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Iowa Soybean Review is published monthly by: Iowa Soybean Association 1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, Iowa 50023 (515) 251-8640 | iasoybeans.com
E-mail: bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
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November 2025 | Vol. 39, No. 2
4
Uncomfortable Times
The greatest growth happens when it’s most uncomfortable, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) CEO Kirk Leeds says.
8
Promoting U.S. Soy
ISA Director Mike Yegge reflects on the opportunities for U.S. soy noted during his recent trade mission to Korea.
20 To the Rescue
Soy-based firefighting foam provides safer option for firefighters and a new use for soy.
22
U.S. Soy Shows Global Strength
Despite trade headwinds, U.S. soy quality shines.
On the cover: Jack Boyer stands on his farm near Reinbeck — the same land he’s worked to improve for decades. At 19, he was called to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. Today, as a director with the Iowa Soybean Association, Boyer reflects on a life shaped by military service, a career in engineering, and a relentless drive to make the farm better for future generations. See the story on page 16. Photo by Joclyn Kuboushek.
Comments and statewide news articles should be sent to the above address. Advertising space reservations must be made two months preceding publication. In consideration of the acceptance of the advertisement, the agency and the advertiser must, in respect of the contents of the advertisement, indemnify and save the publisher harmless against any expense arising from claims or actions against the publisher because of the publication of the content of the advertisement.
Executive Insights
Kirk Leeds, ISA Chief Executive Officer kleeds@iasoybeans.com
Uncomfortable Times
Asign hanging in the washroom of Full Circle Ranch near Earlham caught my eye. It read: “We feel most comfortable when things are certain. But we feel most alive when they are not.”
I was at the ranch with senior members of the Iowa Soybean Association staff for our annual retreat. The quote surfaced often in our discussions, perfectly capturing the spirit of growing as individuals and as a team. But it also resonated on a deeper level, offering perspective on how the U.S. soybean industry might respond to the many headwinds it faces.
At the top of the list is a new partnership between two giants of global soybean production and consumption. Called “Soy China,” the initiative seeks to create a dedicated soybean supply chain in Brazil that aligns with China’s sustainability and quality standards.
In essence, Brazil will grow soybeans tailored specifically to China’s import requirements, while China invests heavily in Brazil’s infrastructure — from roads and rail to ports, bridges, and commodities storage.
Soy China introduces an unprecedented level of specialization and exclusivity to the country’s soybean imports. What began as a trade preference is evolving into a formal, customized pipeline for Brazilian soybeans — further diminishing America’s access to China, the world’s biggest soybean buyer.
This bilateral arrangement between the world’s largest soy producers and consumers has been more than a decade in the making. Escalating tariffs between the U.S. and China have only hastened China’s determination to reduce, if not eliminate, its reliance on U.S. soybeans.
The reorganization of global soybean supply chains has caused U.S. soybean prices to plummet at a time
when production costs remain historically high. The combination makes soybean production unprofitable. Unlike short-term seasonal price pressures, the initiative is a long-term, structural change. U.S. soy must accept this change and adapt. And it is.
The 2024-25 marketing year for U.S. soy closed with 1.84 billion bushels in total sales, a 13% increase from the previous year. This included record sales to all destinations other than China. Diversifying U.S. soy’s export strategy must continue, seeking new long-term agreements in Central America, Egypt, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Africa and other markets.
As we press federal officials to modernize trade policy with proactive agreements that open markets and reduce dependence on a single buyer, we must also accelerate investments in America’s trade infrastructure to keep Iowa and U.S. soy cost competitive.
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and other industry bodies must continue aggressive promotion of the quality and value of American soybeans, emphasizing transparent supply chains, sustainable production practices and consistent standards.
At the same time, we will continue to tout the benefits of increased soybean meal inclusion rates in pig diets, incorporating high oleic soy in the feed rations of Iowa’s expanding dairy herds, and growing domestic livestock and poultry production and global usage of soy-based biofuels.
Being uncomfortable isn’t something we desire. But it’s where the greatest growth happens. That’s true in life and will be for the soybean industry.
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Rural Route 2
Editor’s Note by Bethany Baratta bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
Harvest and Heroes
November is a breath — sometimes long, sometimes short — that comes between harvest and winter. It’s the month of gratitude, when we celebrate Thanksgiving and honor Veterans Day. It’s the silent prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings of the harvest, the safety of the season, and the gifts that will soon lead us into the new year.
More than this month of the year, it was my upbringing on our family’s multigenerational farm that taught me the true meaning of gratitude. I was too young to grasp the markets or the pressure my parents faced during the Farm Crisis. But I know it was the kindness of the friends and neighbors — and a few thousand more prayers — that kept the spirit alive in our farming community.
As I’m writing this, there are some feelings of uneasiness out in farm country, and understandably so. The challenges of markets and uncertainty weigh heavy on
many shoulders. Yet, the spirit of community and perseverance remains strong.
