Iowa Soybean Review, December 2014

Iowa Soybean Association, 1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, Iowa 50023

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Iowa Soybean Association

December 2014 | Vol. 27, No. 3

About the Cover

More than 3,500 photographs of Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) members, partners and staff make up the single image featured on this commemortive issue of the Iowa Soybean Review. Together, we celebrate the 50-year anniversary of ISA. Congratulations, Iowa soybean farmers!

18 44 Soybean Powerhouse

Former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Dale Cochran once called soybeans “Iowa’s miracle crop.” Oh, how he was right.

Bringing stories to life.

There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in the agricultural industry and we look forward to showing you why with IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION LIVE — an app that brings stories to life in the Iowa Soybean Review. In three easy steps, you’ll get a more in-depth look at Iowa soybean farmers and stories that affect our lives.

15 Years of Improving Profitability

Iowa farmers were starving for unbiased information directly related to production agriculture.

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Get the ISA LIVE app. Download it to your Apple or Android device by searching for IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION LIVE from your app store. Its free!

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Once downloaded, start the app and hover over any photo that includes the ISA LIVE icon with your mobile device and the movie will begin to play.

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Watch as exclusive stories come to life.

Iowa Soybean Association

EXECUTIVE review Kirk Leeds Chief Executive Officer Iowa Soybean Association kleeds@iasoybeans.com Twitter@kirkleeds

Congratulations ISA! This special issue of the Iowa Soybean Review celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). It has been my pleasure to be a part of this great organization for the last 25 years and I couldn’t be more proud of what has been accomplished.

Since the very first meeting in 1964, the soybean farmers of Iowa who formed - then led- this organization have been focused on expanding opportunities and delivering results for Iowa’s soybean farmers. And as you will read throughout this issue, that legacy of leadership is alive and well at ISA today.

From our leadership in production research and environmental performance, to our contributions in creating greater demand for soybeans here at home and around the world, ISA is positioned to remain a relevant and important partner for Iowa’s soybean farmers well into the future. We are

President Tom Oswald, Cleghorn | At Large President Elect Wayne Fredericks, Osage | D2 Treasurer Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney | D7 Secretary Rolland Schnell, Newton | D5 Executive Committee Benjamin Schmidt, Iowa City | D6

Directors Brian Kemp, Sibley | D1 Chuck White, Spencer | D1 Dean Coleman, Humboldt | D2 Scott McGregor, Nashua | D3 Dennis Lindsay, Masonville| D3 Sheila Hebenstreit, Jefferson | D4 Randy Souder, Rockwell City | D4 Morey Hill, Madrid | D5 Ed Ulch, Solon | D6 Bill Shipley, Nodaway | D7 Cliff Mulder, Pella | D8 John Heisdorffer, Keota | D9 Mark Jackson, Rose Hill | D9 Lindsay Greiner, Keota | At Large Ron Heck, Perry | At Large Stephanie Essick, Dickens | At Large

committed to enhance the understanding by consumers of the promises delivered upon by modern agriculture, the delivery of the latest and greatest in information to help farmers remain competitive and our never ending work of advocating for and speaking on behalf of soybean farmers in Washington, DC and in the Capitol in Des Moines.

How could we do anything less? We owe this and more to our pioneering founders and to the many soybean farmers who have volunteered their time and energy to lead this organization since 1964. We also owe it to you, our current members, and to all of Iowa’s soybean farmers. And finally, we owe it to the generations that will follow, because the greatest legacy any of us can leave behind is a legacy of leadership.

Merry Christmas to you and yours and best wishes for a Happy New Year!

American Soybean Association Directors Ray Gaesser, Corning Dennis Bogaards, Pella Wayne Fredericks, Osage John Heisdorffer, Keota Mark Jackson, Rose Hill United Soybean Board Directors Laura Foell, Schaller Delbert Christensen, Audubon Larry Marek, Riverside Jim Stillman, Emmetsburg

Staff Credits Editor | Ann Clinton YOUTUBE LOGO Communications DirectorSPECS | Aaron Putze, APR Creative Manager | Ashton Jacobson Photographer | Joe Murphy Staff Writer | Carrie Laughlin on light backgrounds Staff Writer | Matthew Wilde Staff Writer | Dorothy Tatestandard Staff Writer | gradient Allison main red bottom Arp PMS 1815C Larson PMS Director 1795C Sales | David

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Iowa Soybean Association no gradients BLACK WHITE 1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, Iowa 50023 Phone: (515) 251-8640 Web address: www.soybeanreview.com E-mail: aclinton@iasoybeans.com watermark

For advertising information in the Iowa Soybean Review, please contact Larson Enterprises, (515)440-2810 or larson6@mchsi.com.

Comments and statewide news articles should be sent to the above address. Advertising space reservations must be made by the first day of the month 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.

PAGE 18

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ISA Policy Director Carol Balvanz invites farmers to join her at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines during the 2015 Legislative session.

Everything Old is New Again

By Carol Balvanz, Policy Director

Over the past 50 years, Iowa’s soybean growers have built a strong association and have increased their political clout at the Statehouse and in Washington, D.C. I wasn’t around for the beginnings of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) back in 1964, but eight years later I was invited to get more involved in soybean promotion as Iowa’s Princess Soya. Hard to believe, I know. But one of the farmers my cousins and I walked beans for decided one of us should enter the contest. I guess I won.

I was a junior at Iowa State University in 1972, taking summer classes to graduate early. But I suddenly found myself studying all sorts of soybean facts, giving presentations to my college speech class about soy foods and learning about the global marketplace. My job was to represent Iowa at the national Princess Soya contest in Columbus, Ohio, in August. Along with creating big hair and learning how to ballroom dance, I also had to interview and give a speech. Seems they wanted a smart princess.

Three days before the contest, the USSR bought 35 million bushels of soybeans, which was hailed as the first really big export sale behind “the iron curtain.” So in addition to knowing about oil and meal and amino acids, suddenly we princess candidates had a whole new set of export facts to learn. American Soybean Association Director of Market Development, Chet Randolph, was quoted as saying, “This means Russia is serious about soybeans.” The names of the countries may have

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changed, but soybean farmers still care very much about who in the world is ”serious about soybeans.”

A quick glance through the September 1972 Soybean Digest magazine lists a number of issues and challenges that faced the industry then, and they are surprisingly similar to our industry today. The resolutions voted on during that meeting included increasing “free world trade,” improving our domestic transportation system, creating a farm bill that kept soybeans competitive with other crops and maintaining environmental standards so regulations didn’t impact soybean farmers.

In 1972, I had no idea I would someday work for ISA on some of these same issues. The industry and the issues (and some of the rest of us) have matured, but our overall goal of creating a profitable environment for soybean producers has remained intact. For 50 years, Iowans have pushed soybean issues to the forefront.

ISA won a State Achievement Award in 1972 for passing our state checkoff law, hosting a record number of trade teams and conducting “74 county level meetings.” (It was also the first year Iowa hosted a Princess Soya contest.) By the way, I didn’t win the national contest. I was the runner-up. A beautiful girl from Mississippi with bigger hair and a far better grasp of soybean exports won the title. But I did learn how to dance—a little.

Happy 50th anniversary, ISA. It’s good to know we’ve been on the right track all along.

