Michigan Soybean News - Winter 2022

You’re where the rubber meets the road. And the engine. And the interior.

All soybean farmers, including you, are busy replacing petroleum with your soy oil. How? By pooling your resources through your soy checkoff. Learn how your soy checkoff is bringing tangible returns back to you and your operation at unitedsoybean.org/hopper

Moving Soy Forward. Moving You Forward.

Soybean

Soybean Staff

Kathy Maurer Financial Director kmaurer@michigansoybean.org

Mark Seamon Research Director mseamon@michigansoybean.org

Sonja Lapak, Editor Communication Director slapak@michigansoybean.org

Katlin Fusilier Outreach Specialist kfusilier@michigansoybean.org

Hanna Campbell Demand Specialist hcampbell@michigansoybean.org

Michigan Soybean Association 3055 W M-21 St. Johns, MI 48879 Phone: 989.652.3294 soyinfo@michigansoybean.org

Ad Sales Sonja Lapak slapak@michigansoybean.org

J.L. Farmakis Inc. - National Phone: 203.834.8832 bill@jlfarmakis.com

Copyright 2022 by Michigan Soybean Association; all rights reserved.

Magazine Circulation: 19,000 Michigan Soybean News is published quarterly.

Photo credits: United Soybean Board

Michigan Farmer Travels to Vietnam

Michigan Soybean Association Mission:

To improve and advocate for the Michigan soybean industry.

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 Leadership

Michigan Soybean Association Board of Directors

Larry Phelps, Vicksburg

Gary Parr, Charlotte

Tom Woelmer, Monroe

Nick Stone, Sandusky

Allison Morse, Birch Run

PJ Feldpausch, St. Johns

Kyle Crumbaugh, St. Louis

Rob Howland, Brown City Heather Feuerstein, Belding

Michigan Soybean Committee Board of Directors

Dan Rajzer, Decatur

Pete Crawford, Dansville

Laurie Isley, Palmyra

Scott Wilson, Lexington

John Burk, Bay City

Mark Senk, Owosso Steve Koeman, Hamilton

American Soybean Association

Matt Stutzman, Adrian Heather Feuerstein, Belding

United Soybean Board

David Williams, Elsie

Jim Domagalski, Columbus

Laurie Isley, Palmyra

North Central Soybean Research Program

Ed Cagney, Scotts

US Soybean Export Council

Laurie Isley, Palmyra

National Biodiesel Board

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

Michigan Soybean Association 49th Annual Meeting of Members

Pursuant to Article V, Section I of the Bylaws of the Michigan Soybean Association (MSA), notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the members of the Michigan Soybean Association will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Soaring Eagle Casino, 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858, convening at 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to announce new directors and transact other business as may properly come before the members.

Respectfully, Allison Morse MSA Secretary

Reminder to Return Ballots:

MSA members should have received ballots for board of director elections in their respective districts. Elections are being held in Districts 1, 4 and 7. Please return ballots using the

This fall, I went on a trip to celebrate my birthday and mark some things off my "Things I Really Want to See and Do" list. (Calling it a "Bucket List" feels a bit too high-stakes.)

During the week, we were able to cover a lot of ground across New England, but a highlight of the trip was our time spent in Acadia National Park. Timing lined up in a way that allowed us to see some beautiful fall colors and have decent weather, but be there late enough in the season to avoid large crowds.

We drove Park Loop Road, hiked the Ocean Path Trail, visited Thunder Hole, explored Sand Beach and made our way to the top of Cadillac Summit Road. Again, timing played a role in this, as reservations are typically required to travel Cadillac Summit Road - there's a short window when reservations aren't required between when peak visiting time tapers off and the road closes for the winter.

On our first day in the park, heavy fog rolled in and limited visibility quite a bit, especially at higher elevations. As we traveled up Cadillac Summit Road (a winding 3.5 mile, 30 minute journey) the fog continued to thicken. When we made it to the top, there wasn't much to see. At all. So we made our way back down for the night and headed out of the park.

When planning our activities for the next day, the forecast indicated it was going to be partly sunny and fog-free with a sunrise time of 7:03 a.m. (For reference, Cadillac Mountain, at 1,530 feet, is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place to view sunrise in the U.S. from October 7 - March 6.) That information, coupled with the forecast, solidified our plan to journey up Cadillac Mountain again the next day. We left the hotel around 6:00 a.m. and headed to the park. Although it was dark, it was clearly less foggy than the day before, and we were feeling good about heading to the top. So were a lot of other people, if the traffic heading towards the summit was any indication.

About half way up the mountain, we noticed visibility starting to decrease. We stayed optimistic, but it was clearly getting foggy. When we made it to the top, the fog was just as thick as the day before, and visibility was worse because on top of the fog, it was also dark out. We stuck it out though, and 7:03 came and went. Daylight came, but the beautiful sunrise we were hoping for just didn't happen.

While it was disappointing, and some might call it a wasted trip to the top, looking back it was actually really rewarding. I'm sure there are a lot of lessons and inspiration that could be pulled from the situation, but a couple come to mind that seem to relate to our work in agriculture.

The first is the sense of community that we felt at the top of the mountain. People were laughing together about the view (or lack thereof) and sharing where they were from, but beyond that, there was a feeling of belonging that accompanied standing on the top of a mountain on a quiet, foggy morning patiently waiting for a glimpse of the sun that probably wasn't going to happen.

In agriculture, I feel like we do that a lot. We find community among others in our industry, because we know there aren't that many of us, and those that are involved in farming just seem to "get it". We take risks and place our faith in the seeds we put in the ground, knowing our livelihood depends on their success, and we stay the course, even when the odds aren't good. This perseverance and optimism seems to carry us through, and I hope you seek community and know you're not alone when navigating challenges and uncertainty.

I think there's something to be said for finding your own sun when the fog blocks the real deal. I hope you'll keep an eye out.

