Straight Rows January 2023 by kssoy

ROWS STRAIGHT

KANSAS

SOYBEAN

ASSOCIATION

Volume 27, Issue 4 | January 2023

Board lays foundation for successful year The Kansas Soybean Association board of directors laid the foundation for a successful year at its various meetings Jan. 9-11.

Committee Reviews State Policy Resolutions The KSA Policy Committee headed to Topeka Monday, Jan. 9 to determine the state legislative priorities and review national policy resolutions. “We worked through the first step in the national policy process to gear up for Commodity Classic in March,” Scott Gigstad, Everest, says. “As the landscape is changing in agriculture, there is an increase in rented ground and tenant farming. We modified a policy to include support for not only landowner rights but also rights of the tenant.” The Committee strengthened support for biofuels and renewable energy through use of soybean feedstocks, included statements on groundwater use and more. The committee also met Jan. 18 to further discuss amendments to the national policy resolutions for the year. The group was joined virtually by delegates from Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas per ASA’s regionalized process for updating the resolutions.

on the agenda, included, but are not limited to: • Potential redistricting of KSA regions to ensure districts are representative of soybean acres in the state. • Posting of the new Communications and Membership Specialist position on the KSA staff. • Hearing from ASA staff on its various interactions in Washington, D.C. • Planning for the Jan. 18 breakfast at the Statehouse. Samantha Davis (pictured below), Bayer’s Industry Affairs Lead for Oilseeds and Selective Herbicides, spoke to the board to share how her team partners with commodity groups on legislative and regulatory affairs. This presentation is one of the sponsor benefits for the new Executive level of corporate partnership with KSA.

Board Elects New Officers, Representatives The annual meeting of the KSA membership Jan. 11 at the Kansas Soybean Expo luncheon

confirmed a new slate of KSA officers to serve a two-year term. Outgoing President Teresa Brandenburg transitioned to chairwomen of the board. Scott Gigstad and Brett Neibling moved up the ranks to president and first vice president, respectively. Jared Nash and Mike Musselman joined the ranks of KSA officers as second vice president and secretary, respectively. Retaining the role of treasurer is Brice Bunck. The annual meeting also brought new members onto the board in place of several choosing to retire from service. John Pracht joined as the District 3 representative in place of Gail Kueser. James Moreland, who joined the board in 2021 as a Young Leader representative, transitioned to the District 6 position in place of Kim Kohls. Daniel Anderes stepped onto the board as a Young Leader representative. The next KSA meeting is March 3 in Topeka. Issues to be brought before the board may be expressed to your board representative or KSA staff.

Board Preps for Expo, More The regular meeting of the KSA board Jan. 10 centered around Kansas Soybean Expo preparations. Other discussion items www.KansasSoybeans.org

KansasSoybean

KsSoybean

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Scott Gigstad, Everest Every year begins a new adventure in agriculture and 2023 will be no different. Many in our membership experienced a challenging 2022 with excessive dryness during the growing season and continued dryness going into winter. As farmers, we have to be optimists and hope that the next year will be better than the last. Volume 27, Issue 4 | January 2023

STRAIGHT ROWS is published bi-monthly by the

Kansas Soybean Association 1000 SW Red Oaks Place, Topeka, Kansas 66615-1207 phone: 785-271-1030 | fax: 785-271-1302 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923) www.KansasSoybeans.org | info@kansassoybeans.org

2023 Board of Directors District 1........................................................................Brett Neibling, Highland District 2............................................................................... Brice Bunck, Topeka District 3........................................................................John Pracht, Westphalia District 4.............................................................Matthew Atkinson, Columbus District 5................................................................Michael Musselman, Clifton District 6............................................................James Moreland, South Haven District 7............................................................ Teresa Brandenburg, Osborne At-Large................................................................................Jared Nash, Parsons At-Large....................................................................... Brandon Geiger, Denton Atchison County..............................................................Scott Gigstad, Everest Brown County..................................................................... Greg Strube, Horton Cherokee County............................................................Roger Draeger, Galena Doniphan County................................................................ Josh Falk, Robinson K-State Research & Extension..........Sarah Lancaster, Ph.D., Manhattan K-State Agronomy...........................................Raj Khosla, Ph.D., Manhattan Kansas Soybean Processors.........................................Jessie Smith, Emporia Kansas Soybean Commission........................................... Ron Ohlde, Palmer American Soybean Association................... Charles Atkinson, Great Bend American Soybean Association..............................Andy Winsor, Grantville Young Leader..........................................................Kendall Heiniger, Fairview Young Leader................................................................. Adam Phelon, Melvern Young Leader.................................................... Daniel Anderes, Junction City

