Illinois Field & Bean - June 2023

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6 Who Knows Your Rows?

The 2023 Soy Envoys share their top tips this growing season.

13 Navigating the Conservation Funding Space

Navigating the conservation funding space can be difficult. The good news? The ISA Agronomy Team is here to help.

14 Carbon & Data Guidebook

ILSoyAdvisor's Carbon & Data Guidebook covers the basics of emerging carbon and ecosystem programs, their farm data needs, and how you can better position your farm operation for any program or precision ag initiative.

22 The People Behind the Platform

In a dot-com era, get to know the behind-the-scenes bean team who makes ILSoyAdvisor “go,” contributing in meaningful ways to deliver fresh, innovative content in an engaging and accessible way.

CHAIRMAN

Steve Pitstick, Maple Park

District 2

VICE CHAIRMAN

Ron Kindred, Atlanta

District 9

SECRETARY

Tim Scates, Carmi

At-Large

TREASURER

Bryan Severs, Potomac

District 7

ASSISTANT SECRETARY-TREASURER

Dwayne Anderson, Lynn Center

District 3

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

CHAIR

Brad Daugherty, West Union

District 14

MARKET DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

CHAIR

Scott Gaffner, Greenville

At-Large

UTILIZATION COMMITTEE CHAIR

Brady Holst, Plymouth

At-Large

DIRECTORS

Ryan Frieders, Waterman | District 1

Buck Hill, Grand Ridge | District 4

Mark Read, Putnam | District 5

Jim Martin, Pontiac | District 6

STAFF CREDITS

David Niekamp, Coatsburg | District 8

Elliott Uphoff, Shelbyville | District 10

Matt Murray, Paxton | District 11

Brock Willard, Pittsfield | District 12

Ed Murphy, Farmersville |

District 13

Jeff Parker, Belleville | District 15

Brian Atteberry, Carmi | District 16

Nick Harre, Nashville | District 17

Rick Rubenacker, McLeansboro | District 18

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS

Betsey Emerick, Vandalia

Jeff O'Connor, Kankakee

David Wessel, Chandlerville

UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD (USB)

Dwayne Anderson, Lynn Center

Gary Berg, St. Elmo

Lynn Rohrscheib, Fairmount

David Wessel, Chandlerville

AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION (ASA)

Stan Born, Mahomet

Daryl Cates, Columbia, ASA President

Jered Hooker, Clinton

Jim Martin, Pontiac

Bill Raben, Ridgway

Rob Shaffer, El Paso

Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, Nebo

Bill Wykes, Yorkville

Editor | Claire Weinzierl, Illinois Soybean Association

Assistant Editor | Betsy Osman, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer | Brynna Sentel, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer & Photographer | Stephen Sostaric, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer | Olivia Key, Illinois Soybean Association

Digital Edition & Circulation Manager | Heather Rod, Illinois Soybean Association

OTHER ISA STAFF

Chief Executive Officer | John Lumpe

Director of Operations | Dustin Scott

Director of Market Development | Todd Main

Director of Finance | Kati Owen

Director of Government Relations & Strategy | Andrew Larson

Director of Agronomy | Abigail Peterson

The Illinois Soybean Growers is owner of Illinois Field & Bean, a publication for Illinois soybean farmers, designed and written to provide timely and useful industry information. Illinois Field & Bean is published by the Illinois Soybean Association, 1108 Trinity Lane, Bloomington, IL, 61704. For address corrections, contact Illinois Field & Bean at 1108 Trinity Lane, Bloomington, IL, 61704. Phone 309-663-7692. Web address: www.ilsoy.org. Email: heather.rod@ilsoy.org.

Comments and statewide news articles should be sent to the above address. Advertising space reservations must be made by the first of the month preceding publication. In consideration of the acceptance of advertisement, the agency and the advertiser must, in respect of the contents of the advertisement, indemnify and save the publisher harmless against any expense arising from claims or actions against the publisher because of the publication of the content of the advertisement.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Claire Weinzierl

Communications Manager

Phone: (309) 663-7692

Email: claire.weinzierl@ilsoy.org

BETSEY EMERICK | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

News You Can Use

As a farmer, I know it’s hard to find unbiased tools to help you filter through actionable and timely advice that's specific to your land in Illinois. Some people are trying to sell you stuff, some people have ulterior motives, but very few resources are targeted at simply helping us farmers make the best decisions for our fields.

Lucky for me, and all Illinois farmers, ILSoyAdvisor.com does just that. I’m grateful for the valuable resource that is powered by the Illinois Soybean Association’s in-house agronomy team as well as experts from the University of Illinois Extension program, our network of Illinois researchers, and other agronomic experts from the Soy Envoy program.

One tool from the site that I use frequently is the Online Crop Report. It compiles data and breaks the state into six regions to help farmers like me best understand what is going on in my area. This is helpful because something that worked for a farmer up north isn’t necessarily the best solution for my farm in the Vandalia area. All the relevant information that will impact my specific crops is right at my fingertips.

Another resource provided by ILSoyAdvisor is the wide array of research that is funded through ISA. From soil health research to plant pathology and everything in-between, our collaborative research colleagues are investigating exactly what farmers want, and need to know. The information found at ILSoyAdvisor.com is targeted toward helping farmers make educated decisions based on science-backed data, eliminating any guess-work from the decision making process. I personally like knowing what I’m putting into my crops and this research does a great job of breaking that down for me.

This is also a great site to read blog articles from industry experts such as the 2023 Class of Soy Envoys. These seven individuals have covered a full range of topics, answering the questions we all have from the field. Karen Corrigan wrote a fantastic blog covering her own “Go To” agronomy resources, Kris Ehler wrote a fascinating blog on crop insurance, and Leo Rocha is working on a soybean pathology series. Good stuff!

Have questions about carbon? ILSoyAdvisor.com has you covered there, too, with the CarbonSense program which helps describe carbon sequestration and how to enroll in the right program for your operation.