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Iowa Biodiesel Pros Receive National Recognition Two Iowa biodiesel professionals were recognized by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) for their roles in moving biodiesel forward. At a ceremony recognizing its national member-leaders in November, NBB presented Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB), and Thomas Brooks, general manager of Western Dubuque Biodiesel, with 2014 Most Valuable Player awards.

Kimberley, involved with biodiesel for more than a decade, recently expanded his already full plate within the Iowa Soybean Association to take on leadership of IBB. As executive director, he helped usher in passage of state legislation extending a biodiesel producer incentive through 2017. He has also actively represented Iowa in the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) efforts, including co-hosting two campaign events with both Senatorial candidates this year.

Kimberley also routinely hosts groups important to the biodiesel effort on his family's farm, giving tours to environmentalists and trade ambassadors, and teaching them about modern agriculture.

“It's an honor to receive this recognition from my peers, but even greater is the feeling of accomplishment we share in watching this industry grow from 20 million gallons in 2003 to 1.8 billion gallons last year,” Kimberley says. “We know there is much work left to be done and it will take all of us working together. But we can be proud of bringing biodiesel into the mix, diversifying our nation's energy supply and driving economic growth.”

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Brooks took home the award in part for looking at the big picture beyond his own interests. Working with IBB, he was instrumental in earning press in Iowa and raising the volume on the RFS effort. This summer, he testified before the Environmental Protection Agency on the RFS volumes. Last year, Western Dubuque Biodiesel hosted many key elected officials including state legislators, an NBB sustainability tour, and a tour for U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley. Brooks also regularly hosts tours for colleges and the local high school, even going into the classroom himself to teach students about biodiesel.

“God asks us to always strive to do our best and expect nothing in return; albeit, this recognition means a lot to me,” Brooks says of the award. “I appreciate this recognition while there are many others deserving of it.”

“The biodiesel industry exemplifies vision, determination and hard work coming together to create real change,” says NBB Chairman Steven J. Levy. “Though biodiesel is still a small, growing industry, the success to date has been a collaborative result of stakeholders like Grant Kimberley and Tom Brooks, who stand among the countless outstanding professionals making America’s advanced biofuel what it is today.”

Past NBB chairmen were also recognized at the event, including Gary Haer of Iowa-based biodiesel producer REG, and Iowa soybean producer Jack Hartman. The ceremony took place in St. Louis during an NBB membership meeting.

IBB is a nonprofit trade association representing the biodiesel industry in Iowa.

U.S. Farmers Export Over 2 Billion Bushels of Soy Worth $30 Billion; China

Imports Over 1 Billion Bushels U.S. soybean farmers continue to provide their international customers with reliable, quality products, and those customers have once again rewarded them with big purchases. In the 2013-2014 marketing year, the United States exported over 2 billion bushels of U.S. soy, valued at more than $30 billion.

The year got off to a fast start, exceeding the predicted export numbers in early 2014 and finishing strong with record-size crops starting to come out of the fields. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the 2013-2014 export total includes more than 1.6 billion bushels of whole soybeans, meal from 484 million bushels of soybeans and oil from 161 million bushels. This total represents 62 percent of U.S. soybean production from last year.

“U.S. soybean farmers are committed to meeting global demand with a quality product,” says Dwain Ford, United Soybean Board International Opportunities Target Area Coordinator and soybean farmer from Kinmundy, Illinois. “These export numbers prove that U.S. soy is a highly valued product in the global marketplace and that U.S. soybean farmers are doing our job.”

Top buyers of whole U.S. soybeans in 2013-2014 include: • China: 1.013 billion bushels • Mexico: 124 million bushels • Indonesia: 75 million bushels

Top buyers of U.S. soybean meal in 2014 include: • Mexico: meal from 68 million bushels • Philippines: meal from 59 million bushels • Canada: meal from 45 million bushels

Top buyers of U.S. soybean oil in 2014 include: • Mexico: oil from 36 million bushels • China: oil from 35 million bushels • Dominican Republic: oil from 22 million bushels

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Investing Checkoff Dollars

OUR FOUNDERS AND LEADERS In 1964, a handful of Iowa farmers shared an enthusiasm to change the face of agriculture in our state. Even though times were good for soybean farmers, this small group of farsighted thinkers believed there were more markets to explore. More soy uses to be discovered. A brighter future to be realized.

Farmers like Ardell Persinger, Joseph Coleman, William Merschman and Willard Latham were among the first to carry the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) banner. Their message was simple: Together, we can achieve more.

They canvassed the countryside in their dusty Chevy C10s and Ford F100s, spreading a message of unity to all who would listen.

They succeeded in forming ISA in 1964. But like most organizations, growing pains slowed progress. Membership rose and then fell — more than a few times. Opinions on the soybean checkoff seemed almost as narrow as the soybean rows themselves. But, eventually, the checkoff attained a majority vote and took root in Iowa.

Today’s ISA was then comprised of two organizations, each serving a unique purpose: ISA for grassroots policy efforts and the Iowa Soybean Promotion Board (ISPB) for education and outreach.

The ISPB was established in 1971 by a favorable vote of soybean producers authorizing a checkoff of onehalf cent per bushel on soybeans marketed in Iowa. ISPB directors were elected by soybean producers and determined how checkoff dollars were invested in market development, research and educational promotion programs in accordance with Iowa code.

In 2005, the boards merged to help leaders think and act more strategically. Farmers recognized every issue they face in the next five to 20 years had checkoff and non-checkoff components. Instead of having one group of farmers deal with part of the challenge and then hope that the other board dealt with the other part, a merger solved potential problems. For example, the old structure meant that ISPB would handle research and development activities on biodiesel and the ISA board would handle policy issues related to biodiesel. It was logical to have one slightly larger board to oversee and handle all the issues together.

Checkoff rules do not require a separation of the farmers, only the segregation of the checkoff dollars. With good accounting procedures in place, it is easy to segregate and track dollars to make sure checkoff dollars are not used for non allowable activities such as lobbying.

Today, the ISA is one of Iowa agriculture’s most progressive advocates. The organization’s elected presidents and chairmen over the decades have understood the importance of Iowa’s proud agricultural tradition. They led the march forward that brought ISA to where it is today. They put ideas into action and provided a bounty of opportunities for the generations to follow.

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.

—Warren Bennis

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We had to start with the Legislature. Joe Coleman of Clare and Seeley Lodwick of Wever were serving in the Iowa Legislature at that time, and they helped us with the procedures and technicalities to organize ISA. Export markets, research and free trade were all important issues at that time. ­— Ardell Persinger, Organizational President, 1964 Iowa Soybean Association

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From our growers to yours, we would like to congratulate the Iowa Soybean Association for 50 productive years of serving Iowa’s proud soybean growers. Your efforts and leadership continue to strengthen our rural communities and provide excellent opportunities for your members (many of whom are our members, too).

Investing Checkoff Dollars

SOYBEAN

Sen. C. Joseph Coleman, Clare, First Elected President 1 8 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M

Investing Checkoff Dollars

SOYBEAN USE, SALES EXPLODE OVER 50 YEARS

By Matthew Wilde

Former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Dale Cochran once called soybeans “Iowa’s miracle crop.” Oh, how he was right.

Fifty years ago a handful of visionary farmers formed the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). They believed a plant native to China, which used to be primarily chopped for livestock feed, could be a successful cash crop.