2023 Executive Committee President............................................................................................. Scott Gigstad 1st Vice President........................................................................... Brett Neibling 2nd Vice President................................................................................Jared Nash Secretary................................................................................Michael Musselman Treasurer...............................................................................................Brice Bunck Chairman.............................................................................. Teresa Brandenburg

Going into this new year, it looks to me like we only have one way to go - up! One new adventure for me will be serving as president for the Kansas Soybean Association. This will be a learning experience - one that I am looking forward to. I joined the board seven years ago and have enjoyed my time as a board member. One of the things that has impressed me over the years has been the collaboration between the board and our awesome Kansas Soybean staff as we accomplish policy wins that benefit farmers. The staff is very professional and works extremely hard for all of you - the members of our organization. It was not until I was on the board that I began to understand the complexity of behindthe-scenes work KSA carries out in directing policy and serving as the voice for our membership. I want to thank you all as members for believing enough to belong to KSA. If you ever wondered if your membership makes a difference, the answer to that question is - without a doubt – YES! While my term as president will teach me a lot, I also want to give value back to the organization and to our membership. If you have

not had a chance while in Topeka please stop by and visit the office and meet some of the staff. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please feel free to contact me or the office. If I don’t know the answer, I’m sure I can find it or direct you to someone who does. Depending on which part of the state you live in, 2023 could be a big transition year in terms of what type of soybeans you plant. I encourage you to take the time to visit with your neighbor and make sure you know what chemistry of soybeans they are planting. We are probably all guilty of not visiting with our neighbors enough and this is a good reason to reach out to them. I hope each of you can stay healthy and safe as we work our way to Spring!

Staff Chief Executive Officer..................................................................... Kaleb Little Director of Field Services...............................................................Dennis Hupe Director of Communications...............................................Amanda Manville Director of Operations and Accounting............................. Adam O’Trimble Director of Programs and Outreach............................................... Jancey Hall Accounting and Administrative Assistant........................ Meghan Bechard

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January 2023

Hiawatha farm sweeps 2022 soybean yield contest Another growing season has passed and the 2022 Yield and Value Contests entries paint a picture of the growing conditions measured in regions across the state. A decrease in the average contest yield is indicative of drought pressures and high heat indexes throughout the 2022 summer. “Even though the growing season created challenges for growers across the state, we were pleased with the steady participation in the contest,” Gail Kueser, KSA yield contest committee member, says. “We had twenty-four entries submitted into the Yield Contest bringing the average yield to 81.04 bushels per acre.” Ryan Patton of Powercat Land Company in Hiawatha fared well during the season and managed to clinch first place in the irrigated and dryland categories of the yield contest. Those yields reached 98.82 bushels per acre and 94.96 bushels per acre, respectively. Lyle Longenecker, Abilene, won the value contest with a premium of $1.74 over cash value – an increase of 37 cents over the top value in the 2021 contest. Falling second in the statewide conventional-till irrigated division is Arganbright Farms LLC of Waterville with a yield of 97.86 bushels per acre. Olson Family Farms, Everest, earned third with a 92.20 bushel-peracre entry. In the statewide notill irrigated division, Love and Love Farms of Montezuma came away with a first-place entry of 96.49 bushels per acre. Grimm Farms Inc, Morrill, earned second place with 95.99 bushels per acre and Tony Spexarth, Colwich, came in third with a 90.65 bushel-per-acre entry. In the north-northeast corJanuary 2023

ner of the state, Powercat Land Company took first in the conventional-till dryland category with the same entry that topped the statewide dryland division, 94.96 bushels per acre. HBJ Farms, White Cloud, earned second with 86.98 bushels per acre. Kyle Jeshke, Highland, came in third with a yield of 86.31 bushels per acre. In the no-till dryland category of the north-northeast division, Henry Farms, Robinson, submitted the top yield at 86.86 bushels per acre. Johnson Ag, Bendena, took second with a yield of 84.06 bushels per acre. In northeast Kansas’ no-till dryland division, Bigham Farms of Grantville submitted the winning entry of 68.16 bushels per acre. Phil Halling, Lancaster, earned second in this division with 64.79 bushels per acre. Brandon Litch of Melvern topped the east central no-till dryland division with a yield entry of 66.74 bushels per acre. Robert Litch, Melvern, earned second at 60.03 bushels per acre. Rod Watson, Weir, took first in the southeast conventional-till dryland division with a yield of 61.32 bushels per acre. In the north central conven-

