverse stories from ranchers, educators, conservationists, and agricultural leaders. These stories uncover the challenges and triumphs faced by women in agriculture while celebrating their resilience and contributions.
“One guest shared how she hesitated to call herself a rancher because of societal expectations,” Rebecca recalls. “It took her pulling a calf in the middle of the night to finally claim that identity. Stories like these highlight the importance of lifting each other up and embracing our roles in agriculture.”
CREATING NETWORKS THAT BUILD CONFIDENCE
Inspired by her podcast’s success, Rebecca expanded her vision to include a larger platform for women in agriculture. With the support of a $1.1 million Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreement from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Rebecca is leading a statewide networking initiative designed to connect, engage, and empower South Dakota women involved in all areas of agriculture.
The project’s first year focuses on research, including surveys and focus groups, to identify the unique needs of women in South Dakota’s agricultural community. “We’re asking women directly:
What do you need? What will help you succeed?” Rebecca explains. “This project is built around their input—it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.”
Year two will see the launch of six regional hubs across the state, offering monthly events centered on networking, skill-building, and leadership development. “It’s not just about connecting women—it’s about equipping them with the tools to lead,” Rebecca emphasizes.
SUPPORTING WOMEN TO LEAD TOGETHER
A core component of Rebecca’s work is fostering confidence in women to take on leadership roles in agriculture and conservation. “So many women don’t recognize their potential until someone else points it out,” she says. “This initiative is about building a network that helps women see their own capabilities and gives them the support to thrive.”
Rebecca’s vision for the future is ambitious. “In five years, I want to see more women on boards, in leadership roles, and creating new opportunities for others,” she says. “But it’s about more than individual success—it’s about co-elevation. When we lift each other up, we strengthen agriculture for everyone.”
A MOVEMENT ROOTED IN CONNECTION
Rebecca Blue’s journey—from her roots in Huron to her work on Capitol Hill to her leadership in South Dakota—demonstrates the transformative power of connection and collaboration. By amplifying women’s voices and fostering strong networks, Rebecca is shaping a future where women play a pivotal role in agriculture and conservation.
“This work isn’t about me,” Rebecca says. “It’s about the incredible women who are already making an impact and those who will lead agriculture’s future. Together, we’re creating something lasting and meaningful.”
THE BUZZ ABOUT SEED OILS
By Sarah Alsager and Mark Messina, PhD, MS, Soy Nutrition Institute Global with support from the United Soybean Board
Anyone who reads the newspaper, scrolls social media, surfs the internet, or watches television has undoubtedly heard something about “seed oils.”
Recent survey data shows that 75% of American adults reported they are at least somewhat familiar with seed oils. That statistic is especially striking considering that this term is relatively new and has only been used in nutrition conversations over the past couple of years.
While most Americans have heard of seed oils, most also have trouble identifying what they are. Seed oils are, as the name implies, oils extracted from seeds including corn, soybean, rice bran, grapeseed, canola, cottonseed, sunflower, and safflower. Sesame seed is also a seed oil but for unknown reasons was not included in the list of seed oils established by the anti-seed oil folks. Popular oils like olive and palm are not seed oils because they are extracted from fruits.
Results from the previously mentioned survey also revealed that 28% of Americans avoid consuming seed oils. This sentiment directly conflicts with recommendations by the American Heart Association to consume polyunsaturated fats such as corn oil, soybean oil, and canola oil. In addition, these oils have FDAapproved health claims stating that they may risk of coronary heart disease.
Here are three facts about seed oils that address some of the concerns you may have heard or seen.
FACT #1: SEED OILS MAY LOWER CHRONIC DISEASE RISK.
One argument of those against consuming seed oils is that they are a modern addition to the diet and because of that must be the cause of diabetes and obesity. Seed oils are a relatively modern addition to the diet as their popularity began to increase in the 1960s with the emergence of soybean oil. Before that, most of the fat used for cooking and food preparation was animal fat, such as butter, tallow, and lard. It is also true that the incidence of chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (diabetes occurs primarily in people with overweight/obesity) has increased markedly over the past 60 years, although heart disease mortality has decreased.