ISA is meeting farmers like me out in the field, making sure we get the timely, actionable, and unbiased information we need to have the most profitable season possible. From one farmer to another, I encourage you to check out this information that will keep you competitive in the marketplace. You won’t regret it. Happy Growing!

It’s Grow Time

Witnessing new growth emerging in the fields across the state is perhaps the most exciting part of this time of year. As farmers wrap up the 2023 planting season and seedlings take root, ISA staff are also “in the fields” learning new information, cultivating new relationships, and influencing decisions with farmers’ guidance that affect agriculture. While crops grow in the field, similarly, ISA staff across departments are growing their skills in the service of best serving farmers and reaching organizational goals. This time of year is also an important time for our Board of Directors to determine the projects that will be funded in our next fiscal year.

A number of proposals are submitted year after year, and it’s up to our 24 farmer leaders to decide which of those investment opportunities are most impactful to meeting organizational priorities based on strategic goals set by the Market Development, Soybean Production, and Government Relations Committees.

The ISA Market Development team works to promote Illinois soy as the preferred choice for U.S. and global customers and support advancement to infrastructure. Staff work to build Illinois soy's reputation in a variety of ways, including:

• Growing international and domestic markets for Illinois soy in the feed, food, fiber and fuel industries.

• Promoting Illinois' competitive advantage in infrastructure to stakeholders.

• Communicating the benefits of soy as a healthy source of protein and fat in food and feed products. Additionally, the team identifies and prioritizes the development and promotion of high-value, soy-based industrial products and works with strategic partners to increase soy-based fuel usage in major markets including diesel fleets, equipment, marine, and aviation.

The ISA Agronomy team fulfills goals of the Soybean Production Committee, conducting agronomic research and education that creates opportunities for Illinois soybean farmers to increase on-farm profitability and manage crop production risks. The team works to ensure Illinois soybean farmers are well equipped throughout each growing season, which involves a variety of projects, including:

• Building partnerships to supplement ISA's research and educations programs.

• Establishing basic and applied research priorities that address regionally-specific production challenges.

• Demonstrating soybean system agronomics focused on soil and water quality, agricultural resource resiliency and land stewardship.

• Continuing to expand the ISA agronomic network and raise awareness among farmers through ongoing outreach.

The ISA Government Relations team acts to improve legislation and build relationships that advance beneficial farm policies

and limit burdensome regulations. The team works toward this goal by engaging in ongoing outreach across both the urban and rural political spectrum to further establish ISA as a trusted resource and policy leader, and to identify common priorities for potential partnerships. Additionally, the team works to deepen relationships with current partners and continues to lead beneficial coalitions, explores opportunities on current and future policy priorities, and cultivates a policy network that will support quick and effective action on legislation and regulation.

Across these pages, you’ll find several examples of the work our committees are powering forward by connecting global needs with local capabilities. While our farmers are out planting the crops that will nourish and sustain families around the world, ISA is growing opportunities that will nourish and sustain the farm families of Illinois.

We may not be in the fields working beside you, but we’re always working for you.

JOHN LUMPE | CEO | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Who Knows Your Rows?

The Soy Envoys' Top Tips This Growing Season

Recently, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine sat down with the 2023 Soy Envoys to ask about their top three tips for growers this season. Here’s what they had to say.

Karen Corrigan, Co-Owner, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics, CCA

Tip 1: The most important tip I can give to a farmer is to SCOUT! Then scout some more. Identify the most common weeds in each field so that you can customize your herbicide program to control those weeds. Change your program as needed for each field. Don’t assume your weeds are the same in every field, particularly if you farm across any distance. Identify insects and life cycle stage to determine if an insecticide is warranted. Is the population at a threshold that should be controlled? Are the growing conditions ideal or somewhat stressful to the crop? Answer these questions before automatically using an insecticide. What diseases are present in the field? Can those diseases be controlled by a fungicide? If not, don’t incur the expense.

Tip 2: READ ALL THE LABELS!

I repeat, read all the labels of the products you are applying to your fields. Look for disclaimers for specific environmental conditions. Check the rates for your field soils to determine the most appropriate rate. Monitor the fields after application to determine if the application was sufficient or if a second application may be warranted.

Tip 3: If you are looking at new products, leave an untreated check strip. If you do not leave an untreated check, you cannot determine if the product impacted your yield and ultimately your profit. Test products in fields that are in good condition and fields that may be in a tougher state. Do not assume if the product works on one field that it will positively impact all your fields – confirm it.

Kris Ehler, Sales Agronomist/ President, Ehler Brothers Co., CCA

Tip 1: Planting population is worth revisiting every year based off planting date and variety. Making population decisions should include the architecture of the plant. Soybeans can be thin line, intermediate or bush/branching. Advanced Agrilytics uses a VPI or Variety Profile Index to classify

each variety. Planting earlier offers opportunities to lower populations but setting them too low leaves a paper-thin margin for error. Scripts are ideal (in my opinion) as they take into consideration soil type, fertility, and variety characteristics. Late planting requires slightly higher populations to offset lost potential in overall nodes.

Tip 2: In-season management should be considered. Monitoring disease pressure and insect pressure as the plant enters reproductive phases will allow for timely applications of a fungicide and insecticide that can rob the plant of photosynthetic capacity, nutrients, and cause yield loss. Applications at R2 or R3 have proven to give very good ROI when disease and insects are present.

Tip 3: Often overlooked is timely harvest. Soybeans can dry down rapidly during the fall. As soybeans dip below 13% growers give up 1.14% of yield for every 1% of moisture below 13%. For a field that's yielding 70 bushels/acre at 13% moisture, harvesting it at 9% results in selling 3.1 fewer bushels/ acre. In the current markets, that would be about $45/acre in loss. Growers should begin harvest at

14-15% and monitor the forecasts for rain events to put moisture back into the pods. This does not account for shatter that often occurs at lower moistures as well. Four to five beans on the ground per square foot can add up to one bushel per acre loss.