Iowa is now a soybean powerhouse. The state traditionally leads the nation in production, soybean meal, soybean oil and biodiesel. Nationally, soybeans are the No. 1 agricultural export and the world’s predominant protein source.

It’s due, in large part, to the research, promotional and educational efforts of the ISA and the Soybean Checkoff.

“It’s about creating opportunities and taking advantage of them,” says ISA President Tom Oswald of Cleghorn.

That type of thinking has paid off. Iowa’s soybean crop was valued at $5.3 billion last year compared to $331.5 million in 1964, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data.

Nationally, the 2013 crop was worth $41.9 billion.

A miracle? Yes and no, says ISA CEO Kirk Leeds.

The meteoric rise of soybeans is astounding — Iowa produced a little more than 121 million bushels in 1964 compared to an estimated 504 million bushels this year, USDA data indicates. But the foresight of soybean pioneers and the continued

hard work and confidence of today’s growers are largely responsible for the success, Leeds adds.

“Think about the size of the industry in 1964 to where it is today,” Leeds says. Farmers planted nearly 4.3 million acres of soybeans five decades ago compared to nearly 10 million this year.

“I would venture to say the founding fathers would be surprised and proud of what they started.”

Pioneers

Industry legends like Ardell Persigner, ISA’s first appointed president, Joseph Coleman, ISA’s first elected president, William Merschman, Willard Latham and others knew a growing world would crave vegetable oil and meat as incomes increased.

Soybeans, they felt, would fulfill that need.

They also knew farmers couldn’t do it alone.

ISA’s goal 50 years ago was to develop new products and markets to boost profits.

The Iowa Soybean Checkoff was enacted in 1972 to do just that. At a half-cent per bushel, the checkoff raised almost $544,000 its first year to carry out ISA’s mission.

Nineteen years later, it was superseded by the national checkoff of one-half of one percent of the net market value of soybeans, split between the state and United Soybean Board (USB). Last year, Iowa’s share amounted to nearly $13.2 million.

According to a USB return on investment study, every checkoff dollar earns farmers $6.75.

[Continued on page 20.]

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Investing Checkoff Dollars

Promotion

Current ISA directors have taken the original goals to a new level. To improve the competitiveness of soybean farmers, leaders annually invest checkoff dollars in research, development, promotion, marketing and education efforts, among others, to increase productivity and profitability in a sustainable way.

From 1990 to now, global soybean demand has increased about 160 percent, the most of any of the five major commodities.

“Some increase would have been inevitable, but not to this level without the national checkoff. That’s when you really started to see a change in overall consumption and feed demand,” says Grant Kimberley, ISA market development director.

One of the best successes was showing U.S. livestock producers in the 1960s and ‘70s how soybean meal as part of a balanced feed ration improved efficiency and productivity of animals, particularly poultry and swine. That program was repeated in China and other parts of the world decades later.

Soybean meal feed use exploded in the U.S. from 8.4 million tons in 1964 to 26.7 million in 2012, according to USDA statistics. China’s did as well from 300,000 tons 50 years ago to 49.1 million in 2012.

As China’s economy took off, so did its crushing industry. The world’s most populous country feeds the most hogs and chickens.

In less than 20 years China went from importing virtually no soybeans

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to being the world’s largest buyer by far. The country purchased nearly 2.5 billion bushels during the 201314 marketing year, a new record, government data indicates. About half were from the United States.

ISA leaders say a big reason for this success is the American Soybean Association opening an office in China in the early 1980s to promote soybeans and soybean products. It was funded by state checkoff programs, including Iowa.

“The checkoff accelerated the growth of the soybean industry and has been a contributing factor to soybeans becoming a major economic crop in Iowa,” Leeds says.

Soybeans in Iowa averaged $2.57 per bushel in 1964 compared to $13.10 last year, USDA data indicates.

Investing Checkoff Dollars

IT’S ABOUT CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEM. - Tom Oswald, Cleghorn, ISA President

Development

Robust soybean meal production means plenty of soybean oil. Last year, nearly 20 billion pounds were produced compared to 4.8 billion in 1964, records show.

Kimberley says an oversupply at one time hurt soybean prices and led to excess oil going rancid in storage.

Developing new uses for soybean oil has long been a priority of soybean leaders.

Checkoff-funded research to develop industrial uses for soybean oil like ink, plastics and paint have helped soak up supply. Biodiesel, though, is the crown jewel of farmer investment in this area.

State checkoffs and the USB have invested $60 million to grow the industry from 500,000 gallons in 1999 to 1.8 billion last year. Soybean oil is the primary feed stock. About 5.5 billion gallons were used to make America’s first advanced biofuel last year.

“The Iowa Soybean Association and checkoff played a big role from the beginning as one of the founding members of the National Biodiesel

Board (NBB),” says Tom Verry, director of outreach and development for NBB. A USB study shows biodiesel has increased soybean prices by 74 cents per bushel and lowered soybean meal costs by $25 to $30 per ton.

Developing and promoting soyfoods also has been a priority of ISA leaders to increase soybean demand.

In 2000, the ISA Board created The Soyfoods Council. It serves as a catalyst, leader and facilitator to mainstream soybased foods into the global marketplace.

Since the creation of the council, soyfoods have grown in popularity worldwide and is now a multi-billion dollar industry.

“Soyfoods like soy milk and tofu are extremely popular and soybean oil is used throughout the food industry.

Products made with soybeans and oil are a staple on grocery store shelves,” says Linda Funk, executive director of The SoyFoods Council. “No other commodity can be used in meat and non-meat protein. That’s a real advantage for soybeans.”

Research

To make sure there’s bushels to sell, it all starts with research to increase and protect yields. Since 1972, Iowa farmers have invested $50 million at Iowa State University (ISU).

Checkoff-funded research at ISU has led to higher-yielding soybean varieties, better plant resistance to diseases and pests and improved management practices. It played a key role in discovering and developing effective strategies to reduce losses from soybean cyst nematode, the No. 1 yield robbing pest.

In the late 1960s, USDA data shows Iowa’s average soybean yields fluctuated between 26 to 32.5 bushels per acre. Barring weather issues, average yields in the 50s and 60s are common today.

Why protect and boost production of Iowa’s miracle crop?

“Vegetable oil and protein are two important things when it comes to feeding the world,” Leeds says.

“Soybeans provide both.”

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1964

Investing Checkoff Dollars

46

people fed by one U.S. farmer

1967 1969

In 1964, several Iowa farmers came together to develop new products, create new markets and improve profits for soybean producers. That year, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) was recognized as a legal state association under the Code of Iowa with a representative on the Agricultural Marketing Board, which helps secure funds for market development.

121.2 million bushels of soybeans produced in 1964.

In 1967, membership leveled off at 1,510 and Chet Randolph was named American Soybean Association (ASA) executive vice president after two years as ASA’s field director. Merv Syverson, succeeded Randolph as an ASA field representative, was responsible for 11 upper Midwestern states, including Iowa.

In an effort to increase membership and raise funds, ISA signed an organizational agreement with the Iowa Farm Bureau on March 1, 1969. The agreement called for Farm Bureau to provide organizational advice and local support to ISA in an effort to increase membership to 3,000 and to raise $10,000 for the soybean association through contribution of a ½ cent per bushel from Iowa farmers.