Take care,

Sonja Lapak, Communication Director slapak@michigansoybean.org

innovation

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.

WISHH serves as an international soy industry incubator, spurring

by connecting local entrepreneurs with industry-specific resources and business knowledge.

NEW MEMBERS:

Avery Claybaugh, Saginaw Jared Fahley, Yale Joe Kautz, Croswell Matt Sebasty, New Carlisle

New & Renewing Members

RENEWING MEMBERS : Brian McKenzie, Marcellus Tom Kendle, Edwardsburg

2022 Michigan Soybean Association Yield Contest

The 2022 Michigan Soybean Association Yield Contest is well underway. Harvest forms are due at the end of November.

MSA would like to thank the sponsors of this year's contest for their generous support. Without it, the contest would not be possible. This year, there are 12 participating seed company sponsors, along with the Michigan Soybean Committee.

Winners will be announced on social media in December, recognized at the Great Lakes Crop Summit and featured in the spring issue of the Michigan Soybean News magazine, so stay tuned to see who comes out on top.

Thank you to all who have entered this year's contest. We are looking forward to more outstanding yields as results are submitted.

MSA Scholarship Application Available

The 2023 Michigan Soybean Association scholarship application is now available to students. This exciting opportunity is offered to college students who are MSA members, as well as children and grandchildren of members, ages 17-25. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at a post-secondary educational institution during the fall 2023 semester to be eligible. Students are only eligible to win an MSA scholarship one time.

Through their strategic plan, the MSA board of directors has placed an emphasis on outreach and support for college students and young professionals in the agriculture industry. Today's college students are not only the next generation of farmers and agriculturalists, but also future policymakers, teachers, healthcare workers, consumers, etc. Supporting students who are connected to agriculture through membership in the Michigan Soybean Association is a rewarding opportunity that allows MSA to connect with students and help develop a relationship with future leaders.

Application information can be found at www.misoy.org/ scholarship. Applications are due to the Michigan Soybean Association office by March 1, 2022. Please note that this deadline has been moved forward from previous years to accommodate high school awards ceremonies in the spring.

If you are not yet a member of the Michigan Soybean Association and would like to join, view the online application at soygrowers.com/states-membership/online-membershipform/.

Thank you to our generous sponsors who help make this program possible.

A New Team Working for Soybean Farmers in Lansing

Vice-President of Government Relations, Kindsvatter, Dalling & Associates

It’s nice to meet all of you via the Michigan Soybean News ! My name is Jason Wadaga and

I serve as the Vice-President of Government Relations for Kindsvatter, Dalling & Associates (KDA) in Lansing. As of October 1st, our firm was chosen to lead the political/educational efforts for the Michigan Soybean Association, and we are beyond excited.

ABOUT KDA

KDA is a multi-client government relations and association management firm located a few blocks from the capitol in Lansing. Our firm brings decades of experience in lobbying and association management to assist in your education and political efforts. While I will serve as the lead lobbyist for MSA, KDA believes in a team approach, and all three of our lobbyists will share in your efforts in Lansing and around the state. KDA also employs eight support staff who will assist with any additional needs.

With our long history of representing agriculture clients, managing associations throughout the country and working with state checkoffs and associations, we believe we bring the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your goals.

ABOUT ME

As of October, I started my ninth year here at KDA and couldn’t be happier with the team and the direction of the firm. Prior to joining KDA, I worked for nearly a decade in the Michigan Legislature as a staffer between both the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate.

I was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and graduated with a B.S. in Political Science from Northern Michigan University. I reside in East Lansing with my wife Kimberly and sons Nolan and Reid. Most of my spare time is spent transporting my boys to sports and stressing over the Dallas Cowboys (sorry).

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As I write this today, we are less than two weeks out from Election Day. The Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General are all up for re-election as are all 38 seats in the Michigan Senate and 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives. The outcome of this election will no doubt determine the future of policy in Michigan.

The legislature is anticipated to spend a few weeks back in Lansing for the “Lame Duck” session prior to the end of the year but it’s difficult at this time to predict what will be on the agenda. The election results will determine most of that. The top priority will likely be figuring out what to do with the roughly $6 billion budget surplus. Should it be reinvested and if so, how? Should it be given back to the taxpayers? Should it be saved for future budgets? Or a combination of all the above? We will find out in December.

As we move to 2023, I look forward to working

Jason Wadaga

Jason Wadaga,

on priority issues for the association and trying to expand marketplaces for soy-based products. We plan to continue efforts to expand renewable diesel and biodiesel in Michigan and across the country. We will also work to expand export and trade opportunities for Michigan soybeans. We’ll be engaged on climate change and carbon sequestration discussions and work to combat unreasonable regulations on farmers. And we’ll be focused on infrastructure improvements such as using biobased products in Michigan road projects and improving access to broadband internet throughout the state.

However, as a small-town boy, I am most interested in getting out of Lansing and onto some of your farms. I want to learn about your industry and the challenges that you face. I want to ensure that I

have a firm grasp on the everyday issues that affect your farms and businesses.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact me via phone at 517.485.7711 or by e-mail at jason@ kdafirm.com

There are policy issues and advocacy campaigns that need your input.

ASA’s online Soy Action Center makes it easy for you to get information and add your voice to vital issues impacting soybean farming and agriculture.

Go to soygrowers.com/soy-action-center to find:

• Policy campaigns to which you can conveniently add your support.

• Relevant policy issues and tracking on specific bills.

• Contact information for your state and U.S. lawmakers and officials.

ASA makes it easy for you to connect with your lawmakers. Adding your voice will make the soy industry stronger.