tional-till dryland division, Rod Stewart of Washington took first with a yield entry of 61.09 bushels per acre. Ryan Stewart of Washington topped the north central no-till dryland division with an entry of 63.34 bushels per acre. Aaron Pauly, Colwich, topped the south central conventional-till dryland division with an entry of 62.22 bushels per acre. Twenty-six individuals across Kansas entered the 2022 value contest. Following the top entry from Longenecker, Scott Kennedy of Hoxie earned second place in the contest with a sample that was a $1.73 premium over the cash price. Powercat Land Company had the third-place entry at a premium of $1.65. The value contest analyzes a 20-ounce sample for its value-added qualities and calculates a value. The Kansas Soybean Commission provides monetary awards to finalists each year. The highest dryland and irrigated yields in the state each receive a $1,000 award. In each district and the value contest, first place receives $300, second receives $200, and third receives $100. Full results and production practices are available at kssoy.org/contests.

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MEET A KSA BOARD MEMBER Jessie Smith, Lebo I was born and raised in Emporia and graduated from Emporia State University. My husband, Logan, and I have two daughters (Harlee, 10, and Rylee, 8). We live in my husband’s home town of Lebo and love the small town life. Our girls keep us busy

with their school related activities and traveling sports, which we love, and find ourselves coming and going a lot. I have worked at Bunge in Emporia for 15 years as a merchandiser. That role wears many hats in our small office, including purchasing of beans, selling products (meal, oil and pellets), and truck and rail logistics. Outside of work and family activities, I have been a board member for the Flint Hills Beef Fest for 7 years. I first heard about the Kansas Soybean Association after I started with Bunge. At that time, Jerry Murphy served on the KSA board as the processor representative and did so for many years. He always had positive things to say about the organization and its members.

Now that I have a seat on the board, it has allowed me to learn more about the Association and Kansas Soybean Commission and the complementary roles they play. Both work hard to support each Kansas soybean farmer, but KSA is the organization that advocates for them on policy work and serves as the voice for members. I also enjoy getting to connect with others in the soybean industry throughout Kansas. KSA is important because it is the voice for the Kansas farmer and works toward their operation’s financial growth. It offers a variety of outlets and tools that provide information and offer value. By joining the member roster, a farmer helps support the Association through collective funding of policy work that helps fellow farmers.

Emerging Leaders Class 7 completes Phase Two Two participants of the Emerging Leaders Academy’s seventh class completed the second phase of the program, which is a tour of agricultural and commodity-relevant companies in a selected region of the state. Luke Bellar, Mound Valley, and Erica Schlender, Halstead, visited a number of businesses in Topeka and Kansas City on their tour. Kansas Soybean Association staff Meghan Bechard, Jancey Hall and Amanda Manville also participated in the trip. It all kicked off at Frito Lay in Topeka, where the group learned about the ingredients and process used to make potato and tortilla chips. The tour then headed to the Cargill soybean processing facility in Kan4

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sas City to see firsthand the entire soybean crush process from seed to end product. The second day of Phase Two began at The DeLong Company, a grain container shipping entity. The DeLong Company and Kansas Soybean have long had a complementary relationship in moving soybean product. Next, the group met at the Mexican Consulate to discuss various aspects of the consulate. The day concluded at the Kansas University Biodiesel Initiative led by Dr. Susan Williams, where participants toured the lab where students recycle campus cooking oil into biodiesel and glycerine by-products. Phase Two took place Dec. 8-9 ahead of the Winter Gathering.

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January 2023

unitedsoybean.org

RESEARCHING A BETTER BEAN

Whether you’re dealing with drought, flood, heat or other climate-related stress, the soy checkoff is working behind the scenes to diversify U.S. soybean genetics and increase stress tolerance. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you. See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for soybean farmers at unitedsoybean.org

Brought to you by the soy checkoff. ©2018 United Soybean Board. Our Soy Checkoff and the Our Soy Checkoff mark are trademarks of United Soybean Board. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