Matt Herman, Account Manager (DSM), Burrus Seed Company, CCA

Tip 1: Plant beans as early as possible. Planting soybeans early is a critical component when striving for high yields. By planting beans early, this allows for the plant to capture maximum amounts of sunlight which in turn help produce more nodes. More nodes per plant equals more pods per node which equals more yield. When planting early beans, consider lowering populations to promote lateral branching. It is important to know and understand which varieties can adapt to lower populations and will promote branching to compensate. In my opinion, shorter statured and wider canopy beans are preferred for this type of management approach.

Tip 2: Protect your seed investment with fungicide. Fungicide treatments have been

taking place for many years, yet there are still several growers who have not adopted this practice into their management system. Some growers have the mindset that it will take x number of bushels to break even from making the investment of the fungicide. As an example, if fungicide costs $30.00 per acre for the product and application with a current soybean price of $14.22 per bushel, then it will take 2.1 extra bushels to break even on that application. Although that is true, I encourage growers to think of it from a different perspective. Think of fungicide applications in any crop as a way protect the yield potential that is already there, rather than adding bushels. When making applications of fungicide it is important to know which growth stage the crop should be in. Fungicide should be applied to soybeans in the R3 growth stage to maximize return on investment. A soybean plant is at the R3 growth stage when there is a pod at least 3/16 inch long (but less than 3/4 inch long) at one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem with a fully developed leaf.

Tip 3: Micronutrients can lead to macro results. Companies across the nation continuously research and develop new products to aid in foliar nutrition. Many of these products contain micro or macro nutrient packages that can aid in nutrient flow, root and or plant development, as well as reproduction aids.

Three key nutrients that I find important in soybean production are boron, sulfur, and calcium. Like all nutrients, there are sometimes hundreds of different formulations of these nutrients, and it is best to research and understand which formulations are easily absorbed and translocated throughout the plant. Boron for example is a large molecule and can be hard for the plant to absorb, but when applied with a superior penetrant product, it can become very effective. Boron is a

critical component in reproductive growth stages of all plants. It aids in pollination and seed or fruit production. It is also responsible for the movement of sugars and carbohydrates throughout plants. Secondly, calcium stimulates root, stem, and leaf formations which help create a bigger factory to absorb more nutrients. Calcium also promotes greater amounts of fruit development and is required by the nitrogen fixing bacteria that soybeans utilize. Lastly, the macronutrient of sulfur is a nutrient that is widely underapplied in many crops. Sulfur is used by legumes to aid in seed production as well as nodule formation. Soybeans, as well as many other crops, can be significantly stunted in growth when planted into cool, wet soils. As many growers start to plant soybeans earlier and earlier, the addition of sulfur can increase root and early plant vigor when struggling to emerge in these conditions.

Kelly Robertson, Owner, Precision Crop Services LLC, Lead Agronomist, CCA

Tip 1: Plant your beans 1.5 inches deep. Beans planted at 1.5 emerge more evenly and faster than those planted shallower. Placing the bean at that depth against undisturbed soil gives the bean something to "push against.” Studies show that planting beans 1.5-2 inches deep in soil in some zones results in higher yields. If you're scared that they won't come up or that they will get crusted in, you shouldn’t be planting anyway.

Tip 2: A rotary hoe is a management tool, not a sign of failure. If you did everything right prior to and up to planting the crop, and now because of a change in weather you get crusting or need to hoe to help emergence, you didn't fail. A rotary hoe is no different than any other implement tool on the farm. It has a purpose and a time and place for its use. The most important thing to remember about a rotary hoe is this: If you think you might need to hoe, you should already be running the

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

tool. Usually when one decides they need to run it, it's almost too late.

Tip 3: Soybeans are not scavengers, despite what many claim. If you want to grow big bean yields, you have to feed the crop. You “can't starve a profit out of a pig" and you can't expect big bean yields without feeding the crop. Fertilize high-yield beans like you fertilize high-yield corn. Potash and sulfur are the two main ingredients to high yields. High-bean yields without fertilizing K and S is just pure luck.

Leonardo Rocha, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Southern Illinois University

Tip 1: Remember to use fungicides with multiple modes of action to manage frogeye leaf spot (FLS), as resistant isolates of the FLS causal pathogen have been identified in Illinois since the early 2010s. These isolates have levels of resistance to specific fungicides. Implementing multiple fungicide modes of action will provide better FLS management and help maintain the limited modes of action available to control soybean fungal diseases.

Tip 2: The soybean cyst nematode can cause significant yield losses without showing apparent symptoms. As your beans move into vegetative growth, dig some plants (dig, don’t pull), inspect the root system, and look for SCN cysts. The SCN Coalition (thescncoalition.com) has educational resources to help you manage SCN. Consider testing your fields to get a better picture of what SCN population levels may be present on your farm.

Tip 3: Keep an eye on red crown rot towards the later growth stages of soybean, usually after flowering. The foliar symptoms are characterized by interveinal chlorosis (very similar to sudden death syndrome); if the soil moisture is high, the fungus will produce red round reproductive structures in the lower stem and roots. This disease was first identified in Illinois in 2017 and is now reported in several Central Illinois counties.

Crystal Williams, Field Agronomist, Pioneer Seed – CORTEVA Agriscience, CCA

Tip 1: Spray weeds early and layer modes of action. Make sure to “calibrate your ruler” and spray weeds within the label’s sizing, which is usually 4 inches or less. If you think weeds are “small enough,” then you’re probably too late. With soybean technologies available today, we can layer modes of action and ensure the tools we have today will still be effective in years to come.

Tip 2: Don’t skimp on investing in a good quality, broad spectrum fungicide. As budgets get tight in season, we can look around and consider, “Do I really need this?”, “A generic will do the job,” or “I don’t see that much disease to justify this.” While our industry has plenty of options available, not all are created equal. I cannot stress this enough: check your percent active ingredients in your generics versus branded products as well as the labeled disease spectrum. Additionally, make sure you use a product that will provide protection across multiple pathogens instead of putting all of your eggs in one basket with a selective and limited fungicide.

