Issuu

A publication of the Michigan Soybean Association

Michigan Soybean Association, 3055 W M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 20 FRANKENMUTH, MI

NEWS

Soybean Volume 15 - Issue 4

MICHIGAN

Winter 2023

BELIEVE YOU CAN. FOR WE LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT. II CORINTHIANS 5 : 7

Soybean MICHIGAN

IN THIS ISSUE OF: Soybean Staff

Volume 15 - Issue 4

NEWS

Ben Steyer Chief Executive Officer bsteyer@michigansoybean.org Kathy Maurer Financial Director kmaurer@michigansoybean.org Mark Seamon Research Director mseamon@michigansoybean.org Sonja Lapak, Editor Communication Director slapak@michigansoybean.org

7 MSA to Celebrate 50 Years

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

Soybeans Score BIG at MSU Football Game

26 Disease Management Through Variety Selection

Magazine Circulation: 18,000 Michigan Soybean News is published quarterly. Photo credits: United Soybean Board

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.

Fall 2023

Membership at Work Michigan Soybean Leadership Michigan Soybean Association Larry Phelps, Vicksburg Gary Parr, Charlotte Tom Woelmer, Monroe Karen Warner, Yale Allison Morse, Birch Run PJ Feldpausch, St. Johns Matthew Wila, Blanchard Rob Howland, Brown City Heather Feuerstein, Belding Michigan Soybean Committee Dan Rajzer, Decatur Pete Crawford, Dansville Laurie Isley, Palmyra 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 4

Michigan Soybean News

MSA Director Spotlight Meet Karen Warner Tell us about yourself, your farm and your family. My husband, Jake and I, along with our two kids (Sawyer who is 7 and Michael who is 3) live on our family farm. We grow soybeans, red wheat, some sweet corn and pumpkins. Favorite MSA board experience? It’s hard to have a favorite MSA board experience since I’m so new, but I’d say it was the Great Lakes Crop Summit and MSA Annual Meeting where I got to meet the whole board. Off-farm hobbies? Our off-farm hobbies really include more farming - we spend a lot of time in the summer growing sweet corn and the pumpkins. The kids have a sweet corn stand where our goal is to instill work ethic, money saving/ value and responsibility. Planting or Harvest? I like both harvest season and planting season for different reasons— working at a grain elevator, I’m at work more than the farm during harvest. It’s our busy time for the whole family. It’s chaotic but the kids love riding in the tractors and semi and I get to see both sides of harvest. Red or Green? It’s all green tractors on the farm. Do you have a farm dog? We have a two year old farm-dog-in training, a Golden Retriever named Earl. Anything else we should know about you? I'm also on the St. Clair County Farm Bureau board. I have a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Science from Northern Michigan University and I’ve worked at Michigan Agricultural Commodities for 11 years.

Investing Checkoff Dollars

Staff Update

love spending time in my local library, surrounded by books containing stories from different eras, genres and characters. I am so intrigued that I can walk up to a shelf, pick any book and immediately be immersed in the stories and worlds of people who have passed, those that are living adventurous lives, or people completely made up by an author’s imagination. In the year and a half that I have been working for Michigan Soybean, I have had the opportunity to hear so many of your stories. I never get tired of learning who started your family farm, why your farm is located where it is and how you are planning to pass it all on to the next generation. I am truly honored to hear your stories and work every day to make sure the story of your farm is shared with people across the world who want to buy the crops that your family is growing. Every international soy buyer that I have interacted with is quick to echo the same message – "We want the soy your U.S. farmers are growing." All of the early mornings in the planter and late nights in the combine come together to make a quality product that the world demands and has developed a preference for. I love getting to share your story, the story of the Michigan farmer, with all of these buyers to help build their connection to your product. I have had the privilege of sharing your story in one-on-one conversations with people across the country of Morocco, and with trade teams from Nigeria, Southeast Asia and Japan. Additionally, since joining the Michigan Soybean team, myself and members of the MSC board of directors have spoken to international buyers at conferences across the country focused on selling and exporting commodity soy, specialty food grade soy, biodiesel, aquaculture feed and so much more. Learning about the effort and deep care that you put into growing a bountiful crop helps buyers to build a stronger relationship with their product and have a preference for U.S. soy, even when the logistics may be more difficult or the costs higher. They are willing to work a bit harder and pay a little more just to make sure they are buying your product. Thank you for telling me your story and helping me to share it with customers all along the soy value chain. By working to put a farm, family and face to Michigan soybeans we can help to build our brand and ensure reliable markets for your product. Hanna Campbell, Demand Specialist hcampbell@michigansoybean.org

Fall 2023

Membership at Work

2023 Michigan Soybean Yield Contest Update

he 2023 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 in January 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.

