Missouri Soybean Farmer - October 2025

SOYBEAN FARMER Staff Contacts

CEO/Executive Director

Casey Wasser cwasser@mosoy.org

Chief Financial & Information Officer

Kim Hill khill@mosoy.org

Director of Communications & Marketing

Samantha Turner sturner@mosoy.org

Marketing Communications Manager

Ryan Siegel rsiegel@mosoy.org

Comms & Outreach Coordinator

Devyn Keller dkeller@mosoy.org

Director of Market Development

Matt Amick mamick@mosoy.org

Director of Agronomy & Research

Blake Barlow bbarlow@mosoy.org

Director of Licensing & Commercialization Bryan Stobaugh bstobaugh@mosoy.org

Director of Conservation Ag & Farm Operations

Clayton Light clight@mosoy.org

Conservation Programs Manager Brady Lichtenberg blichtenberg@mosoy.org

Director of Operations & Engagement Baylee Asbury basbury@mosoy.org

Field Services Manager Dylan Anderson danderson@mosoy.org

Director of Policy Ben Travlos btravlos@mosoy.org

Accounting Manager Jeff Bruemmer jbruemmer@mosoy.org

Senior Executive Specialist Mary Kever mkever@mosoy.org

Missouri fuel stations are urged to take advantage of a state biodiesel tax credit that could save thousands while supporting farmers and renewable energy.

The partnership between Missouri Soybeans and Mizzou Athletics showcases biodiesel, soybean oil and turf, highlighting how farmers fuel innovation on and off the field.

While U.S. soybean processing grows, Missouri farmers stress global demand and trade missions to keep exports strong.

On The Cover...

The cover photo of the October issue was captured by Ryan Siegel. Pictured is MSA Vice President Brooks Hurst, who hosted a trade mission for purchasers from Mexico at his farm in Tarkio, Missouri.

Office Manager Amber Meyer ameyer@mosoy.org

Portfolio and Project Lifecycle Manager Faith Smith fsmith@mosoy.org

From The Field

Notes from Missouri Soybeans’ Leadership Team

Renee Fordyce Mark Lehenbauer

President's Letter Chairman's Letter

Missouri’s agricultural landscape is vibrant and constantly evolving — with soybeans at the heart of innovation. As the state’s leading row crop, soybeans drive economic growth, foster international trade and fuel research partnerships.

As we celebrate those innovations, we are also mindful of the policy challenges before us. As I write this, Missouri lawmakers are in Jefferson City for a special session, and initiative petition reform is at the top of the agenda. Protecting the voice of rural communities in that process is critical to ensuring farmers have a fair say in decisions that directly impact their livelihoods. On the federal level, trade negotiations with China remain an area of urgent focus.

Missouri Soybeans continues to advocate through the American Soybean Association (ASA) for strong, enforceable trade agreements that prioritize soybean farmers. With China’s growing reliance on South America, the need to preserve and expand global market access has never been greater.

Our new chief executive officer, Casey Wasser, will play an essential role in leading Missouri Soybeans through this pivotal moment. With more than a decade of service to our organization, Casey understands the policy, trade and market development challenges we face. His leadership will ensure that the voices of Missouri soybean farmers remain front and center in both Jefferson City and Washington, D.C.

Missouri Soybeans remains committed to protecting farmers’ freedom to operate, expanding markets and ensuring our industry remains strong for the next generation.

“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” — Ruth 2:12

God bless,

Renee Fordyce

Missouri Soybean Association President

Growing up, we often heard the message that farmers needed to grow more to meet future demand. In true American farmer fashion, we’ve more than delivered on that challenge. But sometimes we forget an equally important piece of the puzzle: We also need consistent buyers for the products we grow. That’s why demand remains one of the three core pillars your checkoff dollars support. I’m continually impressed with our board members and how quickly they step up to support new ideas that create more opportunities and uses for soybeans.

Through this issue of the magazine, we’re highlighting opportunities to expand soybean markets. Whether supporting innovative uses such as SoyFoam and Roof Maxx, opening doors with new partners such as Buttonwood Farm, strengthening domestic demand or growing exports in untapped markets, Missouri Soybeans is focused on creating lasting value for farmers.

As we head into harvest, I encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the blessings we share and the progress that science and research have brought to agriculture. The tools and technology at our fingertips today are a reminder of just how far we’ve come.

And most importantly, I urge you to slow down when you can, look around and take care of yourself and those working alongside you. A safe harvest will always be the most successful one.

Wishing you a safe harvest,

Mark Lehenbaeur

Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council Chairman

Letter from the CEO

As we enter my favorite time of year, I feel a mix of concern, frustration and optimism. When the weather cools and Friday night lights shine bright, I feel the excitement as soybean harvest begins and pray for safety and a bountiful crop. This year, the season is also marked by urgent phone calls with farmers and policymakers as we work to find solutions to the economic crisis facing farm country.

In August, I traveled from the southeast corner of Missouri to Rock Port in the northwest, attending field days and hearing directly from producers. The sentiment was the same everywhere, though especially difficult in the Bootheel: If something doesn’t change quickly, we risk losing good farmers and generational operations. Missouri Soybeans is committed to listening to producers and using our network, members and team to ensure policymakers understand the challenges ahead.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) has led efforts to highlight how China’s increased reliance on South American imports — and its purchase of zero U.S. soybeans so far this marketing year — has compounded the impact of more than four years without new soybean trade agreements and persistent record inflation.

While we continue to support ASA, our congressional delegation and the administration in addressing this crisis, we are also working to create demand for Missouri soybeans. The recent passage of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” delivered major wins, including improvements to the Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, extensions of key agricultural tax provisions, reforms to the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs and increases in premium subsidies. The Renewable Volume Obligations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were historic, and they will help drive demand for soybean oil. Missouri Soybeans has been actively engaged with EPA officials, stressing the importance of finalizing these provisions to support American farmers in the final rule expected this fall.

Our market development team is also working closely with the Poultry Federation and independent businesses to grow egg layer and broiler production in Missouri. Poultry alone accounts for an estimated 62% of soybean meal use in animal feed, including broilers, turkeys and layers. As we expand domestic crush capacity, it is essential to support the growth of protein sectors that rely heavily on soybean meal.

Our boards and staff take seriously the responsibility entrusted to us by our members and checkoff payers to protect your freedom to operate and grow markets for Missouri soy. These are difficult times, but I want you to know we are listening. We need to hear about the battles you’re facing so we can work together to win the war.

Sincerely,

Casey Wasser CEO & Executive Director Missouri Soybeans

Our Boards

MSA Board Members:

Andrew Lance, Barnard

C. Brooks Hurst, Tarkio

Renee Fordyce, Bethany

Ronnie Russell, Richmond

Cody Brock, Norborne

Daniel Carpenter, Norborne

Clint Prange, Shelbyville

Matt Wright, Emden

Dane Diehl, Butler

Garrett Riekhof, Higginsville

Russell Wolf, Tipton

Terry Schwoeppe, Labadie

Jason Mayer, Dexter

Wesley Hodges, New Madrid

Tory Meyr, Jackson

Ryan Wilson, Portageville

MSMC Board Members:

Darrell Aldrich, Excelsior Springs

Nathan White, Norborne

Marc Zell, Meadville

Kyle Durham, Norborne

Mark Lehenbauer, Palmyra

Chris Mallett, Memphis

Brad Arnold, Harrisonville

Robert Alpers, Prairie Home

Denny Mertz, Chesterfield

Aaron Porter, Dexter Trent Haggard, Kennett

Justin Rone, Portageville

Kevin Mainord, East Prairie

USB Board Members:

Meagan Kaiser, Bowling Green

Neal Bredehoeft, Alma

Kyle Durham, Norborne

Robert Alpers, Prairie Home

ASA Board Members:

Renee Fordyce, Bethany

Ronnie Russell, Richmond

Matt McCrate, Cape Girardeau

Russell Wolf, Tipton

SOYBEAN POLICY UPDATE

Adark cloud hangs on the horizon, and people can tell a storm is brewing. Farmers are headed into harvest season, and from the outside, there are clear, sunny skies. Current reports from the field are good overall with respectable yields. So, what cloud is hanging out there? It’s a cloud of downtrodden hopes. While yields are respectable, the economic realities for soybean farmers are not.

Soybean farmers are under extreme financial stress. Prices are low and input costs are high. Estimates illustrate that soybean farmers are experiencing the largest net loss since 2007. While a couple short months ago we applauded congress for the farmer wins that were included in the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” such as modernizing the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) programs, the unfortunate reality is these payments won’t go out until fall of 2026.

TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELIEF

The American Soybean Association (ASA) sent a letter to President Trump encouraging him to reach a trade agreement with China. In the letter, ASA explains that China has long been the biggest export market for U.S. soy, and yet they have not placed a single order for this fall’s harvest.

“U.S. soybean farmers cannot survive a prolonged trade dispute with our largest customer,” the letter says. The letter and accompanying white paper illustrate that the Chinese duty on U.S. soybeans is 20% higher than the tariff on South American soybeans, which is where China is primarily sourcing soybeans now.

As we head into harvest season, farmers need trade deals fast. In the meantime, we need Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to consider economic relief to help

farmers in the short term. Leadership at USDA is acknowledging that there will need to be some sort of “bridge payments.” In order for that to come to fruition, Congress has to act first by replenishing the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

The Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) is not being bashful about this. We are constantly in conversations with our federal delegation, ASA and other national partners about the realities our farmers are facing here in Missouri.

CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC FOR MAHA COMMISSION’S STRATEGY

ASA expressed “cautious optimism” in a statement following the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s release of the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy” report, and MSA shares the same sentiment.

“Soybean farmers are thankful the MAHA commission recognized EPA’s approval process as the global gold standard,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland. “Between the May report and today’s strategy, the commission was accessible and open to learning more about modern farming practices. We truly felt like we had a seat at the table, and for that, we are incredibly appreciative.”

The sentiment of gratitude was tempered with the following: “However, ASA remains concerned about the misinformed rhetoric from some commission members around edible soybean oil. Not only is soybean oil backed by decades of science confirming its safety and nutritional value for consumers, but it is also a vital domestic market. We urge careful consideration of any upcoming rulemakings that could negatively impact U.S. farmers and the public.”

INITIATIVE PETITION REFORM

Gov. Kehoe called a second special session with one of the issues being initiative petition reform. MSA sincerely appreciates the governor calling this special session, and we appreciate the legislators who have taken up the gauntlet. These actions demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring the voices of all Missourians — rural and urban alike — are represented fairly in shaping the future of our state.

Farmers understand firsthand the importance of protecting the Missouri Constitution from outside influence and poorly crafted proposals. Too often, out-of-state special interests target agriculture through the ballot box or misinformation campaigns without understanding the realities of production farming or the impact on rural communities. By strengthening the initiative petition process, Missouri can safeguard its constitution and make certain that changes reflect broad support across every congressional district.

Agriculture drives Missouri’s economy, and decisions that affect farming families should not be determined by a handful of population centers. Requiring geographic representation ensures that farmers and rural communities have a seat at the table, protecting the long-term vitality of agriculture and the livelihoods it supports.

Furthermore, we’re grateful this reform proposes full text be presented when voting to ensure Missourians are not voting based solely on abbreviated ballot text and millions of dollars spent to confuse the actual proposal.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Gov. Kehoe announced his appointment of Catherine L. Hanaway as the next attorney general for Missouri. Hanaway’s appointment will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Attorney General Andrew Bailey as the co-deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“The role of attorney general is incredibly significant for state government, serving as the chief legal officer of the state, and there is not a more qualified person to serve Missourians as our next attorney general than Catherine Hanaway,” said Gov. Kehoe. “A former U.S. attorney, Catherine is a talented, trusted prosecutor who has a passion for enforcing the rule of law. Congratulations to Catherine Hanaway, Missouri’s 45th attorney general.”

