To help cover the start-up costs of cover crops, Farmers for Soil Health o ers financial assistance of up to $50/acre over a three-year period.
Exclusive Marketplace
Enrollment in Farmers for Soil Health provides access to an exclusive future marketplace connecting farmers to top-tier supply chain partners that are focused on sustainability.
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Technical Advisor
Each state has dedicated on-theground technical advisors to provide research-based information and educational resources to aid in the transition of your field.
Michigan Soybean Association 3055 W M-21 St. Johns, MI 48879 Phone: 989.652.3294 soyinfo@michigansoybean.org
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Copyright 2023 by Michigan Soybean Association; all rights reserved.
Magazine Circulation: 18,000 Michigan Soybean News is published quarterly.
Volume 16 - Issue 3
Seeking Nominations for MSA Board of Directors
Disclaimer:
Advertisements within this publication contain the opinions and information of the advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Michigan Soybean Association or affiliated groups. The United Soybean Board/soybean checkoff neither recommends nor discourages the implementation of any advice contained herein, and is not liable for the use or misuse of the information provided. Michigan Soybean Association Mission: To improve and advocate for the Michigan soybean industry.
Michigan Soybean Leadership
Michigan Soybean Association
Larry Phelps, Vicksburg
Jay Williams, Waldron
Tom Woelmer, Monroe
Karen Warner, Yale
Allison Morse, Birch Run
PJ Feldpausch, St. Johns
Matthew Wila, Blanchard
Rob Howland, Brown City
Robert Wasmiller, Burt
Michigan Soybean Committee
Sara Trattles, Colon
Pete Crawford, Dansville
Nathan McCalla, Ann Arbor
Scott Wilson, Lexington
John Burk, Bay City
Mark Senk, Owosso
Ryan Drozd, Allegan
American Soybean Association
Heather Feuerstein, Belding
Janna Fritz, Bad Axe
United Soybean Board
Laurie Isley, Palmyra
Dennis Gardner, Croswell
Carla Schultz, Mayville
North Central Soybean Research Program
Steve Koeman, Hamilton
US Soybean Export Council
Dave Williams, Elsie
Clean Fuels Alliance America
Matt Stutzman, Adrian
Soy Aquaculture Alliance
Alan Moore, Bannister
Soy Transportation Coalition
Dan Rajzer, Decatur
World Initiative for Soy in Human Health
Doug Darling, Maybee
Specialty Soya & Grains Alliance
Steve Peach, Plymouth
USA Poultry & Egg Export Council
Mark Trowbridge, Leonidas
US Meat Export Federation
Brian Pridgeon, Montgomery
Farm Produce Insurance Fund
Jason Haag, Unionville
MSA Director Spotlight - Meet PJ Feldpausch
Tell us about yourself, your farm and your family.
I am serving my third year as the District 6 director for MSA. I graduated in 2011 from the University of Northwesten Ohio (UNOH) with an Ag Mechanics degree. I worked on a harvesting crew out west for two years while I was going to school. Upon graduation I went to New Zealand and Australia for 13 months and farmed there. I am now back on my family's farm as the 3rd generation. I farm with my brother Jake and my dad Pat along with 15 full time employees. We farm 3,500 acres of cash crops in central Michigan along with custom spraying, planting, harvesting, tillage and fertilizing for local farmers. We also sell Pioneer, Precision Planting and AgroLiquid products.
I am married to my wife Crystal and we have two daughters, Madelyn who is 4 and Lyla who is 1.5 years old. We also have an awesome American Pitbull named Bella.
Favorite MSA board experience?
My favorite experience has been AgroExpo. I enjoy being able to interact with other soybean farmers and members, and showcase what MSA membership dues do to help advocate for soybeans in Lansing and Washington, D.C.
Planting or harvest?
Planting is more work but also more rewarding. It is all about the details, you have to get it all the right to make the crop what it is. You only get one chance a year. As farmers, we only get about 40 chances in our life to plant a great crop.
Off-farm hobbies?
I really enjoy traveling. My favorite places to date have been Kauai (where I got married) as well as Montana, specifically Glacier National Park. To go along with traveling with my family, we enjoy hiking and visiting waterfalls.
Red or Green?
Green.
Favorite snack in the combine?
Sour patch kids
Do you have a farm dog?
In addition to my family dog Bella, we also have a shop dog, Lucy the English Setter.
Staff Update
Dear Michigan soybean farmers,
Thank you for collectively coming together and having the foresight to build the soybean checkoff program to advance the soybean and agriculture industry.
Having previously worked in the private sector, it was refreshing to come into an industry that works together for the greater good.
During my 27 years of service I have seen the biodiesel industry grow, new soybean markets be developed, and new soy-based products be created. Communications have changed with social media and creative publications. There have been many advancements in soybean production.
It was a blessing to work in an office where family really does come first. Former MSC Executive Director Keith Reinholt once told me, “There are no soybean emergencies.” This philosophy built loyalty as I raised my three children and now care for aging parents.
As I move on to my next chapter, I am grateful for what I have learned and how I have grown professionally and personally.
I am blessed by the relationships I have made. The interesting opportunities I have experienced have prepared me for my next phase of life.
As I move on, I look forward to spending time with family and friends, especially my two grandchildren. I'm also excited to host people in our new Airbnb, The Robin’s Nest, and inspire people by the written and spoken word. It has been my privilege and honor to serve the soybean industry.
Choosing joy in chaos,
Kathy Maurer Financial Director kmaurer@michigansoybean.org
2024 Michigan Soybean Yield Contest
The 2024 Michigan Soybean Association (MSA) Yield Contest is underway. Entry forms for the contest were due in August and we are happy to report that we are seeing great participation again this year. For those who have entered the contest, harvest data is due at the end of November and winners will be announced on social media in December. All winners will be recognized at the Great Lakes Crop Summit in January as well as in a future edition of the Michigan Soybean News
This program would not be possible without our generous sponsors. We greatly appreciate their support of the program. This year we have 12 seed companies participating as sponsors as well as support from the Michigan Soybean Committee. Thank you to all of the participants of the yield contest! We are looking forward to seeing yields from you this fall. If you are interested in the MSA yield contest and wish to learn more, visit our website at misoy.org/yield-contest.
Michigan Legislative Update
Jason Wadaga, Vice-President of Government Relations, Kindsvatter, Dalling & Associates
After passing an $83 billion Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget during a marathon nineteenhour session at the end of June, the Michigan Legislature adjourned for the summer.
The legislature will return in September, however the MSA team will continue to push on our priorities over the summer months and into the fall with an event scheduled in Detroit in August and a planned legislative luncheon in September.
MSA Receives Committee Hearing on Incentive for Biodiesel
On May 15 th , the Tax Policy Committee in the Michigan House of Representatives held a hearing on House Bill 4847 (Rep. John Fitzgerald) to create tax incentives for biodiesel producers and retailers in Michigan. This bill is MSA’s number one legislative priority for this legislative session.