Gratitude is more than a November sentiment; it’s a practice lived year-round, especially when the path ahead feels uncertain. It’s possible to feel stressed and also grateful. On Nov. 11, we honor those who have served, are serving and will serve in the military. It’s a reminder of the service and the sacrifice paid; it’s a debt we can’t fully repay. Veterans Day is a single day set aside to honor our veterans, but our appreciation lasts throughout the year. I think of my dad, my grandfather, my grandfather-in-law, and a host of uncles who answered the call. Among them was my great uncle, who survived as a prisoner of war during World War II. Like Jack Boyer, whom you’ll learn about in this issue, these men were plucked from their career paths to serve our nation.
As we gather around the table for Thanksgiving this month, let’s remember those who work and raise the gifts on our plates. Let’s also appreciate the 305,753 U.S. farmers — or 9% — who are also veterans. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service 2022 Census of Agriculture, more than 289,000 farms, or about 15% of all U.S. farms, include a producer with past or current military service. November is the pause — to reflect and give thanks — not only for the fruits of the harvest, but for the sacrifices of our veterans, and the strength in our communities. That shared resilience among farmers and veterans is a source of deep respect and gratitude for me. And it’s a reminder of the strength that carries us through to the next season.
Promoting U.S. Soy
Strengthening trade ties and expanding market influence in Korea
AND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
AARON PUTZE, APR
STORY
As China continues to stockpile Brazilsourced soy, Iowa and U.S. farmers are renewing their sales and marketing pitches to customers both old and new.
“We are always looking for new opportunities,” says Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) District 2 Director Mike Yegge. “But with the current uncertainty in the export market, we can’t afford to take the mature markets for granted.”
While much of the attention focuses on growing new and emerging markets, keeping in touch with historically strong markets also remains a priority.
The Republic of Korea, the world’s secondlargest food bean market and top-five market for U.S. ag exports, is a mature but influential customer. It also hosted Iowa and U.S. soybean farmers during a September trade mission hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
Yegge, who farms near Lake Mills and is serving in his second year as a director, was among the 29-member delegation representing 12 state soybean associations that traveled to Seoul in early September. The itinerary included visits with livestock feed and nutrition suppliers, logistics experts, and U.S. Foreign Ag Service (FAS) trade representatives and a visit to the country’s largest soybean processor and producer of soy-based drinks.
Left: Dusk arrives in Seoul and neighboring communities, home to more than 26 million people.
Right: Yegge with Jin-Seol Chang, president of Boo Kook Feed at the site of the company’s newly constructed facility located about an hour’s drive south of Incheon, Korea. The company produces nearly 26 million tons of feed, with soybean inclusion rate of 16-17% for its pig rations.
$9 Billion
Korea’s average annual U.S. imports up 15% in 2024-25
U.S.–Republic of Korea Ag Trade
Data courtesy of USSEC
4.7 million metric tons total Korean market soybean volume
657,500 metric tons of U.S. soy imported
74,400 metric tons of U.S. whole soybeans imported 1.4 million metric tons total Korean whole soybeans volume
696,000 metric tons total Korean market soybean oil volume
12,150 metric tons of U.S. soybean oil imported
Time spent in the country of nearly 52 million consumers coincided with continued market pressures caused by a lack of soybean sales to China, the world’s — and America’s — top buyer.
In its absence, farmers like Yegge have renewed market development efforts in countries that might not be the largest importers of U.S. soy, but punch above their weight in global influence.
“Selling Iowa farmers’ soybeans is ISA’s top priority, in both good and challenging times,” Yegge says. “We have a plentiful and quality product that needs to find a home and there’s no one more qualified to make the pitch than farmers.”
Korea ranks second for U.S. food soybeans exports, sixth for soybean oil and tenth for whole soybeans. CJ Cheiljedang and Sajo Daerim, the country’s two soybean crushing facilities, process 1 million metric tons (MMT) annually.
While not a top-tier destination for U.S. soy, the country influences global soybean trade and consumer preferences. Interest in sustainably sourced food ingredients is on the rise. Nearly 85% of Koreans surveyed on the topic expressed its importance. Coincidently, that percentage is equal to the share of its annual food bean imports sourced from the U.S.
Market diversification
The Korean soyfoods market also shows strength and promise as the country’s aging population seeks to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. A diversified portfolio of soy-based products, including tofu, sauce, paste and beverages, continue to gain market penetration.
A heightened interest in doing better for the planet also places U.S. soy in a position of strength in Korea and beyond.
USSEC reports 93% of soybeans exported to the Northeast Asia region are certified by the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol, or SSAP. Soy-based products produced and sold in Korea — including tofu, paste and soy-based beverages — and branded with the SSAP logo have surged in popularity as an aging Korean population seeks to live healthier and more productively.
The changing demographics of the country bode well for U.S. farmers as consumption of health products grows — from skin care products to soy-based food and beverages.
Korea is an aging society with the lowest fertility rate in the world. The country’s population ages 14 and younger is declining precipitously while the “silver population” will account for 20% of the country’s population by 2050.
Marriage and childbirth rates are also decreasing, while the number of one- and twoperson households is rising, driving interest in prepared and prepacked foods.
With smaller families and a strong economy, Koreans have growing expendable incomes. Total consumption is growing, including online shopping and food/restaurant patronage. Sectors benefiting most include fresh and processed meats (helping spur imports of U.S. beef and pork), seafood, eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
In addition to health benefits, Koreans value the quality of U.S. soy including physical quality, consistency and refining yield. USSEC’s in-country technical and trade services also provide support to customers of U.S. soy while building relationships with a multitude of soy audiences including processors, millers, retailers and customers.