The first woman to hold the position in state history and the first major statewide office appointee of the Kehoe administration, Hanaway assumed the role of Missouri attorney general on Sept. 8, 2025, when Attorney General Bailey is sworn in as co-deputy director of the FBI.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

MSA federal and state PAC contributors gain access to an exclusive newsletter for updates during the state legislative session on policy and regulatory movement in Jefferson City and anywhere Missouri soybean farmers stand to be affected. The newsletter also provides more details on Missouri elections and the role MSA and you can play to impact the outcomes. Visit MoSoy.org or scan our QR code for more details.

CASEY WASSER NAMED

CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR MOSOY

The Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council have announced Casey Wasser as their new CEO and executive director. Bringing more than 10 years of experience with the organizations, Wasser will lead strategic initiatives, strengthen grower engagement and advance Missouri’s role as a leader in the soybean industry.

TheMissouri Soybean Association and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council are proud to announce the selection of Casey Wasser as the organization’s next CEO and executive director, effective immediately.

Wasser brings more than a decade of experience with Missouri Soybeans, most recently serving as chief operating officer and senior policy director. In his expanded role, he will lead all strategic, administrative and operational functions of Missouri Soybeans, oversee policy and advocacy efforts, and strengthen the organization’s engagement with growers and industry stakeholders.

“Casey brings the right balance of experience, leadership and passion for Missouri agriculture,” said Matt Wright, chairman of Missouri Soybeans’ Joint Oversight Committee. “He has the full confidence of our boards, and we are excited for the strategic direction he will bring to the organization.”

Wasser has played a pivotal role in advancing Missouri Soybeans’ legislative priorities, expanding partnerships and guiding the organization through multiple phases of growth and strategic planning. He has been a key architect of the organization’s policy initiatives at the state and federal levels and helped position Missouri as an industry leader. His selection marks a new chapter for the organization as it continues to invest in innovation, advocacy and market growth.

“We’re excited to welcome Casey into this role and continue building on the momentum we’ve seen in research, demand creation and grower engagement,” said Mark Lehenbauer, chairman of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. “His vision and leadership are a natural fit for where we’re headed.”

Renee Fordyce, president of the Missouri Soybean Association, added: “Missouri Soybeans is strengthened by leaders who understand our farmers. Casey’s commitment to our growers and knowledge of industry priorities make him an outstanding choice to lead us forward.”

Wasser said he is honored to accept the position and looks forward to continuing Missouri Soybeans’ mission on behalf of soybean producers across the state.

“I am incredibly grateful and eager to lead an organization I’ve been proud to serve for many years,” Wasser said. “Missouri Soybeans has a strong legacy, built by our farmers, and an even stronger future. I’m excited to work alongside our boards, staff and partners to serve soybean farmers and strengthen our role in the agriculture industry.”

Wasser encourages farmers and stakeholders to reach out with ideas, concerns or questions about the future of Missouri Soybeans. He can be contacted directly at cwasser@mosoy.org.

Birds & Beans

Growing Missouri Together

FROM

Blake ROllins, Executive Vice President of the Poultry Federation

Missouri agriculture is built on partnerships, and few partnerships are more impactful than Missouri’s soybean farmers working with Missouri’s poultry industry. Our work rarely makes the headlines, but it’s a key reason the Show-Me State continues to lead in food production, job creation and agricultural innovation. Our industries are symbiotic: beans feed birds, birds feed people, and much of this cycle happens entirely within Missouri, strengthening rural communities.

At the core of our partnership is mutual success. The poultry industry relies on soybean farmers. Soybean meal makes up nearly onethird of a chicken’s diet, providing high-quality protein grown right here in Missouri. Soybeans are nutrient-dense, efficient and domestically sourced, making the legume, along with corn, the industry’s go-to feed grains. Missouri soybeans provide the high-quality protein needed for healthy growth from hatch to harvest. Each load of soybeans sets off what I call the “Show Me Cycle.” Beans become feed for birds that comes back as chicken, turkey and eggs for Missouri families. It’s a full-circle partnership that strengthens Missouri’s agricultural economy.

Likewise, Missouri’s poultry industry creates robust, domestic demand for soybeans. Poultry is Missouri’s third-most valuable livestock commodity, totaling $2.2 billion, and according to the University of Missouri, nearly 60% of Missouri’s soybean meal is utilized by the poultry industry. Missouri is a national leader in poultry production, ranking fifth in turkey production, seventh in chicken production and ninth in egg production, making poultry a key economic driver. Nearly 67,000 Missourians have jobs that are connected to the poultry industry, from farmers, truck drivers, mechanics, feed mill operators, plant workers and many others. These aren’t just numbers on a page; they’re real people supporting families and communities who depend on agriculture to thrive.

Today, we’re in a rare moment of national consensus. Americans across the political spectrum recognize that we need to revitalize manufacturing and essential industries, including food, energy and critical infrastructure. Soybean farmers and the poultry industry are vital to ensuring that Americans can enjoy safe, nutritious and affordable food. Too often, agriculture gets carved into silos: Midwest versus South, row crop versus livestock, large versus small, but the reality is that Missouri agriculture works best when we work together. Our industry is all about win-win partnerships, and there’s no better example than Missouri’s soybean farmers and the poultry industry working together.

Through Missouri Farmers Care, we partner together every day to ensure that agriculture continues to thrive. Through “Agriculture Education on the Move,” thousands of third-grade students across Missouri are learning about the importance of agriculture. With “Drive to Feed Kids,” fewer Missourians are worried about where their next meal comes from, and in August, volunteers prepared 720,000 meals at the Missouri State Fair. “Missouri’s Agriculture Stewardship Award” shines a spotlight on tremendous farm families who steward their land, natural resources and animals exceptionally well. MFC’s “Agri-Ready” program educates county leaders about the importance of agriculture and the impact it can have on economic development across Missouri. These initiatives highlight a simple truth: When agriculture works together, Missouri wins.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to work with Casey Wasser, Missouri Soybean’s new CEO and executive director, to find even more ways for our members to partner together. The bottom line is birds and beans make a winning team, and together, we’re growing Missouri agriculture.

Blake Rollins is the Executive Vice President of The Poultry Federation and previously served as Missouri Farm Bureau’s Chief Administrative Officer and as USDA’s Deputy Chief of Staff.

AN UPDATE ON ESA: PESTICIDE APP FOR LABEL MITIGATIONS

By Kaitlin Flick-Dinsmore, Technical Conservation Agronomist

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a mobile-friendly calculator designed to help pesticide applicators determine and document Endangered Species Act label mitigations. The tool, called the Pesticide App for Label Mitigations (PALM), guides users through the same mitigation “menu” found on EPA labels and bulletins, then generates a field-level summary that can be saved or printed for records.

PALM is intended for use at the field or management-unit level and mirrors EPA’s mitigation tables without requiring applicators to manually sort through them. After answering a series of questions, users receive the required spray-drift buffer distance or the number of runoff and erosion mitigation points, along with a list of practices that qualify.

SPRAY DRIFT BUFFER CALCULATOR

This sequence helps determine whether a buffer is required and what reduction options are available under the label. Users are asked if the product label references the EPA mitigation menu. If so, they enter the product and crop information, application type, boom height, droplet size, drift-reducing agents in the tank mix and whether managed areas exist downwind. The output is the buffer distance and any allowable reductions.

RUNOFF AND EROSION MITIGATION CALCULATOR

This sequence calculates how many mitigation points are needed for a field or management unit and which practices can fulfill them. The EPA defines a management unit as a single, contiguous piece of land managed as one unit for a crop, which can be subdivided by crop type or by unique field features.

The runoff and erosion flow begins by identifying the field, product and crop. It screens for cases where mitigation points are not required, such as spot treatments covering fewer than 1,000 square feet or when a qualifying “managed area” exists within 1,000 feet down-gradient.

Examples of managed areas include agricultural fields, pastures, vegetated filter strips, grassed waterways, hedgerows, riparian zones, private forests, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) acres. Contained irrigation water sources, retention ponds and other runoff structures also qualify.

If mitigation is required, PALM walks users through a 12-step process to document label targets. Applicators input county and state information, slope and soil type, tillage and cover crop use, and conservation practices such as terraces, waterways and filter devices. Points are awarded for practices across three categories: in-field, field-adjacent and systems that capture runoff. Additional points are given for using less than the maximum labeled rate of a pesticide. A final summary lists total points and the practices credited.

Both calculators end with a printable summary of answers and results for record keeping.

EPA emphasizes that PALM is an aid for planning and documentation, not a substitute for following label directions or state regulations. Applicators are still responsible for meeting all requirements.

The tool is available at: epa.gov/pesticides/pesticide-app-label-mitigations.

SCAN TO ACCESS PESTICIDE APP FOR LABEL MITIGATIONS

RECOGNIZING RED CROWN ROT

By Kaitlin Flick-Dinsmore, Technical Conservation Agronomist

Fallhas arrived, bringing cooler weather, Friday night lights, harvest season and the annual shift from green soybean fields to tawny brown as crops mature. The kids are trading lemonades for hot chocolate and returning to school routines. For our land-grant university, the Mizzou Tigers are border war champions once again and research on campus is proving to be just as successful.

However, for many farmers, this season also reveals late-season disease symptoms that can cut into yields and cause concern. The most common late-season soybean diseases are brown stem rot, sudden death syndrome and red crown rot.

Red crown rot is not new to the United States. First discovered on soybeans in North Carolina in the 1970s, the disease has long been managed in southern states. However, it is relatively new to the Midwest, gaining attention in 2023 and 2024 when confirmed in Illinois. In 2025, the disease became a frequent discussion topic at field days across Missouri. As of September, cases have been confirmed in eight counties: Lewis, Shelby, Audrain, Pike, Montgomery, Lincoln, Phelps and Maries, according to the Crop Protection Network.

The disease is caused by the soilborne fungus Calonectria ilicicola. While infection occurs during vegetative growth stages, foliar symptoms — such as interveinal chlorosis, where leaves yellow between veins before turning necrotic and brown — appear later. Leaves typically remain attached to the plant even after death, distinguishing red crown rot from sudden death syndrome, in which leaves fall once necrosis sets in.

Other symptoms can be confused with sudden death syndrome or brown stem rot, but diagnosis can be confirmed by examining stems and roots. Brown stem rot causes a brown pith inside stems, while sudden death syndrome leaves a white pith and often blue or gray fungal growth at the stem base. Red crown rot, by contrast, produces red fruiting structures called perithecia at the base of stems near the roots.

The disease thrives in soil temperatures between 77 and 82 degrees and favors warm, wet conditions. Missouri’s spring planting season, marked by high soil temperatures and frequent rainfall, created favorable conditions for the pathogen to spread.

Management options are limited. Farmers are advised to slow the spread by cleaning equipment between fields, saving infected fields for last when scheduling field work, rotating to non-host crops such as corn, improving drainage and selecting seed treatments that suppress infection.

Mandy Bish, University of Missouri plant pathologist, is working with the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council to study samples and identify long-term solutions.

“The initial effort was to educate Missouri farmers and industry professionals to properly identify red crown rot,” Bish said. “Through the partnership and collaborations with MSMC, we’ve been able to obtain the red crown rot fungus from Missouri fields and inoculate soybeans to make them intentionally sick. We plan to use these methods to screen soybean breeding lines and varieties to work on identifying sources of resistance as no currently available commercial soybean lines are resistant.”

Missouri Soybeans encourages farmers to stay alert for symptoms and to consult experts if they suspect red crown rot in their fields.

If you think you have Red Crown Rot in your soybean field, samples can be sent to:

University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic

Attn: Peng Tian

1100 University Ave. 28 Mumford Hall Columbia, Missouri 65211

BIODIESEL BONUS

By Samantha Turner

Missouri fueling stations could be missing out on thousands of dollars in savings if they aren’t taking advantage of the state’s biodiesel tax credit, warns the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri (BCM).