New & Renewing Members NEW MEMBERS: Chad Bennink, Ravenna Scott Brechtelsbauer, Saginaw Riley Brazo, Sturgis Jenna Gardner, Croswell Dave Kasperski, Allenton Joe Kubiak, Webberville Christopher Sulkowski, Goodells Scott Turner, Williamston Jay Williams, Waldron

Michigan Soybean News

RENEWING MEMBERS: Robert Adamic, Silverwood B&M Crop Consulting, Inc., Coldwater Michael Brasher, Pittsford Cremer Farm Center Inc., Williamston Tim Dietz, Williamston Luke Gentz, Leonidas Larry Gould, Morenci

Donald Jenks, Webberville Kirsten Klee, Minden City Chris Kropf, Lowell Jeff Laverty, Reese Douglas Long, Clayton Mike Opificuis, Capac Dennis Quandt, Peck Jim Schaendorf, Dorr Karen Warner, Yale

Your Political Voice

Michigan Soybean Association 50th 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 24, 2024 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 director election results and transact other business as may properly come before the members. As we approach the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting, MSA board members and staff are busy preparing to celebrate and recognize this milestone. But we need your help! If you or someone you know are a longtime member of the Michigan Soybean Association and have stories or memories to share, please reach out! We are hoping to record videos of members, and gather photos, articles and other memorabilia to share at upcoming events. If you have any photos, articles, or other memories you'd like to share, please email slapak@michigansoybean.org or mail items to 3055 W M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879, attn: Sonja Lapak. We appreciate your help as we recognize the great things that have happened over the last 50 years and look forward to many more exciting achievements in the next 50! Respectfully, Allison Morse MSA Secretary

Reminder to Return Ballots: All MSA members should have received ballots for board of director elections. Elections are being held in Districts 2, 5 and an At-Large seat. Please return ballots using the envelope included in the election packet. Ballots must be postmarked by December 8, 2023 in order to be counted. Fall 2023

Your Political Voice

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION First Name:_____________________________

Date of Birth:__________________

Last Name:_____________________________

Number of Soybean Acres:_______

Address:_______________________________

Total Farm Acres:______________

City/State/Zip:___________________________

Occupation (circle one):

Phone:_________________________________

Farmer

Cell Phone:_____________________________

•

Email:_________________________________ 1-yr: $75

Young Farmer (18-24): $20

3-yr: $190

•

Non-Farmer Individual: $100

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

Payment Amount & Method:

3055 W M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879

Check (Payable to MSA) or Credit Card

Join online:

Credit Card Type:_____ Expiration Date:______ Credit Card #:_________________ CVV:______ Signature:_______________________________

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.!

Fall 2023

Membership at Work

Michigan Legislative Update: What's Next Jason Wadaga, Vice-President of Government Relations, Kindsvatter, Dalling & Associates

s we move into the fall, the Michigan Legislature is attempting to tackle a very aggressive agenda. In late summer, Governor Whitmer delivered her “What’s Next” address where she laid out her priorities for the rest of 2023. Included in that list was a 100 percent clean energy plan, lowering health care and prescription drug costs, paid family medical leave and election reform. On top of attempting to pass these large issues, the legislature is considering an early sine die period (meaning an early adjournment of the legislative session) in 2023. MSA’s advocacy team continues to push our legislative priorities and monitor other legislation being considered for the rest of the year that impacts our membership.

Solar/Wind Siting Legislation The 100 percent clean energy plan referenced in the Governor’s “What’s Next” address and the legislation proposed by the legislature seeks to require a 100 percent “clean energy” (which includes nuclear and methane digesters) portfolio by 2040 for electricity providers in Michigan. It also requires that by 2035 the renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower) portfolio of Michigan utilities be at 60 percent. In order to achieve that goal, Michigan will have to zone massive amounts of acreage across the state for solar and wind sites. Legislation has been introduced in both the House and Senate to try to achieve this goal. House Bills 5120, 5121, 5122 and 5123 and Senate Bills 585, 586, 587 and 588 would move the permitting of utility-scale renewable energy facilities from the local level to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on projects 100 megawatts or larger. These bills seek to address the growing number of local communities that have rejected wind and solar projects in their jurisdiction.

Tax Incentive for Biodiesel As you know, Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) introduced House Bill 4847 to create tax incentives for biodiesel producers and retailers in Michigan. This bill is MSA’s number one legislative priority 10

Michigan Soybean News

for this legislative session. The goal of the bill is incentivizing the production and sale of biodiesel that will reduce engine emissions for healthier air and a better environment. Fleets have easily and economically reduced their carbon footprint Jason Wadaga by replacing petroleum-based diesel with cleaner-burning biodiesel for over 30 years. We modeled our bill off of similar legislation that was recently successful in the Missouri Legislature. Specifically, the legislation would: • Create a Retail Tax Credit • .02 cents per gallon for B5-B10 • .05 cents per gallon for B11+ • Create a Producers Tax Credit • .02 cents per gallon for every gallon produced by a Michigan biodiesel producer • Set a 6-year sunset on all incentive provisions • Cap the program at $16 Million for retailers and $2 million for producers The tax credits would be evenly distributed to all that participate in the program. House bill 4847 has been referred to the Tax Policy Committee in the Michigan House of Representatives. MSA’s Government Affairs team has been working diligently with the Chairwoman of that committee, Rep. Cynthia Neeley, to get a hearing on this bill in the fall. MSA would once again like to thank Rep. Fitzgerald for his leadership on this important piece of legislation.