Meanwhile, Iowa’s soybean production continued to grow at a record pace. Iowa became the second largest state in soybean acreage and production in 1969, representing about 15 percent of production in the United States by harvesting 171 million bushels from 5.5 million acres.

1970 1971

In 1970, Governor Robert D. Ray proclaimed January as soybean month. Later, 12 counties carried out a kickoff program for a voluntary ½ cent per bushel contribution in support of market development and other activities related to soybeans. The number of farmers contributing was 1,430.

1971 brought passage of the Soybean Checkoff legislation by a narrow 51 percent majority.

Iowa legislature passed Senate File 296, which provided for the establishment of the Iowa Soybean Promotion Board (ISPB) to administer funding generated by the checkoff. The Secretary of Agriculture immediately conducted a referendum among soybean growers. The checkoff referendum passed by a vote of 2,643 to 2,486.

The checkoff referendum passes.

73 people fed by one U.S. farmer

The voluntary market deduction program had been in effect since the 1971 vote at the maximum legal rate of one-half cent per bushel, checked off at the first point of sale. The program raised about $900,000 yearly from 1971 to 1975 with money being used by state and national soybean organizations to promote marketing efforts and to finance soybean research.

During that same period, ISA nominated 24 farmers from its nine crop-reporting districts to serve on the newly established ISPB. Twelve nominees were elected.

2 2 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M

Investing Checkoff Dollars

1975 1978

In 1975, the first renewal of the checkoff was passed, with 72 percent voting in favor. Les Rhodes was executive director.

In 1978, ISA reached separate agreements with ISPB and ASA. ASA headquarters are moved to St. Louis under the watchful eye of President Merlyn Groot, a farmer from Manson, Iowa. A structural chart for ISA and ISPB was approved and a coordinating committee was established.

No-till agriculture gains popularity in the 1970’s.

In an effort to expand leadership, ISA established a county delegate system in 1978.

1979

A September 1979 embargo by President Carter did not deter soybean producers from approving the ISPB referendum with a 75 percent yes vote. On May 22, 1980, a soybean bill is signed into law to change the code and seek referendum on raising the checkoff from a ½ cent to 1 cent per bushel.

Soybean bill is signed into law.

On July 14, the processing of collections and refunds is transferred to ISA from the Iowa Department of Agriculture, as well as the processing of all vouchers.

1982 1984 115 people fed by one U.S. farmer

In 1982 and 1983, ISA, led by President Raymond Heck, became active in contract sanctity. All the state soybean association presidents traveled to Washington, D.C., and got federal legislation passed regarding contract sanctity. The 1 cent checkoff was passed.

The association adopted the long-range planning committee recommendation to switch to a system of past president, president and president-elect.

The major issues facing ISA during this period were cargo preference and the balanced budget brigade to balance the federal budget.

Agriculture focused in on the 1985 Farm Bill debate. The main goal was to get soybeans on equal footing not only with other commodities, but with the rest of the world.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S OY B E A N R E V I E W. C O M | 2 3

Investing Checkoff Dollars

1986

In 1986, a statewide dustbuster program was implemented, complete with mobile demonstration trailers. The program was designed to show elevator managers the benefits of using soybean oil as a dust suppressant in grain handling facilities.

1985-1988 Steve Pedersen was the executive director.

Reverse referendum was passed by the Iowa Legislature that year. The purpose of the legislation was to eliminate the expense and staff time involved in a referendum every four years extending or increasing the Soybean Checkoff.

1988-1991 Al Johnson was the executive director.

More farmers using no-till or low-till methods in the 1980’s.

1989

The Iowa Legislature passed the Soybean Oil Ink bill mandating the use of soy oil in government printing operations by July 1989.

Food companies using soy oil in their products lined up to display the “SoyMark” on their packages in 1989. The SoyMark symbol stands for “Good Taste and Good Sense,” and ASA’s Section 301 Petition filed against unfair European Community oilseed subsidies is decided in favor of U.S. soybean producers. ISA celebrates its 25th anniversary.

1990

In 1990, ISA’s 74th and 75th county associations are organized.

1991-1992 Dan Hall was the executive director.

The National Soybean Checkoff began in 1991; “Iowa Soybean Review” entered its second year of publication.

1992 1994

Kirk Leeds is selected to serve as ISA executive director in December 1992. His first task was to implement a new strategic plan focused on strengthening ISA’s financial position.

In 1994, the National Soybean Checkoff in Iowa passed by a 8,237 to 6,129 vote.

With revisions in ASA’s bylaws, ISA picked up another ASA director. ISA now has five directors on the national board.

129

In April 1994, ISA was successful in securing passage of the Agricultural Development and Rural Revitalization Act by the Iowa Legislature. The Value-Added Agricultural Products and Processes Financial Assistance Program (VAAPFAP) became a reality during the summer of 1994.

people fed by one U.S. farmer

2 4 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M

Investing Checkoff Dollars

1994 1996

On October 7, 1994, President Clinton signed the “Vegetable Ink Printing Act of 1994” into law.

The ISA played an instrumental role in gathering grassroots support to pass the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. ISA cooperatively worked to enhance the ASA’s lobbying efforts for the inclusion of farm bill provisions such as full planting flexibility and an increased oilseed-marketing loan. These were key elements to be inserted in the farm bill as directed by ISA delegates. ISA also played an important role in working with Iowa’s congressional delegation to reform Swampbuster and Section 401 wetlands regulations. Without question, ISA’s board of directors made available the necessary resources to ensure Iowa soybean producers had a voice in the farm bill debate.

Conservation practices expand; new expectations lead to addressing environmental outcomes in the 1990’s.

The first Midwest Soybean Conference was held Aug. 9-12, 1996, in Des Moines, with 300 in attendance from 15 Midwestern states, Canada and Russia. The conference, which focused on providing timely information to producers about soybean research projects with proven results, featured 70 speakers and more than 40 sessions.

1997 1998 1999

Soybean Research and Development Council (SRDC) was formed in 1997 between the Iowa and Illinois associations. Some of the first projects included a major yield research project.

In 1998, District 3 was split into two districts bringing the number of directors to 17.

In 1999, the Iowa and Illinois Soybean Associations worked together to host The Global Soy Forum in Chicago with more than 2,000 participants from around the world.

ISA and Iowa Corn Growers Association created an alliance and joint membership program to build on common interests and the long history of working together in 1999.

2000

In 2000, AgInsight was created as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ISA. Its purpose was to generate non-dues income for ISA and to increase and enhance farmers’ abilities to connect with the value chain. It now operates Flavorful Insight, Communication Insight and Association Management Limited.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S OY B E A N R E V I E W. C O M | 2 5

Investing Checkoff Dollars

2001

In 2001, ISA launched its environmental program called Certified Environmental Management Systems for Agriculture (CEMSA) and the On-Farm Nitrogen Network to enable growers to improve nitrogen management by evaluating their current practices.

The Soyfoods Council was incorporated in 2002 to increase national awareness of soy and soy foods products by targeting mainstream consumers.

ISA leads the nation in water quality with the launch of its Environmental Programs and Services in the 2000’s.

2002

In 2002, the ISA staff began publishing the “Illinois Soybean Review” magazine for the Illinois Soybean Association.