Kindsvatter,

Soybean-Based Asphalt Enhancer at Work in Clinton County

This fall, the Michigan Soybean Committee hosted a tour of the one-mile BIORESTOR application site on Colony Road for Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell and State Budget Director Chris Harkins. In addition to these attendees, MSC also hosted MDARD staff, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) staff, manufacturers of BIROESTOR and the owners of Roadway Bioseal. The purpose of this tour was to share the benefits of using biobased products such as BIORESTOR in roadway projects and demonstrate the value of developing new markets for Michigan soybeans.

According to Lisa Harris, President of Roadway Bioseal LLC, “BIORESTOR is an essential pavement preservation product for local roads, which has proved its worth in excellent pavement performances, affordability, compatibility with other road processes, and of course, sustainability due to the soybean oil base. BIORESTOR produces roads with 80 percent less cracking and an increase in pavement lifecycles of 40 to 45 percent, thus

giving communities the ability to get ahead of the curve in terms of keeping their good roads in good condition!” This product does not just top the asphalt, it penetrates to restore the pavement from within. It decreases the brittleness of asphalt pavement to improve the flexibility of the pavement to decrease cracking. Soybean oil is a key component of BIORESTOR.

“Under Governor Whitmer’s leadership, Michigan is at the forefront of repairing and improving our infrastructure through state-of-the-art and bold solutions,” said MDARD’s Director Gary McDowell. “Colony Road in Clinton County is a prime example of how infrastructure and agricultural innovation intersect, creating new market opportunities for our soybean farmers while also creating safer roads and bridges for Michiganders.”

The tour finished at a 54-acre soybean field in Fowler, farmed by Mike Halfman of T&H Dairy. Mike operates T&H Dairy, a 1,500 cow and 4,000-acre farm, with his father, uncle, brother, and family partner. Mike spoke to the group about the process of growing soybeans, how his product gets to the processor and the full circle model of growing crops and feeding livestock.

“Today’s tour was a great opportunity to learn more about how we could leverage a Michigan agricultural product in an innovative and unique way,” said Budget Director Harkins. “I appreciate this type of creative problem-solving. Knowing that we can look to our agricultural industries to possibly prolong the life or our roads, I look forward to future conversations about how innovation throughout the agriculture sector could be transformational in Michigan.”

State Budget Director Chris Harkins, soybean farmer Mike Halfman & MDARD Director Gary McDowell look at soybeans in Clinton County

Sharing U.S. Soy with a Global Audience

More than 600 U.S. soy buyers and sellers from 64 countries gathered in San Diego for “Soy Connext” hosted by the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC). “During this year’s forum we heard three recurring themes – we’re in transformative and volatile times, supply chains continue to face challenges, and consumers are calling for reduced carbon footprints and increased transparency. Soy Connext provides an excellent forum to collaborate so companies can leverage U.S. soy’s superior quality, reliability, and sustainability in response to these challenges” said Jim Sutter, chief executive officer of USSEC.

MSC President Laurie Isley, who also serves as Michigan's USSEC representative, traveled to San Diego, along with Demand Specialist Hanna Campbell to participate in the Soy Connext event. They were able to represent Michigan and connect with not only buyers looking for U.S. soy, but also companies that sell high quality soy internationally. These connections offer opportunities to promote Michigan-grown soybeans and emphasize the quality of our product and the diversity of specialty varieties grown in the state.

Trade teams representing 38 different countries also attended Soy Connext and then visited soybean farms across the country. MSC hosted 14 agriculturalists, business owners and soy end users from Nigeria in late September as part of this event. The team visited Strasburg Farms in Monroe, owned and operated by Tom, Janie and Andrew Woelmer where they learned about the deep roots of family farms in America and how soy gets to its export point. The next day, they toured the MSU Crop and Soil Science Research Farm in East Lansing and got to hear from MSU Field Crop Pathologist Dr. Martin Chilvers and MDARD International Marketing staff member Elizabeth Smith. After learning about the agronomic research funded by MSC, the group headed to Willis to visit Doug Darling, of Darling Farms and hear from MSU Extension Soybean Educator Mike Staton.

International marketing efforts are a key part of MSC's work which allows us to continue to build demand for the high quality soybeans you raise.

Planting a Range of Soybean Maturity Groups is Beneficial

Mike Staton, MSU Extension Soybean Educator

Managing risk is an important aspect of farming and planting soybean varieties from a range of adapted maturity groups can minimize yield reductions from disease and adverse weather conditions. Early maturing varieties escaped white mold damage in 2014 and can help reduce harvest delays. However, later maturing varieties have a greater capacity to take advantage of late-season rains and generally produce higher yields when planting early.

An analysis of the 2009 to 2016 Michigan Soybean Variety Performance Trials showed very little yield difference between 1.8 and 2.6 varieties in central Michigan and between 2.4 and 3.2 varieties in southern Michigan. The highest-yielding four to five varieties from each maturity group were averaged in the analysis. Based on this information, the ideal maturity group spread for a given location in central and southern Michigan is about 0.8 of a maturity group.

On average, soybean maturity and harvest operations are delayed by one day for each 0.1 increase in soybean maturity group. So, a producer in the Saginaw Valley planting 2.0 varieties instead of 2.5 varieties should be able to harvest five days sooner. Assuming a harvest capacity of 80 acres per day and five days of good weather, the producer could knock out 400 acres before the 2.5 varieties would be ready to harvest.

Some producers want to plant varieties from longer maturity groups than those listed above. Dr. Manni Singh has conducted planting date by management trials demonstrating a potential yield benefit for planting longer maturity beans when planting early (April 20 through the first week of May).

There is also increasing interest in planting varieties from maturity groups significantly earlier than those listed above. These producers want to take advantage of early harvest conditions and plant fall-seeded crops and cover crops earlier. Another potential but less reliable benefit to planting very early maturing varieties is that soybean processors sometimes offer a premium for new crop beans delivered in mid-September.