MSA’s CEO Ben Steyer, Jeff Earl from Clean Fuels Alliance America and Pete Probst from Indigenous Energy testified with Rep. Fitzgerald in support of the legislation. The goal of the bill is incentivizing the production and sale of biodiesel which will reduce engine emissions for healthier air and a better environment. Fleets have easily and economically reduced their carbon footprint by replacing petroleum-based diesel with cleanerburning biodiesel for over 30 years.
The legislation was also supported by Clean Fuels Michigan, the Michigan Agri-Business Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Clean Cities, the Michigan Retailers Association, the Port of Detroit and several other southeast Michigan environmental groups.
The bill was opposed by the Sierra Club, Michigan Environmental Council and Michigan League of Conservation Voters. The greatest opposition and perhaps the most difficult opposition though came from the Michigan Department of Treasury and is something we will have to work to overcome.
MSA staff and lobbyists will continue to work with legislators over the summer months to garner support for the passage of House Bill 4847.
MSA PAC Up and Running
The MSA Board of Directors voted last year to create a Political Action Committee (PAC) to assist with our advocacy efforts in Lansing.
The PAC is now up and running and can receive donations from MSA members and supporters. As a reminder, funds for the PAC must come from individuals and CANNOT come from a company. We encourage you to donate today. No amount is too little.
The funds generated from the PAC will go to the campaigns of candidates that are supportive of the agriculture industry and the policy goals that MSA prioritizes. Watch for more information about the newly formed MI Soy PAC in upcoming issues of the Michigan Soybean News magazine.
To donate to the PAC, checks can be written and mailed to:
MI Soy PAC
629 West Hillsdale Street
Lansing, MI 48933
Jason Wadaga
Jeff Earl, Ben Steyer, Rep. Fitzgerald and Pete Probst testifying before the House Tax Policy Committee
MSA Members in Washington, D.C.
Several members of the Michigan Soybean Association (MSA) were in Washington, D.C. in July to advocate on behalf of MSA members. Members in attendance included ASA board member Janna Fritz and her son, recent high school graduate, Wesley Fritz as well as Jenna and Logan Maher, Michigan farmers who recently completed the 2024 ASA-Corveta Young Leader Program. They all did a phenomenal job representing Michigan Soybean farmers during their visits to Capitol Hill.
Janna Fritz recapped the visit to D.C. saying, “We had favorable conversations pertaining to the passage of the Farm Bill. We are advocating to finish this important piece of legislation before the end of the year. Additional conversations pertained to continued trade with China and ensuring biofuels tax credits are effective for all farmers.” These key issues were top of mind for growers and were also supported by ASA and their messaging to legislators prior to the visits by Michigan soybean farmers.
Meeting with legislators and their staff members is a key part of the MSA mission. It is an integral part of our organization and goes a long way in advancing the policy priorities that impact Michigan soybean farmers.
Jenna and Logan Maher shared, “We met with McClain’s office and Slotkin’s office to go over many key agricultural topics. They both expressed how important it was to pass a new and improved Farm Bill this year. Throughout this experience we felt heard and like our input was valued by our Michigan representatives in D.C. We are hopeful to see our suggestions excel and move forward.”
Due to several other events happening for legislators, Representative McClain and Representative Slotkin were not in Washington, D.C. at the time of ASA's visits.
Wesley Fritz noted that his favorite part of the legislative visits was being able to talk with the legislative staff. He shared, "The staff were very attentive and listened to our topics and concerns.” MSA extends their thanks to these offices and staff members who took time to engage with our farmers and discuss the issues that are most important to the soybean industry. If you are interested in getting more involved in our policy efforts, please contact the MSA office to discuss further opportunities.
Logan & Jenna Maher
Janna & Wesley Fritz
Seeking Nominees for MSA Board of Directors
The Michigan Soybean Association (MSA) is seeking nominations for board seats in the following districts:
• District 3 – Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties
• District 6 – Clinton, Genesee, Ionia and Shiawassee Counties
• At-Large – any county in Michigan
To appear on the ballot, nominations must be received by the MSA Office by October 23, 2024. To be eligible for a seat on the board, one must be a soybean farmer residing in the district that they are seeking election and must be a member of MSA in good standing. All elected directors will hold the office for a term of three years.
According to current bylaws, elections will be held via U.S. Mail. Ballots will be mailed to all members by November 6, 2024 and must be returned to the Michigan Soybean Association (MSA) office by December 5, 2024. Election results will be announced at MSA’s 51 st Annual Meeting which takes place during the Great Lakes Crop Summit.
The MSA board has several events throughout the year including Legislative Outreach Farm Tours, a legislative luncheon at the Capitol, a Lansing Ag Club Breakfast and quarterly board meetings.
MSA works on important legislative issues such as trade expansion, transportation and infrastructure, biofuels, environmental regulation, advocacy for major markets and the Farm Bill. Serving on the board will help Michigan soybean farmers’ voices be heard in Lansing and Washington, D.C.
If you would like to nominate someone for one of the above districts or be placed on the ballot yourself, please email MSA CEO Ben Steyer at bsteyer@michigansoybean.org or call 989.652.3294. Thank you for your interest in serving the Michigan soybean industry.
Email comments, suggestions or article ideas to soyinfo@michigansoybean.org. No longer wish to
Email your name and mailing address to slapak@michigansoybean.org.
New & Renewing Members
NEW MEMBERS:
Gail & Mary Lou Peterson, Niles
Doug Lagos, Cass City
Dylan Lutz, Owendale
Bryan Alt, Comstock
Ryan Thrushman, North Street
Larissa Lapak, Montrose
Ryan Henne, North Branch
Madyson Garza, Palms
Maxwell Harman, Mason
Lucas Fuller, East Leroy
Jim May, Fremont
Dennis Desgrange, Eaton Rapids
Ryan Boots, Elsie
Kevin Turnwald, Shepherd
Lillian Moore, Three Oaks
RENEWING MEMBERS:
Steven Wegener, Auburn
William Dodds, Onstead
Ron Converse, Charlotte
Adam Constine, Owosso
Tyler Schaendorf, Dorr
Jerry Poortenga, Hudsonville
Kelly Carns, Allegan
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
First Name:_____________________________
Last Name:_____________________________
Address:_______________________________
City/State/Zip:___________________________
Phone:_________________________________
Cell Phone:_____________________________
Email:_________________________________
1-yr: $75 3-yr: $190
Young Farmer (18-24): $20
Non-Farmer Individual: $100
Payment Amount & Method:
Check (Payable to MSA) or Credit Card
Credit Card Type:_____ Expiration Date:______
Credit Card #:_________________ CVV:______
Signature:_______________________________
Date of Birth:__________________
Number of Soybean Acres:_______
Total Farm Acres:______________
Occupation (circle one):
Farmer Retired Other
• Dues are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution for federal tax purposes, but may be deductible as a business expense.