January 2023

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Winter Gathering reunites state’s ELA graduates Seven classes of Kansas agriculture’s next-generation leaders have completed the Emerging Leaders Academy program of Kansas Soybean. During their participation, these leaders have been trained on soybean industry successes, challenges and messaging, managing consumer perceptions and sharing their own farming stories. To reengage them, Kansas Soybean invited the graduates to Manhattan December 9-10 for the ELA Winter Gathering. The inaugural Winter Gathering reunited 10 participants of the leadership program for socializing, networking and continued development. Following an entertaining evening at Manhatchet Axe Throwing, the group gathered at the International Grains Program Institute at Kansas State University for learning and discussion. CEO and Administrator Kaleb Little kicked off the morning to discuss the Kansas Soybean five-year strategic plan, which evaluates the ways in which the two distinct organizations, KSA and KSC, best provide value to soybean growers. Group discussion centered on the ways in which farmer attention is pulled in various directions based on how they consume media and

how social license to farm – or how consumer opinions toward agriculture dictate farming practices – is an increasingly important facet of the job. Industry trends indicate that farm operations are consolidating and growing in size. This often leads to increased workloads for each individual farmer and decreased engagement in organizations as many feel like they cannot leave the farm to attend events as a leader in their community. Kerry Wefald, Senior Director of Development with the Kansas State University Foundation, joined the group next to share about the K-State Innovation Centers. In September, the Kansas Soybean Commission pledged $4 million over five years toward modernizing facilities for the K-State College of Agriculture. Wefald was instrumental in securing funding for the costmatch initiative. “The magnitude of what has been done is monumental. It’s never been done,” she told the group. She reported that the project raised $75 million in six months and had reached $81 million at the time of her presentation.

“It was good to get reintroduced with what the Kansas Soybean Commission and Association have been up to and where they are headed,” Dan Bigham, Grantville, says. “It was neat to see where their partnership with K-State is headed and the improvements the College of Agriculture is looking to make.” Bigham participated in the second class of ELA back in 2015, the longest ago of any participants at the gathering. He has continued to be involved with Kansas Soybean through event attendance and participation in the yield contest, yet shared there was value in coming together with the ELA group. “It was neat to meet other classes of leaders and meet other younger farmers growing soybeans in the state,” he says. The morning concluded with media training led by Jodi Oleen. Jenny Goering, Galva, says of the Winter Gathering, “It is always encouraging to see what everybody is doing and share the excitement of coming together with peers who are also passionate about soybeans and learning, engaging and strengthening our skills as communicators.”

At Left L-R: Levi and Teresa Manche, Hiawatha; Austin and Kendall Heiniger, Fairview; Luke Bellar, Mound Valley; Amanda Ahrens, Salina; Erica Schlender, Halstead; Jenny Goering, Galva; Jared and Kimy Nash, Parsons; Adam Phelon, Melvern; Dan Bigham, Grantville. These ELA graduates participated in the inaugural Winter Gathering. At right Kaleb Little, Kansas Soybean CEO & Administrator, shares the Kansas Soybean Strategic Direction with participants at the IGP Institute building in Manhattan.

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January 2023

Anderes joins 2023 Corteva Young Leaders class When operating a farm or ranch, most decisions revolve around timing – like when to plant, spray, buy land or upgrade equipment. For Daniel Anderes, pursuing leadership training through the Corteva Young Leader program came down to timing. “For many years, it just wasn’t the right time in life,” he says. “I finally was able to say ‘this would be a good thing to do at this point in my life.’ I’ve known a few people that completed the program and they seemed to get a lot of value from participating.” Anderes participated in the first phase of the 2023 Young Leader program Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2022, at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnson, Iowa. Phase I serves as an introduction to the program and involves training on communication tactics, tackling industry challenges and more. Anderes speaks much about interactions with others in the industry and out, and how the training provided a fresh perspective on such interactions. “People in agriculture, especially farmers, are dealing with so many different types of people that we don’t necessarily know how to interact effectively,” Anderes explains. “Through training in the Corteva Young Leader program, we learned about ways to read people and decide how to approach a conversation with them.” As is ever-important to agriculturists, engaging with consumers became a key topic at the Young Leader training. “The communication part is important when conveying our messaging to consumers,” Anderes says. “Consumers are January 2023

not scared of farmers, they’re scared of what they don’t know. It’s our job to help with that information piece.” Wixted & Co., a strategic communication firm, led a portion of the engagement training. It was helpful in sharing tactics to present to a group, speak with media and communicate with peers, Anderes says. Representatives from the American Soybean Association, United Soybean Board and U.S. Soybean Export Council also spoke on their roles in the soybean industry. Networking with fellow participants in the 2023 Class provided added to the event’s value for Anderes. He shares that he enjoyed learning about how his peers operate their farms and address challenges common to all farmers. From Alabama to North Dakota and all around, he says, younger generations of farmers tend to be worried about the future of their operations and transitioning the farm. Anderes understands the dynamics of a multigeneration farm. After a decade of selling farm equipment and then managing a dealership for KanEquip, he had an opportunity to farm with his father-in-law and uncle-in-law on their operation near Junction City. They grow soybeans, corn, grain sorghum, wheat, alfalfa hay and also have a cattle herd. No stranger to farming, Anderes grew up on a diversified crop farm south of Abilene, then graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor of science in agribusiness. He and his wife of 14 years, Abby, have four kids – Archer, 9; Leo, 6; Della, 4; and Charles, 2.