“Selling Iowa farmers’ soybeans is ISA’s top priority, in both good and challenging times.”
Mike Yegge, ISA Director
As they age, Koreans are increasingly concerned about food quality and health benefits. Nearly 80% of Koreans surveyed say they would pay more for the sustainably produced food products.
Korea’s land area is nearly equal to Indiana, but with 52 million residents. More than 70% of the country’s land area is mountains; the remainder divvyed up for ag and its growing urban centers including Seoul and Incheon.
“There simply isn’t enough land base to feed its people, which makes the country heavily dependent on agricultural trade,” says Shoshana Griffith, Ag Attache for the Foreign Agricultural Service in Seoul, in comments to the U.S. soy delegation.
The U.S. is both Korea’s largest ag supplier and export market. More than 50% of total food demand is satisfied via imports, according to Griffith.
Continued on Pg. 12
CJ CheilJedang, Korea’s largest soybean crusher, welcomed the U.S. Soybean Export Council and U.S. soybean representatives.
Yonsei University Dairy, located near Seoul, purchases 3,100 tons of food grade soybeans annually, with 80-90% sourced from the U.S. It serves as a key ingredient in its popular assortment of premium, plant-based beverages it began manufacturing in 1993.
Earlier this fall, Korean president Lee Jae Myung met with President Donald Trump to discuss a multi-faceted trade deal. As of early September, terms of the two-part deal were still being developed focusing on expanded trade with the U.S. It also included a $350 billion investment by Korea in the U.S., with a portion of that going to ship building (an amount equal to nearly 20% of Korea’s GDP).
While preference for U.S. soy is increasing, soy buyers who mill for pork and poultry production largely determine soy’s value based on crude protein levels. Currently, Brazil is the favored supplier as customers scrutinize protein and oil content.
Grant Kimberley, ISA Sr. Director of Market Development, accompanied Yegge to Korea. He says U.S. farmers currently maintain 40% market share for imported
beans to be crushed and nearly 80% market share for imported food grade beans.
U.S. market share of soybean meal is just 2 to 4%.
“Bulk purchases are a challenge to compete on price as a lot of the soybean meal is purchased through buyer groups,” Kimberley says.
Despite the limited ceiling on growing U.S. soybean exports to Korea, its strong economic and agricultural ties to America matter.
“U.S. farmers benefit from strong pork, beef and whole bean sales to Korea while tapping into the growing health and convenience food markets,” Kimberley says. “It also provides momentum we can build upon in support of other markets in Northeast Asia and around the world.”
Contact Aaron Putze at aputze@iasoybeans.com
Scan the QR code to watch.
More insights from this trade mission from ISA Director Mike Yegge on The State of Soy.
Soy on parade at CJ CheilJedang, the country’s largest soybean crusher. From left, soybeans sourced from Brazil, U.S. and Paraguay.
Policy Update
Katie Hall, ISA Senior Director of Advocacy khall@iasoybeans.com
Setting the Stage for 2026
Hello Iowa soybean farmers! I’m the new lead of Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) advocacy efforts. To say that I’ve had a lot to learn in the last year is perhaps an understatement!
Trade and tariffs continue to be a dynamic conversation at the federal level, with real impacts on Iowa communities. The ISA team has been engaged in a multipronged approach allowing us to connect the dots between local farms and key decision makers in D.C., including our Iowa delegation and their staff.
Beyond storytelling, our team has continued to work with our partners at the American Soybean Association, the Soy Nutrition Institute and National Oilseed Processors Association to further elevate those concerns. We’re thankful to post incremental progress in the budget reconciliation package passed in July that reduces inheritance taxes and helps farms maintain long-term viability. We’ve also appreciated wins in crop-based biofuels — including removing tax incentives for imported feedstocks coming from places like China and Indonesia, and promising Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) which propose to further reduce the incentive for imported feedstocks and biofuel.
With leadership from ISA Advocate members, we drafted policy to modernize the grain indemnity fund, and we were glad to see that cross the finish line in Iowa’s 2025 legislative session.
As I’m writing this, we know the state will experience significant changes in the 2026 election. Starting with Governor Reynolds’ and Senator Ernst’s retirements, the shuffle around those changes means we could see new U.S. Representatives in District 4 (Feenstra) and District 2 (Hinson). The domino effect of changes across the state and federal levels will be interesting to watch. We’ll be tracking the governor’s race, so be on the lookout for upcoming candidate profiles.
Looking ahead to the state session, starting Jan. 12, we expect to discuss property taxes and eminent domain — both complex, hot-button topics. The Iowa House and the Senate will likely be working on taxes with different approaches so that means the devil will be in the details. When it comes to eminent domain, the Iowa Soybean Association is asking Advocate members to engage at our annual policy meetings in November so we can best represent you and your farms in Washington, D.C., and Des Moines in 2026.
We work diligently to make progress for Iowa soybean farmers. If you have any questions, concerns or feedback please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I’d love to connect!
Learn more about our advocacy efforts by scanning this code.