“Depending on the blend, this credit can put real money back into business operations,” said Matt Amick, executive director of BCM. “This isn’t just about using biodiesel — it’s about improving profitability and supporting renewable energy in agriculture.”

The incentive allows retailers to claim a per-gallon credit on biodiesel blends sold. Given that the average Missouri fueling station pumps about 500,000 gallons of diesel annually, the financial impact can be substantial — particularly when blending with biodiesel. For blends B5-B10, the refundable tax credit is 2 cents/gallon. For blends B11 or higher, the refundable tax credit is 5 cents/gallon.

“A great benefit of the Missouri tax credit compared to other states is that the credit is available no matter the size of the fuel marketer,” said James Greer, Chairman of BCM. “The dollars available are pro-

rated based on the gallons sold by marketer. This levels the playing field between small and large marketers.”

Established as a leading advocate for biodiesel in the state, BCM works to boost the availability of clean, renewable biodiesel through promotion, training and advocacy. Its priorities include expanding biodiesel consumption, educating stakeholders such as farmers and fuel marketers, providing policy guidance and supporting legislation that advances the biodiesel industry.

“Biodiesel isn’t just a cleaner fuel option,” added Amick. “It’s a Missouri-made solution that supports local farmers, strengthens the rural economy and improves energy resilience.”

Amick also encourages farmers and fleets who are using biodiesel blends to alert their fuel supplier of the tax credit. By taking the credit, the suppliers could offer lower fuel prices to biodiesel users.

That advocacy is paying off in tangible demand. In 2024, Missouri fueling stations using just modest biodiesel blends supported the

use of approximately 50,000 bushels of soybean oil. Today, Missouri biodiesel plants have the capacity to utilize up to 1.8 billion pounds of soybean oil.

From a financial standpoint, tax credits significantly enhance margins.

“A great benefit of the Missouri tax credit compared to other states is that the credit is available no matter the size of the fuel marketer,” said Kim Hill, chief financial officer for Missouri Soybeans and a certified public accountant. “For small operators, these dollars can mean the difference between simply covering expenses and being able to reinvest in their business. It’s a straightforward way to strengthen the bottom line while supporting renewable energy.”

Biodiesel — typically made from soybean oil — offers environmental and engine performance advantages, including cleaner emissions and improved lubricity. The tax credit encourages wider adoption and amplifies market demand for soybean oil, directly benefiting Missouri farmers.

Information on the tax credit can be found at https://dor. mo.gov/forms/5879.pdf. BCM encourages fuel retailers and distributors to contact the Tax Credit Hunt Group at the Department of Revenue at 573-751-3220 or taxcredit@dor.mo.gov.

For small operators, these dollars can mean the difference between simply covering expenses and being able to reinvest in their business. It’s a straightforward way to strengthen the bottom line while supporting renewable energy.

Kim Hill, Chief Financial Officer, Missouri Soybeans

Learn More Contact DOR

DO YOU USE BIODIESEL? LOWER COSTS ARE JUST ONE QUESTION AWAY

If your fleet runs on biodiesel, your supplier might qualify for a Missouri tax credit. If they’re not claiming it, you could be missing out on lower fuel costs. Ask them today.

by brandelyn twellmanP

ROTEIN OTENTIAL

In the animal and aquaculture sectors, high-quality nutrition matters. Though there are options when it comes to feed rations, many producers have already found the value in U.S. soybean meal.

“The animal sector consumes the vast majority of soybean meal utilized domestically,” says Matt Amick, Missouri Soybeans director of market development. “Poultry is the No. 1 consumer, followed by hogs, beef cattle and dairy. Soybean meal serves as a cost-effective, high protein feed for animals. Soybean meal is easily digestible and palatable and provides metabolizable energy and a well-balanced amino acid profile to support animal growth, performance and health.”

Continued on page 16...

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Worldwide, aquaculture consumption takes center stage.

“Similar to animal feed, aquaculture producers include soybean meal for many of the same advantages,” Amick says. “Soybean meal is a common ingredient in aquaculture rations all across the world. Aquaculture production is an opportunity for U.S. farmers and consumers. In 2023, the U.S. imported about $25 billion in seafood, with a trade deficit of around $20 billion. With the high amount of imports, the soybean industry has targeted efforts to enhance production in the U.S. using soybean meal.”

While international consumption in the animal sector has varied in recent years, this aquaculture inclusion has remained strong.

“We see modern aquaculture inclusion rates approaching 50%,” says Tom D’Alfonso, U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) director of animal nutrition and aquaculture. “IMost of the seafood we consumed 10 years ago was wild catch. Now, most of the seafood comes from aquaculture production, which means we do not just go out and hunt them, we feed them.”

Knowing how to profitably feed an animal with soy is something USSEC has prioritized through the International Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database, as well as nutritionist education efforts.

“We have demonstrated that U.S. Soy inclusion rates upward of 50%, whether it is in shrimp, tilapia or sea bass, leads to profitable operations,” D’Alfonso says.

These inclusions also support demand and, therefore, U.S. soybean farmers’ bottom lines.

“Livestock and aquaculture consumed more than 40 million tons of soybean meal in the U.S. last year,” Amick says. “To put that in perspective, we produced 58 million tons, with the balance exported. As domestic crush capacity increases, having strong domestic markets in the animal and aquaculture space is critical to soybean demand.”

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) joins USSEC in keeping this demand top of mind. Groups including the United Soybean Board, MSMC and the Soy Aquaculture Alliance are continually working with university researchers and livestock nutritionists to hone in on inclusion rates that maximize soybean meal inclusions.

We have demonstrated that U.S. Soy inclusion rates upward of 50%, whether it is in shrimp, tilapia or sea bass, leads to profitable operations.

TOM D’ALFONSO

USSEC | Director of Animal Nutrition and Aquaculture

“Soy has a lot of interesting functional compounds that provide health benefits,” D’Alfonso says. “No other animal protein or amino acid substitute can provide such a nutritious punch that also benefits animal health as one single ingredient.”

U.S. Soy’s consistency contributes to its benefits for livestock and aquaculture producers. D’Alfonso says this consistency and digestibility point to the sustainable methods of U.S. soybean farmers. When looking at cost, USSEC has justified a premium price for U.S. soybean meal.

“We are able to demonstrate U.S. Soy brings a higher value of $25 per metric ton of soybean meal on feed cost savings alone,” D’Alfonso says. “When producers monitor the performance of their animals and develop a preference for U.S. Soy, then it is worth $5075 per metric ton more in value.”

Research continues to provide a look into soybean meal’s health benefits.

"We continue to research how we can maximize inclusion rates for soy in aquaculture and even traditional livestock like hogs and poultry," Amick says. "Our partnerships with USSEC, Soy Aqauculture Alliance, domestic livestock groups and researchers are critical to that success."

Nutritionists in the U.S. are very efficient at creating feed rations that maximize performance and value to the livestock producer. With additional crush capacity, this presents some opportunities for higher inclusion rates of soybean meal on the value side.

MSMC is active in increasing production capacity and the volume of meal consumed through business development efforts programs such as Project Yield with Missouri Partnership, university and industry research projects and collaborations with industry partners throughout the U.S. soybean value chain. Some of those partners include USSEC, World Initiative for Soy in Human Health, the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council. These international cooperators focus on building international markets for soy and soy-fed meat and poultry to expand feed utilization internationally and consumer preference for U.S.-raised livestock.

“Another opportunistic area for MSMC is dairy expansion,” Amick says. “We are active with the Missouri Dairy Growth Council to recruit new dairies or expand existing dairies in Missouri. Missouri offers a variety of benefits for dairy producers, including plentiful feed, water and land, attractive business environments and industry support.”

Though the future expansion of soybean meal inclusion rates is promising, challenges do exist.

“One challenge we are seeing both domestically and internationally is that animal producers are trying to reduce costs by substituting soy with synthetic amino acids and byproducts,” D’Alfonso says. “What we are finding is that the animals just are not performing as well when those nutrients are not coming from soybean meal, particularly soybean meal coming from the U.S.”

U.S. soybean meal is consistent, highly digestible and sustainable, which allows for optimum animal performance.

“You need a core ingredient like soybean meal in a diet,” D’Alfonso adds. “You need an ingredient that creates a quality, well-blended feed whether you are pelleting or not. Producers are finding that they waste feed without good pellet quality, which creates poor feed conversion.”

Another challenge is the limitation to what an animal or aquaculture species can consume.

“There are always limitations, which is why the three-pronged approach of livestock demand — domestic consumption, exports of soy-fed meat and poultry, and exporting soy and soybean meal to feed livestock in other countries — is so critical,” Amick says.

Labor and regulatory challenges are also obstacles for growth. Not everyone wants or supports large-scale animal production in their area, and often labor is a challenge. Missouri Farmers Care’s Agri-Ready County program highlights Missouri counties with a business environment that supports animal agriculture. These leaders recognize agricultural industry expansion is economic development, particularly in rural counties, and this program showcases these proactive efforts.

“Getting existing customers to evaluate animal performance and realize there is a return of investment on high-quality U.S. soybean

Another opportunistic area for MSMC is dairy expansion. We are active with the Missouri Dairy Growth Council to recruit new dairies or expand existing dairies in Missouri. Missouri offers a variety of benefits for dairy producers, including plentiful feed, water and land, attractive business environments and industry support.

MATT AMICK

Missouri Soybeans | Director of Market Development

meal supports demand,” D’Alfonso says. “This pulls more soybean meal from the U.S., Missouri included.”

Internationally, China is a target for growth.

“China has been looking at alternative ingredients and lower inclusion rates for a few years,” D’Alfonso says. “That is where we saw the biggest decrease in soybean meal inclusion rates until the hog producers saw it affected performance. Now, we are seeing that turn around.”

Domestically, dairy, aquaculture and poultry expansion is of particular interest.

“We believe Missouri can grow its hog production as well, with plenty of land in new areas to assist with disease risk mitigation,” Amick says.

At the end of the day, no one tells the story or supports growth in this market better than U.S. soybean farmers themselves.

“There is nothing better than grower-leaders sharing the story of their multigenerational farms with international customers,” D’Alfonso says. “We are caring for the soil for the next generation. That resonates well with family businesses, both domestically and internationally. We love having farmers from Missouri come to talk about their practices and connect with buyers across the globe."

by Brandelyn Twellman

More Crush The Case for

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council prioritizes the expansion of crush opportunities throughout the state.

Growing Missouri soybeans is a year-round process. From choosing the traits and genetics that go in the ground and planting throughout spring to nurturing throughout summer and harvesting in the fall. But the job is not done when the crop is harvested – then comes marketing. Where a soybean goes after it leaves a farmer’s field is arguably just as important to a grower’s bottom line. In-state crush is a rising option and opportunity in Missouri.

“In-state crush is the most important thing we can do for soybean farmers in Missouri,” says Matt Amick, Missouri Soybeans director of market development. “Crush helps add value to the soybeans, as well as provide more feed for livestock farmers and more oil for food and biofuel producers. We call this ‘value-added’. The more we

can add value and demand to the soybean in the state, basis will improve and support better crush margins and better prices.”

Past Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) Chair Kyle Durham agrees that in-state crush provides a key opportunity for Missouri soybean farmers.

“Not only does in-state crush provide additional basis for soybeans within the specific area in which the crush plant is located but that has ripple effects throughout the state and region,” Durham says. “As we look at adding value to our soybeans closer to home and capturing more of that value within the borders of the state, domestic crush has to remain an open door to growth.”

Missouri currently has four large-scale soybean processing facilities, with a total capacity of processing 525,000 bushels per day. There are also some smaller-scale mechanical crush facilities that process identity-preserved products like soy flour, non-GMO and organic.