One of the challenges to planting ultra-early varieties is the lack of unbiased yield data. To address this issue, the Michigan Soybean Committee paid one half the entry fee for 11 varieties with maturity ratings of 1.0 to 1.5 entered in the central zone of the MSU Soybean Variety Performance Trials from 2019 to 2022. These ultra-early varieties were compared to entries as late as 2.2 at two sites in 2019 (Allegan and Saginaw), three sites in 2020 (Allegan, Ingham and Saginaw) and four sites in 2021 (Allegan, Ingham, Saginaw and Sanilac).

The trials showed that the highest-yielding ultra-early varieties are competitive with varieties having maturity

up to 2.2 in central Michigan. In 2019, one non-GMO variety yielded in the top third and four Roundup Ready (RR) varieties yielded above the trial mean (63.2 bu/ac). In 2020, only RR varieties were entered and one of these yielded in the top third, but only two yielded better than the trial mean (54.5 bu/ac). However, in 2021, one non-GMO variety yielded in the top third and seven RR varieties yielded above the trial mean (72.2 bu/ac). The big story in 2021 was that one 1.4 variety produced the highest average yield across all four locations (79.1 bu/ac). Soybean producers should consider planting varieties from a range of adapted maturity groups to minimize yield reductions from diseases and adverse weather conditions.

BREVANT.COM/RETAIL

Michigan Farmer Attends Unveiling of U.S. Identity Preserved International Brand Launch

David Williams talks benefits of growing IP soybeans

Michigan farmer David Williams took a break from the 2022 harvest to travel to Vietnam, where he discussed why he’s grown Identity Preserved soybeans. Williams appeared in Vietnam as part of the U.S. Identity Preserved brand becoming a global entity following its international launch.

“The U.S. Identity Preserved brand mark conveys to the customer all the efforts that were put into the high-quality products exported from the United States to ensure you’re getting precisely what you ordered,” said Williams, who’s grown food-grade soybeans on the six-generation Elsie farm he runs alongside his nephew. “Those efforts include the hard work that went into growing those crops from the time the seed was selected and planted through harvest and delivery to the processor.”

On Nov. 1, the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) met in Vietnam with buyers and food producers to introduce its new international mark that designates premium crops with verifiable origins and builds worldwide awareness of the assurance plan that spotlights the superior products derived from the U.S. system.

“(SSGA) is here to announce a significant certification advancement for food manufacturers to consider when purchasing ingredients for their products,” Executive Director Eric Wenberg said during a livestreamed YouTube event from the Saigon Sheraton Hotel & Towers. “We are excited to make this first

that require high-quality ingredients.”

The U.S. Identity Preserved quality assurance plan and brand mark symbolizes a landmark advancement in the verification of trust, traceability and value for food manufacturers, processors and exporters. Since the brand was unveiled to an American audience in December 2021, a dozen U.S. companies have joined the program and are using the mark – with several more companies currently going through the application and qualification process.

“There’s real excitement about having a mark represent a very special segment of U.S. agriculture and business,” SSGA Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick said.

The event attracted 75 officials from across the industry, including the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative in Soy and Human Health (WISSH), which brought a contingent to Vietnam from Myanmar. The international launch was co-sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Wisconsin Marketing Board and Vinamilk, Vietnam’s largest dairy company.

“We also greatly appreciate Michigan Soybean’s support of SSGA and were honored to have David join us on our international mission,” Wenberg said. “He’s

official announcement in Vietnam because this is an important and growing market for high-quality foods

a strong advocate for what we represent and certainly helped us move the needle throughout our time in Vietnam.”

Later in the week, SSGA delivered more presentations on the U.S. Identity Preserved system and went further in depth on the quality, characteristics and performance customers can expect from specialty soybeans and grains from the United States. Williams, who represents the Michigan Soybean Committee on the United Soybean Board, explained to importers and industry leaders from the U.S. Soybean Export Council, WISHH and the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service why he’s proud to grow Identity Preserved soybeans on his operation.

“Those of us who grow Identity Preserved field crops understand the importance of providing consistent, high-quality products to our customers,” said Williams, a former president of the Michigan Soybean Association. “It starts on the farm, where we put extra work into our production to preserve a variety’s identity.”

The work advancing Identity Preserved has only just begun, as SSGA looks ahead to hosting its next global gathering: the Identity Preserved International Summit Jan. 11-13, 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“The Identity Preserved brand is more than merely a mark,” Wenberg said. “It’s a movement to advance food traceability.”

Learn more at usidentitypreserved.org.

The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) is a national association of companies focused on production, processing and shipping of U.S. Identity Preserved (IP) field crops and related products worldwide. Its mission is to provide resources that communicate the quality, diversity and availability of these products and support allied companies throughout the value chain, including, but not limited to, agronomy, data, finance, insurance, logistics and transportation.

Vole Damage in Soybean Fields

Eric Anderson, MSU Extension Field Crops Educator

If you have seen irregularly shaped areas devoid of plant growth roughly the size of a small car in your soybean fields, you may have a problem with voles. Voles are rodents that are 4-7” long with stocky bodies, short legs and short tails, small eyes with ears partially hidden, and brown or gray fur. They are slightly smaller than moles and much smaller than gophers. They are often mistaken for field mice which have leaner bodies, large eyes and ears, and have tails roughly half the length of their bodies. There are three species of voles in Michigan—meadow, prairie and pine with meadow being the most common. However, it is not necessary to identify the species, as damage and control measures are similar.

Voles prefer areas with a heavy ground cover and construct many surface runways or shallow tunnels with numerous 1-2” burrow entrances, so it is easier to find signs of their presence than to actually see them. Fields that are more susceptible to vole damage include

those under no-till practices and those that had a thick cover crop late into the spring. Tillage typically disrupts their tunnels and burrows, and a dense cover crop canopy can protect voles from predators such as hawks, owls, kestrels, foxes, coyotes and snakes.