Iowa Soybean Farmers Elect New Leadership to Drive Demand, Boost Opportunities in the Year Ahead
STORY BY BROCK JOHNSTON
Farmer leaders of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors elected Tom Adam of Harper as president during its September board meeting. The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.
Adam was first elected as a District 9 director in 2017. He manages a diversified row crop and beef cattle business near Harper in Keokuk County. Adam has been a long-time participant in ISA research activities and strong advocate for the soybean checkoff and agriculture. He also serves on the American Soybean Association board of directors.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to represent Iowa’s soybean farmers in this capacity,” says Adam, who most recently served as ISA president-elect. “Despite the uncertainties facing farmers, there’s reason to be optimistic about the future of our industry. As stewards of soybean checkoff dollars, the ISA board will continue advancing issues directly benefiting Iowa soybean farmers, including market development, innovative research and more.”
Four farmer leaders were also appointed to serve on ISA’s Executive Committee, including:
• Lee Brooke, President-Elect – Clarinda
• Sam Showalter, Treasurer – Hampton
• Aimee Bissell, Secretary – Bedford
• Jeff Ellis, At-Large – Donnellson
Directors are chosen by Iowa soybean farmers through the ISA election in July and take office in September. Members voted for two farmers from their crop reporting district and four farmers to serve as atlarge directors.
Newly elected farmers who will serve three-year terms on the board were: Josh Schoulte, Farmersburg (District 3); Joe Sperfslage, Coggon (District 6); Summer Ory, Earlham (District 8); Brian Fuller, Osceola (District 8); and Neil Krummen, Linn Grove (At-Large).
Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were: Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4) and Dave Struthers, Collins (District 5).
Contact Brock Johnston at bjohnston@iasoybeans.com
The 2025-2026 Iowa Soybean Association executive directors: (left to right) Jeff Ellis (Donnellson), at-large; Sam Showalter (Hampton), treasurer; Tom Adam (Harper), president; Lee Brooke (Clarinda), president-elect; and Aimee Bissell (Bedford), secretary.
(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
Called to Lead
From Army base to farm fields
Number 22 didn’t mean much to Jack Boyer — until it did. It was his draft lottery number; a low number that guaranteed he would enter the military during the Vietnam War era.
The year was 1971. Boyer was 19 years old with a family of his own, working full time at a soil test lab and studying engineering at Oklahoma State University. But when his draft number was called, life changed for him and his family.
Draft lottery called
On active duty in the Army, Boyer spent 18 months in Key West, Fla., where he was assigned to Air Defense Artillery, providing defense from enemy aircraft.
“Probably the biggest experience we had was when a Cuban pilot defected with a MiG (fighter jet). We had to call the Air Force to intercept him, and they ended up taking him back to Homestead Air Force Base. They got to keep the plane. It was an older MiG, but they still managed to learn a few things from it,” Boyer says.
He was later stationed in Germany, serving as a fire control noncommissioned officer. With the assistance of other operators, they monitored radar scopes and helped identify incoming aircraft. Here, they watched Czechoslovakia, making sure there were no unapproved aircraft coming across.
“If the plane didn’t send the right code back, we’d escalate to the Air Force — and if necessary, we were ready to fire a Hawk missile,” he says.
He and his family lived in Wertheim, a village in southwestern Germany. Living among the citizens, he gained a new perspective of the people and its culture. He made friends there, too — some of whom he’s still in contact with, even 50 years later.
“That was a really good experience for me,” Boyer says. “Before going into the military, I’d rarely even been out of Oklahoma.”
Overseas assignments
After 13 months in Germany, Boyer and his family returned home after being honorably discharged from active duty. He then joined the Army Reserves and served in an Infantry training battalion. As a non-commissioned officer he helped train junior soldiers. Sergeant First Class Jack Boyer was honorably discharged from active reserve on Sept. 16, 1978, and placed on inactive reserve status. That same year, he finished his engineering degree, patching together credits he’d earned in the military and from his earlier coursework. His inactive reserve duty ended in 1981, and he was again honorably discharged.
The newly minted engineer found employment in Iowa with John Deere. That launched a 32-year career with John Deere, including extensive domestic travel and 19 work trips to Brazil within 21 months.
The travel exposed him to large-scale global farming, including soybean farms larger than some towns in Iowa.
“One operation was eleven miles by eleven miles,” he said. “Soybean fields as far as you could see.”
During his employment with John Deere, the farmer also met his wife, Marion, a teacher. Phone calls eventually became dates, and eventually marriage. Boyer farmed with Marion’s dad, Homer, near Reinbeck, until Homer’s death in 2010.
“Homer’s parents said they wanted to leave the farm in better shape than the way they received it,” Boyer says. “Homer wanted to leave it in better shape than he received it, and we want to leave it in better shape than we received it.”
Boyer added a master’s in engineering professional practice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before retiring from John Deere in 2011 after a long career in design and test engineering.
From engineer to farmer
Boyer transitioned his engineering mindset to the soil instead of machines. He didn’t just plant cover crops; he studied them. Over the past decade, he’s completed more than 30 on-farm research trials with Practical Farmers of Iowa, plus dozens more with the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa State University. He’s tried everything from cereal rye to camelina to interseeding cover crops to corn planted in 60-inch row widths, learning not only what worked for his own farm, but what might work for his neighbors.