• 18% of member dues are allocated to lobbying activities and are not deductible.
Mail application with payment to: Michigan Soybean Association 3055 W M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879
Join online:
Paying the soybean checkoff does not make you an MSA member. Checkoff dollars cannot be used for lobbying. Your membership is critical to our efforts on behalf of Michigan soybean farmers!
For more information on member benefits, visit www.misoy.org/member-benefits/. Member benefits include:
• Scholarship opportunities for your children and grandchildren
• Preferred vehicle pricing opportunities
• Cabela’s gift card purchase discount
• Discounted registration to Commodity Classic
• Annual $75 seed coupon for renewing members to use with our partnering seed companies
• The MOST IMPORTANT MSA member benefit: Having a voice in Lansing and Washington, D.C.!
MSC Welcomes New Accounting and Compliance Specialist
The Michigan Soybean Committee is please to welcome Anna Skelly as their new Accounting and Compliance Specialist. Anna graduated from Baker College in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. She has experience with general ledger analysis, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting. Anna has extensive knowledge of government and corporate accounting.
Anna currently resides in Homer with her husband of 15 years and her three children: a 12 year old son and daughters ages 10 and 3. Her husband’s grandparents have operated a small family farm in the rural area for the past 50 years. She is an active board member for HYAA (a youth rocket football program) and the Homer Athletic Club. When she is not carpooling her kids to their extracurricular activities, Anna likes to walk her dalmatian Ember and enjoys reading a good novel.
Anna is excited to join the team and learn more about the soybean industry and their many applications in everyday products. She is looking forward to working alongside MSC's current Financial Director Kathy Maurer until Kathy's retirement in November to obtain the necessary knowledge to make the transition as seamless and efficient as possible. She is also looking forward to meeting farmers and networking with members.
The MSC and MSA boards and staff are excited to have Anna on board and look forward to working with her.
MSC Hosts Ag Intern Mixer
This year the Michigan Soybean Committee hosted their second annual Ag Intern Mixer. This event brings together interns from various companies across the agriculture industry for the opportunity to network with one another in a casual setting. It also provides an opportunity for students to learn more about different internship opportunities available in our diverse industry.
This year MSC hosted over 60 students representing 11 different colleges and universities and 17 different companies. The event is hosted in a round-robin style, allowing for students to talk with each other in small, rotating groups. At each table, students discussed different topics and prompts such as the favorite parts of their internship, their training and on-boarding experiences, what their average work week looks like, their background in ag, and more. Students commented that they enjoyed getting to talk with others who might attend a different college or are interning at other companies and really had a lot of positive takeaways.
MSC is thrilled to be able to engage with such a promising group of students. We are excited to see where their careers in the ag industry take them!
Soy-Based Firefighting Foam: A Solution for
Human and Environmental Health Concerns
Cross Plains Solutions, in partnership with the United Soybean Board, recently released SoyFoam™ TF 1122, a soy-based firefighting foam. This foam is a certified USDA BioPreferred product and is made from more than 70 percent biobased materials. SoyFoam also contains no PFAS or fluorine and is completely biodegradable. SoyFoam is National Fire Protection Association 18 certified and has demonstrated vapor suppression on a variety of Class B hydrocarbon fuel sources and Class A woodland materials. Additionally, this new product has no special handling requirements and is designed to work with traditional foam concentrate dispensing equipment.
We see this as an ideal opportunity to show farmer’s support of firefighters and the communities they protect through our industry’s investments in innovating new, safer and more environmentally sound products that work better to fight fire while keeping the firefighters that put their lives on the line safer and healthier. MSC has purchased a limited number of SoyFoam 5-gallon tote samples for fire departments in Michigan to try. If you are a member of your local fire department and would like more information, or would like to request a product sample, please contact MSC Demand Specialist Hanna Campbell at hcampbell@michigansoybean.org or (989) 721-6437.
Scan the QR code to learn more about SoyFoam.
Soy Excellence Center Providing Solutions for a Country with a Growing Population
David Williams, Michigan soybean farmer, MSC representative to the U.S. Soybean Export Council and member of the SEC Global Advisory Panel
The Soy Excellence Center (SEC) is a valuable program funded by U.S. Soy and the soybean checkoff. It engages industry professionals in training and education that enables relationships and positive experiences with U.S. Soy. The SEC aims to grow global soybean demand and highlight its essential role in animal feed and human food through structured training programs and continuing education through Community Pods.
SEC Nigeria provides in-person and self-paced hybrid sessions covering Feed Milling, Poultry, Aquaculture, and Intermediate Poultry. As of March 2024, 428 participants had completed these programs. SEC’s goal is to train 1,225 participants this fiscal year. Once participants have completed their training, they are eligible to join a Community Pod, where they can network and continue their engagement.
When I arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, I was struck by the country's population, which stands at just over 229 million, making it the 6 th most populous country in the world (the U.S. is number 3 at 336.6 million). Nigeria’s population is increasing by 2.4 percent annually and is projected to reach 401 million by 2030 and 733 million by 2050. What's particularly hopeful is that this growth is due to half of its people being under 19, a sign of a vibrant and dynamic future. This potential cannot be overlooked.
Abuja is the Capital located in central Nigeria. The northern part of the country is dry and
primarily Muslim. Southern Nigeria, where Lagos is located on the Gulf of Guinea, is tropical with a lot of rain and a primarily Christian people. Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups that speak over 500 distinct languages.
Our visit to Nigeria was marked by a promising meeting at the U.S. Consulate with Christopher Bielecki, U.S. Agricultural Counselor with the Foreign Ag Service (FAS)/USDA. Chris shared insights about Nigeria’s recent history, a positive shift in the government's policy, and the potential for enhanced trade relations between our two countries. The previous regime had a more isolationist approach. Still, with the prospect of exporting higher-value goods like cocoa, in addition to oil, a mutually beneficial trade opportunity is on the horizon.
On our second day, we participated in the NIGERIA: NOW conference. This conference brought together U.S. Soy industry leaders and exporters with key stakeholders from the Nigerian soybean value chain. The day-long conference featured leaders from USSEC (U.S. Soybean Export Council), FAS, U.S. Soy grower leaders, all members of the SEC Global Advisory Panel, Nigerian government officials, and business leaders. Throughout the day, we discussed Nigeria’s future, including the soybean market outlook, Nigerian poultry value chain projections, why U.S. Soy is the best source for edible oil production, and how WISHH (World Initiative for Soy in Human Health) can partner to tackle food and nutritional insecurity through aquaculture development in Nigeria. The day concluded with an update on the SEC in Nigeria.
Day three was the CEO Summit, an invitation-only event to discuss the best from the NIGERIA: NOW conference. Several USSEC team members presented on various topics, including “How have the U.S. Soybean Farmers Optimized Productivity?” and “How the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol is Differentiating U.S. Soy in the Global Market.” The session ended with a round-table discussion focusing on industry growth and opportunities for collaboration and action plans.