Tip 3: With a mild winter, pest management may be a larger challenge this year than we’ve had in years past. Be sure to get out and scout your fields for insects like bean leaf beetle and stink bugs. Consider budgeting for an insecticide this summer when your fields are being sprayed. Just because they haven’t been an issue last year or the year before doesn’t mean they won’t be this year!

Visit ILSoyAdvisor.com and follow along this growing season as this team of experts shares their experiences, their farm management advice, and everything they learn along the way. And on behalf of the Soy Envoys:

“Be safe this season; we hope your operation reaches new milestones in 2023!”

( YOU )

Who’s the No. 1 protein source in chicken feed? YOU are. That’s right. You’re winning.

Moving

EDITOR'S MESSAGE | Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Investing In You

As I move through the beginning stages of my professional career, I’ve found myself realizing that we are more than the work that we do each day, and the contributions we make over time. Day after day, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) staff advocate for Illinois farmers, work together strategically with partner organizations, and coordinate project efforts to fulfill investments determined by the board each year.

Looking past the demands of our jobs, our team efforts add up to a much larger investment within the industry. Just as farmers have become stewards of the land, staff at ISA have taken on a stewardship role on behalf of farmers, guided by their voices and direction.

Something very special about the culture at ISA is that you’ll often hear teammates say, “I appreciate you.” Not, “I appreciate your help,” or “I appreciate your great work.” Just, “I appreciate you.” I think there’s something meaningful and sincere in those three little words that sum up our respect and admiration for each other as colleagues, our shared goals, and the farmers we serve.

You'll often find that the reason people choose to work in agriculture is because they have family ties back to the farm in one form or another, and that’s just what Illinois agriculture is; a family. Collectively, we value – and appreciate – our opportunity to belong and to give back to farmers through service and representation.

My hope as you read through this issue of Illinois Field & Bean is that you’ll find our goal is to provide you with relevant and timely information that provides a service to you. Read along to learn the Soy Envoys' top tips this growing

season through ILSoyAdvisor.com and learn more about the experts behind ILSoyAdvisor who power the platform year-round.

Within these pages, you’ll also find ILSoyAdvisor’s new Carbon & Data Guidebook. Whether or not your farming operation is currently committed to a carbon or conservation program, now is an important time to take a look at how you are collecting, managing, and storing your farm data. The Guidebook covers the basics of emerging carbon and ecosystem programs, their farm data needs, and how you can better position your farm operation for any of these program opportunities.

But most importantly, I hope you take away a sense of our appreciation for the importance of the work you do on your farms each day that impacts your communities, Illinois’ economy, and the world as it’s no easy task. And for that, we appreciate you.

CLAIRE WEINZIERL | EDITOR | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

ISA Agronomy: Here, There, and Everywhere

Another year of planting wrapped up for most Illinois farmers during the first week of May. From frost issues in April, hail damage in May, and keeping up with emergence issues, there hasn’t been a dull moment. Our new Online Crop Report on ILSoyAdvisor.com has been pushing out information from across the state highlighting field and crop conditions. The Crop Report tool, paired with updates to agronomic information on ILSoyAdvisor, has been buzzing with resources on early pest concerns, herbicide considerations, cover crop notes and more. Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) agronomists have been in the field conducting stand counts, evaluating damage, and starting to track progress for the year.

Early planting dates fell around April 11. For some, soybeans were in first and completed before corn went in the ground. Select fields of early April soybeans had frost issues appear on cotyledons and ISA Outreach Agronomist Stephanie Porter posted what identifying factors and management decisions could be made at the time.

As the team has grown at ISA, the Agronomy Outreach team, Stephanie Porter, CCA, and Kelsey Litchfield, have both made huge impacts on our ILSoyAdvisor platform. We use ILSoyAdvisor social media channels as a main driver to update on research findings, timely field issues, and what activities are occurring across the state. Our social media also allows for interaction with farmers and gives us an opportunity to capture immediate issues. As we continue to expand the ISA agronomic network, we want to provide farmers with a trusted, non-biased, third-party resource to understand data and programing available. For each of us on the ISA Agronomy team, it is an honor to hold a position where our sole job is to inform and educate. We work with incredibly talented researchers and agronomists whose main goal is to understand soybean systems and what it means to grow a better bean. Outreach has been an avenue that will continue to grow with our own ISA-led field trials, summer field days and agronomic services.

It's a strategic priority of the ISA Agronomy team to understand the ever-changing space within the carbon and ecosystem markets and USDA Climate Smart initiatives. We each bring our own past experiences and expertise to address the needs of Illinois farmers. Some of us are heavily involved within the management space of learning from trials and farms across the state, others are growing expertise around cover crops, reduced tillage, nutrient management and finding tools that are needed to build field and economic resiliency. Other team members are focused on what research is needed by working with scientists across the state to better understand

the science behind carbon, soil health and water quality. One of our team leaders in this space, Agronomic Programs Manager Megan Miller, is heavily involved in understanding the programs in the State of Illinois, what opportunities they provide as well as what to watch out for. Within this issue, Megan details the Carbon & Data Guidebook covering the basics of these emerging carbon and ecosystem markets that lay the foundation for what key terms and conditions farmers should know. Our number one goal isn’t our own needs for enrollment of acres or a cost-share program; we truly are wanting to provide unbiased information to help farmers make informed decisions. We see the value of best management practices beyond the market space and cost-shares. Having worked with farmers on these systems for years, finding what has improved field production and protected resources is an amazing tool for farmers to utilize. The ISA Agronomy team will continue to advocate for farmers, push for better programing, provide guidance, find opportunities, challenge leaders, and above all, educate.