2004

In 2004, ISA launched the On-Farm Network® Field Scouting project to provide growers with weekly field scouting reports from more than 60 corn, soybean and alfalfa fields around the state.

144 people fed by one U.S. farmer

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) was formed in 2004 by Iowa’s six top ag groups, including ISA to grow Iowa’s livestock and poultry production, successfully and responsibly.

In 2004, ISA and ISPB vote to move toward a unified board, which will better position the new organization to help meet the challenges of soybean growers.

ISA received a $1 million Conservation Innovation Grant in 2004 from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to study nitrogen management in corn production.

In November 2004, the USDA announced that it has discovered Asian soybean rust on a research farm near Baton Rouge, LA. This is the first time the potentially devastating fungal disease has been found in the United States.

2005 2006 2007

On July 1, 2005 the unified board of ISA was formed. A unified board would increase the ability for the board to think and act more strategically.

The Soy for Life Foundation was formed as a 501(c)3.

ISA helped form the Soy Transportation Coalition and the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

2 6 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M

Investing Checkoff Dollars

2010 2011

The ISA welcomes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) issuance of the final rule to implement the expanded Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) provided for in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007(EISA).

ISA formed the Iowa Food & Family Project to enhance consumer confidence in today’s farm and food system; today it includes more than 35 partners.

In 2011, Karey Claghorn joined ISA as chief operations officer.

ISA Management Solutions (ISAMS), a subsidiary of ISA purchases Association Management Limited (AML). AML is an association management company that provides strategic association expertise and leadership.

2012

President Xi Jinping of China visited Iowa to learn about farm technology and Iowa’s rich agricultural industry.

Chinese leaders made commitments to purchase $4.31 billion worth of U.S. soybeans during signing ceremonies that took place at the World Food Prize Center in Des Moines. The commitments signed in Des Moines totaled more than 8.62 million metric tons, or 317 million bushels.

415 million bushels of soybeans produced in 2013.

2013 2014 155 people fed by one U.S. farmer

Approximately $4.4 million in ongoing funding and $3.5 million in one-time funding specifically for the Iowa Water Quality Initiative was approved. Lawmakers also provided $5 million in one-time funding to address a backlog of state soil conservation cost-share projects.

In 2014, ISA hosts a Soy Sustainability Farm Tour. A delegation of major food purchasers, including representatives from Kraft, Kellogg’s and Sodexo, made several stops in the heart of Iowa. Their visit was the second leg of a three-state “Soy Sustainability Farm Tour” organized by the United Soybean Board to learn about sustainability at the beginning of the food supply chain — from farmers who produce the raw materials.

Lawmakers extended the state’s biodiesel tax credit of 2 cents per gallon on the first 25 million gallons of biodiesel produced in any single plant. The incentive was set to expire at the end of the year, but now goes through 2017.

Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) launched. Created and funded by Iowa Corn Growers Association, ISA and Iowa Pork Producers Association, the alliance will increase farmer awareness of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and their adoption of science-based practices proven to have environmental benefits.

Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University developed to provide stronger leadership to soybean research. Partnership will reduce redundancy, sharpen focus and leverage resources to improve competitiveness of Iowa soybean farmers.

2014

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S OY B E A N R E V I E W. C O M | 2 7

THE BEGINNING OF AN IDEA 1964 - 1974

In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as President and would lead a series of radical reforms. 1964 was the year the Beatles came to America, Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali and the Civil Rights Act became law. The ‘60s, often called the Decade of Change, saw profound shifts taking root in politics, music and values.

Things were changing for Iowa’s soybean growers, too.

1964 was a prosperous year that brought a record harvest of 115 million bushels. But the desire to reach higher stoked the determination of a small band of visionary Iowa farmers.

Thanks to their efforts, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) was recognized as a legal state association — the fifth state soybean association in the nation.

In 1965, C. Joseph Coleman became the first elected president of ISA. ISA leaders continued their work 012_Relevance_halfpg_horz_0721.indd strengthening their organization and the checkoff became a major issue for soybean producers. June 27, 1973 — Richard M. Nixon in office. Complete embargo on all grain shipments.

As the turbulent ‘60s progressed, the word “hippie” surfaced, “Star Trek” debuted and campus uprisings

protested war and inequality. The National Organization for Women emerged. And in 1969, Neil Armstrong took an aweinspiring step on the moon.

Meanwhile, Iowa’s soybean farmers only had to look across their fields for inspiration. Production continued to grow at a record pace. Iowa became the second largest state in soybean acreage and production in 1969, harvesting 171 million bushels.

As the ‘60s came to a close, the early 1970s brought a conservative backlash to the counterculture as the “silent majority” took hold. Yet during this time, an environmental movement began to take shape. Americans celebrated the first Earth Day in 1970, and Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act that same year.

Meanwhile, in Iowa, Governor Robert D. Ray proclaimed January as soybean month. ISA marched forward, and 1971 brought passage of the soybean checkoff legislation by a narrow 51 percent majority. In that same year, the Iowa Legislature passed a bill establishing the Iowa Soybean Promotion Board to administer funding generated by the checkoff. ISA nominated 24 farmers from its nine crop-reporting districts to serve on the newly established ISPB. Twelve nominees were elected, taking ISA and ISPB into a new era.

Everything we do at CHS, from energy refining and grain marketing to crop nutrients and risk management, serves a single purpose: to help our owners grow—all 600,000 of them. We do this in three important ways: Staying relevant in today’s marketplace means working with a cooperative whose business is being relevant.

So what you do in here makes sense by investing for growth on your behalf; by

out there.

staying strong financially and returning profits back to you; and by providing local expertise and global connections. As a member-owner of this cooperative, you can be sure that we are laser-focused on helping you succeed, no matter what happens on the other side of that door. Learn more at our website: chsinc.com.

Happy 50th Anniversary to the Iowa Soybean Association!

©2014 CHS Inc.

2 8 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M

Congratulations IOWA SOYBEAN A S S O C I AT I O N

on

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S OY B E A N R E V I E W. C O M | 2 9

REG congratulates the Iowa Soybean Association on 50 years of leadership and achievement.

We appreciate your advocacy in helping grow the biodiesel industry — creating the Iowa Biodiesel Board and supporting the Iowa Biodiesel Blended Fuel Tax Credit and federal Renewable Fuels Standard.

Here’s to many more years of getting the most out of every bean.

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3 0 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M

Ames, IA 50010

GAINING MOMENTUM 1975 - 1984

The 1970s may conjure up images of disco and bell-bottoms, but this era also brought economic struggle, technological innovation and a fight for equal rights. In 1974, President Richard M. Nixon resigned.

During the 1970s, Brazil emerged as a major soybean crusher, challenging the U.S. lead. In Iowa, Merlyn Groot became ISA president in 1975. The first renewal of the checkoff passed that year, with 72 percent voting in favor.

Dues increased to $30 per year.

As the ‘70s marched on, Microsoft became a registered trademark. Americans listened to 8-track tapes of Jackson Browne and Donna Summer. In 1977, the movie Star Wars opened and was a box office hit everywhere.

By now, Jimmy Carter was president. He created the cabinet level Energy Department, signed the Nuclear NonProliferation Act of 1978 and negotiated the Camp David Peace Agreement between Israel and Egypt.