“For me, the goal is organic matter, erosion control and nutrient cycling,” he says. “If we can keep living roots in the ground longer, we’re building healthier soils.”
The results are clear: reduced nitrogen use, better water infiltration, and a visible difference in soil structure- all without sacrificing yield.
Now serving on the 22-farmer board for the Iowa Soybean Association, Boyer brings the same servant-leader mindset that guided him in the Army. He’s generous with his time, hosting field days, answering questions, and encouraging others to think differently about soil health.
“My childhood and the military taught me to do the best with what I’ve got,” he says. “That’s farming, too.”
Contact Bethany Baratta at bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
Discharge certificates and service medals on the Boyer farm near Reinbeck.
Technology Measures Manure Nutrients
Lucas DeBruin, ISA research agronomist ldebruin@iasoybeans.com
KEY INSIGHTS
1. Understanding the nutrients in manure increases nutrient use efficiency.
2. More effectively accounting for manure nutrients reduces input costs and potential nitrate losses to the environment.
One of the most difficult parts of managing manure is accurately accounting for nutrients being applied across the field. Even when agitating manure, one cannot achieve a perfectly consistent nutrient profile. Over the past three years, the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) and Iowa State University (ISU) have worked with farmers and custom applicators to evaluate the consistency and accuracy of the manure constituent sensing technology.
The technology uses the Harvest Lab 3000 sensor, which uses Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) to measure nutrient content of the manure.
As the manure flows through the applicator, the infrared light interacts with the nutrients and is reflected to the sensor. Based on that analysis, the nutrient levels are determined, and the applicator can adjust gallons applied per acre as needed.
The sensor measures total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, dry matter and volume. There are also three options for Manure Sense to control the application. Users can set it for “limit P” and it will not exceed the threshold operators set for phosphorus. Set to “target N” and it will adjust
the volume of manure to apply the desired nitrogen rate. The volume selection applies a static rate of manure while recording as-applied information based on the nutrient content read by the sensor.
As with many pieces of precision sensing equipment, there is a calibration curve. As more data is collected, the calibration curve can be updated, resulting in more accurate sensing.
Over the course of this trial RCFI has partnered with ISU to improve the calibration of this technology by collecting manure samples and correlated the sensor readings with lab readings of the manure samples. We have seen an improvement in sensor accuracy since we began this work in 2023. The table accompanying this article shows Manure Sense values versus the lab results year over year. You’ll note that the percent difference in values between the sensor accuracy and lab results has decreased each year since the project began in 2023, indicating greater accuracy in the sensor technology.
While the sensor readings are not perfectly aligned with lab analysis of the manure, it does allow us to better understand the variability of the manure source being used and where the most nutrient-rich or diluted manure is placed
1 . Each year that this sensor has been used the accuracy of the nutrient content of manure has improved, continuing to showcase this technology’s potential to improve nutrient use from manure.
within the field. This capability allows livestock operators to be better stewards of their manure and more prescriptive with synthetic fertilizer applications.
ISA has run multiple on-farm trials comparing corn fields using manure and manure with an additional 50 pounds of synthetic nitrogen applied from 2006-2014. These trials showed a consistent yield benefit when adding 50 pounds of nitrogen in addition to manure.
Using this Manure Sense technology, farmers can see how the composition and placement of their manure affect nutrient levels. The program helps applicators generate
a variable rate synthetic nitrogen prescription based on where nitrogen could supplement diluted manure in specific areas of the field instead of a flat rate across the entire field.
Considering current market prices and input costs, accounting for the nutrients your field is receiving from manure can help farmers more effectively utilize this resource, saving costs associated with nitrogen and other inputs.
Interested in how you can utilize your manure resource more efficiently and effectively? Reach out to RCFI to learn more about this technology.
We can consider it as a topic in a future issue. Better yet, we’ll connect you with your local expert so you can implement a trial on your farm.
Figure
To the rescue
Wooden pallets glowed in the early evening as firefighters gathered near Goodell to trial a new, soy-based firefighting suppressant.
Brent Renner, a Klemme farmer currently serving on the United Soybean Board (USB), looked on, thrilled to find another avenue for soybeans that is safe for his community’s firefighters.
“What excites me most is that this product not only provides a safer option for firefighters, but it also helps us put more soybean meal to work instead of just oil,” says Renner, who recently retired from service to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors. “It’s another meaningful way to add value to the soybeans we grow.”
Renner brought the product in front of his area firefighting departments, who agreed to demonstrate the foam during a training session.
Traditional firefighting foams have used per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for decades.
Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” they pose environmental and health risks because they are resistant to breaking down in
the environment and are now directly linked to increased health issues, including cancer.
“Our firefighters have a 72 percent increase in cancer rates because of their job description compared to other occupations in the general public,” says Dave Garlie, chief technology officer with Cross Plains Solutions. “Why? Because of exposure to volatile toxic organic chemicals derived from toxic synthetic petroleum feedstocks like the aqueous film forming foams made from PFAS.”
There’s a month — January — devoted to raising awareness of cancer linked to the firefighting occupation.