He first became involved with soybean programs through the Emerging Leaders Academy as a Class 2 participant in 2015. When comparing the two leadership development opportunities, Anderes says both are striving for the same goal through different approaches – ELA covers topics specific to Kansas, while the Young Leader program “steps up to the national level and in terms of training volume and learning bigger pieces of the leadership puzzle.” Both have exemplified the importance of being involved in organizations. “We should all be involved at some level,” Anderes says. “Not everyone has to be president of a board, but we all have a part to play.” He also says anyone thinking about applying for future classes of Corteva Young Leaders should “just do it,” continuing that “The people you meet is worth ten-times more than just staying at home and it is just a great experience. The Young Leader participants may not interact with each other regularly, but having that connection is valuable. If any of us get involved at the state level or higher, we’ve already met others across the country.” According to the American Soybean Association, Corteva Young Leaders is its longest-running leadership program and trains engaged growers to serve as the voice of the American farmer. Participants commit to attend two training sessions, the second of which is held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic trade show and conference.

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Expo delivers diverse speaker lineup, special awards The Kansas Soybean Expo kicked off Jan. 11 with the much-anticipated economic panel featuring three experts in the industry. Mac Marshall, Vice President of Market Intelligence for the United Soybean Board, began the panel discussion with commentary on the explosion of crush facility announcements in the Midwest and what that means for soybean crush capacity and the industry. He also covered the impacts of the Avian influenza on meal. Scott Gerlt, Chief Economist for the American Soybean Association, took the microphone next to discuss the concerning Renewable Volume Obligations for biofuels released by the En-

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vironmental Protection Agency, calling them a self-fulfilling prophecy. “How did EPA get to its numbers? The agency used USDA’s 10-year baseline, which assumes no growth in production,” he said. “The agency that is supposed to be setting growth targets is basing its calculation on an agency that assume no growth.” Gerlt expressed that the RVOs are putting a damper on the industry. Matt Herman, Senior Director of Renewable Products Marketing for the Iowa Soybean Association, talked about opportunities in renewable products that

use soybean by-products. One such item is a bioplastic made with a low-quality gasoline that is created in the production of sustainable aviation fuel. C. Willi Myles left the crowd in stitches sharing his life story of growing up in the projects in Alabama and moving to the frigid north to play college football at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. He reminisced on adventures ice fishing and more. The afternoon brought everyone back together for Jeremy Goodwin’s presentation on weather. Goodwin is the Chief Meteorologist for Channel 13 in Topeka and spoke about tornado ratings and coverage, as well

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January 2023

ASA Policy Priorities as the drought conditions in Kansas during the 2022 growing season. Sarah Lancaster, Assistant Professor with K-State Agronomy, concluded the day informing attendees about weed science research conducted at the university. Lancaster specializes in herbicide-resistant weed and biological control methods. “I thought this was one of the better Expos I’ve experienced,” Scott Gigstad, KSA President and Atchison County director, says. “I thought we had an informative panel of speakers this year and I enjoyed the commentary on the weather. I always enjoy a comedian as the keynote speaker in the morning. It was all interesting information.” Attendees at the luncheon of the Kansas Soybean Expo shared in a special part of the day. The KSA board and staff surprised Charlene Patton, the Kansas Soybean Commission’s Consumer Media Specialist, with the 2023 Friend of Soy Award. Patton is key in planning the Expo, making it a feat to pull off and a surprise Patton says she will never

forget. Many know Patton from her decades of sharing soy food recipes on television stations across Kansas and building consumer trust in soy products. WIBW-TV earned the Meritorious Service Award, which honors a person, company or organization who has dedicated a significant portion of their time or resources working to the benefit of soybean farmers, for their commitment to the longstanding partnership with KSC to continue Patton’s recipe segments during the pandemic. K-State President Richard Linton joined by Zoom to address the Luncheon crowd. He provided an update on the College of Agriculture’s innovation centers to be built. Over 200 attendees gathered at the Maner Conference Center in Topeka for the event. “I thought we had a great turnout this year,” Gigstad says. Expo is a project of the Kansas Soybean Association with funding from the Kansas Soybean Commission.