A September 1979 embargo by President Carter did not deter soybean producers from approving the ISPB referendum with a 75 percent yes vote. In 1980, a soybean bill was signed into law to change the code and seek referendum on raising the checkoff from ½ cent to 1 cent per bushel. It would take two years to pass. Meanwhile, soymilk became

an increasingly popular beverage. By 1980, soy oil was clearly America’s leading oil, accounting for 82 percent of all vegetable oils.

The 1980s was a decade of turmoil. Agriculture suffered extreme loss under the intense drought, heat wave and the farm crisis of 1980. Thousands of farm families lost their farms due to a perfect storm of falling commodity prices and overwhelming debt. The U.S. failed disastrously in its attempt to rescue hostages in Tehran. Former Beatle John Lennon was assassinated. Mount St. Helens erupted, a new plague identified as AIDS struck a chord of fear and President Ronald Reagan was shot.

By 1982, soybean meal supplied 67.5 percent of the protein from the world’s oilseed protein meals, the main source of protein in livestock feeds. A rapid rise in meat consumption in Third World countries helped fuel this boom.

At the same time, pop culture experienced an explosive transformation that still carries influence today. The video game Pac-Man created a frenzy. Ted Turner established CNN, the first cable news network. Millions watched the royal wedding on television. IBM introduced personal computers.

The movie “E.T.” captured hearts and sparked imagination and Michael Jackson released “Thriller.”

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S OY B E A N R E V I E W. C O M | 3 1

Congratulations

to Iowa Soybean Association for 50 years of helping farmers.

AVONLEA BC KEPT SECRET 1st Jr. Two Year Old Intermediate Champion 2014 Iowa State Fair

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61081_Soybean.indd 1

{

Jason Steinlage, Lawler, IA | Eric Lang, Brooklyn, IA

10/31/14 4:00 PM

S N O I T A L U CONGRAT S R A E Y ON 50

h t w o r g f o

The United Soybean Board congratulates the Iowa Soybean Association on 50 years of service working to grow the soybean industry.

And Many More to Come

www.UnitedSoybean.org © 2014 United Soybean Board – 50735

3 250735_THANK | DECEMB E R Iowa.indd 2 0 1 4 | 1S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M YOU_

4/30/14 1:00 PM

This Iowa Family

to WORKS Produce safe food

Protect and promote animal well-being Ensure practices to protect public health Safeguard natural resources in all of their practices Provide a safe work environment Contribute to a better quality of life in their community

Learn more at www.iowapork.org D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S OY B E A N R E V I E W. C O M | 3 3

BUILDING A FOUNDATION 1985 - 1994

The mid-1980s brought famine to Ethiopia, the discovery of a hole in the ozone layer and New Coke. “Back to the Future” was a box office smash and MTV forever changed the way consumers would experience music. At the same time, many Americans adopted a new social conservatism, characterized by the policies of President Ronald Reagan.

In 1984, Iowa ranked first in soybean exports. The state’s farmers exported more than 180 million bushels of soybeans valued at $1 billion. That same year, Steve Pederson was promoted to executive director of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). The major priorities ISA faced during this period were cargo preference on the trade front and an effort to balance the federal budget.

In January 1985, representatives from major farm and commodity organizations including ISA, descended upon Washington, D.C., to participate in the Balanced Budget Brigade Washington Rally.

Ben Kern became ISA president just as the agricultural community focused in on the 1985 Farm Bill debate. Kern’s main goal was to get soybeans on equal footing with other commodities and the rest of the world.

The Volunteer Soybean Promoters (VSP) Program is sponsored by the Iowa Soybean Promotion Board. Strictly on a volunteer basis, the VSPs are available for programs, food demonstrations and store promotions to help consumers

3 4 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M

understand the nutritional benefits of soybean oil and other soybean products.

As the ‘80s wound down, DNA was first used to convict criminals, the New York Stock Exchange suffered a huge drop on “Black Monday” and the Berlin Wall fell.

ISA celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1989. That same year, food companies using soy oil began displaying the “SoyMark” on their packages, a symbol that stands for “Good Taste and Good Sense.” The American Soybean Association’s petition against unfair European Community oilseed subsidies would be decided in favor of U.S. soybean producers.

As a new decade began, the last of the 20th Century, the 1990 Farm Bill authorized the establishment of a national soybean promotion, research and consumer information program. ISA membership reached an all-time high of 10,594.

The year 1990 also saw the passage of the Iowa Soybean Oil Ink bill that dramatically expanded the state’s use of soybean oil-based ink.

The early ‘90s saw three important developments impacting Iowa’s soybean farmers for years to come. In 1991, the national soybean checkoff was established and the United Soybean Board was formed. In 1992, state soybean commodity groups, who funded several biodiesel research and development programs with checkoff dollars, founded the National Soy Diesel Development Board. That same year, Kirk Leeds was promoted to serve as the new executive director of ISA and Iowa Soybean Promotion Board, ushering in the beginning of a transformative time for soybean growers.

EGGS EGGS

FEEDING THE IOWA ECONOMY Iowa ranks #1 in US egg production

FEEDING THE IOWA ECONOMY The Iowa eggIowa industry and contributes... ranks #1generates in US egg production $2,000,000,000 in total statewide sales annually The Iowa egg industry generateswages and contributes... $424,000,000 in personal annually $2,000,000,000 in total statewide sales annually $19,300,000 $424,000,000 in state general tax revenues annually in personal wages annually $19,300,000 in state general tax revenues annually

Egg farmers contribute Egg farmers contribute moremore than than $2,000,000 annually towards protection of our air and water resources

$2,000,000 annuallyandtowards protection of our air and water resources the creation of the Egg Industry Center at ISU and the creation of the Egg Industry Center at ISU Sign up for our free newsletter at www.iowaegg.org

Sign up for our free newsletter at

1.9

RM

Competitor Variety/Brand

Number of Comparisons

Percentage of Wins

Pioneer Yield (Bu/A)

Competitor Yield (Bu/A)

Pioneer Yield Advantage (Bu/A)

P22T41R2

22

All

133

60%

60.0

59.1

0.9

P22T69R

22

All

142

56%

60.8

59.5

1.3

P25T51R

25

All

157

68%

62.0

59.8

2.2

P28T33R

28

All

96

60%

63.0

61.6

1.4

• P31T11R

31

All

107

78%

65.1

61.0

4.1

• P33T72R

33

All

84

55%

63.1

62.0

1.1

• P34T07R2

34

All

61

72%

64.8

62.4

2.4

P35T58R

35

All

66

62%

64.5

62.3

2.2

Pioneer® Variety/Brand¹

• NEW

For plots in your area go to Pioneer.com/Yield

Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment for soybeans is applied at a DuPont Pioneer production facility or by an independent sales representative of Pioneer. Not all sales representatives offer treatment services, and costs and other charges may vary. See your Pioneer sales representative for details. Seed treatment offering is exclusive to DuPont Pioneer and its affiliates.

Data is based on average of 2014 comparisons made in Iowa through October 16, 2014. Comparisons are against all competitors, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 3 RM of the competitive brand. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of future performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION. Refer to www.pioneer.com/products or contact a Pioneer sales representative or authorized dealer for the latest and complete listing of traits and scores for each Pioneer® brand product. ¹ All Pioneer products are varieties unless designated with LL, in which case some are brands.