However, lots of things in society have changed over that time that have contributed to the obesity epidemic (e.g., the amount of time people spend on screens has increased significantly). Just because both of these things have occurred does not mean that one caused the other. Furthermore, when you analyze studies monitoring the health status of thousands of individuals for decades, seed oil intake is not associated with diabetes. In fact, those who consume higher amounts of seeds oils are less likely to develop diabetes. Population studies show diets higher in linoleic acid are associated with lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and overall mortality.
FACT #2: SEED OILS PROVIDE ESSENTIAL FAT FOR HUMAN HEALTH AND DO NOT INCREASE INFLAMMATION.
Another commonly stated argument from the anti-seed oil faction is that they are high in fat and increase inflammation which can adversely affect health. Seed oils are high in linoleic acid, a type of polyunsaturated fat. Americans consume about 8% of their calories in the form of linoleic acid. That may seem like a lot, but it is right in line with recommendations from the American Heart Association to consume 5 to 10% of total calories from linoleic acid. When polyunsaturated fat replaces saturated fat in the diet, blood cholesterol levels are lowered, which is why seed oils have health claims. And in contrast to the arguments from anti-seed oil voices, research shows that linoleic acid doesn’t increase inflammation or oxidative stress. The notion that they do is outdated thinking.
FACT #3: SEED OILS PROVIDE HEALTH BENEFITS, REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY ARE PROCESSED.
The processing seed oils undergo is another concern highlighted by those against seed oils. The steps involved in the processing of oils are tightly regulated and completed according to best practice safety limits. While the processing is how the oil is made, what matters most is how consuming the oil affects our health.
There is an enormous amount of evidence from the highestquality research studies showing seed oil consumption benefits health. In addition to seed oils’ potential to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, there is also evidence they may benefit liver function and reduce risk of dementia. Although in high-income countries, much of the concern about fat focuses on consuming too much saturated fat, in many countries around the world, the biggest problem is consuming insufficient amounts of polyunsaturated fat, which is provided by seed oils.
The bottom line is that the overarching scientific evidence supports the importance of including seed oils in our diet. For additional information and resources on this topic, please visit sniglobal.org/seedoils.
FROM FIELD TO FAIR: HANDS-ON SOY AT THE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR
Step off the midway this year, and you’ll discover South Dakota Soybean is planting something much more memorable than carnival prizes - a unique activation, where fairgoers can literally paint, touch, and taste the power of soybeans.
An interactive live mural wall, pre-sketched in a paint-bynumbers style, features a 20-foot canvas that invites visitors to take a brush and add their own strokes. By the end of the week, thousands of individual dabs will reveal a vibrant scene that traces soy’s journey from green fields to everyday products - reminding
Flanking the mural are four informative planters sprouting live soybean plants. Flip-up graphics on the backs of the planters deliver quick facts: soy supports 11,000 South Dakota jobs, contributes over $1 billion to the state economy, and aids in regenerating soil through nitrogen fixation. Take a seat under the event tent, where tables serve as rest stops and learning hubs staffed by soybean growers who are ready to answer questions. Or chat about the “everything” plant.
Why all the hands-on fun? Because, like the mobile “Soy Street” exhibit, experience beats a lecture every time. When kids help paint
Tri States Grain Conditioning will help you remotely monitor your grain. With our monitoring systems you will save on energy costs and improve your overall grain storage.
DANIEL WINKOWITSCH PRESIDENT
SOY STREET:
WHERE EVERY DAY SOY SURPRISES COME TO LIFE
Ask a third-grader what soybeans are good for, and you’ll probably hear “livestock feed” or “soy sauce”—if they answer at all. That Knowledge gap sparked the creation of “Soy Street”, a traveling hands-on exhibit that turns an ordinary space into a mini–Main Street lined with storefronts stocked entirely with soybean-powered products.
The concept is simple: make learning so engaging that kids forget they’re being taught. Children and adults alike are immersed in the world of soy. From sporting goods to the auto shop to the mini–mart, children can connect the dots on the importance of soy and its everyday products. Children yell, “I’m wearing soy, I got here because of soy, and I ate soy.” Even the snack shop surprises them—who knew their Oreos rely on soy lecithin?