The day before our departure back to the U.S. we traveled 85 miles northeast of Lagos to Ibadan, home of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). We stopped in the city of Ogere-Remo to visit “Animal Care”, an award-winning chicken laying operation which supplies eggs to large grocery stores in the Lagos area. They shared their extensive safety protocols. We continued our journey to IITA which is where SEC in-person training sessions are conducted. We visited the Intermediate Poultry class on their last day and helped hand out their diplomas.
It was a productive and rewarding trip on behalf of U.S. Soy and I'm glad to have been able to participate.
Strong Partnership Continues with the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
Soybeans and The Henry Ford Museum have a long history, dating back to Henry Ford himself! Ford was a pioneer who utilized soybean products in the manufacturing of his cars including soy paint, soy gearshift knobs, and even soy body panels. This is why the Michigan Soybean Committee was excited to partner with the Henry Ford Museum for the third year to help connect museum goers with both the history of soybeans and the innovation that is happening in the soybean industry today.
This year’s partnership included National Ag Week incentives such as agriculture information and giveaways on the museum’s social media, along with farmers and staff present on the museum floor throughout the week. Museum goers were able to stop by the booth to learn about this year’s theme of “The Whole Bean” and how soybeans relate to their day-to-day lives.
Also in the spring, MSC sponsored the state finals of Invention Convention Michigan which were held at the museum at the end of April. Invention Convention is a program that introduces students to problem-solving through hands-on learning. MSC was able to sponsor the Food and Agriculture Award. It is always inspiring to walk around the museum and look at the inventions students bring to the competition. The future of agriculture could very well be there!
This summer, MSC was able to sponsor The Henry Ford’s Detroit Central Market Weekend in Greenfield Village. MSC is also sponsoring the upcoming September market. The Detroit Central Market was once a vegetable shed in downtown Detroit, then it was moved to Belle Isle, and it now resides in Greenfield Village where it comes to life on the weekends with local vendors. During the August Market Weekend, MSC was on site to talk with consumers and share more of soy’s story. THF’s Agriculture and the Environment Curator, Deb Reid, led two “walkshops” - interactive walking workshops touching on various aspects of Greenfield Village and how they relate to the soybean industry. Museum goers were able to gain a deeper understanding of soybeans and Henry Ford’s role in the advancement of the industry. Lastly, MSC is looking forward to the installation of a new agriculture exhibit on the museum floor coming this fall! Keep your eye out for more information, we know that this is one you won’t want to miss!
Soy Biobased Product Research Builds Demand
Airable Research Lab in Delaware Ohio is on the cutting edge of soy product research and development. Instead of focusing on only creating products that may one day have a place in the market, Airable connects directly with companies looking to make the biobased switch. In this model, companies approach Airable with a product that they want to make using biobased ingredients and the lab chemists will dig into the product to see how soy can be the solution.
MSC president Mark Senk attended the Airable annual meeting this summer. After visiting the lab, he gained a new perspective on biobased products and how new chemistries get to the commercial market. After the meeting, he shared, “Airable Research Lab is very unique because it only works with soy-based products. I found that the Airable team was committed and passionate about creating new soy biobased products. The team showed us several products they were working on, some of which have already been sent to the commercial market. Airable is a definite win for the soy industry.”
MSC is proud to invest in the work Airable is doing as a way to support new markets for soybeans. Learn more at www.airableresearchlab.com .
Soybean Nights at the Ballpark Connect MSC With Farmers and Consumers
This summer, the Michigan Soybean Committee hosted three Soybean Night at the Ballpark events. The series kicked off in Lansing at the Lansing Lugnuts game on July 30 th followed by the West Michigan Whitecaps game in Comstock Park on August 6 th and ending with the Great Lakes Loons game in Midland on August 7 th . At each of the three games, MSC hosted an activation table on the concourse for fans to stop by and learn how they can “Score Big with Soy”. Fans enjoyed answering trivia questions to win prizes and learning more about products in their everyday lives that contain soybeans.
In addition to interacting with baseball fans, MSC was joined by a great group of farmers at each game. Almost 300 farmers and their families joined us for the three events! We loved seeing everyone come out and enjoy their time at the ballpark!
Again this year, the Michigan Soybean Committee is excited to partner with MSU Athletics to sponsor the Michigan State University football game on November 2, 2024 vs. Indiana. MSC will have an interactive exhibit near Spartan Stadium and will be sharing information with consumers on how they can “Score Big with Soy”.
Part of MSC’s strategic plan includes an emphasis on consumer engagement and connecting with consumers over shared values such as food and sustainability. Partnerships like this allow MSC to meet people where they are and connect with consumers to provide resources and information on the many ways that soybeans impact people’s day-to-day lives. From soy tires to soy sauce, and even donuts, soybeans truly touch every life every day!
To celebrate the hard work that Michigan soybean farmers put in every day, we are offering the chance to win a four-pack of tickets to the game. One lucky soybean farmer who completes our Contact Information Update Form will win tickets to the November 2nd football game! If you are interested in entering to win tickets, scan the QR code or visit michigansoybean.org/score-big-with-soy and update your contact information through the form at the top of the page. The winner of the tickets must be an active Michigan soybean farmer and update their contact information by Friday, October 11th. Winners will be notified by mid-October.
Even if you are not the winner of the tickets, we would love to have you stop by our tailgate booth if you are in East Lansing on November 2nd! Be sure to find us on your way to Spartan Stadium!
SCN – Elusive, but Soil Sampling and Management Can Help
You can’t see soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) with the naked eye, but you can assess populations in your fields by having a soil sample analyzed by MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics. The expert nematologist at the diagnostic clinic will separate the soil in your sample from the juvenile nematodes and cysts and then count the number of cysts, eggs and juveniles. These populations fall into four severity levels which help you to make management decisions.
0 None detected Keep up the good work and resample in the future.
1 1-999 Plant a resistant soybean variety.
2 1,000 - 9,999 Plant a resistant soybean variety and rotate sources of resistance.
3 Over 10,000 Don't plant soybeans for three years, then use a resistant variety.
Many soybean growers have been experiencing increases in SCN populations over time even when they don’t see visual symptoms in their crop. One of the most common reasons for this is the continued use of one very common SCN source of resistance (PI88788). SCN have overcome this resistance and are now able to reproduce on PI88788 soybeans. Therefore, MSU recommends rotating sources of SCN resistance. One other source of resistance, Peking, is becoming more available to growers in commercial varieties. In recent MSC-funded research at MSU, Dr. Marisol Quintanilla has found that rotating sources of resistance between PI88788 and Peking is effective at lowering SCN populations. But she cautions that Peking should not be overuseddon’t switch from PI88788 to Peking and stay there.