High-protein grasses and legumes such as soybean are favorite food sources for voles, although they will also feed on grains when available. They feed on soybean seed and seedlings immediately following planting leaving few if any plants growing around their dens. Feeding on new soybean leaves continues throughout the season as the plant canopy provides protection from predators. Once pods and seeds are formed, voles will collect and store them, along with seeds left on the ground following harvest, as a food source over the winter.

Voles can have five to ten litters per year averaging three to five young per litter. Gestation is around 21 days, and females become sexually mature 30-45 days

Aerial image of vole damage in soybeans and vole burrow entrance (inset)

after birth, so populations can increase quickly. Vole populations tend to increase cyclically every 3-5 years. Mild winters with good snowfall can increase populations and, as with any animal, increasing availability of the food source and limiting predator access will also favor higher populations.

The first step in preventing vole damage is scouting at least 45 days prior to planting. Fresh plant clippings and/or droppings near open burrow holes indicate an active den. If five or more active colonies per acre are found, control measures should be implemented. Baiting with rodenticides can be effective if the population is small enough; however, no toxicants are currently labeled for soybean, and this method can quickly become expensive and labor-intensive. Severe infestations may warrant tillage practices until the population is under control, although many farmers who no-till would leave this option as a last resort. Terminating a cover crop 30 days before planting has proven to be effective in other states.

An on-farm research project funded by the Michigan Soybean Committee was conducted this year in southwest Michigan to quantify and manage vole damage in soybean. Four different cover crop termination timings were compared: fall, 30 days, 14 days and 0 days before planting. Although the study field did not experience heavy vole pressure this year, a nearby field with 10-15 percent damage from vole feeding was monitored from the ground and with a drone. A second year of the study is planned for 2023. Contact me via email at eander32@msu.edu if you think you have problems with voles in soybean. To see a video showing severe damage in soybean visit https://tinyurl.com/mscvoles

This year, early tax planning is a crucial financial strategy for producers. Higher income and supplychain delays impacting tax-based purchases are pushing important financial decisions into mid-fall. Contact your local GreenStone tax specialist to start crafting your tax-saving strategy today. 800-444-FARM

Meadow vole

My Love/Hate Relationship with Soybean Cyst Nematode: A Retrospective

In August, I retired from my full-time job as a nematologist in the Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab at Michigan State University (MSU). I enjoyed my time there which spanned 36 years.

Since all plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic, I spent most of my time over the years at the microscope. Even I couldn’t find a way to injure myself while sitting at a microscope, although I must admit, one year when I suffered a nerve pinch in my neck, it wasn’t all that comfortable. But, like a true Spartan I counted the worms through the pain followed by several selfadministered massages. I finally decided I’d spent enough time at the scope, and that it was time to move on to other things.

I began my career in nematode diagnostics in September 1986. The following spring, a sample collected from a soybean field in Gratiot County

arrived in the lab. Upon processing that sample, it revealed the presence of many cysts and roughly 115,000 eggs and secondstage juveniles. Since it was collected from a soybean field, it was obvious to me the nematodes were soybean cyst nematodes (SCN). However, since this represented the first detection of this nematode in MI, I sent the sample off to the National Identifier (Dr. Morgan Golden at the time) in Beltsville, MD for confirmation. To no surprise, SCN it was. Thus, my love/hate relationship with SCN was born. Let’s commence with the love half of the relationship.

I’ll begin by stating that most people, including many scientists, tend to ignore nematodes or lack any understanding of their importance. But, if you are a soybean grower or researcher, you are well aware of their damaging potential. It’s a rare occurrence as a nematologist that we can say beyond reasonable doubt that a nematode is the most yield-limiting pathogen in a crop’s production. However that is certainly the case with SCN. Even

Fred Warner, MSU Instructor and Retired Nematologist

"Fred's career of dedication, passion and desire to help soybean growers overcome SCN losses is a great example for all of us. The soybean industry gratefully extends its best wishes to Fred in his retirement from his diagnostic microscope."

-Mark Seamon MSC Research Director

the plant pathologists who investigate other diseases of soybeans should recognize that fact and yes, I did say fact. That tends to elevate the prominence of this nematode as a causal agent of a disease especially one of the five most important crops worldwide.

late 1980s and into the 1990s to exceed 50,000 SCN eggs and J2s per 100 cm 3 soil. Fortunately, now that many growers, who recognize the presence of SCN on their farms, use SCN-resistant varieties. It is much rarer now (although it still happens from time to time) that we recover greater than 50,000 SCN eggs and J2s per sample. Whew. To you growers, my eyes thank you for this progress.

In a way, I feel indebted to this worm. I owe much of my job security to it. I suspect I’m one of very few people in this country who would admit to being indebted to a nematode. But, since it’s documented detection in Michigan in 1986 until the end of my career in 2022, samples collected for SCN analyses typically ranged from 1000 – 3000 per year. These numbers accounted for 33 – 50 percent of our sample load annually for nematode analyses in Plant & Pest Diagnostics. It wasn’t all samples sent directly from crop consultants, county educators or growers, as I also provided support (counted and identified the nematodes) for much of the SCN research that was done by specialists at MSU.

Now, onto the hate part of my relationship with SCN. Geez, I’m just tired of counting them. To summarize my career very succinctly, “He came, he counted millions (some might argue gazillions) of nematodes, and he left.” Yup, that is 36 years in a nutshell.

When we first became aware of the existence of SCN in our state, no growers used SCN-resistant soybean varieties. Why would they? Therefore, SCN counts were very high. The record over my 36 years was 1032 SCN cysts with 236,000 eggs and secondstage juveniles from 100 cm 3 soil (ca. one-fifth of a pint) sent in a sample from Monroe County. Counting the nematodes in that sample may have permanently stunted by brain. Wow there were a lot of SCN eggs.