A bean-sprout street sign welcomes guests before winding through three kid-sized storefronts. First, the Auto Shop allows them to spin a life-size tire, lift a tire-pressure gauge, and flip “Hiring/Open” door signs, with each action revealing a fast fact about soy in rubber, biodiesel, and local jobs. At the Sporting Goods stop, a semicircle of turf, sports gear, and a sneaker demonstrates how soy-based polyols replace petroleum in athletic shoes, balls, and artificial turf. Finally, the Mini-Mart invites kids to lift jumbo crayons, flip food disks, and raise an oversized ice-cream cone to discover how soy appears in wax, snacks, and even helps keep ice cream from melting—before they scoop up take-home crayons and coloring sheets and sanitize their hands at a soywrapped dispenser.
Soy Street’s first outing took place in March at Washington Pavilion Ag Day, and it was the feature of a Dakota News Now story. One fourth-grader summed it up best: “Soybeans are basically in everything!”
THE MOMENTUM CONTINUES THIS SUMMER:
JUNE – The South Dakota Children’s Museum in Brookings will transform into Soy Street on June 28th and 29th, anchoring a weekend of soybeans they have already been promoting.
AUGUST – “Soy Street” will make an appearance at the Sioux Empire Fair on Monday, August 4th. It will be located in the Discovery Barn in conjunction with Pipestone Systems. Be sure to come out and experience the activation.
BEYOND – We are working to secure locations in western South Dakota for the late fall and winter months. Stay tuned to find out where they will be.
Today’s elementary students are tomorrow’s consumers, voters, and innovators. When they see soybeans not just as “beans in a bin” but as crayons, shoes, truck tires, and biofuels, they begin to grasp the crop’s economic and environmental value to South Dakota. Soy Street plants the seed of curiosity, one visitor at a time.
CONSERVATION PRACTICES
OFFER SOYBEAN FARMERS A WIN-WIN SCENARIO
Conservation practices have been in place on countless South Dakota farms for generations, in many cases. However, recent pressure — both from environmentally conscious consumers and increased regulatory measures — has brought topics like soil management, carbon sequestration and other concerns to the forefront for many local producers.
Through their checkoff, South Dakota soybean farmers have invested in research both to quantify the impact of common farming methods and identify ways to further optimize the management of soil, water, inputs and more. They have also supported the development of new uses for soybeans that offer a renewable, environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum and other fossil fuels.
CONSERVATION PRACTICES BENEFIT FARMERS
Bruce Haines farms near Mitchell, South Dakota, and serves as District 1 Director for the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. He is proud of the practices he and other farmers have adopted that lay the groundwork for the sustainable, responsible production of food and fuel for the world.
"We as farmers cherish our land," says Haines. "We all want to keep our land, water and farming practices as safe and efficient as we possibly can. And with conservation, we can raise more bushels using less fertilizer, using less pesticides, using less inputs."
Haines is quick to point out that, for many farmers, these regenerative practices are nothing new. "I've been farming for 40-plus years, and I have ground that I haven't tilled in over 30 years," says Haines. "[Conservation practices] have been around for hundreds of years."
To be sure, many of these practices build upon conservation principles that have advanced agriculture in South Dakota for generations. They help promote soil health and increased yields, securing good returns in the here and now while promoting productive fields over the long haul.
Haines credits his no-till approach with improving water infiltration in his soil, which in turn helped mitigate some of the effects of severe flooding experienced throughout the region last June.
Farmers currently allocate checkoff dollars toward research on tillage practices, in addition to many other conservation activities such as limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers, growing cover crops and optimizing production practices.
THERE IS INCREASED DEMAND FOR SUSTAINABLE U.S. SOY
Haines and his fellow South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council directors also point to the reality that international buyers increasingly factor sustainability into purchasing decisions.
In recent years, the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) has emerged to evaluate the environmentally responsible practices exhibited by American producers. SSAP evaluates multiple considerations, including deforestation, soil management, water conservation, pesticide use and more. This stamp of approval is widely recognized on the global market, leading some buyers to show a preference for soybeans grown in the U.S.
"That's important to the [international] consumer," says Haines, noting that as much as 70 percent of all soybeans harvested in the U.S. are exported to foreign markets each year. "We want to be able to produce the safest, most responsible food in the world," he says.