Your Political Voice Sustainable Aviation Fuel Legislation Introduced Another piece of legislation that would incentivize the use of cleaner energy sources and drive demand for soybean production has been introduced in the Michigan Senate. Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) introduced Senate Bill 447 that would create a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Credit in Michigan. If passed, the bill would create a $1 per gallon purchaser credit (up to $2 with additional GHG reductions) for SAF purchased in the State of Michigan. MSA has been in conversation with other stakeholders on the bill including Delta Airlines. We are hopeful the legislation remains drafted to not include co-processing and achieves at least a 50 percent reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with petroleum-based jet fuel.

MSA Opposes Legislation to Limit the use of Neonicotinoids House Bill 4558 was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives this summer and includes language that would allow local units of government

to ban the use of neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids are an essential class of insecticides used by farmers of all kinds. Nationwide and in Michigan, there have been legislative attempts to limit and restrict the use of these pesticides. Doing so could harm the agriculture industry and limit farmers' resources in Michigan. On a related note, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently enacted a revised method for conducting Endangered Species Act analyses for pesticide registrations. As part of this analysis, EPA uses remarkably conservative assumptions that include maximum label uses and overestimates on percent of crop treated. These assumptions rarely reflect USDA survey or actual market usage data— despite agencies having a legal obligation to “use the best scientific and commercial data available” in these analyses. MSA supports Endangered Species Act evaluations and consultations for pesticide registration actions that are based in sound science and use realistic assumptions and real-world data. As such, MSA will continue to oppose this legislation.

Fall 2023

( YO U ) 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.

Your Political Voice

2024 MSA Scholarship Application Now Open

he 2024 Michigan Soybean Association scholarship application is now available to high school and college students. This exciting opportunity is offered to 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 postsecondary educational institution during the fall 2024 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, 2024. Additionally, we would like to thank our generous sponsors who help make this program possible.

Fall 2023

Your Soybean Checkoff

2024 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 2024. There will also be one virtual meeting, with proctored sites in northern Michigan. All programs will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration/sign-in and end by 3:00 p.m. Date

Region

Location

Contact

Thursday January 4

Virtual/ Northern

Online Northern Proctored Sites

Tuesday January 9

Central

Gratiot Isabella Regional Education Service District Gratiot County MSU Extension 1131 E Center St., Ithaca, MI 48847 msue.gratiot@county.msu.edu or 989.875.5233

Tuesday January 16

Thumb

Sanilac Career Center 175 Aitken Rd., Peck, MI 48466

Huron County MSU Extension msue.huron@county.msu.edu or 989.269.9949

Monday January 29

Dowagiac Conservation Club 54551 M51 N, Dowagiac, MI 49047

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

Monday February 5

Old Mill Museum 242 Toledo St., Dundee, MI 48131

Jackson County MSU Extension msue.jackson@county.msu.edu or 517.788.4292

Thursday February 8

Thumb

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

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

Isabella County MSU Extension msue.isabella@county.msu.edu or 989.317.4079

Participants 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 “2024 Weed Control Guide for Field Crops”. Local hosts will determine the topics covered at the programs and focus 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 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 for actual meeting costs including a light breakfast and lunch. 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://events.anr.msu. edu/2024Cropandpestmanagement/. Register soon as space will be limited at some locations. RUP and CCA credits will be available.

Michigan Soybean News

Investing Checkoff Dollars

2024 Michigan Soybean On-Farm Research Winter Grower Meetings The results of the 2023 soybean on-farm research projects will be presented at our upcoming winter meetings. Participants will also learn essential and practical information for managing deer damage and have an opportunity to provide input on potential research projects for 2024. Time will be available for questions, comments and discussion. Meeting Dates and Locations: • January 5, 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, AgroLiquid, 3055 W M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879 • January 16, GreenMark Equipment, 16700 Heimbach Rd., Three Rivers, MI 49093 • January 17, Trestle Stop Restaurant, 3366 M-40, Hamilton, MI 49419 • January 30, Williams Township Hall, 1080 W Midland Rd., Auburn, MI 48611 • January 31, Beagio's Pizza, 5795 Sanilac Rd., Kingston, MI 48741 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 https://www. michigansoybean.org/events or scan the QR code below. 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 29 for the Adrian location and by Friday, January 5 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. 2023 Michigan Soybean On-Farm Research Trial Results — Mike Staton and Eric Anderson, MSU Extension Soybean Educator 10:40 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. Summary of Essential and Practical Ways to Manage Deer Damage — James DeDecker and Tim Duckert 11:30 a.m. Identify Potential 2024 Research Projects and Discussion — Mike Staton, Eric Anderson & 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.