Always follow grain marketing, stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Varieties with the original Roundup Ready® trait (RR) and the Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® (RR2Y) trait contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Genuity®, Roundup®, Roundup Ready® and Roundup Ready 2 Yield® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC used under license. Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible.

Varieties with the LibertyLink® gene (LL) are resistant to Liberty® herbicide. Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer.

The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont. PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , , Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer. © 2014 PHII. DUPPSY14010ISR120114

3 6 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M

It’s all rudimentary when you start from scratch … you have to go to your counties and sell your program.

— Dennis Lundsgaard, Vice President, 1964-68 Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors

AGP Congratulates the Ag Processing Inc Iowa Soybean Association Linking Iowa soybean on producers to global markets 50 Years of Success! ®

We look forward to many more prosperous years for the Iowa Soybean Industry!

AGP’s Export Terminal Port of Grays Harbor Aberdeen, WA

www.agp.com Photo by Marc Sterling D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S OY B E A N R E V I E W. C O M | 3 7

A NEW MILLENNIUM 1995 - 2004

The 1990s marked the end of the millennium with dramatic events and transformations that continue to shape our lives. But perhaps most significant of all was the mind-blowing explosion of technological advancements that characterized this decade.

The innovations of the ‘90s changed the way people interacted with each other on a global scale. A game-changing advancement was the emergence of the Internet, the World Wide Web and email. Suddenly, information became democratized and empowering. Laptops and small, affordable mobile phones soon followed, opening up a world of possibilities. More than 20 years later, the technologies from that decade’s imagination are still the cornerstone of modern life.

Soybean farmers were among those to benefit tremendously from new technology, in part thanks to early adopters who explored, experimented and shared. These innovators paved the way for precision farming.

Biotechnology research surged. Monsanto’s Roundup Ready soybeans hit the market. These were the first genetically engineered soybeans to have DNA altered to withstand the herbicide glyphosate (Roundup).

This was the Decade of Data. Several different intelligent devices and implement components came on the scene in the 1990s. Yield mapping allowed farmers to see the most productive and troubled areas of their farm. The most important tool farmers began to adopt was the Global Positioning System (GPS). With enough NAVSTAR satellites available, civilian operators could use GPS receivers to determine exact location. On the farm, this reduced overlap, allowing farmers to save on fuel, seed, chemicals and fertilizer. With these tools, early agricultural innovators started to put together the concepts of spatially locating field

3 8 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S O Y B E A N R E V I E W. C O M

conditions and characteristics, facilitating more sustainable decisions. Average yields continued to climb.

The ‘90s are remembered as a time of prosperity in America. The Gross Domestic Product and job creation surged due in part to the tech boom.

Bill Clinton was president in 1994. The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) successfully passed the National Soybean Checkoff in the state that year. The organization also helped secure passage of the Agricultural Development and Rural Revitalization Act by the Iowa Legislature. In October, President Clinton would sign the “Vegetable Ink Printing Act of 1994” into law.

Meanwhile, the National SoyDiesel Development Board, based in Jefferson City, Mo., voted to adopt the name “biodiesel” and the National Biodiesel Board was born.

A solid technical foundation for biodiesel began to build through engine durability, compatibility, health effects and emissions testing. In the late 1990s, more biodiesel companies began to emerge, with almost all of them using soybean oil and creating new demand for this underutilized product.

As the decade wore on, ISA played an instrumental role in gathering grassroots support to pass the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. And by the new millennium, ISA had created several pioneering programs such as AgInsight to enhance the ability of farmers to connect with the value chain, The Soyfoods Council to increase awareness of soy foods, groundbreaking environmental programs, and a farm research program that would become the On-Farm Network®.

These innovative ISA programs led the nation in soybean research, market development and education, and would help lead Iowa’s soybean farmers into the next century of rapid progress.

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I think that the No. 1 issue we are still having to address is not – competition. The challenge is for us to make ourselves competitive, but yet maintain our profits.

— Ben Kern, President, 1985-86 Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors

SELLING SEED IS ONLY PART OF WHAT WE DO.

We are PROUD to partner with the Iowa Soybean Association.

For growers like you, Syngenta offers the best combination of traits, genetics and crop protection technology on the planet. We’re consistently growing our extensive network. Our job is to help you invest wisely on every acre you plant, pushing yields on your best ground, while maximizing performance on your challenging elds. It may all begin with seed selection, but in the end, everything we do is designed to help you grow more corn and soybeans.

J&J 415 5 First Ave. N. • Estherville, IA 51 51334

712.362.2280 agsolutions.us@gmail.com

© 2013 Syngenta. Golden Harvest,® NK,® the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. www.FarmAssist.com MW 12CR3039-P1 SLC 2373A 03-2013

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J&J

Shop 712-362-2280 • Jason 712-330 712-330-6814 Brian 712-209-2056 • Mike 712-330-6913 415 First Ave. N. • Estherville, IA 51334

agsolutions.us@gmail.com

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www.mzbtech.com

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | S OY B E A N R E V I E W. C O M | 4 1

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LEADING BY EXAMPLE 2005 - 2014

Data collection and analysis is proceeding at a rapid pace. Farmer-led associations are working with key leaders in industry and academia to harness the power of this data, maximize its benefit for farmers and maintain its confidentiality. The benefits of genetic modification are taking root in the court of public opinion and huge strides continue in the ability of farmers to accurately monitor and measure progress in agricultural production and environmental performance.

Through it all, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) has helped Iowa’s soybean growers harness this potential. ISA has stood on the cutting-edge of these technologies, not only embracing the new, but serving as a driving force to maximize it for all. ISA’s programs during the last decade have helped make farming more productive, sustainable and profitable than ever before. Programs like the On-Farm Network® replicated field trials database, give growers easy access to a variety of trial results on many practices and products. Agricultural partnerships like the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance increase farmer awareness of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and their adoption of sciencebased practices proven to have environmental benefits. And the Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University was developed to reduce redundancy, sharpen focus and leverage resources in soybean research.

ISA programs during the last 10 years also have helped move education and awareness of soybean production and commercial agriculture to new heights. Sustainability tours hosted by ISA have had a profound impact on major industries, politicians and environmental groups whose

understanding of today’s agricultural practices is imperative to the future.

The Soy for Life Foundation was formed to help consumers make soy a part of a healthy lifestyle. In 2011, the ISA launched the Iowa Food & Family Project to increase consumer confidence in today’s farm and food system. In less than two years, more than 40 partners are involved in supporting programs and activities to achieve that goal.

And the Iowa Biodiesel Board has led the expansion of awareness, production and use of biodiesel in the state, while serving as Iowa’s voice on important societal initiatives like the federal Renewable Fuels Standard. The influence and accomplishments of these and other organizations spawned

by ISA are spread far beyond the borders of our state, expanding the legacy of Iowa’s soybean growers to the world.

Indeed, Iowa’s soybeans feed the world like never before.

In 2012, President Xi Jinping of China visited Iowa to learn about farm technology and Iowa’s rich agricultural industry.

Chinese leaders then made commitments to purchase $4.31 billion worth of U.S. soybeans. Today, Iowa’s soybeans are synonymous with quality around the world.

Will the speed of advancement slow down? Not likely.