NEW USES FOR SOYBEANS EXPAND THE SUSTAINABILITY NARRATIVE
Checkoff-funded efforts to develop new industrial uses for soy — from biofuels and road sealants to rubber tires and shoe soles to artificial turf and fire suppressants — have ushered in a paradigm shift as the world races to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels like petroleum.
USDA has yet to release 2024 data on domestic biodiesel and renewable diesel production, but Clean Fuels Alliance America projects that the total will surpass 5 billion gallons. With new processing plants coming online throughout the Midwest — including the Mitchell-area site slated to open later this fall — the future looks increasingly bright for soybeans.
"I feel more excited about soybeans every day," he continues, "because the more you learn about them, the more that one little soybean can do for you. It used to be that soybeans were in a hundred different products; now, we're talking thousands."
Recent efforts by South Dakota farmers to accelerate the development of new uses have focused on opening the POET Bioproducts Center in Brookings — a tangible reminder of checkoff investment in the future of soybeans and sustainability.
"We've just got to unlock that potential of that soybean," says Haines. "And here we go — we're off to the races."
LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
Supporting farmers in their conservation efforts and promoting the sustainability narrative of soybean production remains a top priority for the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. To learn more about these checkoff-funded activities, talk to your local district director or visit sdsoybean.org.
Our soybean farmers excel at earth-friendly practices — including reduced tillage, nutrient management, and growing cover crops — that help secure a brighter future. Checkoff-funded research and promotion efforts strengthen this sustainability narrative and drive demand for soybeans grown right here in South Dakota.
sdsoybean.org Good For The Earth. Good For Our Future.
with host, Tom Steever
Matt Erickson on Policy and Econ
Fields & Futures: Agriculture with Damian Mason
It’s an interesting path that led Indiana native Damian Mason to his current gig as an independent agriculture commentator and analyst. The public speaker keynoted South Dakota AgOutlook and spent some time after that giving his opinions on the current state of affairs for farmers and what he sees as their future. It was an insurance settlement for an unfortunate amputation involving Damian’s father that helped fund the purchase of his family’s dairy farm. That farm was Mason’s beginning in agriculture.
2025 brought a lot of change to the federal policy landscape. Those changes have meant economic uncertainty for farmers. Among the speakers and experts that the South Dakota Soybean Association invited to present at the 2024 AgOutlook Conference and Tradeshow last December was Matt Erickson, the Ag Economic and Policy Advisor for Farm Credit Services of America. On this edition of The Soybean Pod featuring Erickson, we address economic uncertainty and what might be expected on the agriculture horizon.
Protecting the Farm: Planning for LongTerm Care with Jayna Voss
One of the more daunting financial threats to the family farm, according to attorney Jayna Voss at Legacy Law Firm, is long-term nursing care, especially when that care is unplanned. It’s expensive emotionally and financially. But if farmers and their families plan, says Voss, on this edition of The Soybean Pod, there’s a much greater chance that these and other burdens can be withstood with the family farm intact.
In the field or on the road, listen to The Soybean Pod wherever you go!
TOP YIELDS, TOP QUALITY: SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS SHINE IN 2024 SOYBEAN CONTEST
South Dakota soybean growers continue to raise the bar when it comes to yield and quality—and last year’s contest proved just how high that bar can go.
In the 2024 SD Soybean Yield and Quality Contest, Steve Hagena of Davis took top honors in the Group 2 Irrigated category with an impressive yield of 99.390 bushels per acre, planting P28A51X soybeans. Not far behind was Jarrod Hagena of Hurley, also competing in the Group 2 Irrigated class with the same variety, achieving 94.456 bushels per acre.
Now it’s your turn. Do your soybeans meet the challenge? Entries are now open for the 2025 South Dakota Soybean Yield and Quality Contest. All South Dakota soybean farmers are eligible to compete for recognition, bragging rights, and prizes. Whether you’re dryland or irrigated, Group 0 or Group 3, there’s a category for your field.
Don’t miss your chance to see how your soybeans stack up. Sign up today!
Jarrod Hagena
Steve Hagena
Now’s the time t o sign up to enter the 202 5 Yield and Quality Contest.
Why should you participate? You can win cash prizes of up to $2,000, plus bragging rights all year long! And your data helps us compile best management practices for today and tomorrow.
MASTER CLASS
Previous contest winners recognized for achieving 100 bushel or greater will be automatically placed in the Master Class in all subsequent years.