According to Pro Exporter, Missouri crush facilities processed 147 million bushels in Marketing Year 2024/25 – 47.5% of the total soybean supply in the state. Of the soybean meal produced, about 44% was fed in-state, while the rest was exported out of state or out of the country. About 1.75 billion pounds of soybean oil was also produced, most of which goes to biodiesel production and some food production. Each of the four soybean crush facilities in Missouri is co-located with a biodiesel plant, making Missouri a leader in biodiesel production.

“Crush margins and the profit from processing whole soybeans into and selling byproducts like meal, oil and hulls have both improved from 2024 and early 2025,” Amick says. “Most of the impetus of this improvement comes from better soybean oil prices.”

MSMC has prioritized this growth through the soy checkoff, understanding the opportunity it provides to directly support soybean farmers’ bottom lines.

“Over the last 30 years, the work done by the checkoff to support and grow the biodiesel industry and bring more demand for soybean oil has been the catalyst for growth,” Amick says. “Additionally, as new crush capacity comes online in other states, we are working to grow our domestic livestock markets and export markets.”

Domestically, MSMC is focused on partnering with the livestock community on growth. Missouri Soybeans is a member and leader of the Missouri Dairy Growth Council, fostering new opportunities for dairy expansion and relocation in Missouri. The Merchandising Council partners with Missouri Partnership – a private-public collaboration under the umbrella of the Department of Economic Development – to attract new food and ag businesses to Missouri to expand commodity utilization in Missouri particularly through the animal processing sector. MSMC is also partnering with the poultry and egg industries on expansion. For example, Buttonwood Farm from Moniteau County recently announced an expansion in their egg processing capacity.

“With this crush expansion, new opportunities have arisen to export soybean meal across the world,” Amick says. “Soybean meal exports rose to another record high of 14.56 million metric tons (657 million bushels equivalent) in Marketing Year 23/24. MSMC has been a catalyst for this growth."

In FY 2025, MSMC worked with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to promote soybean meal in the Americas and invested in their Soy Excellence Center program, which provides training and capacity building in emerging markets. MSMC also partnered with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health to expand soybean meal capacity in Africa and Southeast Asia. Through a multistate partnership with Ag Processing Inc. (AGP), MSMC engaged buyers in Latin America to emphasize the benefits of Midwest-grown soybeans and soybean meal.

Although significant progress has been made, there is still more work to be done.

Expanding soybean crush in Missouri is currently our top priority at MSMC. With the export market in flux due to lack of Chinese purchases and uncertainty with trade agreements, focusing on building markets locally is one of the best ways to support the bottom line of farmers.

Matt Amick

Director of Market Development

“Expanding soybean crush in Missouri is currently our top priority at MSMC,” Amick says. “With the export market in flux due to lack of Chinese purchases and uncertainty with trade agreements, focusing on building markets locally is one of the best ways to support the bottom line of farmers.”

This expansion could be in the form of a new plant, expansion of existing plants and new or expanded mechanical crush facilities producing identity-preserved products for specific markets like soy flour or high-oleic soybeans. Any growth in this sector should excite Missouri’s soybean farmers, as it provides additional opportunities to support the year-round work they put in to planting, raising and harvesting a high-quality crop.

“To put it simply, half of the average Missouri grower’s soybeans are crushed and half are exported,” Amick says. “When trade was flourishing in the past, we had ample markets. Following the trade wars of the late 2010s, things started to change, and biofuels expansion has fueled new domestic crush opportunities. The more we can move and process those soybeans in our state means more dollars in the pockets of farmers. Let’s process those soybeans here in Missouri, feed the meal to pigs and chickens, process the oil for biodiesel and consume those products in our state.”

MSMC has worked to identify challenges that persist in this endeavor and create a plan to overcome them.

“Naturally, Missouri has strong export markets,” Amick explains. “With our proximity to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, the Missouri soybean industry is going to move soybeans downriver to the Gulf to international destinations. Additionally, rail markets on the western side of the state will move soybeans either out of state or to southern markets in Mexico and other Latin American destinations. That said, trade is a hot button issue right now, specifically trade with China. The only way to insulate ourselves is to diversify markets and focus on what we control by working to build more domestic markets.”

Learn more about MSMC’s work on in-state crush and other factors affecting Missouri soybean farmers’ bottom lines at mosoy.org.

Ag Lending Lens

by Jason Kirchner, Chief Risk Officer, FCS Financial

A" Assessing the Real Risk of Your Operation

s 2025 wraps up, it's the perfect time to take an honest look at your operation. The 2025 crop year has been highly volatile with tight margins, erratic weather, shifting trade policies, and economic uncertainty. It’s clear we’re operating in an environment where understanding your risks is essential. The most successful producers aren't those who avoid risk, they're the ones who understand and manage it. Here are four questions producers should ask themselves before year end.

Can You Survive a Price or Yield Drop?

If prices or yields fall, can your operation stay afloat? Diversification between soybeans, corn, wheat, livestock or other ag services such as custom farming can cushion the blow. Equally critical is liquidity. Can you cover operating costs, family expenses and debt payments in a tough year? Check your current ratio: divide your current assets (grain, cash, market livestock, prepaid expenses, receivables) by current liabilities (debts owed in the next 12 months). A ratio below 1.5x paired with a down year can put you in a bind. The producers I’ve seen who best whether the challenging cycles can consistently cover 12-18 months of expenses with their current assets.

Your marketing strategy matters, too. Tools such as forward contracts basis contracts, and crop insurance help manage price swings and revenue uncertainty.

Do You Know Your True Cost Per Bushel?

You likely know your seed, fertilizer and chemical costs, but have you calculated your all-in cost that includes labor, rent, land costs, machinery costs, operating interest and other real expenses that don't show up on input receipts? In a tight year, knowing your precise break-even cost is critical. Review your records to understand your cost per bushel and use the information to stress-test your operation’s viability at different price levels, guide marketing decisions, make input purchasing decisions and evaluate operational inefficiencies.

Could Your Farm Run Without You?

If an injury sidelined you for six months, would your operation hold up? Are your records organized enough that someone else could step in? Do you have adequate life and disability insurance?

Your marketing strategy matters, too. Tools such as forward contracts, basis contracts and crop insurance help manage price swings and revenue uncertainty.

-Jason Kirchner

Losing key people is a bigger risk than market volatility for many operations. Create a contingency plan by documenting critical tasks and ensure a trusted person knows your system. This preparation protects your farm’s future as much as any financial strategy.

Are You Ready for the Next Weather Disaster?

Missouri weather is unpredictable as droughts, floods and storms are a fact of life. Walk your fields and assess your vulnerability. Are you farming bottoms that flood regularly? Is your crop insurance coverage adequate? Are your storage and drying facilities ready to handle wet grain or quality issues? Practices such as cover crops or improved drainage can reduce weather risks. The operations that come through weather challenges best are often those that have been preparing for years.

Take Control of Your Risks

These questions reveal where your operation stands. You can’t eliminate risk in farming, but you can manage it. Resilient operations don’t just survive challenges; they see them coming and prepare.

Kirchner joined FCS Financial in 2020 and has 20 years of experience in banking and finance. He serves as Chief Risk Officer, overseeing risk management, appraisal, risk assets and audit and credit review. He grew up on a cow-calf operation in midMissouri and holds a degree in finance and economics from Westminster College.

The Power of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Your electric cooperative was built by and belongs to the members it serves. From growing suburbs to thriving rural communities, electric cooperatives are energy providers and engines of economic development.

Average members per miles of line: 6.04 serve

800,784 meters at homes, farms and businesses. employ

3,905 team members statewide. have donated $40 million through Operation Round Up since 1989. Our co-ops Cooperatives power 80% of the state.

FROM FARM TO FAUROT

By samantha turner

When the University of Missouri Tigers take the field, fans see more than touchdowns and tailgates. They also see soy innovation in action. Thanks to a dynamic partnership between the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) and Mizzou Athletics, the Tigers are now being “Powered by Soy.”

This partnership is more than a slogan. It connects Missouri farmers with fans across the state, showcases cutting-edge uses of soy such as biodiesel and SOYLEIC beans, and celebrates the history of soybean innovation that started at Mizzou.

A Legacy Born in Columbia

Missouri Soybeans’ connection with Mizzou runs deep. In 1991, a small but groundbreaking research investment at the University of Missouri launched biodiesel innovation that would eventually grow into one of the nation’s most successful renewable fuels.

By re-introducing biodiesel to Tiger fans, the partnership celebrates those roots while reinforcing Missouri Soybeans’ ongoing role in advancing innovation.

This partnership is a point of pride. When fans see that biodiesel bus or learn that healthier oils like SOYLEIC are being served in concessions, they are witnessing the direct impact of Missourigrown soybeans.

Mark lehenbauer, Chairman | MSMC

At the heart of the partnership is the biodiesel-powered Tiger bus. The wrapped bus leads the Tiger Walk into Memorial Stadium on game days and provides transportation to Mizzou Athletics for away games. But the symbolism runs deeper: It’s a visible, moving reminder that soybeans power more than farms.

The partnership also extends inside Faurot Field. This year, fans can fuel up with SOYLEIC at each concession stand in the stadium.

The spotlight on SOYLEIC positions Missouri as a leader in healthy, sustainable food oils. Fans enjoying concessions at the stadium will soon realize the same oil being highlighted during the game is increasingly used in everyday cooking and food service, offering a trans-fat-free, heart-healthy option that also delivers premiums to farmers.

SOYLEIC is a non-GMO, high-oleic soybean trait developed through farmer-led, checkoff-funded research. It provides extended shelf life, greater stability in frying and health benefits that align with consumer demand. By bringing SOYLEIC into the concessions at Memorial Stadium, Missouri Soybeans demonstrates how innovation on the farm translates into everyday life for consumers — whether at home, in restaurants or in sports venues.

“This partnership is a point of pride,” said Mark Lehenbauer, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council chair. “When fans see that biodiesel

bus or learn that healthier oils like SOYLEIC are being served in concessions, they are witnessing the direct impact of Missourigrown soybeans.”

‘M’ore for Soybeans

These current contributions are just the beginning. Missouri Soybeans and Mizzou are continuing to explore new ways to showcase innovation on campus and beyond. Starting next year, as stadium construction wraps up, fans will also see SynLawn soy-based turf installed around the iconic “M” at Faurot Field — another visible reminder of how soybeans are powering innovation far beyond the farm.

SynLawn is a soy-based alternative to petroleum turf, developed from the soybean checkoff and a partner of the USDA BioPreferred Program. By using soybean oil in its backing, SynLawn reduces reliance on non-renewable materials while creating new demand for Missouri soybeans. Its installation at Faurot Field will be both symbolic and practical, showing fans how agriculture provides sustainable solutions that enhance everyday experiences.

“We want every fan who steps into that stadium to know that soybeans matter — not just to farmers, but to their daily lives,” said Casey Wasser, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “Whether it’s biodiesel moving teams, healthier food oils feeding fans or soy-based products built into the field itself, this partnership shows agriculture’s role in powering Missouri’s future. It’s a creative and powerful way to bring farmers’ innovation to the forefront.”

Building Bridges Between Campus and Farm

The Mizzou partnership also reinforces another critical relationship: the connection between Missouri farmers and the state’s flagship land-grant university. Through collaborations with the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) and the Missouri Soybean Center, checkoff dollars continue to fund cuttingedge research into sustainability, conservation, disease resistance and trait development.

Students, too, benefit from hands-on experience in soy research and market development. Internship opportunities, field trials and exposure to real-world applications help prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.

By celebrating soy innovation in front of tens of thousands of fans, the partnership gives students and consumers a new way to connect with agriculture while reminding them of the state’s deep farm roots.