Change is already underway. Legislation at the federal and state levels is phasing out PFAS-based foams for most applications. But what replacement for this foam is available and effective?
“How do we address it? You get rid of the bad chemistry,” Garlie says. “The problem is, for decades, there wasn’t a replacement.”
Enter: the soybean industry.
Checkoff dollars are being invested in research to develop alternatives like SoyFoam. Using the meal component of the soybean, this soybean-based foam meets performance needs
Rural fire departments test soy-based foam to replace forever chemicals
STORY BY KRISS NELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN KUBOUSHEK
BRENT RENNER
USB board member and Klemme farmer
DAVE G ARLIE
Cross Plains Solutions CTO
KENNY WIELAND
Klemme Fire Department chief
while eliminating the environmental, health, and safety concerns.
SoyFoam is already being used by fire departments across the Midwest. Garlie, whose company produces the fire suppressant, says the company is working to move the product through a series of certifications so it can be used in a wider range of applications, including naval ships, aircraft carriers, oil refineries and forestry operations.
“On a Navy ship, for example, foam has to perform in saltwater, not just freshwater,” Garlie says. “In oil and gas, the foam must smother fuel-based fires. Forestry operations need a solution that can be safely applied from airplanes or helicopters. Each of these applications requires its own certification.”
Despite the hurdles, Garlie is optimistic about what SoyFoam can offer.
What is SoyFoam?
SoyFoam TF-1122 is a “fluorine-free” biobased, biodegradable, and certifiable direct release to our environment firefighting foam concentrate. This product is made from U.S. soy and other agricultural products. SoyFoam TF-1122 is engineered to be a safe fire combatant while also protecting our firefighters and our communities. There are no special handling requirements, and it is designed to work with traditional foam concentrate dispensing equipment.
“At the end of the day, firefighters need a tool they’re used to using, know how to use and can trust to work,” he says. “SoyFoam gives them that without the risks of PFAS or other harmful toxic substances.”
According to Garlie, SoyFoam is currently the only GreenScreen Certified GOLD rated firefighting foam in the world, which is a reflective score on its environmental health and safety.
“It’s not just about replacing what’s been used for decades; it’s about protecting the people who protect our communities,” says Garlie. “We want to be transparent with firefighters, first
responders and our communities about what’s in SoyFoam, so they can trust it is fit-for-use as an alternative fire suppressant and retardant.”
Kenny Wieland has served on the Klemme Fire Department for 40 years. For much of that time, he and his crew relied on PFAS foam. Now aware of the risks, the department has restricted its use over the past decade, reserving it only for true emergencies.
Wieland says he is impressed with SoyFoam’s performance and hopes to acquire it for use at the Klemme Fire Department.
“I think this is the greatest thing we have heard about in a long time,” says Wieland, chief of the Klemme Fire Department. “We have been concerned about the dangers of foam for decades and have been hoping a safer product would come out.”
The new foam offers both peace of mind and practical benefits. “So far, it seems to perform like the foam we’ve been using — without the cancer risk that’s always been in the back of our minds,” says Ryan Meyer, chief of the Goodell Fire Department. “That’s one less thing to worry about, especially during training. And for a small department like ours with limited water, foam helps every drop go further.”
Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com
Cross Plains Solutions estimated the current applications of SoyFoam TF-1122 have the potential to use the protein from 12 million bushels of soybeans.
U.S. soybeans are standing out on the global market, thanks to consistent quality, superior digestibility and sustainable farming practices. Farmers across Iowa and the Midwest are producing soybeans that meet the high expectations of international buyers, particularly for animal feed.
Superior soy quality
U.S. soybeans stand out globally for their nutrient content and consistency, giving animal nutritionists confidence when formulating feed.
“Brazilian soy is often harvested wet and then dried using heat, which damages the beans,” says Grant Kimberley, senior director
of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). “A lower lysine-to-crude protein ratio indicates heat damage, reducing feed efficiency and increasing the need for supplemental synthetic amino acids. U.S. soy avoids that problem.”
Tom D’Alfonso, director of animal nutrition and aquaculture at the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), says the consistency of U.S. soy is a major selling point.
“It’s really the practices of the U.S. soy farmer that produce a consistently higher-quality product,” D’Alfonso says. “For animal diets, having consistency in essential amino acids and metabolizable energy allows nutritionists to formulate rations with higher values. That brings feed cost savings and better
GRANT KIMBERLEY ISA senior director of market development
TOM D’ALFONSO USSEC director of animal nutrition and aquaculture
JIM SUTTER USSEC CEO
U.S. Soy Shows Global Strength
Despite trade headwinds, U.S. soy quality shines
animal performance. Research shows U.S. soy consistently outperforms Brazil soy in poultry, swine, aquaculture and cattle.”
Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO, adds that timing also matters.
“Farmers in the United States are not going to harvest soybeans early because the quality wouldn’t be very good,” he says. “Too high in moisture negatively impacts many aspects of the crop. They let Mother Nature do her work, allowing soybeans to dry down and finish the growing season.”
That’s different from other parts of the world, Sutter says.