MAIN CLASS
Entrants 18 years and older not participating in the Youth Class.
YOUTH CLASS
The Youth Class is open to participants age 13-21, with entrants age 18-21 having the option of participating in the Main Class or Youth Class.
Entrant age determined on January 1 of the contest year. (Applicable for Youth Class)
When most people think of barbecue, soybeans probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. You're more likely to imagine the smoky aroma, the tender, juicy meat, and the satisfying layers of flavor, from the crisp char to the sweet and tangy sauce. But surprisingly, soybeans play a vital role in bringing those BBQ flavors to life.
It might seem like an odd pairing at first, but there’s a clear connection. About 97% of all U.S. soybean meal is used in animal feed, providing essential nutrition to livestock like chickens, pigs, and turkeys. The same proteins that often end up sizzling on your grill. In South Dakota, pigs are the number one consumer of soybeans, accounting for 61% of the state’s total soybean usage.
So, why are we talking about soybeans and barbecue together? The answer lies in American tradition. BBQ is more than a cooking method—it’s a cultural staple. Likewise, farming is the backbone of the country, and soybeans are a key crop in sustaining that foundation. These two American icons go hand in hand, linking the farm to your table in a very direct way.
Recognizing this connection, U.S. Soy has teamed up with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) to highlight the role soy plays in the BBQ experience. Without soybean farmers, there would be no soybean meal to feed the animals, and without those animals, there’d be no ribs, pork shoulder, or grilled chicken to enjoy.
BBQ enthusiasts and pitmasters often agree that animals raised on a soy-based diet tend to produce meat with a milder, cleaner flavor, ideal for absorbing smoke and seasoning. Soy protein’s wellbalanced amino acid profile contributes to meat that is both tender and flavorful. On top of that, soybeans find their way into the BBQ experience in another form: soy sauce. This ancient, fermented soybean product has been flavoring meat since early Chinese civilization and remains a staple in modern marinades and glazes.
In 2023, KCBS introduced the U.S. Soy Combine Award as part of its Master Series Tour. This award is given to top-performing competitors in the ribs, pork, and chicken categories, highlighting excellence in soy-fueled BBQ. Many directors from U.S. Soy have become certified KCBS judges (CBJs) to help promote soy’s role in BBQ culture. In South Dakota, four CBJs—Todd Hanten, Michael McCranie, Tim Ostrem, and Dawn Scheier—are helping spread the word, one judging table at a time.
So next time you dig into a plate of barbecue, remember the unsung ingredient behind the scenes: soybeans. From the feed that nourishes livestock to the soy sauce that seasons your meat, soy is an essential player in the BBQ world. And behind every bean is a farmer whose hard work brings the flavor to your table.
Astudy from South Dakota State University (SDSU) indicates tillage reduction leads to increased soil organic carbon levels and better-yielding soybeans and corn. SDSU distinguished professor David Clay has watched this for more than twenty years.
“This organic matter helps hold water, it reduces erosion and that water that soil holds is provided to the plants that are growing during the growing season,” said Clay. “And it can help fill the gap during rainfalls that oftentimes don’t align with what the crop needs during a growing season.”
In the 1800s, South Dakota prairies were being homesteaded by settlers arriving from the east, according to a news release from SDSU that outlined the history and scientific evolution of Great Plains conservation. Early on, farmers used the moldboard plow to turn over and aerate the soil, helping to control weeds and prepare the soil for planting. The practice was successful in growing crops, but it also led to the Dust Bowl. That ecological catastrophe was partly caused by the destruction of native prairie grasses and excessive tillage of fertile topsoil. Those tillage practices also led to low levels of soil organic carbon, which it was later learned plays a key role in soil health. Carbon is a component of organic matter and contributes to nutrient retention, soil structure and water storage within soil.
Over the course of two decades, analysis of more than 12 million soil samples from South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska showed soil carbon increasing, in some cases, more than 400 pounds per acre per year resulting from tillage reductions.
“That carbon got to a certain point, and our microbial communities got to a certain point, and what they were doing is
they were getting that material that the nitrogen and the nutrients contained in the organic matter and they were decomposing that more rapidly,” Clay told the South Dakota Soybean Network. “And it was being mineralized and made available to the growing plant. Along with reductions in our tillage, it allowed us to reduce our nitrogen rates approximately 50 pounds per acre.”