Missouri farmers are powering progress, both on and off the field. And that’s a story worth cheering for.

We want every fan who steps into that stadium to know that soybeans matter — not just to farmers, but to their daily lives. Whether it’s biodiesel moving teams, healthier food oils feeding fans or soy-based products built into the field itself, this partnership shows agriculture’s role in powering Missouri’s future. It’s a creative and powerful way to bring farmers’ innovation to the forefront.

Casey wasser,

EXecutive Director & CEO | Missouri Soybeans

THE LATEST IN RESEARCH

Missouri Study Weighs Pros and Cons of Spray Drones for Soybean Fields

Sprayer drones are capturing attention across farm country, but new research from the University of Missouri shows they may not yet be ready to replace traditional ground rigs when it comes to weed control.

Led by Kevin Bradley, a weed science professor at Mizzou, the study tested DJI Agras T40 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in side-by-side trials with ground-based sprayers during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. The team looked at spray coverage, off-target drift, droplet size and overall weed control in soybean fields.

The results were mixed. Ground sprayers consistently delivered more uniform coverage and bigger spray droplets, which translated into steadier weed control. UAV applications, while showing promise, often produced smaller droplets and patchier coverage — especially at the edges of swaths. That created variability in managing waterhemp, one of Missouri’s most stubborn weeds.

Still, the research highlighted important opportunities. Adjusting speed, spray height and volume helped improve drone performance. At 8 mph and 10 feet above the canopy, for example, drones provided better coverage than at higher speeds or heights. Increasing spray volume from 3 to 6 gallons per acre also improved consistency.

Notably, the drones achieved similar levels of spray penetration into the soybean canopy as ground sprayers, suggesting UAVs may eventually become competitive for certain applications. The ability to target weed escapes with drones could cut down on total herbicide applied, lowering costs and reducing environmental impact.

“This isn’t about saying drones can’t work — it’s about understanding how to make them work better,” Bradley said. “If we manage factors like droplet size, swath width and application speed, the technology can get closer to delivering the kind of results farmers expect from ground sprayers.”

Herbicide-resistant weeds remain a top challenge in Missouri soybean fields, and farmers are eager for tools that can save time and reduce labor. Drones may not fully replace ground rigs yet, but Bradley believes rapid improvements in technology will push the industry forward.

Next steps include testing pre-emergence herbicides, evaluating adjuvants and comparing different drone platforms. As one grower who attended a field day put it: “Drones may not be the silver bullet today, but it’s only a matter of time before they become part of our weed control toolbox.”

FOR MORE IN RESEARCH VISIT: MOSOY.ORG/RESEARCH

Missouri Researchers Breed New High-Value Soybeans With Better Flavor and Added Benefits

Missouri scientists have wrapped up an eight-year project that could give farmers a new edge in the soybean market — beans bred for better taste, added nutritional traits and strong yields.

Led by Kristin Bilyeu and Andrew Scaboo, the “HOLL Plus” program focused on developing high-yielding soybean varieties with premium seed qualities, including Missouri’s own SOYLEIC high-oleic trait. The goal was simple but ambitious: Create soybeans that deliver more value from every acre.

The team combined advanced breeding techniques with molecular selection to pack multiple seed composition traits into maturity group III and IV soybeans, popular among Missouri farmers. The result? Soybeans that not only produce competitive yields — about 90% of standard check varieties in 2024 trials — but also carry premium qualities sought by specialty food markets.

One breakthrough was pairing the high-oleic trait with improved carbohydrate profiles, creating beans with better flavor for the plantbased protein industry. “We’ve dramatically improved flavor profiles while keeping yields strong,” the team reported. That could mean new opportunities for Missouri growers in food-grade and specialty markets, where premiums typically run $1 to $3 per bushel.

The research also produced soybeans with the Enlist E3 herbicide trait, giving farmers more weed control options without sacrificing the new seed quality benefits.

While the project ended in 2024 due to lack of funding, a private industry partner is continuing some of the work — though not in Missouri’s primary maturity group range. A patent application for “soybean plants having improved flavor” was filed this spring, signaling potential for commercialization.

Specialty soybeans with strong agronomic packages can mean extra income and resilience in down markets. For the soybean industry, the work shows how science and breeding innovation can open new markets, from livestock feed to high-end plant-based foods.

Study Finds Fungicide Use on Soybeans Often Costs Farmers More Than It Pays

A seven-year study led by University of Missouri Extension suggests that many Missouri soybean farmers may be losing money when applying fungicides at the R3 growth stage.

Since 2018, researchers have tracked on-farm strip trials across the state to evaluate the impact of fungicide use. The results? While fungicide applications sometimes boosted yields, the gains were usually too small to offset the costs.

On average, yields increased by just 1.8 bushels per acre after fungicide treatment. At a soybean price of $10.20 per bushel, that translates to roughly $18.36 in additional revenue. But with application costs running between $30 and $40 per acre, most farmers ended up losing about $15 per acre .

“Foliar disease pressure in Missouri is often low,” said lead researcher Mandy Bish, a plant pathologist with MU Extension. “That means applying fungicides for diseases isn’t typically justified — and in some cases, it even reduced yields.”

The data showed wide variability. In the best case, one field gained 12 bushels per acre. In the worst, yields dropped by nearly three bushels. Early models suggest weather may play a role, with rainfall within 48 hours of application potentially boosting effectiveness.

The project also revealed broader benefits. Fewer fungicide applications could slow the development of resistance, preserving tools for when farmers truly need them. “Decreasing unnecessary applications helps protect the effectiveness of these products long term,” Bish said.

For some farmers, the findings were eye-opening. One participant admitted he was skeptical at first: “I thought these results were crap when you first shared them at a field day. I own my sprayer, was leaving the field day to go spray my beans, was mad and set up a strip trial myself. My results were almost identical to what you presented.”

For Missouri soybean growers, the bottom line is clear: fungicide applications at R3 may sometimes pay off, but more often they don’t. Researchers encourage farmers to think carefully about their fields’ conditions before reaching for the sprayer.

Missouri Farmers Connect with Diverse Global Customers at Soy Connext 2025

By Erin Worrell, Communications Manager, U.S. Soybean Export Council

TheU.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) brings U.S. Soy buyers, sellers, growers and visionaries together every year for the premier global industry event: Soy Connext. Against a backdrop of changing trade dynamics and increasing global demand for reliable, high-quality soy protein and oil, the 2025 event gathered more than 700 attendees from 59 countries in Washington, D.C., Aug. 20-22, with invaluable support from a Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council sponsorship.

U.S. Soy is America’s top agricultural export, contributing $31.2 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2023-24 marketing year and traded in more than 80 countries. Fueled by rising global demand for soybean meal to support the expansion of global livestock, aquaculture and poultry production, USDA projects a 4.3% yearover-year increase in global soybean demand in the 2024-25 market year, reaching 346.2 million metric tons.

“Missouri exports soybeans multiple ways,” says Kyle Durham, a Norborne farmer who serves as a MSMC board member and United Soybean Board director. He attended Soy Connext 2025. “For example, my soybeans go by shuttle train to Mexico. Missouri also has a unique value proposition with SOYLEIC for the food industry, but we need to coordinate with buyers to develop partnerships.”

The Soy Connext agenda featured expert talks, panel discussions focused on sustainability, plant-based protein trends, supply chain insights and global market dynamics. In addition, the Trade Team

Invitational connected 315 key buyers and 43 exporter companies to strengthen trade relationships and explore market opportunities.

U.S. Soy customers and exporters value the insights gained during Soy Connext sessions. But opportunities to connect with others in the industry really make the event shine. Attendees got a real-time crop update from a farmer panel during the program. Plus, the “Ask a Farmer” lounge made it easy for customers to meet face-to-face with U.S. Soy farmers.

“I met with a delegation from Pakistan,” Durham says. “They understand the value of U.S. Soy, repeating many of the advantages USSEC has been promoting as their own opinions. They described potential to more than double their purchases of our soybeans.”

In addition to time in Washington, D.C., many international attendees participated in trade team tours before or after the conference. The visits highlighted the U.S. soybean industry’s transparency and readiness to meet global demand, giving international buyers a firsthand look at the sustainable practices, innovation and stewardship that are core to the U.S. Soy value proposition. Trade teams with representatives from Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Japan and the United Kingdom visited Missouri. Tour stops included farms, a river terminal and other soy value chain partners in Missouri.

MSMC support is integral to the Soy Connext program and bringing the most important customers to the U.S.

“Soy Connext focuses on pairing buyers and exporters, and it’s amazing to see deals getting done here,” Durham says. “I liken it to what I see on my farm. I want to know who I’m buying from and who I am going to call. That’s why we need the cultural exchange at Soy Connext. We are investing in getting farmers and buyers together.”

Missouri farmers also will see a return on this investment as USSEC emphasizes the consistency, reliability, quality and sustainability of U.S. Soy. As demand for soy foods and soy products grows in emerging, expanding and established markets, the industry is focused on a strategy that builds on U.S. Soy’s reputation in the global marketplace.

Soy Connext focuses on pairing buyers and exporters, and it’s amazing to see deals getting done here. I liken it to what I see on my farm. I want to know who I’m buying from and who I am going to call. That’s why we need the cultural exchange at Soy Connext. We are investing in getting farmers and buyers together.

Kyle Durham MSMC Board Member

BUTTONWOOD FARM

EXPANDS IN FORTUNA

INVESTING IN RURAL GROWTH

Buttonwood

Farm, a producer of poultry, eggs and locally grown produce, is expanding its operations in Moniteau County with a $2.3 million investment that will bring seven new jobs to the region.

The expansion includes a new 29,000-square-foot facility near Fortuna that will allow the company to increase its capacity for egg production through a new egg packing facility. With roots in quality and sustainability, Buttonwood Farm’s growth underscores the rising demand for locally raised protein across Missouri and beyond.

Missouri Soybeans leaders noted the significance of the project not only for job creation but also for the ripple effect it will have on soybean demand. Poultry remains the No. 1 consumer of soybean meal in the state, making growth in the poultry and egg sector a direct boost for Missouri soybean farmers.

“Poultry and soybeans go hand in hand,” said Robert Alpers, Cooper County farmer and board member of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. “Buttonwood Farm’s expansion helps drive new demand for Missouri-grown soybeans. We’re proud to see this investment happening right here in our state, and we look forward to supporting continued growth for Missouri-raised poultry and egg products.”

The project was supported by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, which worked with local officials and the company to move the expansion forward.

For rural communities like Fortuna, expansions of this scale create new economic opportunities while reinforcing the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of Missouri’s economy. For soybean farmers, the growth represents one more example of how animal agriculture remains a vital partner in supporting demand for soybeans grown across the state.

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ROOF MAXX EXPANSION

BOOSTS SOYBEAN DEMAND

Asoy-based innovation is reshaping the roofing industry while driving new demand for U.S. soybeans. Roof Maxx, a biobased treatment designed to extend the life of asphalt shingles, is rapidly expanding nationwide and creating significant value for soybean farmers.

According to the August 2025 Airable Research Laboratory report, Roof Maxx has grown to 365 independent dealers across the United States, with projections to reach 525 by the end of the year. In 2024 alone, dealers treated more than 26,000 homes, using the oil from 50,000 bushels of soybeans.

That demand is expected to more than double in 2025, with an estimated 110,000 bushels required — a year-over-year increase of more than 80%.

“Roof Maxx demonstrates the versatility of soybeans and how innovation creates opportunities far beyond food and feed,” said Matt Amick, Missouri Soybeans’ director of market development. “Every time a roof is treated, it not only helps homeowners save money and reduce waste, but it also creates new markets for soybean oil. That’s a powerful story for Missouri farmers.”