Fall 2023

Your Soybean Checkoff

Managing Stored Soybeans Mike Staton, MSU Extension Soybean Educator

he uneven soybean emergence that occurred this spring caused variable maturity in many soybean fields this fall. This situation created some harvest challenges. The late emerging plants matured up to 10 to 12 days later than the early emerging plants, causing harvest delays and variable grain moisture levels at harvest. This article will help producers maintain soybean quality when storing the 2023 soybean crop. Producers needed to implement some of the key grain storage management practices at harvest to help set them up for success. Hopefully, they segregated the grain by placing lower quality grain or grain having unthreshed pods and higher moisture beans in a designated bin. This will allow for more frequent and careful monitoring and will provide more options if problems are detected. Soybeans having moisture levels above 13 percent should have been dried to a safe level for maintaining grain quality. Good quality soybeans should have been dried to 13 percent moisture for spring delivery and to 11 to 12 percent if the beans will be stored through the summer. These moisture levels should have been lowered by one percent for poor quality grain. Be aware that immature soybeans can cause moisture meters to underestimate moisture levels. This means that the grain in bins containing lots of immature soybeans may be wetter than intended. After the beans are in the bin, proper aeration is the next step to maintaining grain quality. Run the aeration fan to maintain the temperature of the grain mass to within 10 to 15 degrees of the average daily temperature. It is critical to run the fan long enough to ensure the cooling front moves completely through the grain mass. Temperature variations can cause moisture to migrate and mold to develop. Cooling the grain mass typically involves three aeration cycles (October, November and December). The December aeration cycle should lower the temperature of the grain mass to 30 to 35 degrees F for optimum winter storage. Aeration is also recommended in the spring to remove solar heating in the south side of bins. Operate fans when the outside air temperatures permit cooling. If the grain is delivered by late spring, re-warming the grain mass is not necessary.

Michigan Soybean News

Investing Checkoff Dollars

However, when grain is stored through the summer and the temperature of the grain is below 35 degrees F, aeration should be used to warm the grain mass to about 40 degrees F. Be aware that increasing the temperature of the grain will slightly raise the moisture content of the beans. Summer storage is not recommended for bins containing soybeans of mixed maturities and variable moisture. In addition to temperature management, proper aeration creates more uniform moisture in the grain mass by moving moisture from wet beans to dry beans. Frequent and careful monitoring of stored grain is always important. However, it is even more important when the crop is lower in quality or contains unthreshed pods or immature beans. Under these conditions, weekly monitoring is recommended throughout the storage period (even in the winter). Establish a regular day and time to ensure this happens. Be sure to follow recommended safety precautions when entering the bin to conduct weekly inspections. Look at the roof for signs of leakage or condensation and inspect the surface of the grain for condensation or crusting. Problems are most likely to occur in the top one to three feet and near the center of the bin. Use a steel rod or grain probe to check for wet spots. Wet spots make the rod or probe harder to push through the grain. Measure grain temperature and collect grain moisture samples using a grain probe. Pay particular attention to the south side of the bin in the spring as it will warm up first due to solar radiation. Grain spoilage can also be determined by running the aeration fan for a short period of time and sniffing the exhaust for off-odors. If moisture or temperature hot spots or odors are detected, prompt action is required. Running the aeration fans can fix minor problems. However, more drastic measures are required for serious spoilage problems. Remove the spoiled grain from the bin, run it through the dryer and clean it if necessary.

Have an article suggestion? Email comments, suggestions or article ideas to soyinfo@michigansoybean.org.

Protect what matters.

No longer wish to receive the Michigan Soybean News?

800-444-FARM

Email your name and mailing address to slapak@michigansoybean.org.

We understand the unpredictability that farming brings – from weather to market conditions, and everything in between. Our team of crop insurance specialists can create a risk management plan tailored to your unique needs.

GreenStone FCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

www.greenstonefcs.com

Fall 2023

Right on! And on and on and on.

Higher yields start with higher quality soybean seeds. Xitavo® soybean seed consistently outperforms the competition. Built with triple-stacked Enlist E3® technology and backed by soybean specialists from BASF, the result is yields that just keep growing and growing.

Distributed by BASF Corporation. Always read and follow label directions. XITAVO is a registered trademark of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C., West Point, IA. Enlist E3 is a registered trademark of Corteva Agriscience. The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. © 2023 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.

Seed done right.

You Grow a Protein Powerhouse for Global Food Security Find out how ASA/WISHH’s soy checkoff-supported work with Edesia Nutrition led to the company developing a product that contains 25% more soy flour than earlier formulations. Adding more soy allows Edesia to reach more people throughout the world.

Trade. Development. Food Security.