“That’s not the case in some tropical soybean-producing countries, where soybean plants are slower to mature and may
be harvested at 20–22 percent moisture, then dried in hightemperature dryers,” he says. “That process degrades nutrients, oil quality and the overall condition of the soybeans before they reach buyers.”
D’Alfonso notes that lower-quality soy adds extra work for buyers.
“Moisture dilutes nutrients in both the beans and the meal. Green or immature beans have lower digestibility, and lowcost drying methods can damage essential amino acids and metabolizable energy,” he says. “They have to add nutrients or blend the beans with U.S. soy to make up for losses.”
Continued on Pg. 24
STORY BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISS NELSON JOCLYN KUBOUSHEK
Proving value
That quality difference translates to measurable value for soy buyers.
“U.S. soy adds more than $25 per metric ton in value compared to Brazil, and if you factor in animal performance, that exceeds $50 per metric ton,” D’Alfonso says. “Time and again, buyers see that a slightly less expensive alternative doesn’t pay off.”
For example, a United Soybean Board study found that using synthetic amino acids, a less expensive alternative to soybean meal, resulted in less predictable performance results in swine growth.
“Exceeding maximum recommended levels of L-lysine HCl (and consequently not meeting recommended soybean meal/ crude protein levels), particularly in late-finishing pigs (e.g., 180–300 lbs), can severely compromise growth and feed efficiency,” swine experts involved in the study concluded.
“Soybean meal provides important functional bioactive compounds, as well as the proper balance of essential amino acids,” according to the experts.
Recent evaluations in a large production system indicated performance improvements when using minimum soybean meal levels in the summer months, which reduced the summer weight dip. Functional bioactive compounds contained in soybean meal have also provided performance improvements during health challenged periods of the year (e.g., Jan–April).
“We know pigs don’t perform as well on synthetic amino acids or alternative proteins,” D’Alfonso says. “Increasing soybean meal inclusion in swine diets improves performance and reduces
synthetics. We also look at layers, cattle and even pets. Each new customer adds metric tons of potential soy use.”
Sustainability
Sustainability is another selling point.
“Buyers worldwide appreciate what U.S. farmers do with conservation practices,” Sutter says. “It allows us to advertise U.S. soy’s sustainability advantages. Other countries don’t have that opportunity. We’re held to a higher standard, and it shows in both quality and marketability.”
Export challenges
Quantity and market access remain ongoing concerns, especially with China dominating global imports and regularly accounting for 60% of the market. Other buyers, such as Mexico, the European Union, Egypt and Japan, purchase significantly less.
Kimberley says the 2018/19 trade war highlighted the risks of relying on a single buyer.
“During the 2018/19 trade war, U.S. exports to China fell from more than 36 million metric tons to 13.4 million metric tons. Other buyers increased purchases slightly, but total exports dropped nearly 10 million metric tons, lowering farmgate prices and increasing domestic inventories,” says Kimberley, who also grows soybeans and corn in Iowa.
USSEC’s work is about showing value, building customer loyalty and ultimately selling more soybeans around the world.
“It’s about getting a foothold, demonstrating benefits, and making it costly to switch from U.S. soy,” Sutter says. “China
still takes 60 to 65 percent of all internationally traded soybeans. Maintaining access to that market is critical for prices.”
USSEC continues to develop markets elsewhere, including Japan, Morocco and other regions.
“Diversifying markets is important, but nothing fully replaces China,” Sutter says. “Still, higher domestic crushing and soybean meal exports help offset shortfalls. Focusing on quality and sustainability ensures U.S. soy remains competitive.”
Competitive value
Kimberley says the U.S. remains competitive from a pricing standpoint.
“U.S. soy is very competitively priced, often less expensive than Brazil from October through winter,” he says. “That has helped increase sales in non-Chinese markets. Ultimately, trade with China is still essential to support farmgate prices.”
Despite challenges, U.S. soy’s value proposition is clear.
“We speak in terms of return on investment,” D’Alfonso says. “It takes time to educate customers on essential amino acids, digestibility and calories. Once they understand, they adopt a preference for U.S. soy.”
Sutter echoed the point.
“U.S. soy stands out for its quality, value and sustainability,” says Sutter, who was raised on his family’s crop and cattle farm in Colorado. “I want to thank Iowa farmers for doing such a great job. Their practices allow us to promote U.S. soy around the world.”
Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com
FARMERS AT WORK Growing Soy’s Global Future
STORY BY KRISS NELSON AND BROCK JOHNSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN KUBOUSHEK
From livestock feed to biodiesel, soybeans touch nearly every corner of the world. Behind the scenes, farmer-led organizations are working to keep U.S. soybeans and the protein they provide at the center of global markets.
We asked farmer representatives to share how other organizations support demand-building opportunities for U.S.-grown soybeans.
United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF)
The United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) represents producers, feeders, packers, processors, purveyors, traders, farm, supply and service organizations across the beef/veal, pork, lamb, oilseeds and feedgrains sectors.
USMEF’s mission is to increase the value and profit opportunities for the U.S. beef, pork and lamb industries by enhancing demand in export markets through a coordinated and collaborative partnership of all stakeholders.