It was not unusual for samples collected in the

One other change I’ve observed and quantified over the past 30 years or so working with SCN is the development of many aggressive populations on PI 88788, the most common source of resistance in SCN-resistant soybean varieties. When we first race tested (now type testing) SCN populations in Michigan, very few of them even developed on PI 88788. However, now, 95 percent of our SCN populations have overcome PI 88788 resistance and many are moderately to highly aggressive on that source, suggesting varieties with this resistance don’t yield to their potentials. We’re beginning to observe the same trend with Peking but as of 2022, we have not screened any highly aggressive SCN populations on PI 548402 (Peking). This trend is not unique to Michigan and has occurred throughout soybean growing states in our region. SCN-resistant soybean varieties should be utilized prudently. If you’d like to know how aggressive an SCN population is on the sources of resistance found in commercially available soybean varieties, the Diagnostic Lab at MSU can help.

Fred

Warner and Angie Tenney

"In Fred's role as MSU's nematode diagnostician, he generated a truly exceptional level of respect from Michigan’s agricultural community. As Fred moves to the next phase of his appointment at MSU, it is a certainty that his teaching skills will have a highly significant positive impact on students!"

-Dr. George Bird, MSU Professor Emeritus

The Michigan Soybean Committee implemented a free SCN sampling program in 1997 where growers could submit samples to our lab free of charge (paid by their checkoff dollars). Over the past 25 years, we have processed over 25,000 soil samples as our contribution to the partnership between MSC and MSU. I owe you all a debt of gratitude, as does my ophthalmologist. I’ve gone through many new eye glass prescriptions over the years.

Nematology should be in good hands at MSU even with my departure. I have tremendous faith in Angie Tenney (my replacement) to continue the fine service we have provided to Michigan farmers in Plant & Pest Diagnostics. Plus, Dr. Marisol Quintanilla has a small army of grad students working on various nematode issues that confront our state. I now spend my time amongst her students in the basement of the Natural Science Building on campus. I started in the basement of this building in 1986, moved into the Center for Integrated Plant Systems building in 2000, and have now come full circle. What better place to keep worm people than underground?

Thank you to the MSC staff and all my clients

-Keith

for your support over the years. I think I owe a special thanks to Dr. George Bird for granting me the privilege (?) to count all those nematodes over my career. I want to also extend very special thanks to all my colleagues in the Diagnostic Lab. But, the ride, for me, is now over. I think I’m a teacher now. We’ll see how things go. My 184 students this semester will tell me if I should go back to the scope (I call it my “day job”) and move away from the lectern.

"Fred and Dr. Bird were instrumental in the initial identification and management of SCN in the 1990s. Fred also led development of the SCN soil testing program funded and administered cooperatively by MSU and MSC. Congratulations Fred on a job well done!"

Reinholt, Former MSC Executive Director

MSU Agronomy Club Members Attend Conference in Maryland

Michigan State University Agronomy Club members recently traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to attend the annual Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences (SASES) annual meeting. The meeting was held in conjunction with the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) International Annual Meeting. Members in attendance were Trey Ellens, Larissa Lapak, Kate Voisinet and Emma Woller.

The Michigan Soybean Committee sponsored club member participation in this meeting and supports student efforts to learn more about soybeans and agronomy through professional development opportunities like this meeting.

The conference included tours, poster presentations, networking opportunities, educational sessions, contests and a trade show area with agribusiness representatives.

The students were able to tour Chesapeake Farms, a 3,300 acre farm and wildlife habitat area owned by Corteva. The farm is devoted to the development, evaluation and demonstration of advanced agricultural practices and wildlife management techniques, which are designed to be environmentally sound, productive, economically viable and socially acceptable.

They also toured Hutchison Brothers Farm which grows corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, peas, lima beans for processing, and cucumbers for pickling. Their farm sits on the Tuckahoe River and showcases advanced nutrient management practices and water control structures.

Another tour stop included a visit to a produce packaging facility, where they saw H2A workers harvesting and packaging different types of greens, and a greenhouse facility where plants are started and packaged into plug packs for retail sale.

Session topics included microplastics in soils, current goals of vegetable breeding programs, and career development opportunities for undergraduate students.

Their trip concluded with a tour of the National Aquarium and an awards dinner held on a ship in the Inner Harbor.

( YOU )

Who’s the No. 1 protein source in chicken feed? YOU are. That’s right. You’re winning.

All soybean farmers, including you, are really big in poultry and livestock feed. How? By pooling your resources through your soy checkoff. Learn how your soy checkoff is bringing tangible returns back to you and your operation at unitedsoybean.org/hopper

Moving Soy Forward. Moving You Forward.

2023 Crop and Pest Management Updates

MSU Extension will host five in-person Crop and Pest Management Updates for field crop producers, agronomists and agribusiness employees in 2023. One site will also be offered virtually (Frankenmuth). All programs will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration/sign-in and end by 3:00 p.m.

RUP and CCA credits will be available.

Date Region Location

Wednesday January 4 Central Gratiot Isabella Regional Education Service District 1131 E Center St., Ithaca, MI 48847

Monday January 9 Thumb Franklin Inn 1070 E Huron Ave., Bad Axe, MI 48413

Monday January 23 SW Dowagiac Conservation Club 54551 M 51 N, Dowagiac, MI 49047

Tuesday February 7 SE Old Mill Museum 242 Toledo St., Dundee, MI 48131

Tuesday February14 Thumb Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center 3775 S Reese Rd., Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Contact

Gratiot County MSU Extension msue.gratiot@county.msu.edu or 989.875.5233

Huron County MSU Extension 989.269.9949

St. Joseph County MSU Extension msue.stjoseph@county.msu.edu or 269.467.5511

St. Joseph County MSU Extension msue.stjoseph@county.msu.edu or 269.467.5511

Lapeer County MSU Extension msue.lapeer@county.msu.edu or 810.667.0341

Attendees of the Crop and Pest Management Updates will hear MSU Extension specialists present the latest recommendations for managing weeds, diseases and other pests, and receive a copy of MSU Extension bulletin E-434 “ 2023 Weed Control Guide for Field Crops ”. The topics covered at the programs will be determined by the local hosts and will vary depending on priorities in each region. Detailed agendas for all programs are available online or by calling the host Extension office.