Keep rotating sources of resistance and keep an eye on the ag industry as they research and develop new sources and tools to fight this pest.
Fall is a great time to take soil samples to monitor SCN populations on your farm. One strategy is to sample fields that you plan to plant into soybeans next year. This will help you select varieties that are best for each field. Another effective system is to sample fields and areas in fields as you make notes about problem areas which you suspect to have been caused by a pest issue. These can come from simple observations from the combine seat or from yield maps after harvest. The analysis cost of these soil samples at MSU is covered by MSC through your checkoff investment. Use the MSC Soybean Cyst Nematode form on the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics website ( https://www.canr.msu.edu/ pestid/forms )to accompany your sample.
SCN can be one of the most stubborn and resilient pests in soybeans and can be misleading and frustrating to control. Use these management tips to give yourself the best chance of beating this pest and maximizing yields:
• Plant SCN resistant soybean varieties
• Rotate sources of resistance
We can continue to grow high yielding soybean crops in the presence of soybean cyst nematodes, but we must stay one step ahead of them in management. Failing to sample and monitor SCN populations gives them a chance to become more aggressive, harder to control and cause more yield loss. Risk Rating
• Extend crop rotations where SCN populations are high
• Include wheat in rotation to reduce SCN populations
• Consider nematicide seed treatments where SCN populations are high
Soybean Harvest Equipment Field Day
Reducing soybean harvest losses is an easy and effective way to increase soybean yields by one to two bushels per acre and income by $10.80 to $21.60 per acre in 2024. The 14 th annual Soybean Harvest Equipment Field Day will provide participants with new information and educational materials about reducing soybean harvest losses. Equipment company representatives will discuss specific recommendations for fine-tuning their combines and the following topics and equipment will be demonstrated or presented.
• Draper heads
• Auger heads
• Air-assisted reels
• Harvest recommendations
• Harvest loss measurements
• Common harvest errors
We are also planning to demonstrate soybean desiccation as an aid to soybean harvest with a portion of the field planted to a later-maturing variety that will be desiccated 1-2 weeks prior to the event. MSU Weed Extension Specialist and Professor Dr. Christy Sprague will also give a presentation on the practice of desiccating soybeans and share a sneak peak at research being conducted at Michigan State University.
The event has been offered free to attendees over the years due to the generous support of the Michigan Soybean Committee. Farmers, agribusiness professionals, agency staff and those interested in agriculture are welcome to attend.
The day will begin at 10 a.m. with check-in and the presentation on soybean desiccation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided free of charge. The afternoon will consist of demonstrations of soybean harvest representing a wide range of equipment manufacturers and technologies including a discussion on harvest losses and how to fine-tune the equipment. The day will conclude by 3 p.m.
CREDITS: 2 RUP and 4 CCA credits have been requested
COST: Cost is FREE due to generous funding from the Michigan Soybean Committee
REGISTRATION: Register online at events. anr.msu.edu/SoybeanHarvest24/ . You can also call the St. Joseph County MSU Extension office at (269) 467-5511 for assistance with registration. Pre-registration is required to reserve a meal - walk-ins will be accepted but lunch is not guaranteed.
SPONSORS: EGA Inc., John Deere - Hutson, Redline Equipment, Burnips Equipment, A3 AWS Airbar Systems, Michigan Soybean Committee, Michigan State University Extension
COMMUNICATION: The field day is planned for Sept. 26, but should it need to be postponed due to weather, delayed crop development, etc., we will contact everyone who has pre-registered with updates. Please be sure your email and cell phone are correct when you register and check both in the days leading up to the event.
Summer Meetings and Events Lay Groundwork for Upcoming Projects
North Central Soybean Research Program
The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board hosted the summer meeting of the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP) this year in Madison, WI. Our friends across Lake Michigan share many of the same soybean production challenges that we face in Michigan, and that are addressed by the combined funds and collaboration of the thirteen North Central states that make up NCSRP's membership. The NCSRP board of directors and state soybean research staff met with researchers and toured the research farm at the University of Wisconsin, a value-added dairy farm and a grain farm.
University of Wisconsin researchers shared the status of their most important soybean research areas including herbicide applications with drones, herbicide resistant weed control, use of huge data sets to quantify best practices and cover crops in soybean rotations. This open sharing of successes helps attendees improve their knowledge and generate ideas for future projects. You can find more soybean research results on-line at coolbean.info.
Another important task of the summer meeting was to select research projects for funding in 2025. Because of contributions from the thirteen member states, the total funding amount will be more than $3 million. Even though this is an impressive amount to address concerns, there were research proposal requests of more than twice that amount. Due to decreasing soybean prices and checkoff revenue, the task of funding choices was especially difficult this year. Impressive teams of the top researchers in the region collaborated to build research project proposals that will address critical soybean production issues. While the directors have made funding decisions, negotiations are ongoing with researchers before final funding announcements will be made. The formation of research teams by program area such as insect pests, plant diseases, soybean breeding and soybean cyst nematodes has built more opportunities for great impacts from the collaboration of great minds and research capacity, much more than any state could accomplish alone.
The NCSRP is a very efficient and effective system of addressing the most pressing soybean production issues in the largest soybean growing area of the country. It is another example of the wise investment of soybean grower checkoff contributions.
Michigan Agriculture Industry Welcomes EPA Officials to Michigan
The Michigan IPM Alliance is a group of professionals representing a wide range of diverse crops such as soybeans, corn, wheat, blueberries, carrots, asparagus, grapes, ornamentals, vegetables, tree fruit and others. This group recently hosted EPA staff from regional and national offices who have responsibilities including pesticide labeling and registrations to learn about how their regulations affect those who use pesticides. One of the goals of this event was to establish informal but productive dialogue between EPA staff and administrators and Michigan agriculture industry professionals including farmers. Sometimes history or just perceptions of agencies can lead to conflicts or carefully guarded conversations. This tour continues to strengthen the connections between groups who may assume to have different goals by encouraging open dialogue. The collaboration helps everyone to see that many of our goals are mutual. The agriculture industry wants to be able to produce an abundant, high-quality product with access to tools such as pesticides to control crop pests and the EPA wants the same for growers in a way that is not harmful to the environment.
The annual tour welcomed EPA staff to the west side of the state this year. A bus tour of farms and agribusinesses included a seed corn and soybean farm, seed corn processing facility, a potato farm, an ag retailer and an MSU research farm. Each stop included discussion in both directions to inform EPA staff of current issues and future implications of proposed regulations. A positive impact was seen from the demonstration of seed treatment equipment which nearly eliminates human exposure to the low rates of pesticides applied to seed as well as discussion on the real-world implications of atrazine use limitations. Without this live human connection between EPA, farmers and agribusiness, many times assumptions are made on the rates, timing, application methods and safety protocols of pesticide applicators and handlers. After explanations of how innovative farmers and agribusinesses utilize pesticides within label restrictions, EPA staff better understood the implications of regulations that can help farmers or limit their options and sometimes cause alternative pesticides or cultural control which is less practical and more hazardous.