Top left photo: Outgoing KSA President Teresa Brandenburg welcomes the luncheon crowd in Heritage Hall. Also seated at the table are L-R: then-KSA Chairman Dwight Meyer, incoming KSA President Scott Gigstad, Susan Metzger representing Kansas State University, Kansas Soybean Commission Chairman Ron Ohlde; Master of Ceremonies John Jenkinson, KSA Policy Chair and ASA Director Andy Winsor, and ASA Director Charles Atkinson. Top right photo: keynote speaker C. Willi Myles delighted the crowd with comedy. Middle left photo: Sarah Lancaster with the Kansas State University Department of Agronomy shared a research update in the afternoon. Middle photo: KSA CEO Kaleb Little moderated a panel of economic experts comprising Matt Herman with Iowa Soybean, Scott Gerlt with ASA and Mac Marshall with the United Soybean Board. Middle right photo: Jeremy Goodwin, Chief Meteorologist with WIBW-TV, filled his afternoon presentation sharing how tornadoes are gauged and about drought conditions. Bottom left photo: KSC Consumer Media Specialist Charlene Patton received a major surprise when KSA awarded her the 2023 Friend of Soy Award. Bottom right photo: KSA presented WIBW-TV with the 2023 Meritorious Service Award; representatives Jared Broyles, Jeremy Goodwin, Chris Fisher and Al Bonner attended to accept the award.

January 2023

Winter 2023 Farm Economy • 2023 Farm Bill: Support an on-time, comprehensive, meaningful farm bill that addresses ASA priorities • Improving the farm safety net for soybeans • Protecting crop insurance • Enhancing accessibility of conservation programs and maintaining the voluntary, incentive-based approach • Growing investments in the promotion of U.S. commodities globally • Building opportunities for biofuels and biobased products • Maintaining the agricultural and nutrition titles • Value Chain Infrastructure: Support needs that enable the farm economy • Regulatory: Promote regulatory modernization of biotechnology; protect against legislative, regulatory, litigation threats to pesticides; support farmer-friendly regulatory approaches to WOTUS and climate initiatives

Markets • Biofuels: Promote policies that support increased domestic crush, such as larger soy-based RFS volumes and ag feedstock eligibility for various renewable efforts • Trade: Prioritize market access and address current challenges • Livestock and Aquaculture: Support efforts to expand soy in these markets • Biobased: Promote federal investments to advance soy-based products • Checkoff: Protect ability for farmers to invest in the checkoff to maintain research and development opportunities

Movement To/From Market • Infrastructure: Support efficient transportation and infrastructure system, including waterways, rail, trucking, and pathways for increased exports

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WISHH serves as an international soy industry incubator, spurring innovation by connecting local entrepreneurs with industry-specific resources and business knowledge.

Connect with WISHH wishh.org

WISHH is a program of the American Soybean Association and is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs. 10

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Atkinson testif ies before EPA on proposed RVOs The American Soybean Association and other agricultural groups are calling out the Environmental Protection Agency for its disappointing Renewable Volume Obligations announcement for biomass-based diesel. The proposed RVOs for 2023 and beyond included “very insignificant” increases to blending levels, despite the industry’s demonstration that it can exceed the proposal and EPA’s pledge to lower greenhouse gas emissions. When the agency set the 2020 through 2023 RVOs, it showed strong support for biomass-based diesel’s place in lowering GHG emissions with the largest increase in volume obligations to date. The recent announcement walked back that support with its minimal increases on blending. Industry groups say the RVOs have not accounted for the growth in the biomass-based diesel sector, which includes biodiesel and renewable diesel. Such expansion in the sector means the current capacity nationwide already exceeds the proposed volumes and the agency’s inability to recognize that could essentially freeze the industry at its current levels.