The cost of the Weed Control Guides will be covered thanks to the generous support of the Michigan Soybean Committee, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and Michigan Wheat Program, so attendees will only need to pay $40 to offset actual meeting costs including a light breakfast and lunch. The virtual registration fee will be $20. Pre-registration online is required to ensure an accurate count for meals and materials. Please register at least one week before the event you plan to attend by visiting the registration website at https://bit.ly/2023CPMU. Register soon as space will be limited at some locations.

2023 Michigan Soybean On-Farm Research Winter Grower Meetings

The results of the 2022 soybean on-farm research projects will be presented at our upcoming winter meetings. Participants will also learn essential and practical information for implementing precision farming technologies in 2023. Time will be available for questions, comments and discussion.

Meeting Dates and Locations:

• January 6, Lenawee Christian Center Auditorium, 111 Wolf Creek Hwy, Adrian, MI 49221

*This soybean on-farm research update is part of the Center For Excellence Crop Day

• January 11, Trestle Stop Restaurant, 3366 M-40, Hamilton, MI 49419

• January 12, GreenMark Equipment, 16700 Heimbach Rd., Three Rivers, MI 49093

• January 16, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, One Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, MI 48708

• January 17, Sanilac Career Center, 175 E Aitken Rd., Peck, MI 48466

• February 1, AgroLiquid, 3055 M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879

All programs begin with registration at 9:00 a.m., except Adrian which begins at 8:30 a.m.

Registration Information:

The Michigan Soybean Committee covers all costs of these meetings. However, pre-registration is requested to ensure an accurate count for lunch and materials. To register online visit michigansoybean.org/2023-onfarm-research-meetings. To register by phone, call the Michigan Soybean office at 989.652.3294 and leave your name, phone number, meeting location and the number of people attending. Please pre-register by Friday, December 31 for the Adrian location and by Friday, January 6 for all other locations.

Agenda:

(For all locations except for Adrian which will follow the Center for Excellence Crop Day agenda)

9:00 a.m. Registration and coffee

9:15 a.m. Soybean Checkoff and Association Updates — Local MSC and MSA board members

9:30 a.m. 2022 Michigan Soybean On-Farm Research Trial Results — Mike Staton, MSU Extension Soybean Educator

10:40 a.m. Break

11:00 a.m. Summary of Essential and Practical Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Precision Farming Technologies — John McGuire, Brookside Laboratories

11:30 a.m. Identify Potential 2023 Research Projects and Discussion — Mike Staton & Mark Seamon

12:00 p.m. Complimentary lunch (courtesy of the Michigan Soybean Committee)

This program has been approved for 1 pesticide applicator recertification credit.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital status, family status or veteran status.

CLEANER FIELDS LEAD TO HIGHER YIELDS.

The Michigan Soybean Committee

farmer-leaders are excited to give away 2 sets of soy-based Goodyear passenger tires to select nonprofits across the state this holiday season.

QR Code

Goodyear is leading innovation in the tire industry by replacing 60% of the petroleum in tread rubber with soybean oil across 6 different lines of tires. This is a step towards their pledge to completely eliminate petroleum oils in their tires by 2040.

Submissions are due February 1st, 2023.

Submissions are due February 1st, 2023.

The use of renewable resources like soybean oil not only creates a more sustainable and environmentally conscious tire, but it also enhances traction in snow and rain with improved tire flexibility in low temperatures while supporting American farmers.

Airable Research Lab: Taking Soy-Based Research and Development to the Next Level

The Michigan Soybean Committee (MSC) has been working with a new partner - and in fact, a whole new area of soy-based research and development. Airable Research Lab is a group of chemists, material scientists and chemical engineers who are 100 percent focused on developing products and processes using soybeans. The Airable team not only develops its own soy-based innovations but also teams up with commercial enterprises to create “green” upgrades to existing product lines.

Airable is a business line of the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC). They recognize, as we do, that more soy-based product sales translate into more soybean sales: a win for the producer, a win for the soybean farmer and a win for the environment.

MSC recently joined a group of state soybean boards including OSC, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri to boost Airable’s productivity and accelerate the product development process. In addition to pooling the resources of five large soy-producing states, our partnership provides additional visibility and credibility to Airable’s operations. This attracts commercial partners, which leads to more new products, which leads to - you guessed it - more soybean sales!

LFS SCALE INHIBITOR

Airable partnered with LFS Chemistry to develop a soy-based scale-inhibiting additive that prevents the buildup of calcium scale in water systems. The oil industry has a significant need for scale inhibitors, which can be met with this biobased solution. Scale is the term for insoluble minerals that accumulate in water systems. Over time, these deposits grow and harden, preventing fluid from flowing through pipelines, valves, pumps and

other machinery. This results in slowed production and damaged equipment.

Scale inhibitors prevent or slow the precipitation of scales. However, these compounds are increasingly shown to have hazardous properties and persist in the environment after disposal. There are ongoing efforts to develop “greener” processes for scale inhibition.

LFS Chemistry focuses on oil and gas (O&G) operations for the future green economy, providing additives that reflect environmental, social and corporate governance. Recognizing the need for a biobased scale inhibitor, LFS reached out to Airable.

Airable started with a proof-of-principle project, identifying a promising formulation and modifying it to match the client’s precise characteristics. LFS evaluated the formulation, confirming that it significantly delays scale formation, with an inhibition efficiency of 60-80 percent. They then scaled up the product, producing a soy-based alternative that inhibits mineral precipitation in wells and prevents restrictions and clogs.