As one might expect, an added benefit to tillage reduction or elimination is good old-fashioned conservation of soil resources.
“What we’re seeing is large reductions in erosion,” said Clay. “Reductions are somewhere between 20 and 30 percent. So, it’s making a big difference in what’s coming from our fields and moving into our streams and rivers.”
For maximum benefit, Clay recommends adhering to the soil health principle of covering the soil and minimizing tillage intensity.
“So, that residue covers that soil during a period of time from harvest until planting in the following year,” he said. “And it really protects that soil and reduces that runoff and erosion.”
HOW MUCH CARBON IS ENOUGH AND IS THERE SUCH A THING AS TOO MUCH CARBON?
“It does not look to us as if we’re approaching some sort of limit. Time will tell if we do meet that limit, but right now what we see is that we should be able to store and improve the soil health in a lot of our soils. With that improved health,” concluded Clay, “we think we’re going to see yield benefits linked to increasing water stored in our soils, which will then turn around and increase our yield potentials even further.”
FORMER INTELLIGENCE PROFESSIONAL TURNS ATTENTION TO AG CYBERSECURITY
Farmers’ growing dependence on software and connectivity brings with it increasing vulnerability to system breakdowns and even deliberate external tampering. A former intelligence professional heads a company whose mission is to protect agriculture infrastructure from failure due to cyber-attacks.
“As more equipment gets more and more interconnected, that becomes more and more of a threat. It means there are more threat factors,” says Will Cromarty, the founder and CEO of cybersecurity provider Kirkwall, citing an FBI concern about the risk of threats to the U.S. agriculture sector. “It’s something that we now are seeing nation/state actors essentially targeting the U.S. on, specifically looking at how they can take down American food infrastructure and agricultural infrastructure at certain times.”
Most agriculture infrastructure, from soil moisture sensors to computer-equipped tractors and combines, is now interconnected in a way that wasn’t possible a short time ago, according to Cromarty.
“In the same way that you might have some kind of threat to your own personal computer or your own cell phone, right now there’s no reason that agricultural equipment can’t be targeted in the same way. We’ve seen it be targeted,” he said, from Kirkwall’s Sioux Falls office. “It’s also one where traditionally, you know, cybersecurity or just larger concepts of national security usually didn’t overlap too much with that ag sector. And all of a sudden now farmers are having to think about that and say, ‘You know, is there something that could shut down my operations?’”
What Kirkwall offers, says Cromarty, is the monitoring of
software-dependent equipment so that downtime and productivity loss can be avoided.
“No matter what sensor it is, whether that is something telling you that your soil moisture is at a certain level in your field up through your grain dryer’s overheating and about catch on fire, we can pull in those data feeds, put them in one place into one central dashboard and then essentially give you that real-time alerting, like that ‘Check Engine’ light that says, ‘you know, hey, something’s going wrong with your operation,’” explained Cromarty, during the interview for an edition of the Soybean Pod, adding that there is little that escapes his company’s watchful sensors.
“We tend to operate much more on that defensive side, really trying to be that early warning for you that essentially something’s starting to falter, something’s starting to be sabotaged,” he said. “It’s getting a command that doesn’t make sense or it’s doing something unusual, essentially allowing you to do that safe shutdown before physical property damage occurs.”
Learn more on The Soybean Pod, available on most podcast platforms. Brought to by South Dakota soybean farmers and their Soybean Checkoff.
Will Cromarty, Founder and CEO of cybersecurity provider Kirkwall.
NURTURING U.S. SOY EXPORTS THROUGH ACCELERATING SUSTAINABILITY AND GROWING CONNECTIONS
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating the quality and value of U.S. Soy for global customers, thanks in part to investments from the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff. We aim to create and elevate international customer preference for U.S. Soy products.
Nurturing trust in U.S. Soy is at the heart of our work. Trust requires building, strengthening and deepening relationships. Our team blends in-the-trenches support and big-picture strategic insight throughout the global soy supply chain. Their collaboration and commitment create environments where relationships and trust flourish.