Top photo courtesy of SNI Global

Investing Checkoff Dollars

Score BIG with SOY in Spartan Stadium

SC was able to take their Score BIG with SOY messaging to the next level as the game day sponsor of the Michigan State Football game vs. Nebraska in early November. MSC staff and volunteers talked to hundreds of Spartan fans and shared how soybeans are a WIN for Michigan's environment, economy, communities and more! The group loaded up golf carts with 2,000 donuts fried in high oleic soybean oil and headed out across campus to talk with tailgaters about soybeans and the farmers that grow them. MSC also had engaging conversations at their booth located near the Sparty statue and presented the game ball to MSU Athletic Director Alan Haller. MSC's partnership with MSU Athletics has been so rewarding. This year, volunteers even talked with tailgaters who remembered the donut drops from last year's game as well! Special thanks to Farm Depot for bringing a beautiful Fendt tractor to the booth - fans loved taking pictures and asking questions. Also, thank you to MSU Agronomy Club members for helping with our donut deliveries. To learn more about how you can Score BIG with SOY, visit michigansoybean.org/score-big-with-soy.

Fall 2023

Your Soybean Checkoff

International Marketing Efforts Build Connections and Demand for US Soy

he United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted their second annual Soy Connext event in August, which brought together people from across the world who are connected to the soy industry. More than 700 participants from 58 countries representing agricultural exporters, international purchasers and U.S. soy farmers attended the event, which took place in New York City. Michigan was well represented at this event by Michigan farmers David Williams (Michigan Soybean Committee) and Dennis Gardner (United Soybean Board) along with Janna Fritz (American Soybean Association), Hanna Campbell (Michigan Soybean Committee), Chuck Kunisch (Michigan Agricultural Commodities), Chaise Wilson (Star of the West Milling Co. and Everbest Organics), Gary Brower (Zeeland Farm Services) and Darwin Rader (Zeeland Farm Services). David Williams, Michigan Soybean Committee’s USSEC representative stated, “Soy Connext provides a unique opportunity to network with customers who prefer U.S. Soy, and connect with potential customers who stand to discover its many benefits. The record number of attendees is a testament to the world’s preference for U.S. Soy. The educational opportunities that USSEC offers during the conference provides valuable resources that our customers can take home and utilize, creating more demand for U.S. Soy.” The Michigan Soybean Committee hosted two international trade teams adjacent to Soy Connext to show buyers where their soybeans are grown and introduce them to local farmers. These trade teams were made up of importers and soy food manufacturers (including tofu,

22 Michigan Soybean News

Investing Checkoff Dollars tempeh, soy milk and more). MSC was able to highlight Michigan’s food grade soy growers by taking 18 visitors from Southeast Asia to Forell Farms in Charlotte and 16 guests from Japan to Munsell Farms in Fowlerville. Both trade teams also visited Star of the West Milling Co. in Charlotte as well as Michigan State University to learn about food grade soybean production, exports and research. Connecting with international buyers and sharing the story of Michigan soybeans and the farmers that grow them helps to build trust and preference for our product. MSC values these opportunities to highlight the high-quality soybeans grown in Michigan and across the U.S. and continues to identify new ways to engage with international buyers as well as researchers and exporters here in Michigan.

Soybeans are a Slam Dunk for Michigan!

s part of an ongoing partnership with MSU Athletics, the Michigan Soybean Committee will be sponsoring the Michigan State University men's basketball game on January 18, 2024 vs. Minnesota. MSC will have an interactive exhibit on the concourse in the Breslin Center and will be sharing lots of great soybean and agriculture information with game attendees. Part of MSC's new strategic plan includes a larger emphasis on consumer engagement and connecting with consumers over shared values such as food and sustainability. Partnerships like this one allow MSC to connect with consumers and provide resources and information on the many ways soy impacts people's day-to-day lives. From soy tires and shoes to soy sauce and even bacon, soybeans truly touch every life every day! If you are planning to attend the game, please be sure to stop by our exhibit table! We're excited to continue to share ways that consumers and farmers alike can Score BIG with SOY! Fall 2023 23

Your Soybean Checkoff

Biofuels Work in the University of Michigan Auto Lab Courtney Videchak, PhD Candidate, University of Michigan

have been working on my PhD at the University of Michigan since 2019 in the college of Engineering. Dr. Andre Boehman, my advisor, has been working in partnership with Ford Motor Company and Clean Fuels Alliance America (formerly the National Biodiesel Board) for years on various projects. My research focuses on making the transition from traditional fossil-derived diesel fuels more appealing to consumers by maximizing the benefits of operating a diesel engine on biofuels. To do this, I am creating optimized engine calibrations for the Ford 6.7L Powerstroke engine. So far, these studies consist of 100 percent soy-derived biodiesel (B100) and 100 percent renewable diesel (R100). We first connected with the Michigan Soybean Committee in 2022, through one of Dr. Boehman’s connections at Clean Fuels Alliance America. We gave a tour of our facilities to members of the Michigan Soybean Committee board and staff in December 2022. We showed the members around our test cell that’s equipped with a 2020 Ford Powerstroke engine. The engine is attached to a dynamometer rather than being installed in a traditional vehicle, which allows us to have more control of the engine speed and torque/load. We have an “open-ECU” to allow us to make online changes to all of the engine input parameters. This allowed me the control to create an optimized engine calibration for both B100 and R100. We also measure and monitor the engine-out emissions to maintain compliance with emissions constraints.