The diversity of Michigan agriculture requires that we continue to work together for the benefit of all of our crops and the natural resources that we rely on for the production of efficient safe food, feed and fuel. Many of the specialty crops in Michigan are grown on limited acres but those growers rely on pesticides to fight against pests which are always threatening the yield and quality of those crops. Our field crops are grown on a high number of acres but are less intensive in management. The combination of our crops allow us the opportunity to work together to benefit each other and the environment.
Soybean Research Forum and Think Tank
This summer, the U.S. Soybean Research Collaborative hosted the fourth annual Soybean Research Forum and Think Tank in Indianapolis, Indiana. This year's theme was “Improving Research Translation to Drive Innovation”. Michigan's attendees included MSC staff members Mark Seamon and Sonja Lapak, MSU Cropping Systems Agronomist Dr. Manni Singh, MSU Extension Soybean Educator Eric Anderson and MSC board member John Burk.
The event provided thought-provoking presentations and facilitated discussions that aimed to identify tangible ways to take soybean research findings and present them in a way that is useful for farmers and industry. Checkoff-funded research projects are consistently showing big results and key findings that will have an impact on the soybean industry for years to come, but there is an ever-present need to think of new ways to share those results in a timely and useful way.
At the start of the two-day discussion, Podcast Host Tim Hammerich gave the keynote address on a subject he’s familiar with, as it’s the namesake of his popular podcast: the Future of Agriculture. He discussed innovation throughout history and factors he considers will play the biggest role in the future of agriculture: deglobalization, policy and economics.
Additional sessions highlighted research findings on how farmers consume information and who they trust as reputable sources, a panel on success stories of public/private partnerships to advance innovation, discussion on venture capitalists in the agriculture space, and a farmer reflection panel on ways this meeting impacts their thoughts on the work being done in their respective states to share research information.
Overall, this meeting continues to spark creative and collaborative ideas and solutions to challenges our industry is facing, which helps us improve our work on behalf of the soybean farmers we serve.
Getting a Start on Weed Control in the Fall
Dr. Christy Sprague, Weed Extension Specialist and Professor, MSU Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
The more moderate weather conditions last winter led to extensive winter annual and perennial weed growth this spring. Winter annual weeds including chickweed, purple deadnettle, henbit, several mustard species, and glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed (marestail) can form dense weed mats that can be difficult to control with spring burndown herbicides. These difficulties can arise from insufficient spray coverage, fluctuating spring temperatures, and timeliness of the burndown herbicide application due to uncooperative spring weather. Getting a
start on next year’s weed control program with a fall herbicide application can help alleviate some of the weed management challenges that we have experienced over the past few springs.
There are a number of potential benefits from controlling winter annual and simple perennial weeds in the fall. Fall herbicide applications can prevent dense mats of winter annual weeds that can physically interfere with planting and tillage, reduce vegetation where insects may harbor, and allow for earlier planting due to increases in soil drying and warming. In addition, fall applications can
Figure 1. Fall-applied glyphosate (0.75 lb ae/A) + 2,4-D ester (1 pt/A) compared with no fall application in early April.
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prevent these weeds from producing seed, thereby decreasing the soil seed bank and help reduce future weed problems. Fall control of simple perennial weeds is much more effective than controlling these weeds in the spring. In the fall, food reserves in these perennials are being moved to the roots; when a systemic herbicide is applied, that herbicide moves with the food reserves to the roots and kills the plant. Additionally, higher rates of some translocated herbicides (i.e., 2,4-D and dicamba) can be used in the fall allowing for greater control of perennial weeds.
Which fields should I consider for fall herbicide application?
No-till fields benefit the most from fall herbicide applications. However, in some cases reduced tillage (i.e., vertical tillage) fields may also profit from fall applications. Since thorough tillage is not a part of the management strategy for these fields, infestations of perennial weeds such as dandelion and white campion (cockle) can be an issue. Additionally, wild carrot (a biennial species) can also thrive in these environments. All of these species are best controlled when herbicides are applied in the fall. These applications will ultimately reduce populations of these weeds that can be
problems for the following season’s crop.
Fields that have tremendous winter annual weed growth can also benefit from fall herbicide applications. This is especially true for earlier harvested fields where weeds are exposed to increased sunlight once the crop canopy is harvested. Controlling these weeds in the fall can also reduce issues with spring tillage, especially if tillage is delayed due to a cool wet spring.
When is the best time to make fall herbicide applications?
Fall herbicide applications are best made when weeds are still actively growing. This is when daytime temperatures are at least 50º F. In Michigan, this is usually by mid-October. However, if daytime temperatures range from 40 to 60º F, herbicide applications can still be made but weed control may be slower due to the cooler temperatures. Cooler temperatures slow plant growth and lower absorption and translocation of systemic herbicides, like glyphosate and 2,4-D, compared with warmer temperatures. Temperatures below 40º F for a prolonged period of time after herbicide application will reduce weed control. If a hard freeze occurs, evaluate the conditions of the weeds in your field prior to making a herbicide
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application. Weeds that are damaged by frost will not be effectively managed. However, weeds vary in their sensitivity to frost; therefore, the application window is greater for some species than for others. For example, perennials such as Canada thistle and dandelion survive light frosts and can be controlled when the herbicides are applied through lateOctober and early-November. Additionally, some winter annuals can also tolerate frost and herbicide applications can be made once the weeds resume active growth. This is usually after multiple days with nighttime temperatures above 35º F followed by daytime temperatures of 50º F or higher.
What herbicide strategies are available for fall applications?
There are two basic strategies to fall herbicide applications. One option is to apply a non-residual burndown herbicide such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, dicamba and/or Gramoxone, to control emerged winter annual, biennial and perennial weeds while they are still actively growing. The other strategy includes adding a herbicide(s) with soil residual activity to the fall burndown herbicide to control additional winter annual weeds before they germinate. These applications may also suppress emergence of early spring germinating weeds. However, there are some pros and cons to each one of these strategies that are discussed below:
1. Non-residual fall burndown herbicides:
Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used fall-applied herbicides for control of winter annual, biennial and perennial weeds. Glyphosate is often tank-mixed with other non-residual or residual herbicides. In general, glyphosate at 0.75 lb ae/A (20 fl oz/A of Roundup PowerMax 3) will consistently control most winter annual weed species with the exception of fall emerging glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed (marestail). Adding one of the other non-residual herbicides like 2,4-D or dicamba to glyphosate will control GR horseweed. Sharpen is another herbicide that can be added to glyphosate to control horseweed. The inclusion of Sharpen at 1 or 2 fl oz/A + methylated seed oil will provide excellent GR horseweed control. The higher rate of Sharpen can provide some residual control. Higher rates of glyphosate (1.5 lb ae/A) are needed to control most biennial (wild carrot) and perennial weeds (dandelion and white campion). The addition of 2,4-D or dicamba to glyphosate can also enhance control of some
perennial weeds, especially dandelion. Since glyphosate and Gramoxone have no residual activity and dicamba and 2,4-D have very little, one of the potential benefits and to these applications is that there is very little concern with the potential for herbicide residues from fall applications to impact crops planted the following spring. This may also be viewed as a negative, since there will be no control of weeds that emerge after the fall herbicide application. If some residual weed control is desired the inclusion of herbicides that have soil residual activity can be included in the fall burndown application.