groundbreaking of a new Bartlett soybean crushing facility in southeast Kansas. This project is supported by our Governor Laura Kelly and will be able to process 45 million bushels of soybeans each year; it is slated to come online in 2024. The agriculture and renewable energy sectors are major economy drivers in Kansas, and the state is already making other investments to ensure the success of this plant. This includes using a bi-partisan infrastructure bill to expand Highway 400 to meet the increased utilization of this route. In addition to the production of soybean oil, this plant will provide additional soybean meal for livestock producers. Increased soy crush has led to much lower soybean meal costs for the livestock sector which in turn has lowered costs for home consumers purchasing pork, chicken, eggs and more. These lower protein retail costs paired with slightly elevated oil costs have created a net zero impact on consumer price indexes for food at home. Soybean producers have been proud to feed the world for hundreds of years, and these market trends show

that they can still provide food and fuel without impacting the American wallet. Unfortunately, the EPA proposed rule in 2023 and beyond has not taken into account newly announced crush facilities like the one in southeast Kansas, nor does it consider the benefits of additional crush on soybean meal prices for livestock producers in Kansas and around the country. A strong RFS is economically beneficial and livestock farmers, as well as the Kansas economy and the farm country as a whole. As EPA reviews its proposed rules, I strongly urge you to take into consideration the investments the state of Kansas has made to support a robust biomass-based diesel industry. As a farmer that works every day protecting our environment and utilizing low-carbon emission fuels, such as biodiesel, in our operation, a strong RFS is good for the economy and good for the environment.” ASA says it will continue to engage and share concerns with EPA before the rule is finalized June 14.

Charles Atkinson, Great Bend, was one of several ASA directors to testify in a virtual hearing before the EPA on Jan. 10. In his three-minute testimony, Atkinson shared: “Like many other soybean-producing states, Kansas has benefitted from the Administration’s past support of strong Renewable Volume Obligations. Farmers in our state are deeply concerned about the proposed rule and what it means for infrastructure and development. Last year, we celebrated the January 2023

Charles Atkinson, ASA director f rom Great Bend, stepped away f rom the Jan. 10 meeting of the Kansas Soybean Association in Topeka to participate in the EPA’s hearing on the proposed Renewable Volume Obligations. Atkinson had three minutes to share testimony and spoke about the increased crush capacity in Kansas.

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AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION HEADLINES ROUNDUP Here’s a summary of what ASA has been working on since December.

Dicamba Oral Arguments Along with Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., ASA appeared before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals December 8 to urge the court to clarify jurisdictional rules under FIFRA and ask EPA to use the best available science to review herbicide registrations and potential impacts to protected species. This is an ongoing issue.

Congress Passes WRDA On December 8, the House of Representatives passed the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act with a vote of 350-80. In the bill was final language on the Water Resources Development Act, meaning the biennial Act passed on schedule. The cost-share allocation of Inland Waterways Trust Fund Projects was set at 65% ITWF/35% general revenue. The Senate passed WRDA Dec. 15 in an 83-11 vote.

ERP Funding ASA says it and other groups are asking the House Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies to include adequate resources that extend the Emergency Relief Program to cover losses from natural disasters in 2022 while the Farm Bill is in progress. If the farm safety net is strengthened within the 2023 Farm Bill, growers would have less reliance and need for ad hoc programs such as ERP.

Climate-Smart Funding

projects aimed at underserved producers. According to ASA, 12 of the 71 projects – worth about $56.7 million – benefit soybean producers across 21 states. In combination with the first round of funding, $961 million is estimated to benefit soybean growers nationwide.

Chlorpyrifos Testimony Twenty organizations argued before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Dec. 15 in Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers, et al. v. Michael Regan, et al. to ask the court to reinstate chlorpyrifos tolerances that the EPA itself deemed safe. When the EPA revoked the determined safe tolerances of the pesticide, it effectively ended its agricultural uses and inflicted major costs on growers. Following suit of the European Union’s chlorpyrifos ban, EPA posted a federal register notice of intent to cancel the pesticide’s registration in the U.S., which would take the situation one step further from the revocation of tolerances and end its use, as well. This is an ongoing issue.

Omnibus Provisions Congress worked through the night Dec. 20 to put together an omnibus appropriations bill that included, in part, the Growing Climate Solutions Act. This ASA-supported bipartisan bill, which establishes technical assistance for producers and forest owners looking to enter the carbon market, first worked its way through the Senate back in 2021. Rural development, agricultural research, agriculture disaster aid and more also appeared in the 4,155-page omnibus package.

and Agriculture’s Bioproduct Pilot Program is funding a project led by Soylei Innovations in Ames, Iowa, that uses high oleic soybean oil to create thermoplastic rubber or pavements. The two-year pilot program is designed to spur economic activity in the nation’s rural areas while lowering commercialization risks associated with bringing biobased products to market.

