YOUR CHECKOFF in action

Fy22 Recap Of Michigan Soybean Committee Programs And Projects

Guided by the four pillars of their strategic plan, which is summarized below, the board and staff of the Michigan Soybean Committee continue to work on behalf of Michigan's 12,000+ soybean farmers to grow demand for Michigan-grown soybeans, invest in research to address the most timely agronomic issues and share information about soybeans, agriculture and the work of the checkoff with both farmer and consumer audiences.

In the production program area, funded research projects continue to identify solutions and ways for farmers to address agronomic issues and grow more soybeans. The on-farm research program also continues to host trials that address timely topics farmers have deemed most critical.

In the area of market development, staff and farmers work to build new markets for soybeans through the development of biobased products, push for increased demand of biodiesel and renewable diesel, engage with international markets to build a preference for U.S. soy and work to maintain soy's critical role as a high-quality protein source for livestock.

Farmer education and outreach also continues to be a priority. Connecting with farmers across Michigan to share not only what the checkoff is doing on their behalf, but also connecting them with resources that can benefit them and their farming operations is paramount to our organization's success. Farmer-facing events also provide valuable feedback which is used to guide future programming.

And lastly, consumer outreach and education. This program area continues to develop new ways to connect with key audiences to help build trust in agriculture and our food supply, dispel common misconceptions surrounding soy and share ways that soybeans touch every life, every day.

These pillars guide the work of our organization and ensure Michigan soybean farmers' investments in the checkoff are used in ways that provide value back to them all year long.

Production Research

Invest in production research that benefits Michigan soybean producers.

Objectives:

• Michigan State University field crop researchers are willing and able to conduct soybean research.

• Independent agriculture research entities and partners are willing and able to conduct soybean research.

• Michigan soybean farmers host innovative on-farm research trials.

Success:

• Michigan soybean producers incorporate MSC-funded research recommendations on their farms.

Producer Education Create Demand Consumer Education

Grow potential market and product opportunities for Michigan soy.

Objectives:

• Industry is aware soybean oil can replace other plant and fossil oils in industrial use applications.

• Pork and poultry industries expand use of Michigan soybeans in their rations.

• Michigan specialty soybean contracted acres increase.

• Biodiesel is accepted among diesel users as a tactic for reaching corporate sustainability objectives.

• International aquaculture increases the use of U.S. soy in their feed rations.

Success:

• Demand for Michigan soy grows in new and existing markets.

Provide Michigan farmers with resources for making well-informed decisions.

Objectives:

• Michigan soybean farmers seek resources from the checkoff to help manage risk and improve profits.

• Michigan agriculture organizations work together to ensure the long-term success of farming in Michigan.

• Michigan soybean farmers serve in industry leadership positions.

Success:

• Michigan farmers look to the Michigan Soybean Committee for soybean resources.

Create a positive public perception of Michigan agriculture.

Objectives:

• Legislators/ Regulators use sound science to make realistic agriculture policy and regulatory decisions.

• Michigan consumers trust soy and soybean producers.

• Students form a positive perception of soybeans and soybean farming in Michigan.

Success:

• Consumers understand the importance of agriculture and the soybean industry’s work in Michigan.