2. Herbicides with soil-residual activity applied alone or with non-residual fall burndown herbicides:
Herbicides with soil-residual activity applied alone or with non-residual fall burndown herbicides: Many herbicides that have soil residual activity also have some postemergence burndown activity. For example, herbicide premixtures that contain the active ingredient chlorimuron (Authority XL, Fierce XLT, Synchrony XP, etc.) can provide both foliar burndown activity and residual weed control. However, control of certain species can be missed even with the inclusion of an appropriate adjuvant. Therefore, these herbicides are often applied with one of the more common non-residual burndown herbicides like glyphosate. Additionally, herbicides that have residual activity often reduce the flexibility for which crops can be planted the following season. For example, if Authority XL is applied in the fall, only soybean can be planted the following spring. It will be important to examine the crop rotation restrictions of fall-applied herbicides. Also consider that with certain herbicides (i.e., Sharpen) the months that the ground is frozen does not count toward the months needed for the rotation restriction. Additionally, even if a residual herbicide is applied in the fall, there is no guarantee that another burndown application will not be needed in the spring and there are maximum amounts of herbicide active ingredients that can be applied to a crop that include both fall and spring applications. For more information on what herbicides can be used in the fall and what weeds are controlled refer to Tables 2A and 2F in the 2024 MSU Weed Control for Field Crops, which can be seen at www.canr. msu.edu/weeds/ . Additionally, refer to Table 12 and the label for more information on crop rotation restrictions.
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DNR Deer Management Regulations Update
It seems every year farmers throughout the state are concerned by the continually increasing deer damage in their soybean fields. That growing concern amongst farmers has influenced the Michigan Soybean Committee farmer directors to put an increased emphasis on investing checkoff funds into research that will help mitigate deer damage. Progress has been made in identifying practices and products that help reduce damage, but the challenge of the increasing deer population continues to persist and negatively impact our growers’ bottom-line.
In January of 2024 the Michigan DNR launched a Deer Management Initiative (DMI) team to get a better grasp on the deer issues that citizens throughout the state are experiencing. The DMI is made up of individuals from various groups and is focused on gaining different perspectives on how to best manage the deer population. The upper and lower peninsulas have very different challenges when it comes to managing the deer population, consequently each peninsula formed their own separate DMI teams which then provided recommendations to the Michigan DNR.
The lower peninsula DMI team suggested 7 non-regulatory solutions and 12 regulatory solutions to the DNR for consideration. These recommendations ranged from expanding early and late antlerless harvest, to endorsing groups like Hunt Michigan Collaborative, which brings together conservation groups and community organizations to increase the number of hunters and assist landowners and farmers in controlling the growing deer population. Michigan soybean farmer and DMI Team member Rob Steenbergh
had this to say after the DMI recommendations were given, “I really enjoyed and got a lot out of our group, but the process was very mentally draining as we only had a short time to submit recommendations.”
After hearing the recommendations of the DMI, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved this Fall’s deer hunting regulations on July 11th. This includes updates that won't begin until after the 2024 season. Steenbergh added, “I think it's important to note most of the new regulations won't help us farmers much this year, but we are hopeful for continued collaboration amongst this group so we can offer additional solutions in the future. I believe more farmers need to know about the Crop Damage Permits (block permits as they used to be called) and also the DMAP tags (Deer Management Assistance Permits) because we don't have many tools available at this time.”
If you’d like to learn more about the updated regulations go to michigan.gov/Deer or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-WILD (9453).
To learn more about the Hunt Michigan Collaborative go to huntmicollaborative.com or contact them directly at admin@huntmicollaborative.com or 517-861-6197.
Below you will find regulations for the lower peninsula (DMU – deer management unit) DMU Map. You can view the interactive map at bit.ly/mideermgmt
Extended Archery Season
• Archery season is extended through Jan. 31, 2025, for select counties: Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair (except DMU 174),
Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne.
Legal Firearm Expansion – Zone 2 Muzzleloading Season
• If you are hunting deer during the muzzleloading deer season in the Lower Peninsula, you can use all legal firearms to take a deer. If you are hunting in the limited firearms deer zone, you must follow equipment requirements for that zone.
Early and Late Antlerless Firearm Season Expansion to Public Land
• Early and late antlerless firearm seasons in open counties have been expanded to include public land in addition to private land. The early antlerless firearm season runs Sept. 21-22, 2024, and the late antlerless firearm season runs Dec. 16, 2024 through Jan. 1, 2025.
New EXTENDED Late Antlerless Season
• A new extended late antlerless firearm season is open Jan. 2-12, 2025, in Allegan, Barry, Bay, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair (excluding DMU 174), Shiawassee, Wayne and Washtenaw counties; DMU 311 (Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties); DMU 312 (Branch, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties); and DMU 332 (Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola counties).
• A discounted antlerless license for this extended season will be available for $5 per license. If you’d like to learn more go to Michigan.gov/Deer or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-WILD (9453).
United Soybean Board Updates
Carla Schultz and Laurie Isley, United Soybean Board Directors
From Carla Schultz:
It has been a privilege to serve soybean farmers from all across the nation. The dedication and time that our national directors put into every decision and discussion is awe inspiring. I have been a part of some exciting projects recently that focus on utilizing our domestic markets.
I participated in the Nextile challenge, which exposes college-level fiber, textile and design students to the benefits of designing with soy-based products. USB created this challenge to empower college students to showcase their creative and problem-solving skills, increase the sustainability of textiles for different uses, and allow students to make professional connections with companies and brands interested in sustainability.
At the same time I was able to attend SXSW in Austin, TX to speak on behalf of soybean farmers and the endless uses in the beauty and entertainment industry. Think of all of the products that use a petrochemical base that could in essence be replaced with soy. Cleaning products, makeup, building materials, and so much more. In Austin, we were able to make valuable connections to elevate the SOY brand.
As part of my work group I also visited the ports of Louisiana, which are integral in continuing to keeping markets open and shipments of commodities floating across the globe.
I’ve been able to participate in several podcasts and articles that hit home the importance of American soybean meal and the difference it makes in the livestock industry - mainly the pork and chicken industry. The U.S. has a competitive advantages that other countries can’t quite replicate when it comes to the nutrition offerings for the livestock industry.