These relationships ensure that high-quality U.S. Soy, including South Dakota soybeans, reach customers who use it to sustainably nourish people, feed livestock and fish, and strengthen their businesses. Through these relationships, U.S. exports for marketing year 2023/24 totaled 60.8 million metric tons (MMT), valued at $31.2 billion.
“More than six out of every 10 rows of soybeans we grow here in South Dakota are exported,” said Mike McCranie, a farmer from Claremont, South Dakota. “Maintaining current export markets and finding new ones is absolutely critical for us. That’s where USSEC plays such a vital role.”
Our most recent USSEC annual report highlights a remarkable network of relationships that contribute to ongoing demand for U.S. Soy. For example, during the last marketing year, U.S. soybean meal exports set a record of 14.4 million metric tons, valued at $6.7 billion.
COLBY PINKSTONE Executive Director, International Strategy, U.S. Soybean Export Council
Explore our work in animal nutrition, aquaculture, soy foods and soybean oil that South Dakota soybean farmers make possible in the full annual report.
To view Nurturing Trust: USSEC 2024 Annual Report, scan the QR code below.
ACCELERATING COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability has become a critical priority for industries and companies around the world, and U.S. Soy has become an essential part of providing sustainable solutions.
The U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) provides verification and trust in the sustainability of soybeans produced in the U.S. More than 40.5 million metric tons of U.S. Soy products shipped with an SSAP certificate in marketing year 2023/24, covering two-thirds of total exports.
“Without question, the U.S. grows the most sustainable soybeans in the world,” McCranie said. “SSAP is a great example of how we’re leading the way, thanks to farmers embracing the fact that sustainability has to be part of our marketing plan.”
SSAP certificates now carry data about the carbon footprint of verified soybeans, facilitating customers’ Scope 3 emissions reporting. This data uses life cycle assessment (LCA) information from the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI). USSEC is the first organization to use GFLI datasets this way.
Such transparency fosters trust in U.S. Soy. To pass this trust on to consumers, USSEC offers the Sustainable U.S. Soy and Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy product labels, which signify responsible sourcing with SSAP-verified soy. More than 1,120 products from 123 companies in 19 countries feature these labels.
USSEC is supporting global progress in sustainability, and that motivates our team to keep moving forward. The 2024 U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol annual report explains how USSEC is accelerating its commitment to sustainability.
To view the 2024 U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol Annual Report, scan the QR code above:
INVESTING IN TODAY FOR AN ABUNDANT TOMORROW
In addition to other export efforts, the SD Soybean Checkoff directly supports the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) program led by USSEC. The SEC delivers trusted professional development for early- to mid-career protein professionals in emerging markets.
Protein demand around the world is projected to grow, and the SEC program is taking the lead in developing educational communities to meet these needs. SEC training builds trust, relationships, and knowledge, as researchers and experts from top U.S. and global universities support curriculum in aquaculture, poultry and feed milling, as well as market-specific courses like food for human use and swine production.
“Soy Excellence Centers are one of the most important tools we have to bring new people into our industry,” said McCranie. “They’ve surpassed my wildest expectations in what they’ve done to connect and educate our industry. That’s a win for all of us.”
The strategic learning centers provide virtual and in-person training in the Americas, Asia, Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Explore how the SEC program is growing achievements, connections and appreciation around the world in the 2024 Soy Excellence Center annual report.
To view the 2024 Soy Excellence Center annual report, scan the QR code below.
Together, these reports strive to share the return on investment USSEC provides for the farmers that anchor the U.S. Soy supply chain through the SD Soybean Research and Promotion Council and other partners.
RESEARCH
FARMERS FUND RESEARCH ON SOYBEAN PRODUCTION PRACTICES
South Dakota soybean farmers fund important research on production practices — including weed management, insect and disease control, tillage practices and more — through their checkoff to improve on-farm outcomes and support overall profitability. Each year, the nine elected district directors who comprise the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council board help identify and allocate money toward research priorities.
2024-25 PRODUCTION RESEARCH
Here is a quick look at some of the current projects identified by the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council that are aimed at production practices:
SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE
SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Specialist Madalyn Shires has worked on tracking the spread of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in South Dakota thanks to checkoff funding for the past several years. She describes SCN as a "silent yield-robber," and her hope is to be able to equip farmers to mitigate its impact as best they can. "We can gather the data, we can tell them what it means, and then just try to support [producers] in making the best management decisions and try to manage disease issues as much as possible," Shires said.