24 Michigan Soybean News

2020 Ford Powerstroke Engine Outside of engine work in our lab, we conducted a complementary project that demonstrated ethanol FlexFuel sensors could be repurposed to detect biodiesel content in a fuel system. This will help with widespread adoption of biofuels by consumers. The blend level sensing work, combined with the on-engine optimization work, will help consumers maximize their potential benefits when operating an engine on a

Investing Checkoff Dollars

biofuel. When repurposed, the sensor would modify the engine calibration for optimal performance/ efficiency and allow the customer/consumer to verify their use of a biofuel for both potential tax credits and to confirm compliance with regulations like California’s Low Carbon Fuels Standard. Recently, we partnered with the Michigan Soybean Committee for the third study of my dissertation work. We will be exploring the benefits of operating an engine on a 50-50 blend of renewable diesel and biodiesel, R50B50. We anticipate that this work will combine the benefits of fueling an engine with B100 and R100, to showcase the potential of alternative diesel fuels. Ultimately, the projects outlined above are helping to demonstrate the potential for alternative diesel fuels in production engines. These measured outcomes will add to the motivation for vehicles to be equipped by automakers to operate their diesel engines on alternative diesel fuel, which strengthens demand for soybean oil, grown by farmers right here in Michigan.

Let our experience bring you value! Food Grade Soybeans: Originations and processing Competitive producer programs Relationship driven partnerships Quality service and information Seed varieties to fit your farm

Don’t miss out, we’re a phone call away! Marlette: 800-647-4628 Breckenridge: 800-472-4629

www.michag.com Find us in the App and Play stores by searching Michigan Ag. Fall 2023 25

Your Soybean Checkoff

Soybean Disease Management in 2024 Should Start with Field Notes and Variety Selection Marty Chilvers and Austin McCoy, Field Crops Pathology, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University

he 2023 growing season saw a dry start, however the heavy frequent rains in July and August saw soybean canopies close and develop ideal conditions for the white mold fungus (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) to produce apothecia (mushrooms) and allow for spores produced in these apothecia to infect the soybean plant. The resulting white mold was widespread across many parts of the state. Heavy rainfall events were also ideal to bring on root rot diseases such as Phytophthora stem and root rot and sudden death syndrome (SDS). Taking notes on diseased fields in 2023 will allow for proactive management in 2024 and beyond. Having notes on what disease issues have occurred over the last few years is invaluable. Just because you are rotating into a field that was corn in 2023, does not mean an outbreak of SDS or white mold will not occur in 2024. Many disease issues are highly dependent on weather conditions, and it can be easy to forget issues from only a few years ago. Unfortunately, most of the pathogens that we deal with can reside in soil or residue for many years. Good historical field notes can help you best predict likely issues in the future. White mold is an annual problem for many producers and can be particularly severe when conditions are cool and wet during flowering. No soybean variety is completely resistant to this disease, however, as shown in Figure 1, there are varieties which are more resistant (tolerant) and perform better under white mold disease pressure. Selecting a variety that is tolerant to white mold, as well as planting lower soybean populations and utilizing wider row spacing can help manage the severity of this disease. Foliar fungicide applications can provide additional reductions in disease and are best applied during flowering (R1-R3). To optimize fungicide timing, the Sporecaster smartphone app was developed to predict the probability of white 26 Michigan Soybean News

mold apothecia formation. The Sporecaster app can be downloaded free of charge to examine in-season risk and even to retrospectively examine risk of previous seasons. Should I use a seed treatment? Certainly, seed treatments can be viewed as a form of insurance. In some instances, we have seen much needed protection against seedling diseases. But this is not always the case, and the situation appears to vary from farm to farm. A positive ROI from seed treatments tends to occur in situations with lower planting populations, early planting, moisture stress events, and in fields with a history of seedling or root rot diseases. Phytophthora stem and root rot should be managed by using a combination of seed treatment, single-gene resistance (Rps genes) if available, as well as high partial resistance/tolerance. While seed treatments typically only protect seeds and seedlings for 2-3 weeks, variety resistance can offer season-long reductions in disease. A recent survey conducted by our lab and supported by the Michigan Soybean Committee identified that the most common Rps genes for Phytophthora management, Rps 1c and 1k, are no longer effective in Michigan. We found the Rps genes Rps 3a, 3c and 4 to be effective, however, only Rps 3a is available in Michigan. Rps genes will confer complete protection to Phytophthora, so long as the Phytophthora population within the field has not adapted to that Rps gene. If it is not possible to select a variety with the Rps 3a gene, be sure the variety has high field tolerance to Phytophthora and use a seed treatment effective on Phytophthora. Varieties with a high field tolerance rating to Phytophthora are not completely resistant, but are tolerant to infection, and will develop less yield limiting disease than those varieties that are more susceptible. Often varieties in a seed catalog may