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At our board meeting we covered many topics from cutting edge technology and soybean genetics, to land use change and the effect it will have into the future plus so much more. Our board looks to make the best decisions possible while capturing a return on our investment in what we choose to fund for American soybean farmers. It may seem that the commodity prices have taken a downward spiral, but it is imperative at this time that we continue to keep doors open on both global and domestic trade of the high quality soy that American farmers produce.
From Laurie Isley:
The past few months have been filled with a variety of meetings, events and activities on behalf of the United Soybean Board. I've participated in work group meetings, VAC meetings and the USB July board meeting. Each of the work groups met to finalize program and budget recommendations. The Supply: Health and Nutrition committee I chair had lots of good discussion on priorities. We have a broad range of projects ranging from comparing effectiveness of different biologicals, continued research on nematodes, slugs and other soybean pests, a new deer management review to determine best practices and continued work on plant diseases, soil health and best management practices for soybeans.
I also attended the Great Lakes Sustainability Summit in Toronto. I had the opportunity to speak on a panel about conservation practices on our farm and across the country as well as address some misconceptions.
As a barbecue judge at an event in Norco, CA I had fun tasting delicious barbecue and promoting soybeans and the importance of including soy in pork and chicken diets to make great meat products. We presented the Combine Award and were able to talk to other judges and competitors.
Lastly, I participated in the Conservation in Action Tour in Arkansas where I was able to tour farms and discuss conservation practices. This was followed by a Conservation Champions meeting in Memphis.
Soybeans Go to School Kit
Again this year, the Michigan Soybean Committee is offering their Soybeans Go to School Kit to Michigan teachers. The kit is offered free, compliments of Michigan soybean producers through their investment in the soybean checkoff. The comprehensive kit is aimed toward third, fourth, and fifthgrade students. Lessons include the growth of a soybean plant, how soybeans impact our everyday lives, the history of the soybean, and so much more!
Teachers receive comprehensive slides along with all materials needed for each lesson.
Since its inception in 1999, the Soybeans Go to School Kit has served over 245,000 students across the state of Michigan, ranging from lower Michigan all the way to the Upper Peninsula!
Each student receives a Soybean Workbook with supplemental materials for each lesson.
To view lesson materials and order a kit for the 2024-2025 school year, please scan the QR code or visit us at: michigansoybean.org/school-kit.
Research Studies Soy in Catfish and Largemouth Bass Rations
This summer, the Soy Aquaculture Alliance (SAA) held a board meeting in conjunction with the 2 nd annual Aquafeed Formulation Short Course. SAA’s Short Course offers members in-depth training on feeding systems and related aqua topics with easy applications in the industry. It is designed to introduce U.S.-based feed, aquaculture and agriculture industry professionals to the dynamic field of aquaculture nutrition and feed formulation.
Alan Moore, a farmer from Elsie, Michigan, serves as MSC's representative on the SAA Board of Directors. He is currently serving as the vice chair. Moore attended the meeting and stated, “It was very interesting to meet with the students and see their enthusiasm about including more soy in their diet formulations.”
During the meeting, Moore also toured the Auburn University aquaculture research facility. This impressive laboratory includes a 1200-acre watershed with 300 ponds. SAA has partnered with Auburn University to research soy incorporation in different rations. At this facility, members were able to see soy inclusion research projects currently underway. Specifically, current projects are looking at soy in production diets for hybrid catfish (grown in in-pond raceway systems), advanced soy diets for channel catfish, and evaluation of soy ingredients in juvenile largemouth bass culture. These are two important species for U.S. aquaculture, with catfish being the largest volume produced and largemouth bass being an emerging opportunity.
Alan Moore, third from left, tours Auburn University aquaculture research facility
Understanding Green Stem in Soybeans
Green stem: delayed or abnormal senescense or maturation in soybean plants
Stems remain green and plants sometimes retain their leaves, even when the pods have reached their mature brown color. This disorder may appear in a very small number of individual plants randomly scattered throughout the field, near field edges, or can uniformly affect nearly all plants in a field.
Causes unknown
Broadly, any factor that reduces pod development and seed set in developing soybean plants can lead to green stem. Natural senescence in soybean generally requires a strong draw of nutrients from the vegetative portion of the plant (‘source’) to the developing seed (‘sink’). When sink tissue is reduced, nutrients including proteins and sugars are retained in the source tissue, especially the stems. This allows them to remain in a healthy green state beyond the normal maturation period.
Sources: Leaves
Stem
Sinks: Flower and Developing Seeds
Roots
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Commonly Associated Factors
Seasonal Environmental Stress
Premature loss of pods and/or seeds during mid-reproductive growth stages (R3-R6) inhibits the sink strength. Impacts on green stem vary based on the growth stage at which the environmental stress occurred. Other factors like planting date can complicate management.
Disease
Though not well understood, various diseases are often associated with green stem. It is possible that diseases cause a reduced seed set relative to overall plant health leading to reduced sink strength late in seed filling.
Associated diseases include:
> Bean leaf beetle transmission of bean pod mottle virus (BPMV)
> Tobacco Ringspot Virus
> Phytoplasmas
Insects, Specifically Stinkbugs
Stinkbugs’ direct feeding on pods and seeds can reduce the pod-load on a soybean plant. This typically occurs in spotty patches across the field and is most often observed on field edges.
Soybean Genetics
Some soybean plants exhibit green stem because they are genetically predisposed to producing clumps of small, underdeveloped pods. These plants closely resemble male sterile plants that are incapable of producing viable seed. This is often noted in single random plants scattered throughout a field.
Fungicide
The effects of foliar fungicide applications on green stem are not well understood. Some modes of action can provide a ‘stay green’ effect on soybean that delays senescence and can be misidentified as green stem.
Management and Desiccation
Any production or management practice that reduces abiotic and/or biotic stresses should reduce the incidence of green stem.
Need to Know
> Green stem does not appear to limit yield
> Green stem severely reduces harvest efficiency
• Requires operators to decrease speed when combining
• Can plug or choke harvest equipment
• Could contribute to dockage of the soybean grain due to declined seed quality
> Green stem can resolve itself through a hard freeze
• Timing of a hard freeze in southern production regions often occurs too late into the fall to resolve the issue
> Delaying harvest until green stem is resolved often has drastic seed quality implications
> By the time green stem is observed, it is unlikely to be resolved with a harvest aid
• If application of harvest aid is delayed too long, stems may harden and impact absorption and efficacy, providing a “stay green” effect on soybeans that delays senescence and can be misidentified as green stem.
For more information: go.ncsu.edu/s4s2023team
Green stem on fully developed soybean plants.
Authors: Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota; Jake McNeal, University of Tennessee; Jeremy Ross, University of Arkansas; Rachel Vann, North Carolina State University.
Through the soy checkoff, U.S. soybean farmers are investing in new production practices to continuously improve their sustainability while protecting the air, water and soil for generations to come.