You’ll find within this issue the many areas that the ISA agronomy team will be working over the 2023 growing season. Investigating integrated pest management concerns like Soybean Cyst Nematode and weed control issues, and aligning university expertise with Illinois farmers is the focus for our Research Agronomist Jennifer Jones. Jennifer ensures checkoff-funded research is timely, practical, and easily accessed on ILSoyAdvisor.com.

The ISA Agronomy team has started a network of trial sites to build a data set around soybean systems, digging into what soil testing, regional information, rotation economics, applied practices, and yield responses to management to provide farmers with agronomic knowledge on their own farms. Agronomic Program Coordinator Deanna Burkhart leads our farmer relations and management collection processes. In the development of our research trials, we have not only external experts to collaborate with but our own experiences with soil health trials, industry studies, plant breeding trialing and many more areas that we are building to keep the quality of data at the forefront. We are excited to house a space for unbiased, agronomic information.

Our team will be here, there, and everywhere this summer either at conferences, field days, or walking field rows. Our time and efforts are in the service of providing agronomic research and education that create opportunities for Illinois soybean farmers to increase on-farm profitability and manage crop production risks. Have a safe growing season and make sure to find us in a field near you!

ABIGAIL PETERSON, CCA | DIRECTOR OF AGRONOMY | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

but this program is unique in that it allows farmers who have implemented conservation practices in the past to still receive incentive payments.

PCM farmers will also have access to NRCS – RCPP funds for cover crop adoption. Learn more about PCM and how you can enroll at www.precisionconservation.org.

Navigating the Conservation Funding Space

By Megan Miller, ISA Agronomy Programs Manager

Whether it is the Inflation Reduction Act, Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities (PCSC), or privately backed ecosystem service markets, the past two years have seen unprecedented levels of funding for farmers to implement conservation practices. While details are still being outlined for the plans to spend $19 billion over 10 years to enhance EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and USDA technical assistance through the Inflation Reduction Act, contracts are currently being signed for the $3.1 billion dollars’ worth of Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities projects. According to the USDA, the PCSC projects are expected to reach 60,000 farms, encompassing more than 25 million acres of working land, and will result in the removal of 60 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. This metric tonnage is equivalent to removing 12 million gasoline-powered vehicles from the road for one year. Of the 141 projects that were funded nationally, 22 will be available in Illinois to incentivize climate-smart row crop production, animal agriculture, and forestry.

Two of ISA’s conservation partners were awarded fund -

ing under PCSC, the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF) and the Precision Conservation Management Program (PCM). Both programs will be offering incentives to Illinois farmers to implement conservation practices on their farms.

The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund was founded by AgOutcomes, a subsidiary of the Iowa Soybean Association, and ReHarvest Partners. They provide outcome based financial incentives to farmers who transition to on-farm conservation practices such as conservation tillage, planting cover crops, or nitrogen reductions. Farmer participants provide on-farm data to SWOF, allowing them to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered and amount of nitrogen and phosphorus prevented from leeching into waterways. By stacking multiple positive environmental outcomes of on-farm conservation practices, SWOF pays farmers an average of $30.00 per acre. Through PCSC, SWOF received $95 million in funding to expand across the Midwest. Growers interested in learning more about SWOF should visit www.theoutcomesfund.com.

The Precision Conservation Management (PCM) program

will be offering multiple conservation practice incentives to growers in the six PCM regions. Depending on their geography, PCM participants will have up to three incentive programs to choose from.

The first incentive program is Farmers for Soil Health (FFSH), a partnership between the United Soybean Board, National Pork Board, National Corn Growers Association, and their state level counter parts. FFSH received $95 million from PCSC to increase cover crop adoption in 20 states. Growers implementing cover crops for the first time can receive $25 the first year, $15 the second year, and $10 the third year of program enrollment on up to 1000 acres.

PCM was also included in a project led by Field to Market in partnership with PCM’s longterm partner, PepsiCo. Field to Market received $70 million to provide conservation funding for growers in over 30 states and tribal territories. While negotiations are still underway, PCM is slated to receive $8 million dollars to incentivize the adoption or continuation of conservation practices such as cover cropping, tillage reduction, and application of nitrogen at the MRTN rate. Pricing varies by practice,

Enrollment in conservation programs requires some homework on the part of the grower, mostly in the form of data, to show how your farm is becoming climate-smart. Farmers can expect to provide information such as field boundaries, previous conservation history, future conservation plans, and crop management. Growers should also be aware that they cannot be paid twice for the same practice on the same acre when enrolling in federally-funded conservation programs. Finally, growers should work with a trusted conservation agronomist when integrating new practices on their farms. To help farmers navigate this new space, the ISA Agronomy team and ILSoyAdvisor partnered with Moore & Warner Ag Group to develop the Carbon Data Guidebook. It contains advice on file types, digital tools, the types of practice data needed, and methods to keep track of it throughout the season. We are excited to publish the Guidebook in this issue of the magazine, and a digital version can be downloaded from https://www.ilsoyadvisor.com/ carbon-data-guidebook/.

Navigating the conservation funding space can be difficult, and the ISA Agronomy Team is here to help. We hope to provide more information about Climate-Smart Commodities programs and other ecosystem service markets through the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership’s website in the future. In the meantime, we encourage growers to keep their conservation goals at the front of their minds when choosing which incentive program is right for their farm.

Navigating the conservation funding space can be difficult. The good news? The ISA Agronomy Team is here to help.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

MARKET, PROGRAM OR DATA PLATFORM?

Not all carbon programs or ecosystem programs function in the same way. The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership uses three categories to group emerging programs:

Markets: Providing the link between farm-generated credits and diverse buyers

Input Providers: Programs offered by ag input providers and their distribution channels

Data Platforms: Offerings focused on the underlying digital tools and data infrastructure for a variety of applications

ADDITIONALITY AND PERMANENCE: ARE YOU SURE?

If you’ve followed carbon offerings, you’ve undoubtedly heard these terms.