Two SDSU research students pull soil samples to test for soybean cyst nematodes.
DECTES STEM BORER
Though typically more common to sunflower rotations, Dectes stem borer has increasingly impacted soybean production in South Dakota in recent years. SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist Adam Varenhorst oversees checkoff-funded research on, among other aspects, insecticide application timing to more effectively manage Dectes stem borer. "Ideally, we'd like to get to a point where we can have a model to figure out when the larvae are going to be pupating and when the adults would begin emerging," Varenhorst explained, noting that the ideal application window can vary from year to year based on a number of environmental factors.
FOLIAR DISEASES IN SOYBEANS
SDSU Extension Plant Pathologist Shyam Solanki studies foliar diseases in soybeans, and his checkoff-funded research is taking a closer look at forecast models and applications to help identify and treat for white mold, frogeye leaf spot and sudden death syndrome. Under his direction, a group of SDSU Extension graduate students are also working on developing an app for farmers that helps them better manage pathogen pressure. "We wanted to make it easier for farmers to identify diseases, know what tools they have, and take timely action," said Solanki. "This app is designed to do exactly that.”
Sudden death syndrome, a foliar disease in soybeans, includes the following symptoms: Interveinal blight yellow blotches, with advanced symptoms showing necrotic (dead tissue) between leaf veins (as seen in photo).
SOYBEAN PRODUCTION WITH STRIP-TILLAGE
Peter Kovács is Associate Professor for Precision Agriculture Cropping Systems at South Dakota State University. He is currently undertaking research supported by the checkoff to study strip tillage and sidedress fertilizer applications. This is of particular importance as farmers evaluate the economics, yield outcomes and soil health benefits of various tillage practices. While he notes that many South Dakota farmers have already adopted conservation practices, Kovács is interested in a cost-benefit analysis when incorporating precision nutrient application. "How can we be more efficient?" he asked. "Not just with yield, but even the quality of the soybean—the protein and oil side of the grain composition."
INCREASED SOYBEAN USAGE HELPS DRIVE CHECKOFF-FUNDED RESEARCH
While much of the research soybean farmers fund through their checkoff is focused on production practices, the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council also invests in studies on new uses and other opportunities to increase soybean demand. Noteworthy projects in the current fiscal year include one effort focused on developing a soy-based adjuvant to improve the efficacy of white mold treatments and another that explores the value of extruded soybeans in cattle rations.
IMPROVED EFFICACY WITH A SOY-BASED ADJUVANT
Matthew Cole is currently utilizing checkoff funds to conduct research on a soy-based adjuvant designed to improve the efficacy of white mold treatments in soybeans. "This is an input farmers can use that they know is coming from their soybean crops," said Cole, who launched Pioneer BioTech a few years back and now operates out of the POET Bioproducts Center in Brookings.
He touted the unique nature of his research, which addresses multiple priorities — improved production practices and new soy uses — for the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Cole noted that he grew up on a family farm in South Dakota; that upbringing gave him a deeper appreciation for a closed-loop model that may one day equip farmers with a new tool for managing pressure in their soybean fields while also supporting soybean value.
If his current research continues to show promising results, Cole said he hopes to expand the study through additional funding beyond the soybean checkoff to bring a new solution to market for on-farm use.
INCREASED SOY DEMAND
Soybean meal has long been a key component within livestock rations, offering superior protein quality and composition to support positive animal health outcomes. Checkoff-funded research continues to play an important role in driving demand for soy meal in livestock development.
A current study supported by the checkoff is overseen by Zach Smith, Associate Professor for Beef Cattle Nutrition and Management at South Dakota State University. Smith is comparing cattle health outcomes of a traditional diet that includes distillers grains with rations using meal from extruded soybeans that have been exposed to high pressure and high heat during processing.
"We’re really just trying to find more opportunities for soybean farmers to sell their crop," said Smith, noting that extrusion doesn't take place at crush plants but rather at independent manufacturers to whom farmers would be able to sell directly. "This could be a value-added revenue stream, especially in regions where full-fat soybeans might make sense in cattle diets."
Soy-prisingly Everywhere. 1,000+ Uses of Soy—Rooted in Sustainability.