In 2014, Iowa soybean growers produced nearly 500 million bushels. This is an example of agricultural efficiency, innovation and acceptance. The ability of the American soybean farmer to feed and fuel the world would astound ISA’s founding fathers, whose dusty pickup trucks laid tire tracks to a future they couldn’t possibly have envisioned. But as those seeds took root 50 years ago, they knew there could be more to the story of soybeans.

They were right.

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Investing Checkoff Dollars

15 YEARS OF IMPROVING ON-FARM NETWORK® & ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

By Allison Arp

Fifteen years ago, Iowa farmers were starving for unbiased information directly related to production agriculture.

The innovative and proactive directors of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board answered the call by creating the On-Farm Network and the Environmental Programs and Services.

“We were under pressure to do a better job of farming for economic and environmental reasons,” says Ron Heck, an ISA director from Perry. “We realized we had the resources to provide a tremendous benefit to Iowa farmers.”

“The results have been fantastic,” he continues. “Both programs are recognized nationally and have a much farther reaching influence than one would expect a state organization to have.”

As ISA celebrates its 50th anniversary, these two nationally renowned programs celebrate a decade and a half of improving the profitability and natural resource management of Iowa farmers.

On-Farm Network

The On-Farm Network can be traced back to the mid-1990s, when ISA began funding research at Iowa State University (ISU). In 2000, the On-Farm Nitrogen Network was formed to set up replicated strip trials in fields with different nitrogen and

manure management practices. Now, the renamed On-Farm Network has expanded to research a variety of corn and soybean topics, focusing on replicated strip trials to test products and management practices.

“The original vision of the OnFarm Network was to provide farmers with unbiased data,” says Pat Reeg, On-Farm Network director. “By having credible information farmers can prevent regulations based on emotional suppositions or non-factual scientific findings.”

Early-on, the On-Farm Network broadened its focus from nitrogen research on corn to deep tillage trials and research on a variety of soybean topics: foliar fertilizers, fungicides and seed treatments, just to name a few.

Throughout its history the network has expanded research topics farmers care about to include herbicide resistance, planting populations, cover crops and row spacing.

“We’re going to continue to find solutions to the problems farmers face on a regular basis” says Tristan Mueller, On-Farm Network agronomic operations manager.

Being recognized as a resource for unbiased data has given the On-Farm Network the opportunity to work with many research partners. From

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industry to academia, the team has built relationships that improve the quality and quantity of data they aggregate.

From the beginning, one of the major partners of the On-Farm Network has been ISU. Faculty and staff at the university have contributed expertise to many areas. The capabilities ISU and all the other partners bring to the table have allowed the On-Farm Network to have far-reaching data collection and analysis, supplying even more information to farmers.

When On-Farm Network leaders look to the future they see much of the same, but that’s not a bad thing. They will strive to remain current on issues, continue to collaborate with internal and external organizations and remain an unbiased and credible resource for validated data.

“I envision enhancing the size and scope of the On-Farm Network’s research,” Reeg says. “The network’s efforts can connect with industry and academia to fill in the research gaps farmers have today and in the future.”

Environmental Programs and Services In the early ‘90s, the ISA board began critically looking at nutrient issues. By 2000, they were ready to take the next step.

Investing Checkoff Dollars

PROFITABILITY The Environmental Programs and Services (EPS) division was created.

Fifteen years later nearly $20 million dollars has been invested in environmental and watershed activities, with 42 percent of that being Soybean Checkoff dollars. The money has been used in a variety of ways including producer and consumer education, watershed planning and installing edge-of-field practices in watersheds.

EPS gives farmers a credible voice in the conservation conversation.

Environmental experts use data and applied science to help growers with decision-making. The collected data supports the motivation behind the program—production, profitability and the management of natural resources in a sustainable way. It allows farmers the opportunity to prove they are making a difference when it comes to water quality.

“The board wanted to understand the challenges, “says Roger Wolf, EPS director. “That is why they’ve readily and voluntarily invested in looking at the performance of their operations.”

EPS leaders attribute the ISA board with recognizing farmers own some of society’s environmental challenges, and have a responsibility

for being proactive in their approach to solving them.

Even before there was a mandated nutrient reduction strategy, EPS was actively engaged in improving the quality of Iowa’s water. Wolf credits the farmers’ entrepreneurial drive for the forward-thinking “Farmers are problems solvers by the nature of their business,” Wolf says. “They approach issues on their farm as problems to be overcome and that has become their legacy at ISA as well.”

The future of EPS involves increased partnerships, including aligning with agribusinesses, state and federal governments and other agriculture organizations. Along with continually working together to improve natural resource management and water quality in Iowa.

“The vision we laid out 15 years ago of monitoring and measuring management and technical assistance has come to fruition,” says Todd Sutphin, EPS operations manager. “As we move forward we’ll continue to expand on those foundational elements and push the program to advance the nutrient reduction strategy and efficiency and profitability of farmers.”

[Continued on page 46.]

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Investing Checkoff Dollars

[Continued from page 45.]

Registration has more than

QUADRUPLED since the first

THE VISION WE LAID OUT

15 years AGO

OF MONITORING AND MEASURING MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE HAS COME TO FRUITION.

conference in 2001.

- Todd Sutphin, EPS operations manager

Nearly $20 MILLION dollars has been invested in environmental and watershed activities,with 42 percent of that being Soybean Checkoff dollars.

Almost 75 percent of conference attendees are

farmers.

The Nitrogen Conference transitioned to the On-Farm Network® Conference in 2007 and now is renamed the

ISA RESEARCH CONFERENCE

incorporating the On-Farm Network, Environmental Programs & Services and many other partners.

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What does it mean to be

COMMITTED TO IOWA? In the hands of Iowa’s farmers, better seeds can help meet the needs of a rapidly growing population, while protecting the earth’s natural resources. These seeds will help to provide everyone with access to the food, clothing and fuel they need today, and the world has the land, water and energy it needs for tomorrow.

In Iowa, Monsanto is dedicated to providing more than seeds. Our Soybean Breeding Facility in Huxley and our Applied Molecular Breeding center in Ankeny provide jobs for their communities. And in 2014, our America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, invested $247,500 into rural Iowa communities.

THAT’S WHAT IT MEANS TO BE COMMITTED TO IOWA AND ITS FARMERS.

Learn more at Monsanto.com Monsanto and Vine Design® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. 2014.

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It’s time to take a stand against soybean cyst nematodes.

As soybean cyst nematodes have adapted to the most widely used source of genetic resistance, you increasingly need additional protection against SCN to maximize yield potential. Take back control with Clariva™ Complete Beans, the only seed treatment proven to offer effective, season-long protection against SCN through direct and lethal activity. Clariva Complete Beans helps minimize hidden and costly damage from SCN independent of environmental conditions, and builds on the unsurpassed early-season insect and disease protection that growers trust from market-leading CruiserMaxx® Beans with Vibrance® seed treatment.

Contact your Syngenta representative or visit ClarivaCompleteBeans.com and take back your fields.

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0.0" x 0.0" ® ™ ® ® Beans with Vibrance is an on-seed application of CruiserMaxx Vibrance alone or with Apron XL. Apron XL, Clariva, CruiserMaxx, Vibrance, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the LV: 0.0" x 0.0" Prepress: Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

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