Additionality: Creating a carbon credit requires doing something new or different. Why? Because carbon reduction is about reducing carbon emissions from a baseline. In the row crop sector the two biggest additional practices are reduced (or no) tillage and cover cropping. Additionality creates two tricky issues for row crop farmers:

1. Farmers who have long histories with cover cropping or reduced tillage struggle to get paid for their good stewardship because these practices are already their status quo;

2. Once a farmer has implemented reduced tillage and cover cropping on a field for a particular market, switching markets for a better payment opportunity may be difficult as the additional practice has already been provided to their original market.

Permanence: For carbon reduction to “count,” the reduction has to be permanent – sequestering carbon one year to just release it the next doesn’t reduce overall atmospheric carbon contributing to climate change. Hence the long-term, multi-year program commitments of various carbon offerings.

Programs, payments, verifiers and terms may all vary, but the starting point for any farm is farm records and farm data. Getting this right will decrease enrollment and reporting time, increase potential for payments, and lay the foundation for programs and income streams in the future.

FARM DATA

Farm data, big data, clean data, precision data… you’re not alone if you feel like there are times when the industry talks more about the data than the farming practices underlying it!

The implementation of data-rich precision ag tools to generate yield increases and costs savings has not been an overnight success. But the industry has certainly made headway, especially in the last decade.

The farm data related to carbon and ecosystem market programs is used for three fundamental purposes:

1. Documentation (and verification) of required farming practices

2. Data input for calculating carbon credits generated

3. Training and improving carbon models

FARM DATA OR FARM RECORD?

The terms farm data and farm record overlap and are frequently used interchangeably, and with good reason: there’s no “official” definition for either. Let’s assume farm record is simply a written record of a farming activity or attribute and farm data is a numerically-organized farm record. Are we splitting hairs? Probably a little, but here’s the point:

Today, enrolling in carbon programs requires organized (or producible) farm records, not thumb drives or cloud folders of years of shape files. Plan on 3-5 years of historical records, depending on your crop rotation.

HISTORICAL FARM RECORDS

The farm records required to determine program eligibility and enrollment can typically be provided in a number of formats and the information needed is outlined in greater detail on the Farm Data Checklist.

FIELD NOTES AND HANDWRITTEN RECORDS

Some programs use historical satellite imagery and analytics to pre-populate data (like crop rotation), while others might provide a formatted Excel sheet to fill in, an on-line portal with drop-down options, or a live consultant to talk through your field history.

The key is to have – or prepare – detailed and accessible historical records. In these early stages, most programs will “work with what you’ve got.”

ORGANIZED RECORDS IN EXCEL OR WORD

THE ORIGINAL DATA STORAGE (YOUR MEMORY)

ELECTRONIC FIELD RECORDS

FIELD HISTORY REPORTS FROM EXISTING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

THE DIGITAL FARM DATA STACK

The “holy grail” of farm data is the complete geospatial digital stack. While all of these digital records exist today, systems inoperability, data compatibility, and file access across partners and service providers continue to pose challenges in bringing it all together. But the industry is getting closer.

DIGITAL OR DIGITIZED?

Digital records and digitized records certainly sound the same… but they’re not. The yield map shape file from your combine monitor? It’s a digital record that has data and attributes stored in the 1s and 0s of digital code, referenced to your actual GPS position, and carries informational attributes that can be taken into a variety of systems and analyses.

A PDF of a yield map, or a print-out that’s been scanned? It’s a digitized record – a digitized version of a hardcopy that lacks the data richness of the original source. It’s kind of like the difference between a document available as a Microsoft Word file vs. a picture of that document – one can be edited and has the richness of the original work, and one does not.

ELECTRONIC FIELD RECORDS (“EFR”)

Electronic field record may be the best way to think about digital records from farm operations, especially since they exist in a plethora

Harvest/Yield*

Planting*

Crop Protection

Fertility

Tillage Passes

Soil Test

Boundary File*

* Reliable boundary files, as-planted and yield data are common baseline items every grower should have available and ready to share.

of forms (Shape files are the best known, but there are a multitude of file formats, some proprietary, depending on your equipment, monitors, and controllers.)

GETTING ON-BOARD

Today most carbon programs will engage directly to acquire a grower’s historical records as part of program qualification and on-boarding, with some even sending reps to the farm to meet and capture whatever records (even handwritten ones!) that are available. At the very least, organizing and digitizing (using a spread sheet, word doc, or even scanning handwritten field notes) will speed up this process.

A common complaint is that carbon programs aren’t paying enough today. Farmers can help the business model by having organized, easy-to-share records. Business models might support high-touch field reps to get your farm data during a ramp-up period, but that comes at a significant cost to those programs and those are dollars that could be paid to growers instead.

DATA BEST PRACTICES

TIPS FROM CARBON PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS AND FARM DATA EXPERTS

Spend the time to create a clean master-set of your field boundaries, and share them with your trusted advisors and partners

Whether you use an ATV with RTK correction driven around your field perimeter (arguably the best boundary you can create), an actual field pass, or draw it using satellite images, create a single master-set of your field boundaries that everyone uses for your operation.

Focus your equipment fleet within as few brands as possible Consistency across equipment isn’t just a systems matter – it’s less complexity for your team, family, and hired help.

For multi-color fleets, invest in a single, standardized set of monitors

In-cab technology from independents like AgLeader, Raven, Topcon, and Trimble can provide a consistent experience and data flow across a multi-color equipment fleet.

Don’t give up your thumb drives just yet

Cloud-connectivity is great… when it works. Plan to pull the original monitor files with a good ‘ole thumb drive at the end of the season, if not sooner.

Keep a basic paper back-up record

Having a fall-back record of dates and details for your field operations can be invaluable, whether you are data cleaning or dealing with an inevitable “oops, we missed that” EFR.

Avoid calibrations and changes mid-field

Post-season calibration and correction is possible, especially for yield data, but only when the original data is consistent –don’t calibrate your yield monitor in the middle of a field!