Investing Checkoff Dollars have a similar tolerance rating for disease. If you have had significant Phytophthora issues, be sure to speak to your seed salesperson to ensure you are using the best information available to select the most resistant varieties and an appropriate seed treatment. Heavy rainfall events also tend to bring on SDS foliar symptoms. Similar to soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the SDS fungus can infect soybean roots without producing obvious foliar symptoms. In addition, SDS can be made worse by the presence of SCN. There are seed treatments available to reduce both SDS and SCN such as ILEVO or Saltro. However, variety selection is the best tool that farmers have to combat these issues. If you have repeated difficulties managing SDS, selecting a variety that has a high tolerance to this disease can help mitigate losses. SCN should also be managed by performing a soil test for SCN. SCN resistance in soybean is primarily through either “Peking” or “PI88788”. Many populations of SCN in the Midwest, including Michigan, are resistant to the “PI88788” source of resistance. Therefore, finding a variety with high tolerance to SDS, while also having the “Peking” source of SCN resistance is an effective way to combat this disease and pest

combination throughout the season. However, always rotate sources of resistance, as SCN have been shown to adapt to both primary resistance sources.

Take Home Points: •

•

Variety selection is critical for managing diseases. Be sure to speak with your seed dealer to ensure that you are getting the level of variety resistance that you will need. Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. By using multiple varieties, you spread the risk of a particular disease or impacts of a weather event. Phytophthora sojae populations have overcome the most common resistance genes (Rps 1c, 1k). The only effective and available Rps gene currently available is Rps 3a. Although no soybean varieties are completely immune to white mold or sudden death syndrome, there are large differences between varieties. Planting varieties with high tolerance to problematic diseases in your field can help reduce disease and maximize profitability.

Figure 1: Screening of soybean varieties for resistance to white mold. Note the strong relationship between variety disease score and yield. Fall 2023 27

( Y O U) 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.

Investing Checkoff Dollars

MSC Receives MSU Extension Key Partner Award

he Michigan State University Extension Key Partner award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to creating, improving, supporting, or promoting MSU Extension programs. This award is open to individuals, organizations, businesses, media, special MSU programs, and government officials. Nominees must possess the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the reputation of MSU Extension. The Michigan Soybean Committee (MSC) is a farmer-funded organization that utilizes the soybean checkoff to support marketing, research, and education programs to improve the profitability, sustainability, and viability of the soybean industry. Michigan State University Extension and MSC collaborate on educational events and activities, field days, and research. In addition, MSU Extension field staff and specialists regularly publish crop and pest management articles in the MSC quarterly magazine, which has a circulation of over 18,000. The MSC research program has supported applied research for MSU faculty with MSU Extension appointments and on-farm research conducted by MSU Extension educators. MSC has also been supportive of MSU Extension's educational programs in field crops. MSC contributes 50 percent of the salary, benefits, and operating costs of an Extension soybean educator position to lead on-farm research and carry out the communication of information to farmers. In addition, MSC is now providing funding for 25 percent of an additional position as well. The MSC on-farm research programs also provide opportunities to other field crops educators to participate in the execution of on-farm work. This allows new staff to build relationships with farmers and conduct on-farm research. This is critical to help new educators become involved as well as build expertise and confidence. This key partnership with MSC is a triple win for the soybean industry, MSC, and MSU Extension.

Fall 2023 29

WISHH catches new markets for U.S. soy by advancing aquaculture.

ASA/WISHH is helping explore opportunities for soy-based feeds to grow aquaculture in 8 sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania

Connect with WISHH wishh.org

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

Investing Checkoff Dollars

Michigan Farmer Reappointed to United Soybean Board The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the appointment of four new farmer-leaders to serve on the United Soybean Board (USB). In addition, 15 farmer-leaders were reappointed. In total, 22 leaders and alternates will serve three-year terms and one alternate will serve a two-year term. These USB Directors from 18 states will be sworn in for service during the USB December Meeting in St. Charles, Missouri. Michigan soybean farmer Laurie Isley of Palmyra was among the farmer-leaders reappointed by the USDA. Laurie has served one threeyear term and is currently serving as the chair of the United Soybean Board's Communication and Education Committee. Laurie and her husband Jim raise corn and soybeans in Lenawee County. Laurie is also completing her ninth and final year of service on the Michigan Soybean Committee board of directors. “Each of these farmer-leaders will have a significant impact on the soy checkoff’s ability to build demand, enhance reputation and increase the resilience of our U.S. soybean crop,” said Meagan Kaiser, USB Chair and farmer from Missouri. “I’m proud of our farmer-led board that volunteers their time to look ahead and think big picture to ensure U.S. Soy remains a leader in forging partnerships to deliver Laurie Isley sustainable solutions to every life, every day.” The soy checkoff provides value to farmers through investments that build preference for U.S. soybeans across the country and throughout the world. Authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the checkoff is composed of 77 members representing 29 states, in addition to the Eastern and Western regions. The number of seats on the board and farmer representation is based on bushels produced in each of the production regions. Members must be soybean farmers nominated by a Qualified State Soybean Board. “Our board of directors grow and raise more than 30 different commodities, but U.S. Soy is the common denominator that brings us all together,” said Steve Reinhard, USB Vice Chair and Ohio farmer. “We have an impressive roster of new and returning board members, and collectively we can make meaningful inroads that bring value to our half-million U.S. soybean farmers’ bottom line.” The Michigan Soybean Committee congratulates Laurie on her reappointment and looks forward to the positive impact her leadership and involvement will continue to have on the Michigan soybean industry. Laurie serves alongside Dennis Gardner and Carla Schultz as one of Michigan's three farmer-leaders on the United Soybean Board.

About United Soybean Board: United Soybean Board’s 77 volunteer farmer-leaders work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments. These volunteers create value by investing in research, education and promotion with the vision to deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day across the three priority areas of Infrastructure & Connectivity, Health & Nutrition, and Innovation & Technology. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit unitedsoybean.org.

Fall 2023

–

As the clean fuels industry accelerates, billions of dollars are being invested in soybean crush facilities to meet the demand. Join us at the 2024 Clean Fuels Conference to learn more about this exciting time for our industry.

CleanFuelsConference.org Materials supported by the United Soybean Board, soybean farmers and their checkoffs.

SPEAKERS

A walk Dr. Sh

KEYNOTES

Autonomous agriculture technology – Nathan Greuel, Case IH My Grandfather’s Axe: The art of passing down something you’ve built – Vance Crowe, Legacy Interviews

TRADE & MARKETING New uses for corn – Speaker TBD U.S. Grain Fed Meat on the World’s Table – Courtney Heller, U.S. Meat Export Federation Fertilizer market outlook – Speaker TBD Shipping grain – Speaker TBD NATHAN GREUEL

VANCE CROWE

NATHAN GREUEL The Journey from Equipment Automation to Autonomy – Where are we now? Nathan Greuel is the Precision Marketing Director for North America at Case IH. Nathan grew up on a Farm in West Central Illinois where his family resides today growing corn and soybeans, as well as raising hogs and cattle. Nathan has a real passion for precision technology and the value it brings to helping farmers improve farm profitability, including adopting these technologies to his own family’s farm. He has 16 years of experience working for agriculture manufacturing companies – 15 of those years were spent at John Deere in the precision technology space with various roles in digital solutions, connectivity, automation, and autonomous solutions.

VANCE CROWE My Grandfather’s Axe (farm succession) Vance Crowe is the founder of Legacy Interviews, a service that records individuals and couples recording their life stories so that future generations have the opportunity to know their family history. Previously Vance was a communications strategist that has worked for corporations and international organizations around the world. He has spoken before more than 250,000 people, answering questions about the inner workings of communications, negotiations and storytelling. Vance helps people and organizations communicate effectively, resolve disagreements, and build rapport with critics and stakeholders. Vance has worked for organizations as varied as the World Bank, Monsanto, the US Peace Corps and even as a deckhand on an ecotourism ship.

SCAN TO REGISTER

TECHNOLOGY

ENVIRO

Spray drone technology – Speaker TBD, Rantizo

Extende reduce Dr. Jef Herbicid Speak

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Farm succession planning: a farmer panel – Vance Crowe, Legacy Interviews as moderator Rural economic outlook – Speaker TBD APH: The “gold” of YOUR crop insurance policy – Elliot Alfredson and Todd Davis, Eagle Valley Ag Risk Advisors Renewable energy panel – Speaker TBD

RESEARCH

Michigan Soybean Committee research update – Speakers TBD Mycotoxin scouting and prevention – Dr. Marty Chilvers, Michigan State University YEN farmer panel – Dennis Pennington, Michigan State University

AGRONOMY

Biological inputs – Speaker TBD Reduced stature corn – Speaker TBD Saginaw bay soil health hero awards with special presentation: Farmers leading change – Mitchell Hora and The Nature Conservancy Record breaking wheat! – Joanna Follings, OMAFRA Data driven practices that maximize soybean profitability – Dr. Shawn Conley, University of Wisconsin Conservation agronomy practices – Speaker TBD Maximizing winter wheat yield and profitability: A walk through the season! – Dr. Shawn Conley, University of Wisconsin

ENVIRONMENT & WEATHER

10th ANNIVERSARY

Extended growing seasons and the challenge of reduced days fit for field work – Dr. Jeff Andresen, MSU Herbicide Strategy and the Endangered Species Act – Speaker TBD