Roof Maxx is marketed as an environmentally friendly alternative to early roof replacement, offering homeowners a cost-effective way to extend the life of their shingles. Each application uses soybean oil to restore flexibility and waterproofing to aging shingles, delaying

the need for costly replacements and keeping asphalt waste out of landfills.

“Roof Maxx is a great example of how farmer-led research delivers long-term value,” said Mark Lehenbauer, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council chair. “Roof Maxx is creating real demand for our soybeans, proving that innovation can open doors in industries far beyond the farm.”

With strong growth in consumer adoption and dealer networks, Roof Maxx continues to demonstrate the power of soy-based technology to transform markets, create sustainability wins and provide farmers with new sources of demand.

Roof Maxx is a great example of how farmerled research delivers long-term value.

Roof Maxx is creating real demand for our soybeans, proving that innovation can open doors in industries far beyond the farm.

MARK LEHENBAUER

U.S. Soybean Market Outlook

by Scott Gerlt, Chief Economist, American Soybean Association

Soybean markets started the new marketing year at the beginning of September in rough shape. Large world crops and trade policy uncertainty overhang the market. As combines roll through fields, the developing picture of U.S. crop size and negotiations on the world stage will drive soybean markets.

USDA expects a record for the national soybean yield this year at 53.5 bushels per acre. Despite this, harvested area of only 80.3 million acres will keep production at 4.30 billion bushels, which is well under a record. These production levels are expected to keep the ending stocks-to-use ratio at 6.9% for crop being harvested. This would be a lower stocks-to-use ratio than the past two years.

While smaller domestic supplies would normally translate to bullish markets, the world situation undercuts the rally. The world’s largest soy producer, Brazil, had its largest crop yet earlier this year, and it's projected to produce another record next spring. This has led to record world ending stocks. Brazil has started sowing its soy crop that will be harvested next spring, so weather conditions in South America will increasingly affect markets.

As Brazil produces a record crop, demand for U.S. crops remains in limbo. The White House has put tariffs on almost all imports, although the rates vary by country. The response differs by trade partner. The administration has forged or is working on trade deals with the European Union, Indonesia and Japan, which are our second, fourth and fifth largest export markets, respectively. However, U.S. soy already entered those markets duty-free. The third largest buyer, Mexico, does not have any duties on U.S. soy. The USMCA trade agreement that covers trade with Mexico is under review.

The scale of these markets pales in comparison to the largest buyer, China. China bought 54% of U.S. soybean exports in the 2023/2024 marketing year. The Asian country typically buys about 60% of the world’s traded soybeans and has put a 20% additional tariff on U.S. soybeans this year. The extra duty on U.S. soy effectively prices the product out of the market. The year also saw China stockpiling soybeans ahead of the U.S. harvest in anticipation of trade friction. For the 2025 crop, Brazil is projected to export soy at a level equal to China’s imports. Simply put, China appears to be able to sit on the sidelines as the U.S. crop leaves fields and trade negotiations roll on. The country has yet to purchase any of the new crop.

The brightest spot for demand is through domestic biofuels. Domestic crush capacity has been growing to provide more soybean oil to renewable diesel producers. The EPA has proposed biofuel blending levels for 2026 and 2027 that would create strong demand for soybean oil. The agency has also indicated they are interested in reducing credits for biofuels made from foreign feedstocks, which would provide a boost to U.S. soy. These proposals should be finalized by the end of the year.

As of the writing of this article, futures prices remain in the mid$10 range — well below the cost of production. Basis has also fallen considerably. The national average basis is currently -$0.80, which is the lowest level in many years. The futures carry in the market provides some options. For instance, the March futures 2026 contract currently runs $0.35 above the November contract providing an opportunity if interest costs can be controlled.

The low soy prices are the result of many factors such as large supplies and policies shifting demand. Weather provides a natural wildcard that will shift prices during the coming months. The decisions by policymakers will also have real effects that will directly translate into farmers’ bottom lines.

Scott Gerlt is the chief economist for the American Soybean Association, where he leads market and policy analysis to guide strategic decisions. He frequently presents and writes about issues affecting the soybean industry. Before joining ASA in 2020, Scott was program leader for U.S. crop policy and analysis at the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri. While he was there, the FAPRI team received professional awards for policy research and outreach. Scott’s position at FAPRI led to his involvement in multiple farm bill evaluations for Congress, among other unique opportunities. He holds a PhD in agricultural and applied economics from the University of Missouri and continues to engage in the research community.

Snoopy Seats to Soybeans

Meet MSA member and Palmyra farmer Roth McElvain as he shares his memories growing up in production agriculture.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: My name is Roth McElvain, and I’m 32 years old. I’m a fifth generation farmer, mostly from my mom’s side of the family. My mom and dad started this farm, and my cousin and I bought my grandfather’s farms. Outside of the farm, I’m currently serving as the school board president here in Palmyra.

Q: Who is your biggest influence?

A: It’s not necessarily one person, but I look toward my parents. And my wife’s a big part of this. But also my grandparents, and I look at the generations before me and the sacrifice that they made. And whether it be family or not, I always try to appreciate the sacrifice the previous generation made for me to get to where I am, or anyone my age. I realize that I won’t have to make as many big sacrifices in my life because of what they did before me.

Q: Does your family implement any sustainable practices?

A: We’re 100% no-till. And that really started out of necessity because my parents didn’t have time to work ground since they were working all day. So dad really started that, probably around ’95 or ’96 is when he started tinkering with it. Because I can remember being 8 years old and our planter marker wasn’t able to leave a mark in the ground. So we had these chains, like off the front of our tractor, and we had to line that up with the last pass.

Q: Tell us about your involvement in agriculture.

A: I went through the Missouri Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow (ALOT) program back in 2019, which was a two-year program that turned into a four-year program because of COVID. I really enjoyed that. And then I went through the Missouri Soybeans leadership fellowship last year. That really got me interested in the policy side of things. I’m a member of Missouri Soybeans, Missouri Corn, Missouri Farm Bureau and kind of all the trade organizations. I also sit on the local Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen’s Board.

Q: Tell us about your favorite memory on the farm.

A: When I was a kid, we ran a little Gleaner F combine. And so there’s a little Snoopy chair, and that was my chair in the combine. Mom and Dad worked full time off the farm, so we’d shell corn late at night. I just remember sitting in that Snoopy chair, watching the corn come in. And even at a young age, I was kind of calculating bushels per acre. The most fun thing was we’d pull the handle up to dump the combine into the truck. So now we’ve got the Snoopy chair in that combine and my kids ride in it. It’s a little sentimental, just to see it passed through generations.

Q: What is your favorite planting or harvest snack?

A: I usually don’t eat snacks. But if I’m hauling a load of grain to the elevator, I will stop at a Casey’s and grab a piece of pizza.

Q: Tell us about your farm.

A: I own and operate McElvain Farms LLC. We have about 750 acres row cropped with corn and soybeans and usually about 40 head of cattle and five or six sows. We’ve also got a tire business and a construction business. My dad is of that generation where if he’s not busy, he feels lazy.

Q: How do you take your coffee?

A: Usually black, hot or cold. But every now and then I’ll get a peanut butter flavored coffee.

Q: What are you listening to while working?

A: I enjoy listening to the Clark Howard podcast. I’m very big into the financial stuff. And anything but bro-country music, honestly. I grew up in the late '90s and early 2000s with hiphop and pop music.

Q: Should tractors be red or green?

A: If I had the money, they’d be Fendt green. But I don’t have the money, so they’re blue.

DYNAMICS

by samantha turner

While U.S. soybean processing grows, Missouri farmers stress global demand and trade missions to keep exports strong.

STRONGER DOMESTIC PROCESSING MEETS EXPORT CHALLENGES

As soybean markets evolve, Missouri farmers are navigating a landscape where domestic processing and global outreach are both key to long-term success.

Recent years have brought a flourishing trend in domestic soybean crushing. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. soybean crush is forecast to climb nearly 3% in the 2025–26 marketing year, potentially hitting a record high of 2.49 billion bushels. That figure would represent 57% of all soybean use.

Research from the American Soybean Association shows practical crush capacity has surged 14% from 2023 to early 2025 — rising from 2.23 billion to about 2.55 billion bushels annually. With nine new or expanded plants already operating and seven more expected in the near future, this expansion could push capacity to 2.78 billion bushels by 2030. For farmers, the additional processing infrastructure means stronger basis levels, healthier local demand and more stable pricing for their crops.

Trade teams are an opportunity to put Missouri soybeans on display for buyers who want assurance of quality and innovation. When a group like the Turkish delegation comes here and sees firsthand how our farmers are growing high-quality, biotech-driven soybeans, it reinforces why Missouri is a leader on the global stage. Every handshake and every visit builds trust — and trust drives demand.

Turkey’s interest in modernizing its feed and livestock sectors. Their engagement highlights the potential for Missouri soybeans to capture new demand in emerging markets.

“Trade teams are an opportunity to put Missouri soybeans on display for buyers who want assurance of quality and innovation,” said Mark Lehenbauer, chairman of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. “When a group like the Turkish delegation comes here and sees firsthand how our farmers are growing highquality, biotech-driven soybeans, it reinforces why Missouri is a leader on the global stage. Every handshake and every visit builds trust — and trust drives demand.”

A BALANCED MARKET FUTURE

The dual engines of domestic crush capacity and international exports provide a balanced foundation for market resilience. New crush facilities are creating stronger local basis, sometimes boosting cash prices by as much as 23 cents per bushel within 20 miles of a plant. At the same time, expanded processing capacity reduces dependence on volatile global markets, while exports ensure that U.S. soybeans remain a vital component of global feed and food systems.

The expansion of domestic crush also supports U.S. energy independence. Soybean oil is increasingly being used for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, providing new outlets for demand. Missouri farmers are positioned to benefit directly from these innovations as the marketplace for soy-derived fuels continues to grow.

Policymakers and industry leaders are working to secure stable conditions to sustain this momentum. Biofuel policy, blending incentives and trade agreements will all play a role in shaping the future of soybean markets. Uncertainty remains with tariffs, shifting fuel mandates and construction timelines for new crush facilities, but the long-term trajectory is clear: Demand for soybeans is expanding at home and abroad.

“This rapid growth in crush capacity is changing the landscape for soybean marketing,” said Matt Amick, director of market development for Missouri Soybeans. “It provides farmers with more options close to home and ensures that soybean oil and meal continue to meet the needs of both domestic and international markets. At the same time, it highlights the importance of keeping exports strong, because we need both markets to thrive.”

EXPORTS REMAIN ESSENTIAL

While domestic demand grows, exports remain a critical pillar. Despite the shift toward crush, U.S. soybean meal exports are projected to reach a record 15.7 million metric tons in 2024–25 — a 9.5% increase over the prior year, fueled in part by competitive pricing and global demand. Reuters has reported that crush is projected at 2.4 billion bushels, continuing to outpace whole-bean exports, signaling a structural shift in how soybeans are utilized.

Missouri Soybeans and U.S. Soy continue to cultivate international relationships to ensure exports remain strong. In recent months, Missouri has hosted multiple trade teams, showcasing U.S. soybean quality, sustainability and research innovation. One recent success story of trade teams visits was a delegation from Turkey that expressed particular interest in biotechnology. The team toured production facilities and biotech research sites, underscoring

For Missouri farmers, the balance between domestic processing and international trade is essential. The state’s growers are at the forefront of supplying the oil, meal and biotech-driven products that meet the needs of customers worldwide. Whether it is through investments in renewable fuels, exports of soybean meal or strengthening ties with international buyers, Missouri soybeans are powering progress.

“The bottom line is that our farmers succeed when markets succeed,” Lehenbauer said. “By investing in innovation here at home and building relationships overseas, we’re ensuring that soybeans remain a powerful driver of Missouri’s economy.”