USTR Confirmation Doug McKalip and Alexis Taylor were both confirmed as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator and Under Secretary or Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, respectively, for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Ag groups celebrated the confirmations, as concerns had arisen that U.S. agriculture was falling behind in global markets with the extended vacancy of both positions.

ESA Workplan Update January marks the deadline for comments on the Endangered Species Act Workplan Update on Nontarget Species Mitigation for Registration Review and Other FIFRA Actions. The Workplan Update outlines steps to increase protections for wildlife and regulatory certainty for pesticide users, according to ASA, though some proposed mitigations lacked feasibility. This is an ongoing issue.

Seyfert: Top Lobbyist All of ASA’s top-notch work in D.C. earned Christy Seyfert, Executive Director of Government Affairs, recognition as one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists of 2022. The Hill is a leading publication on Congressional happenings in D.C.

USDA Secretary Vilsack announced December 12 that an additional 71 projects received a total $325 million under the second round of USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart ComBioproduct Pilot Program modities Initiative. This second The National Institute of Food round focused on smaller-scale 12 Straight Rows A Kansas Soybean Association membership benefit

January 2023

unitedsoybean.org

KEEPING THE FUTURE OF SOYBEANS BRIGHT

From researching new uses for soybeans to identifying new markets for U.S. soy, the soy checkoff is working behind the scenes to create new opportunities and increase profits for soybean farmers. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you. See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for soybean farmers at unitedsoybean.org

January 2023

A Kansas Soybean Association membership benefit

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When the world relies on you for healthy food choices, rely on SOYLEIC® SOYLEIC® is a non-GMO, high-oleic option for today’s soybean farmers — and those they serve. •

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That means the future of a healthier food system isn’t manufactured — it’s grown. See why soybean farmers are embracing SOYLEIC®. soyleic.com

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A Kansas Soybean Association membership benefit

January 2023

THANK YOU , CORPORATE PARTNERS Corporate partners and advertisers are vital to the success of the Kansas Soybean Association. They provide the Association with financial support and link our state’s soybean farmers to the allied industries that provide inputs and capital to manage our enterprises. KSA also relies on corporate partners to keep us up-to-date with the latest breakthroughs in production technologies, and we all work together to create and implement environmental and trade policies that benefit the soybean industry.

Total Corporate Support

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

as of Jan. 1, 2023

$51,200

Ag Partners Cooperative • EGE Products • Jade Millwrights KanEquip • Taylor Seed Farms GN Bank, N.A. • MWI LLC • Stoller • B&M Seed January 2023

A Kansas Soybean Association membership benefit

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rows Straight

KANSAS

SOYBEAN

ASSOCIATION

Volume 27, Issue 4 | January 2023

The voice for Kansas’ 16,000 soybean farmers 1000 SW Red Oaks Place Topeka, Kansas 66615-1207

Calendar of Industry Events Feb. 1 Kansas Soybean Association Legislative Luncheon; Topeka Feb. 7-10 United Soybean Board Meeting; Nashville, TN Feb. 8 Kansas City Agricultural Business Council Meeting Feb. 9-10 PACE Show; Kansas City Feb. 10-12 KSA + KSC Strategic Planning Weekend; Kansas City Feb. 15-17 Women Managing the Farm Conference; Manhattan Feb. 21-23 U.S. Meat Export Federation Expo; Monterrey, Mexico Feb. 28-March 2 American Soybean Association Meeting; Arlington, VA March 1-2 Kansas Ag Bankers Conference; Manhattan March 3 Kansas Soybean Association Board Meeting; Topeka March 6-7 No-till on the Plains Board Meeting; Salina March 7 Kansas Soybean Commission Meeting March 9-11 Commodity Classic; Orlando, Florida March 16-18 3i Show; Dodge City March 18 National Biodiesel Day March 29-31 SNI Global Spring Meeting; San Diego, California

in this issue KSA Board Business . . . . . . pg. 1 Meet the new President. . . . . . 2 Yield and Value Results . . . . . . . 3 Meet Jessie Smith . . . . . . . . . . . 4 ELA Class 7 Phase II . . . . . . . . . 4 ELA Winter Gathering . . . . . . . 6 2023 Corteva Young Leader.. . 7 Expo Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Policy Priorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Atkinson RVO Testimony . . . . 11 ASA Headlines Roundup . . . . . 12

KSA celebrated 50 years of success January 19. Read more about its history at www.kssoy.org/association. KA NS A S S OYB E A N A S S O C I AT I O N The voice for Kansas’ 16,000 soybean growers