USMEF works to create new opportunities and develop existing markets internationally for U.S. beef, pork and other meat products. Since soybeans support animal agriculture as a major feed source, the soybean industry provides support for USMEF’s efforts for these finished products. Many regions around the world have a growing middle class, income or population. This means that demand for high-quality sources of protein is growing. The Iowa Soybean Association has been actively engaged with USMEF since the 1980s, making sure our checkoff dollars are helping to promote U.S. meat products and strengthen our industry. Pork exports alone supported about 13 percent of the per bushel soybean value in 2024.”
RANDY MILLER Lacona ASA board member
U.S. Soy Export Council (USSEC)
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) champions U.S. soy worldwide. Through innovation, sustainability and partnerships, they connect farmers to global markets. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain, including U.S. soybean farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the U.S. soybean checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) matching funds and industry.
As a farmer, I see firsthand how the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) helps open doors for our soybeans around the world. They build strong relationships with international buyers, promote the quality and sustainability of U.S. soybeans, and help develop new markets by building customer preference. This work helps drive soybean demand and makes sure we have access to customers beyond our domestic markets. In the global market, we can’t just grow it — we’ve got to sell it with a value proposition. And that’s exactly what USSEC helps us do. I’ve participated in several trade missions around the world and know our international partners appreciate putting a farmer’s face to the product we’re selling.”
Continued on Pg. 28
TIM BARDOLE Rippey USSEC director
United Soybean Board (USB)
Led by farmers, the United Soybean Board (USB) uses the soy checkoff to create new opportunities for increased demand and a better bottom line for U.S. soybean farmers. Whether it’s production research, working with the supply chain or finding new markets for soy oil and meal both here and abroad, the farmers leading the soy checkoff investment efforts has its farmers’ best interests at heart when investing the checkoff resources for maximum ROI.
SUZANNE SHIRBROUN Farmersburg USB director
USB covers everything from supply and production to demand, selling soybeans both domestically and internationally. For every $1 a farmer invests in the checkoff, there is a $12.30 return on investment to farmers. That return adds real value to our crop. The great thing about USB and Qualified State Soybean Boards is that money goes directly to work for U.S. and Iowa soybean farmers, whether through new industrial uses, livestock feed or human health opportunities. In livestock nutrition, USB is funding research on poultry, hogs and now dairy cattle using Plenish high-oleic soybeans, which is exciting. Soybeans and corn aren’t the same plants they were 40 years ago, and livestock has changed too; therefore, research helps ensure that what we feed is current. That’s valuable information for nutritionists, and soybeans are an excellent protein source for livestock.”
American Soybean Association (ASA)
The American Soybean Association (ASA) represents U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international policy issues important to the soybean industry. Policy development starts with our farmer/members and culminates at the annual meeting of voting delegates. ASA is tasked with accomplishing the policy goals established by the farmers/members/delegates. ASA does this by testifying before Congress, lobbying Congress and the administration, contacting members, communicating to relevant audiences and meeting with the media. This legislative process cannot happen without member input and support.
ASA is mainly a policy organization, but trade is a big part of what we do. Our D.C. office works to encourage trade talks, ensure the right people are at the table, and keep soybeans front and center in export discussions. This summer, our ASA officer team met with Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy Julie Callahan and her team. We had a good conversation about making sure soybeans are top of mind, explaining the harm farmers face if trade doesn’t move. Soybeans and ag exports were at the forefront of that discussion. Even before issues with China, we’ve been working with World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and USSEC to find new markets. We’ve seen success in Egypt and Southeast Asia. At the end of the day, what we’re really trying to do is build a lasting preference for U.S. soy in developing markets.”
Contact Kriss Nelson at knelson@iasoybeans.com
DAVE WALTON Wilton ASA board director
STONEX AS PARTNERS+ PRO G RAM PARTICIPANT Iowa Soybean Association Welcomes
STORY BY BROCK JOHNSTON
StoneX has joined the Iowa Soybean Association as the newest Partners+ Program participant.
Launched in June, the Partners+ Program engages with trusted agricultural companies serving the soybean industry to provide exclusive discounts, rebates and other valueadded services to ISA farmer members.
StoneX Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SNEX), with offices in West Des Moines, is an institutionalgrade financial services franchise, offering advanced digital platforms, end-to-end clearing and execution services, and deep expertise to our clients worldwide.
As a Partners+ program participant, StoneX will provide ISA farmer members with discounted registration to select programs and services. One example is complimentary registration to StoneX’s Farmer Grain Marketing Seminar held annually in their Iowa office.
“We’ve enjoyed a strong working relationship with ISA and this partnership is the next step as in our collaborations in support of soybean farmers,” says Katie Meyers, StoneX manager of global education.
“Sound information and strategy is always important in managing a farm business, but especially during challenging economic times,” says Jake Moline, StoneX risk management consultant. “Our more formal partnership with ISA will enable us to provide information to additional farmers as we navigate the current and stressful market conditions.”
Discounts on select StoneX conferences and services are available to active ISA farmermembers. Verification of membership status will be confirmed before program benefits and discounts are applied.
To become an ISA Farmer Member and learn more about the Partners+ Program, go to iasoybeans.com/membership.
A HOME-GROWN LEGACY
A legacy of faith. A tradition of farming. A future rooted in both.