MARK LEHENBAUER, MSMC CHAIRMAN

Biofuels:

A Double-Edged Sword for U.S. Soybeans

From Susan Stroud, Founder - No Bull Ag

Crushhas long been the backbone of the U.S. soybean balance sheet — accounting for about 60% of soybean demand from 1990 into the mid-2000s. As China’s appetite for soybeans accelerated in the mid-2000s, market dynamics shifted. The U.S. began exporting more bushels to meet Chinese demand, leaving exports neck-and-neck with crush well into the next decade — until the first U.S.-China trade war began in 2018.

With China largely absent from our export program for the next two years, U.S. crush ramped up — supported by stronger margins amid a glut of soybeans and limited export demand. Since then, exports have exceeded crush only once — in 2020/21, when China moved to meet Phase One commitments.

2018 marked an inflection point for U.S. agriculture. Just as the United States was burning bridges with its largest soybean customer, Brazil began a run of record crops — and 2018 was the first year Brazil outproduced the U.S., a feat it has repeated every year since. Today, Brazil is expected to produce a 2025/26 crop roughly 50% larger than the U.S. Brazil’s dominance has been propelled by two forces. It is the world’s low-cost provider, with record production and limited domestic demand keeping export offers highly competitive; and the U.S. has a strong, crush-driven domestic demand pull that keeps our prices elevated in the global market.

Although soybeans are an oilseed, they’re crushed primarily for their protein-rich meal — helping make the United States a leading livestock producer and meat exporter. Meal demand remains the original engine of U.S. crush, but legislative support for biofuels has pushed soybean oil into the spotlight in recent years. We may no longer be the largest soybean producer, but we remain the world’s largest biofuel producer — supported by long-standing policies such as the Biodiesel Blenders Tax Credit (40A) and the Renewable Fuel Standard. More recently, the renewable-diesel boom — driven by California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard — ushered in a new era of biofuel production and with it, stronger soybean-oil demand. In that span, soybean oil use for biofuel has risen nearly 40% and, in

2025/26, is set to overtake food, feed and industrial consumption for the first time in history.

That added value and demand for soybean oil fueled a sustained rally in U.S. crush margins and served as the catalyst for significant industry expansion that’s still underway. In the 2025/26 marketing year, the U.S. is on track for a fifth consecutive record year of crush as roughly 115 million bushels of additional capacity comes online — on top of the 145 million bushels added the year prior.

Renewable Fuel Standard mandates — alongside the long-running $1/gal blender’s tax credit — built the foundation for soybean oil biofuel demand. However, at the start of 2025, the $1 BTC (40A) gave way to the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z), a carbonintensity-based production credit that upended economics and soybean oil’s dominance in biomass-based diesel. Under 45Z, credits for soybean-oil-based biofuels fell to roughly one-quarter of prior levels, while lower carbon-intensity, waste feedstock-based fuels — many import-heavy — received higher subsidies.

The goalposts shift again in 2026: the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” amends 45Z to correct course — removing indirect land-use change (ILUC) penalties, putting soybean oil on a more level playing field with waste feedstocks and restricting eligibility to fuels made from feedstocks sourced solely in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. In tandem, EPA’s proposed 2026–2027 Renewable Volume Obligations — and changes to how RINs are generated — would further support soybean-oil use in biofuels. Released in mid-June, EPA’s proposal lifts biomass-based diesel obligations 33% in 2026 versus 2025, then another 5% in 2027. The step-ups are meant to realign mandates with actual capacity. In recent years, renewable-diesel output has materially outpaced RFS volumes, pressuring RIN values and producer margins. On top of larger required volumes, EPA is proposing a 50% cut to foreignderived fuels — both imported biofuels and U.S. gallons made from imported feedstocks — reducing both the subsidy received and the RINs generated per gallon.

While the future looks bright, uncertainty still looms. Markets are in wait-and-see mode until EPA finalizes the Set Rule — covering final volumes, potential exemptions/reallocation and the treatment of foreign-derived RINs — which could materially reshape compliance economics. Larger mandates and tighter eligibility rules are historically magnets for litigation and refiner pushback, risking delays or revisions to implementation. Even so, this administration has signaled support for U.S. farmers with larger mandates and a tilt toward homegrown feedstocks such as soybean oil. The 45Z amendments explicitly state an “America-first” energy policy, and EPA’s RVO proposal repeatedly invokes “energy independence” while explicitly referencing farmers — consistent with the RFS’s original aim to reduce reliance on foreign energy and strengthen domestic fuel production.

It also tracks politically. As President Trump posted in early March, “get ready to start making a lot of agricultural product to be sold INSIDE the United States,” something we need dearly as producers head into harvest with their largest soybean customer nowhere to be found.

While expanded crush capacity and stronger biofuel demand offer a silver lining, they cannot fully replace lost Chinese demand. Historically, exports to China account for roughly one in every four U.S. soy bushels — a share that is exceptionally hard to substitute. With each harvest day that passes without Chinese buying, the U.S. forfeits valuable fall business and the 2025/26 balance sheet grows heavier.

At the same time, policy-driven demand is a double-edged sword. Today’s crush economics are built on soybean oil futures trading nearly 50% above historical averages — providing support for soybeans but also leaving the market vulnerable to policy shifts. Once demand is legislated, you can’t take your foot off the gas — literally. Pen-stroke risk is real, and the U.S. is effectively legislating itself onto a policy-driven island — one that looks even more isolated heading into 2026 and 2027.

A New DAy for DAiry

TheMissouri Dairy Growth Council (MDGC) has undergone significant changes in recent months, setting a new course for the future of Missouri’s dairy industry.

MDGC is committed to strengthening and supporting Missouri’s dairy industry by highlighting the benefits of Missouri for dairy expansion or relocation.

A newly elected board of directors has been seated and new bylaws adopted. The current board includes:

• Chairman – Matt Amick, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council

• Vice Chairman – Sean Cornelius, Missouri Dairy

• Treasurer – Bradley Deeken, FCS Financial

• Secretary – Alayna Forck, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

• Appointed Members – Davin Althoff, Missouri Farm Bureau; Jacob Knaebel, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council

• At-Large Members – Derek Schriewer, Missouri Realtors; Greg Scheer, TC Jacoby; John Schoen, Prairie Farms

The membership of MDGC consists of industry partners along the supply chain including commodity organizations, feed suppliers, input suppliers and milk marketing cooperatives.

The board has also entered into a management agreement with Missouri Dairy, naming Alfred Brandt as executive director. Brandt, who has more than 15 years of service on the State Milk Board and sits on the Holstein USA board of directors, will lead the organization’s day-to-day efforts while Missouri Dairy and MDGC continue to operate as separate entities with independent boards and finances.

Under this new structure, MDGC plans to build on momentum created by Missouri Dairy, which recently secured $1 million in state funding for infrastructure improvement grants to help existing dairies remain competitive. Brandt will focus on identifying opportunities for expansion, assisting dairymen considering growth in Missouri and fostering partnerships with crop farmers to supply feed.

“Soybeans and dairy are natural partners,” said Matt Amick, chairman of the Missouri Dairy Growth Council and Missouri Soybeans’ director of market development. “Soybean meal is an important protein source in dairy rations, and a strong dairy sector means stronger demand for soybeans. Working together ensures both industries can thrive and continue supporting Missouri agriculture.”

For soybean growers, the vitality of Missouri’s dairy sector carries important implications. Strong dairies create stronger demand for feed and forages, strengthening connections across agriculture. MDGC’s new structure, leadership and partnerships aim to ensure dairy remains a stable and growing part of Missouri’s agricultural economy.

Soybeans and dairy are natural partners. Soybean meal is an important protein source in dairy rations, and a strong dairy sector means stronger demand for soybeans. Working together ensures

both industries can thrive and continue supporting Missouri agriculture.

Matt Amick, MDGC Chairman MoSoy Director of Market Development

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Missouri Farmers Promote Infrastructure Resiliency, Market Diversity at Port Houston

By Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director, Soy Transportation Coalition

Oneof the cardinal rules of supply chains and marketing strategy is to “not put all of your eggs in one basket.” The more supply chain options are available, the more resilient an industry or overall economy will be. Similarly, the more an industry can diversify its customers, the more economically stable it will be.

The U.S. soybean industry continues to experience challenges with various supply chain disruptions and restricted access to certain international markets, particularly China. At a time when soybean farmers are experiencing some headwinds, it is necessary to pursue opportunities to increase the resilience of the industry from both a supply chain and international marketing perspective.

“Soybean farmers continue to demonstrate an ability to grow an abundant crop,” says Nathan White, a soybean farmer from Norborne, Missouri, and director on the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and the Soy Transportation Coalition. “However, we also need to make sure we have a diverse number of international customers as well as the supply chain that can make the connection.”

Soybean farmers continue to demonstrate an ability to grow an abundant crop.

However, we also need to make sure we have a diverse number of international customers as well as the supply chain that can make the connection.

Nathan White, MSMC Board Member

The Andersons Inc. is in the process of expanding its grain export terminal at Port Houston in order to handle and export soybean meal and soybeans from the facility. The project has the potential of meaningfully addressing several major priorities of the broader soybean farmer community:

• Will this project tangibly enhance the ability to export soybean meal?

• Given the continued challenges the soybean industry has experienced with low water conditions on the Mississippi River, does this project increase the diversity of the supply chain by “spreading the eggs across more baskets?” The soybean meal that will be shipped to the facility at Port Houston will be transported via BNSF Railway or Union Pacific Railroad. It will not utilize the inland waterway system.

• While large “home run” markets such as China remain of great importance to our industry, does this project enhance multiple “base hit” marketing opportunities for soybean meal and soybeans? The identified markets for the Houston export terminal are: Middle East/Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia.

With storage capacity of 6.3 million bushels, the Houston facility supports the export of more than 2 million metric tons of grain annually and will now include up to 22,000 metric tons for storing soybean meal for export. Additional upgrades will include a new conveyance system to seamlessly transport goods from storage to the ship loaders, as well as a new ship-loading tower to increase the efficiency and speed of loading.

The Andersons projects that the primary states that will feed the soybean meal to their facility will be: Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. It is possible other states will feed into the facility as well given the expansion of soybean processing throughout the country.

Because the facility at Port Houston will result in greater resiliency of both international marketing and the supply chain, the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and the following soybean farmer organizations contributed a total of $275,000 toward the project:

• United Soybean Board

• Soy Transportation Coalition

• Iowa Soybean Association

• Kansas Soybean Commission

• Nebraska Soybean Board

The funding will be used for research, analysis, pre-engineering, design and other expenses associated with the facility expansion at Port Houston. The Andersons, the owner of the facility, will assume the costs of the actual construction of the project.

A ceremonial $275,000 check was presented to The Andersons by a group of soybean farmer-leaders on Sept. 24 at a luncheon at Port Houston’s headquarters. The soybean farmer leaders also received a tour of the export terminal and an update on the expansion project.

“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work with soybean farmers on this important investment,” said Matt Dvorak, Houston business manager at The Andersons. “As domestic soybean crush increases, we are identifying new opportunities for the export of soybean meal via our Houston facility. We look forward to working with the Soy Transportation Coalition and the broader soybean farmer community on this project, which will help connect U.S. soybean meal with international customers.”

“Given all the current and future investments in soybean processing in the country in order to produce more soybean oil for the renewable fuels industry, it is critical to expand export infrastructure for soybean meal,” says Chris Mallet, a soybean farmer from Memphis, Missouri, and director on the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and the Soy Transportation Coalition. “We sincerely appreciate The Andersons and Port Houston for making this important investment. Soybean farmers are pleased to provide assistance toward this effort.”

During these challenging times, Missouri soybean farmers continue to be strategic and effective in positioning the soybean industry for success – both now and into the future.

Given all the current and future investments in soybean processing in the country in order to produce more soybean oil for the renewable fuels industry, it is critical to expand export infrastructure for soybean meal.