Use that smartphone

Enable your GPS-tagging and use that camera to document your activities, especially for items like planting cover crops. Timestamped and geo-referenced, it’s a great record.

Treat data collection like engine oil

You’d never run a tractor without engine oil… consider whether operational monitors and active data collection are a requirement anytime your equipment is rolling.

Be consistently consistent

From using the same set-up files across your monitors to naming fields the exact same way, good data needs consistency and a commitment from your team to “do it one way.” From a data perspective “Johnson West 80” and “Johnson W80” are two different fields, and naming consistency up-front saves the data-cleaning standardization on the back-end. This holds true for all identity fields – from chemical names to field varieties to equipment names – consistent means identical.

Hire or outsource if you don’t have the skill or time

Good farm data can’t be done well with a half-effort. Consider who on your team has the interest and skills to be your data czar, determine if your agretailer or input supplier can be your data captain, or consider an independent agronomist and consultant who can help.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

FARM DATA CHECKLIST

Pre-Season Activities

• Confirm master field boundaries

• Pre-populate all monitors with same set-up files

FARM RECORDS – “Data” to Capture

Soil Tests

Fall and Spring Tillage

Date

Type of Tillage

Equipment Used

Disk or Coulter Angle (if applicable)

% Row Width Cultivated

Fertility

Date

Type / Product Application Method

Time-Release

Injection Depth

Rates N, P, K

Inhibitor Used

Manure: Rate, C:N Ratio, N %, Moisture %

Planting

Date Crop Variety Population Row Spacing

Crop Protection

Date

Type / Product Application Method

Application Rate Harvest

Date Yield Moisture

Residue Removal

Cover Crops

Planting Date

Crop Variety Seeding Rate Termination Date Termination Method

Post-Season Activities

• Organize and complete back-up records

• Pull original raw data files from monitors

• Review data for holes and inconsistencies

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

• Set clear data expectations with your drivers and team members

What About Electronic Field Records?

• Request from your lab if available. (MODUS is an emerging soil test standard, but the variety of file formats for tests remains a weak link in the data chain.)

• Tillage passes are equipment dependent but generally not auto-generated in a useful form, making non-EFR records important!

• Programs like FieldView are developing tools to create after-the-fact tillage maps

• Make receipt of variable rate prescriptions and as-applied files a requirement of your ag retail and custom application relationships

• Remember variable rate prescriptions may be easier to collect than actual as-applied

• Planter data should be considered a must-have with today’s equipment

• Equipment and ag retailer dependent

• Be aware of the complexity of multi-product tank mixes and the need to keep non-EFR detailed records

• Yield data is a must-have with today’s equipment

• Planter data may be available

• Use a smartphone camera with GPS-tagging enabled to document planting, seed tags, and termination

• Document or create EFRs for unrecorded passes

• Post-calibrate yields

FARM DATA FLOW – ELECTRONIC FIELD RECORDS

WHAT IS A SHAPE FILE, ANYWAY?

Shape files are one of the most common and easiest-to-use types of geospatial data used to capture location-specific information. But calling it a shape file is misleading: it’s actually multiple files. Three files are always required – .shp, .shx, and .dbf that contain feature geometry, an index file, and attribute information – and a fourth frequently-required file .prj that contains (usually satellite) coordinate information.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

WHAT ABOUT ENGINE AND MACHINE DATA?

Modern equipment throws off a multitude of engine and machine performance data that is independent of field-related information needed for agronomic and management decisions. Some of this data is standardized, and some is proprietary to the manufacturer. While no carbon program requires this information today, early discussions suggest the “next” data request will be for fuel consumption – a logical ask to document reduced carbon footprint from changing farm operations like fewer tillage passes.

SATELLITES1

PLUG-AND-PLAY DEVICES4

IPAD/TABLET4

CLOUD SERVERS3,4

TELEMATICS3

COMPUTER5

MACHINERY2

THUMB DRIVE3

IN-CAB MONITORS + CONTROLLERS2

SATELLITES provide the geospatial referencing giving EFRs value as GPS data linked information.

MACHINERY connects raw data to IN-CAB MONITORS AND CONTROLLERS, sometimes from the OEM (“original equipment manufacturer”) and sometimes from after-market providers (like AgLeader, TopCon, or Trimble).

Those monitors and controllers visualize that data in-cab for presentation to the operator. When multiple monitors are present, it is important to note which system is controlling implements versus just displaying system information. TELEMATICS like JDLink can provide direct-to-CLOUD data uploading, but THUMB DRIVES play an important role as backup to ensure complete file transfers and to circumvent slow internet connections.

PLUG-AND-PLAY DEVICES like Farmobile PUC and FIELDVIEWdrive can transport equipment data straight from the 9-pin diagnostic port to IPADS/ TABLETS or CLOUD SERVERS. While these can be great options to get data “off” multi-color fleets, they are only as good as the set-up files, field boundaries, and product names they are given!

Laptop and desktop COMPUTERS still provide the primary means for data visualization, which depends on software to convert files into imagery and readable text. The “hiccups” in the data chain occur when your software platform of choice cannot read the exported machine data, either because it has not been converted or it exists in a format unique to the equipment brand.

The People Behind the Platform

By Jennifer Jones, CCA ISA Research Agronomist

When an infinite amount of information is available at our fingertips, how can we distinguish trustworthy, unbiased sources from the rest that try and capture our attention? It is important to sort facts from opinions, especially when it comes to making decisions that may impact your farming operation.

Enter CCA, Stephanie Porter, Outreach Agronomist, and Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach

Stephanie and Kelsey act as the gatekeepers of ILSoyAdvisor.com, which serves as ISA’s online agronomic house of information.

Growers, landowners, Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs), and other agricultural professionals can find information pertaining to every aspect of soybean agronomy on ILSoyAdvisor, from the most recent checkoff-funded research findings to in-field observations and recommendations. A diverse array of contributors share information on ILSoyAdvisor, including

members of the ISA Agronomy team, researchers from universities around the state and region, CCAs, our Soy Envoys (see page 6 to learn more about this year’s roster of Soy Envoys), climatologists, reporters, and more.