Airable has since transferred the technology to LFS, which is using its O&G experience to commercialize the product. The lab has also filed for a provisional patent for the formulation.

DEWALT BAR & CHAIN OIL

Airable Lab helped to commercialize a soy-based bar and chain oil for a company with significant name recognition: DEWALT, a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker. The product is a high-performance bio-based formulation that’s compatible with gas- and batteryoperated chainsaws. It’s the first bar and

Soybean oil has numerous co-products and applications.

Lead chemist Dylan Karis titrates a formulation in progress.

chain oil in North America to hold a USDA certified mark, is certified ultimate biodegradable and is independently proven to outperform petroleum. The company has extensive experience commercializing industrial products, so the oil is expected to have quick market success.

INTERNAL PROJECTS

In addition to developing partnerships with commercial clients, the Airable team follows the markets and develop their own innovations! Recent projects include three new surfactant formulations, soy-based waxes with high melting points that can be substituted for industrial products (e.g., paraffin and carnauba), a soy-based fatty acid ester with potential applications as a paint stripper or lubricant, and materials that transform carbon dioxide into biobased compounds that can be used to make plastic polymers without using toxic feedstocks.

NEXT STEPS

Airable is growing! The lab has leased new space from its home at Ohio Wesleyan University, and new staff are on the horizon. Airable also recently launched a couple new project (but the

details are still under wraps). In the meantime, Michigan, along with the other state soybean groups in the partnership, will continue sponsoring the lab’s soy-based R&D, and we look forward to updating you on the new horizons of biobased products.

For more information on Airable please visit airableresearchlab.com .

Airable developed soy-based pour point depressants - oil additives that allow for use of oils at lower temperatures. Pour point is the lowest temperature at which an oil is observed to “pour,” or to flow.

Imagine a talk show host mixed with an agricultural economist with a healthy dose of comedian. That’s Damian Mason.

Damian delivers crisp, current, ag commentary intersected with humor. His positive, hilarious, straight talk resonates with ag audiences from across the spectrum.

In addition to speaking at ag meetings, Damian produces and hosts his own - “The Business of Agriculture” podcast and the “Do Business Better” podcast. He hosts the “Cutting the Curve” Podcast with XtremeAG.farm. He is the author of multiple books. His two most recent are: “Do Business Better” and “Food Fear.” He’s also extremely active on social media, Fox News, NewsMax and Cheddar News spreading information and dispelling misinformation about the world’s most important industry: Agriculture. Damian’s clients cover every space on the table - from corn to cranberries, cotton to cattle, canned food to canola. He’s spoken in all 50 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, and 7 foreign countries.

Damian was raised on a dairy farm, owns and manages 300 acres of farm and timber land, and has a degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University. He also studied comedy writing and improvisation at The Second City–Chicago. When Damian isn’t on an airplane or stage, he lives with his wife, Lori, and their dogs, Jack and Rosa. They split time between their farm in Indiana and a winter home in Arizona.

GREGG DOUD

Gregg brings an unparalleled global perspective and economic expertise to the team. He works closely with members of the Executive Intelligence Network (EIN) and plays a major role in the development of its thought leadership priorities. Prior to joining Aimpoint Research,

Gregg served in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the rank of U.S. Ambassador. He was one of the primary architects of the U.S.-China “Phase One” trade agreement.

Gregg has previously served as President of the Commodity Markets Council, the leading trade association for commodity futures exchanges and their industry counterparts, where he worked to lead the industry in addressing global market and risk management issues. As a senior staff member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Doud helped craft the 2012 Senate Farm Bill working on international trade, food aid, livestock, and oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Doud served as Chief Economist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for eight years and is a former market analyst for the U.S. Wheat Associates. Raised on a dry-land wheat, grain sorghum, soybean, swine, and cow-calf operation near Mankato in North-Central Kansas, Doud continues to be involved in his family’s 100-year-old farm and is a partner in a commercial cow-calf operation. He received a B.S. in Agriculture with an emphasis in animal science, as well as a M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University. He currently resides with his family on their horse farm in Lothian, Maryland.

Trade & Marketing

• Global trade perspectives –Gregg Doud, Aimpoint Research

• USMCA – speaker TBD

• Farm Bill commodity perspectives –Wayne Stoskopf, National Corn Growers Association

• Fertilizer market overview – Josh Linville, StoneX

• Pillars of a marketing plan – ADM

Pest Management

• Tar spot management farmer experience panel –led by Dr. Marty Chilvers, Michigan State University Technology

• Precision data management – Speaker TBD Business Management

• Michigan Agriculture Mediation Program –Shannon Taylor

• Crop insurance and risk management –GreenStone FCS

• Land values 2023 and beyond – Mark Williams and Dave Mielnicki, Peoples Company

• Deciphering alternative energy contracts –Fraleigh Law Firm

MWP & MSC Research Updates

• Fertilizing soybeans: yes, no, or maybe? –Dr. Kurt Steinke, MSU

• The two F’s of wheat: fertility and fungicide –Dr. Kurt Steinke and Dr. Marty Chilvers, MSU

• Soybean research TBD – Dr. Manni Singh, MSU Agronomy

• Effectiveness of nitrogen stabilizers based on three years’ worth of unbiased, on-farm research –Rob McGuire and Heather Rindler, Brookside Labs

• Soil biological additives – Dr. Connor Sible, University of Illinois

• Genetics X Environment X Management: Are you getting the most out of your bag of corn seed? –Stephanie Smith, Golden Harvest

• High yield soybeans – Dr. Horst Bohner, OMAFRA

• General soybean agronomy TBD –Dr. Horst Bohner, OMAFRA

• Preharvest sprout in wheat – speaker TBD Environment

• MISTRIPS program – Dr. Fahimeh Baziari, MSU and Marc Hasenick, Farmer

• ESG scoring and the family farm – speaker TBD