Chris Mallet, MSMC Board Member

SOYLEIC Soybeans Find Growth in Dairy Rations

By Samantha Turner

Missouri

soybean farmers are seeing new opportunities for their crops in an unexpected place: the dairy barn. Research shows that incorporating SOYLEIC higholeic soybeans into dairy rations not only improves cow health and milk production but also creates a win-win for farmers.

Health and Performance Benefits

SOYLEIC soybeans contain more than 75% oleic acid, giving them a healthier fat profile compared to conventional soybeans. With lower saturated fat levels and high monounsaturated fats, the oil contributes to improved cardiovascular health for humans and a healthier rumen for milk fat production in dairy cows.

Feeding trials have also shown that cows consuming SOYLEICbased feed produce up to 150 grams, or 5.3 ounces, more milk fat per day. That improved fatty acid profile translates to healthier milk, better-quality butter and more marketable dairy products.

Economic Advantages for Dairy Farmers

The benefits are not just nutritional. Incorporating SOYLEIC soybeans into rations can lead to cost savings and revenue gains for dairy producers. Larger herds could see potential increases in revenue of more than $130,000 annually. Because the energy density of lipids is more efficient than that of starch sources, feed costs can also be reduced.

“When soybean and dairy farmers work together, we create better returns for producers and stronger demand for Missouri soybeans,” said Bryan Stobaugh, Missouri Soybeans’ director of commercialization and licensing.

When soybean and dairy farmers work together, we create better returns for producers and stronger demand for Missouri soybeans.

Bryan

Stobaugh, Director of Commercialization and Licensing

Non-GMO and Sustainability Benefits

In addition to performance and profitability, SOYLEIC is a nongenetically modified (non-GM) soybean, a distinction that appeals to markets prioritizing non-GM feed ingredients. That market advantage aligns with consumer demand for transparency and product choices.

Like all soybeans, SOYLEIC varieties contribute environmental benefits through natural nitrogen fixation and resource-efficient production. By integrating SOYLEIC into rations, dairy operations can reduce their environmental footprint while supporting sustainable agriculture practices.

Value for Missouri Farmers

For Missouri soybean growers, this trend represents another market opportunity. By offering a premium, high-oleic product, farmers can capture higher margins while helping meet dairy’s growing interest in quality feed ingredients. Increased adoption in the dairy sector is expected to strengthen local agricultural economies, improve dairy product quality and reinforce soy’s role as a cornerstone crop.

“It’s about giving farmers more options, creating healthier products and expanding demand,” said Mark Lehenbauer, MSMC chairman. “In the current marketplace, we have to be versatile and provide growers across the board the ability to diversify and include valueadded products.”

As trials continue and more dairies report positive results, adoption of SOYLEIC soybeans in dairy diets is expected to increase. Education and outreach efforts are helping producers understand the benefits, while researchers continue to explore further advancements in breeding and production.

The result is a cycle of growth: healthier cows, stronger dairy markets, new demand for soybeans and more profitable farms. For Missouri farmers, it’s another example of how innovation in the field can ripple across the agricultural landscape.

To find out more about SOYLEIC, visit soyleic.com.

MISSOURI SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

ANNOUNCES 2025 YIELD CONTEST

Missouri farmers have consistently brought in big soybean yields in the annual yield contest, combining innovation and expertise throughout the growing season that pays off at harvest. The time to show those big yields is coming up quickly. There will not be an entry form required to enter the contest. Only a completed harvest form is required, which will be due Nov. 30.

The annual Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) Yield Contest presents growers in each of the association’s seven districts a unique opportunity to compete against one another for top yield — a battle of the brands. The regional competition allows farmers to show their skills against others producing in similar soil and under similar weather conditions.

The contest will continue to include district-level competition, recognizing winners in the tilled, no-till and cover crop categories. Top statewide winners will be recognized for dryland and irrigated production. Entries topping 100 bushels per acre will continue to receive special recognition in the 2025 contest.

Entries must be from fields 10 acres or larger in size, with a harvest minimum of 2 acres, and located within Missouri. All participants must be at least 18 years of age. Each entry must be submitted on a separate harvest form. All contest harvest entries must use soybean varieties available in the marketplace for Missouri. No experimental or research line(s) are eligible for the yield contest. Again, there is no entry form required for the 2025 Missouri Soybean Association Yield Contest.

MSA extends great thanks to the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and industry partners for continuously sponsoring this event and recognizing Missouri’s elite producers with cash prizes.

Prizes will be awarded during the Missouri Soybean Association’s district meetings and annual meeting in early 2026. Winners will also be recognized online and in Missouri Soybean Farmer magazine.

Harvest forms, rules and prize details are available on mosoy.org, or growers may request copies by calling the Missouri Soybeans office at (573) 635-3819.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

No, for the 2025 MSA Yield Contest entry forms are not a requirement. Is an entry form required?

What are the categories I can enter?

District Categories:

• Non-Irrigated Till & No-Till

• Non-Irrigated Cover Crop No-Till

State Categories:

• Non-Irrigated Till & No-Till

• Irrigated Till & No-Till

Thank you to this year's Missouri Soybean Association Yield Contest Sponsors: Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, BASF, Pioneer Seed, Bayer, Channel, Asgrow, Beck's Hybrids and Baker Implement.

COMING TO AN ELEVATOR NEAR YOU

2025 HARVEST LUNCH DATES

St. Louis, MO Sep. 30

Missouri Soybean Association Members Receive a

At CFM, we know your worth. And we are committed to rewarding it, one discount at a time. It’s a mutual thing.

Contact your local agent to learn more.

KEEPING IT COOL

Missouri soybean growers know the drill. One day it’s too wet to plant, and the next it’s too hot for pods to set. But what if soybeans had a built-in way to beat the heat? University of Missouri researchers say they do — and this natural cooling trick could help farmers protect yields in a changing climate.

Ron Mittler, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of plant science and technology with the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, has spent years studying how plants handle stress. His latest discovery: Soybeans use differential transpiration, a process where the plant keeps cooling pores (stomata) open on flowers and pods but closes them on the leaves.

“It’s like sweating, but smarter,” Mittler says. “If the plant opened all its stomata, it would lose too much water. So instead, it closes the ones on the leaves and keeps the ones on the flowers and pods open. That lets it cool the parts that really matter — the parts that make seeds.”

The result? A water-saving strategy that helps soybeans survive during those critical reproductive stages, flowering and pod fill, even when water is limited.

What Farmers Can Do Now

Mittler says differential transpiration doesn’t work without at least a little water.

“Soybeans are tough plants,” he says. “If they have enough water, they can handle

heat. But if they face drought or flooding, especially during reproduction or seed fill, and there’s a big heat wave, it becomes a real issue.”

That’s why he urges farmers to consider water management as part of their strategy.

“What they really need to care about is the water availability of soybean plants during really big heat waves,” he says. “If the plant cannot cool the reproductive tissues, even with a little bit of water, then we start seeing problems.”

Planting date matters, too — although it’s not always predictable.

“Timing is key,” Mittler says. “Can I manage when I plant to counter the heat waves? That’s the question. It’s not always ideal, but it helps.”

New Varieties on the Horizon

Right now, the team is testing different soybean lines to see if some are naturally better at differential transpiration.

“We found that already two genotypes do this, but they’re not elite cultivars,” Mittler says. “Our next challenge is to identify lines that do it better and come up with recommendations.”

And yes, Missouri farmers are part of the plan.

“We’ll look at Missouri-adapted varieties,” he says. “They change every year, but we

Did You Know

A soybean plant can save up to 95% of its water during extreme stress by shutting down cooling in its leaves and focusing only on its reproductive tissues. That’s like your body sweating only through your forehead to save fluids — and still beating the heat.

can still follow up and test under real field conditions.”

Even better, this trait could eventually be bred into commercial varieties — or added through gene editing.

“If a big company takes it on and adds differential transpiration to their screening platforms, it could move pretty fast,” Mittler says. “I hope within five years, we’ll have something useful.”

Real-World Science, Real-World Impact

Mittler doesn’t farm, but he understands the stakes.

“It feels really good to have discovered something that matters,” he says. “When I spoke at crop conferences and people told me this was exciting — that’s when I knew this could make a real difference.”

And when it comes to explaining the science? He keeps it relatable.

“The best comparison is sweating,” he says. “If you don’t have enough water, you can’t sweat. Same with soybeans — they need at least a little water to use this cooling strategy.”

As Missouri faces hotter, drier summers, this research offers hope that soybeans — and the farmers who grow them — can stay one step ahead.

It’s not magic — it’s plant physiology. Soybeans cool themselves by releasing water through tiny pores called stomata. But when water is scarce, they don’t treat all tissues equally. Instead, they close the stomata on their leaves and keep them open on their flowers and pods — protecting reproduction while saving water. Researchers call this strategy differential transpiration, and it could be a game changer for drought and heat resilience.

Your Land, Covered

Cover crops have many benefits, including water retention—even in drought years. But, knowing when to terminate the cover crop is key in responding to overly dry or wet seasons.

When you enroll in Farmers for Soil Health, you gain access to individualized support through a technical advisor who can help you navigate a wide range of cover crop questions. From seed selection through termination—we’ve got you covered

Americold executives were joined by state and local leaders to cut the ribbon on their new $100+ million facility in Kansas City in August 2025. It will serve as a key hub for CPKC’s Mexico Midwest Express (MMX) service, North America’s only single-line rail service for refrigerated shippers between the U.S. Midwest and Mexico.

DRIVING DEMAND AND INVESTMENT:

MISSOURI PARTNERSHIP’S ROLE IN GROWING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS

Octoberbrings more than cooler temperatures to Missouri – it brings renewed optimism for Missouri’s agricultural economy, as efforts to attract investment and expand infrastructure continue to generate opportunities for farmers. Missouri Partnership plays a central role in connecting global investment with local resources, helping to strengthen markets, improve logistics and increase demand for Missouri-grown commodities.

A recent highlight was the ribbon cutting at Americold’s new stateof-the-art cold storage facility in Kansas City, Missouri. Missouri Partnership worked alongside state, regional and local partners to attract Americold to Missouri. It’s one of several examples of successful business attraction projects in the food and beverage industry. Americold invested more than $100 million and created 190 new jobs.

Americold’s investment reflects a broader trend of companies choosing Missouri for agribusiness expansion. From Beck’s soybean seed processing plant in New Madrid to American Foods Group’s new meat-processing facility in Warren County, each business attraction project generates economic value for farmers. These successful projects increase demand for locally grown crops, create jobs and strengthen Missouri’s position in domestic and international markets.

Missouri Partnership’s efforts focus on highlighting the state’s strengths: a central location, skilled workforce, friendly business environment and a thriving agricultural ecosystem. By strategically marketing the state and connecting businesses with these assets, the organization attracts investment that supports long-term demand for Missouri commodities.

The impact of these investments extends beyond immediate financial benefits. Each announcement signals confidence in Missouri’s agricultural economy, encouraging additional companies to explore opportunities in the state. As infrastructure and processing capacity expand, Missouri farmers gain access to new markets and technologies that strengthen competitiveness and increase profitability.

Missouri Partnership continues to play a critical role in aligning business investment with agricultural opportunity. From attracting cutting-edge companies to promoting Missouri’s business strengths to executives across the globe, Missouri Partnership’s efforts support sustainable demand that benefits farmers directly.

Missouri’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, and strategic investment facilitated by Missouri Partnership ensures that farmers reap the rewards. By fostering demand and supporting economic growth, Missouri Partnership contributes to a more resilient, competitive and profitable agricultural landscape.

American Foods Group opened America’s Heartland Packing meat-processing facility in Warren County in Spring 2025. The company expects to process 2,400 cattle per day when fully operational.

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