Each educational piece that is shared through ILSoyAdvisor first undergoes a review process established by Stephanie and Kelsey to ensure the information is high quality and will bring value to a grower’s operation directly or provide education as they try and navigate the many opportunities

available in spaces like conservation cost-share, for example.

Two words that I hear often from Kelsey and Stephanie are “timely” and “relevant.” As a team, we see great importance in providing farmers with upto-date information that can make an immediate impact on their decision making.

Resources like blogs, short videos, and longer recordings of webinars or live events can all be found on ILSoyAdvisor – there is truly something for every learning style.

You might be asking, "How can I learn when new resourc -

Coordinator here at the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA).

es are available?” Make sure to follow ILSoyAdvisor on Twitter and Facebook where the newest information is highlighted. Additionally, you are encouraged to sign up for the ILSoyAdvisor newsletter, which will come to your email inbox every other week with a roundup of upcoming events and opportunities, news, and agronomic recommendations.

“Our ISA agronomy team has a lot of agronomic information waiting to be shared with our farmers and other agricultural audiences. Stephanie and I see a need to report and distribute

this knowledge daily through ILSoyAdvisor.com as well as through our e-newsletter and social media platforms,” says Litchfield. “We continue to brainstorm more ways to report timely and relevant agronomic information to soybean farmers across the state and plan on launching new media projects in the upcoming months, so stay tuned!”

Since Stephanie and Kelsey have joined the team, the amount of information shared on ILSoyAdvisor has dramatically increased, to the point where one or two blogs are

posted nearly every workday of the month. What has helped contribute to this growth? Utilizing the people behind Illinois agriculture. The power of multiple contributors providing content for ILSoyAdvisor brings a unique breadth and depth to the information shared.

From Stu Ellis, whose video interviews touch on every aspect of agriculture, to the researchers around the state studying soybeans and the corn-soybean system from all angles, to our Soy Envoys who work in industry consulting, research, education and more,

ILSoyAdvisor brings them all together in one readily-available place, right at your fingertips.

With these experts on your side, you can be sure that the information you receive from ILSoyAdvisor is relevant and up-to-date, giving you the knowledge to ensure your farm remains productive, profitable, and sustained for years to come.

You are just a few clicks away from the engaging content that matters most for your operation; navigate to ILSoyAdvisor.com now or follow @ILSoyAdvisor on Twitter and Facebook.

Pictured here, Kelsey Litchfield, ISA Agronomic Outreach Coordinator, and Deanna Burkhart, ISA Agronomic Programs Coordinator

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

2023 Farm Bill Update

Every five years the legislation that authorizes the programs that are administered by the USDA, known as the Farm Bill, is up for consideration, amending, and reauthorization. Farm Bill programs stretch from on-farm programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP), funding for market education on biofuels, trade and export programs, and many other programs. The funding in each Farm Bill provides the foundation for ensuring a strong and viable agricultural sector by providing a strong farm safety net. The 2023 Farm Bill is expected to continue many of the programs of the 2018 Farm Bill, however the path to passage will certainly face contention and debate.

The Illinois Soybean Association has identified the following priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill:

Comprehensive Farm Bill

• Maintaining a comprehensive Farm Bill, which includes funding for both farm-level programs and nutrition programs. Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) recognizes the importance of ensuring the strength of the entire food value chain.

IRA Funding

• Ensuring that conservation funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) remains within the Farm Bill to support the food value chain and rural America.

Crop Insurance

• Protecting and preserving crop insurance as a primary risk management tool for growers, including maintaining the affordability of policies, the private sector delivery of products, and the availability of the program to all types of farmers.

MAP/FMD Funding

• Creating opportunities for global competitiveness and internal marketplace expansion through increasing Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funding.

Research Funding

• More funding is critical to meet the evolving needs of farmers from labor shortages to conservation. In order to remain competitive globally, an expansion in research funding levels is a must.

Current Farm Bill funding runs through the end of September when the federal fiscal year ends. Without extension or reauthorization, farm programs run the risk of becoming unavailable. Politically, the near $20 billion increase in conservation funding that was allocated to USDA programs in the 2022 passed Inflation Reduction Act will have to be added into the 2023 Farm Bill. This funding primarily includes increases of $8.45 billion for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, $4.95 billion for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, $1.4 billion for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, and $1 billion for other programming including farmer technical assistance in conserva-

tion. Some proposals call for moving these funds away from conservation funding and to other areas of the farm bill. U.S. Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) has stated opposition to these ideas. Overall, the addition of these funds will increase the “baseline” for Farm Bill funding, allowing a larger amount of funds for the 2023 bill versus the law passed in 2018.

This spring both the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committees have held hearings looking for input on the various titles of the Farm Bill and how to direct spending. Illinois farmer and current American Soybean Association President Daryl Cates testified before a House committee in late April about the importance of getting a bill passed on time in order to protect planting decisions for the 2024 growing season and continue a robust farm safety net. Following these hearings, as summer begins, legislators across the ideological spectrum from both sides of the aisle will be introducing legislation to “mark” a position on topics across the Farm Bill. These positions will be used to generate debate and negotiation on what pieces will be included in a final bill proposed in each chamber of Congress. We expect the House and Senate to develop bills that look substantially different. When these bills pass each chamber, they will then go to a conference committee which will attempt to negotiate the two bills.

As we inch closer to the end of September deadline for passage or extension of a bill, we will be calling on farmers across Illinois to contact our members of Congress and encourage them to pass a Farm Bill on time and one that meets the needs of Illinois farmers. As planting comes to a close, the focus on farm policy in Washington is heating up. The Illinois Soybean Association is actively engaging on behalf of Illinois soybean farmers, and, with your engagement, will push for passage of the 2023 Farm Bill.

ANDREW LARSON | DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & STRATEGY | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION