Soybean Business November-December 2021

SOYBEAN THE MAGAZINE FOR MINNESOTA’S SOYBEAN GROWERS

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021- VOLUME XIX - ISSUE 6

B U S I N E S S

Carbon markets have farmers wondering: What’s the catch?

INSIDE

Driving Soy in the fast lane

MSGA secretary hosts Hmong American leaders Saluting Kevin Paap NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 1

MINNESOTA SOYBEAN 151 SAINT ANDREWS COURT, SUITE 710, MANKATO, MN

MN

CONTENTS

SOYBEAN P.6 P.14 P.26 P.32 P.34

MSR&PC has announced dates for its 2022 election, and farmer-leaders are encouraging fellow producers to throw their hats in the rings to have a say in directing checkoff funds.

The Council’s Driving Soy campaign hit the highway over the summer. Both county leaders and law enforcement say the tire promotion treaded new ground and reconnected farmers with their communities.

Patrice Bailey is an assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the ag educator is passionate about leading the department’s outreach efforts with emerging farmers.

Rejuvenated and refreshed, former MSGA Presidents Jamie Beyer and Michael Petefish are taking a lead on the national level after the two farmers were elected to serve on the American Soybean Association board.

It’s been quite a ride for Kevin Paap. The Garden City farmer and former MSGA president looks back on a career in advocacy as he prepares to retire as Minnesota Farm Bureau president.

ABOUT THE COVER Carbon markets have been on the minds of many Minnesota farmers this year. In our cover story, we take a closer look at how farmers may benefit from the program, how biodiesel already crushes carbon and important questions growers should ask before enrolling.

Read on Page 22

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Officers and ASA Directors: OFFICERS

EDITORIAL STAFF:

Mike Skaug President Beltrami, MN Polk County

COUNTY DIRECTORS Hannah Anderson Barnesville, MN Clay/Wilkin County

Jim Jirava Ogema, MN Becker/Mahnomen Counties

Bob Worth Vice President Lake Benton, MN Lincoln County

Ed Arndorfer Willmar, MN Kandiyohi County

Bob Lindemann Brownton, MN McLeod County

Trevore Brekken Crookston, MN Polk County

Bruce Nelsen Rose Creek, MN Mower County

Mark Brown St. James, MN Watonwan County

Keith Nelsen Westbrook, MN Cottonwood County

Steve Brusven Cottonwood, MN Yellow Medicine County

Robert Nelsen Westbrook, MN Murray County

Steve Commerford New Ulm, MN Brown County

Tim Nelson New Richland, MN Waseca County

Brian Fruechte Verdi, MN Lincoln County

Nathan Potucek Warren, MN Marshall County

Gary Gertz Jasper, MN Rock County

Andy Pulk Wannaska, MN Roseau/LOW Counties

Theresia Gillie Hallock, MN Kittson County

Jamie Seitzer St Peter, MN Nicollet/Sibley Counties

Tom Grundman Osakis, MN Douglas County

Jeff Sorenson Morgan, MN Redwood County

Chris Hansen Clarks Grove, MN Freeborn County

Tim Rasmussen Fergus Falls Otter Tail/Grant Counties

Corey Hanson Gary, MN Norman County

Cal Spronk Edgerton, MN Pipestone County

Joel Schreurs Tyler, MN Lincoln County

Jeremy Hanson Morristown, MN Dakota/Rice Counties

Tim Stelling Osakis, MN Todd County

ASA YOUNG LEADERS

Jeremiah Hasnedl St Hilaire, MN Pennington/Red Lake County

Lawrence Sukalski Fairmont, MN Martin County

Matt Heers Owatonna, MN Steele County

Doug Toreen Bird Island, MN Renville County

Ray Hewitt Le Sueur, MN Scott/Le Sueur Counties

Earl Ziegler Good Thunder, MN Blue Earth County

Ryan Mackenthun Secretary Brownton, MN McLeod County Darin Johnson Treasurer Wells, MN Faribault County

ASA DIRECTORS Jamie Beyer* Wheaton, MN Traverse County

George Goblish Vesta, MN Redwood County Bill Gordon** Worthington, MN Nobles County Adam Guetter* Wabasso, MN Redwood County Christopher Hill Brewster, MN Jackson County Jim Kukowski Strathcona, MN Roseau/LOW Counties Michael Petefish* Claremont, MN Dodge County

Mary Dybedahl Chandler, MN Murray County Andrew Sather Moorhead, MN Clay County

Kelli Sorenson Morgan, MN Redwood County Rose Wendinger St. James Watonwan County

Brad Hovel Cannon Falls, MN Goodhue County

Executive Director Joe Smentek Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 jsmentek@mnsoybean.com Art Director Doug Monson Sr. Director of Communications Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 dmonson@agmgmtsolutions.com Managing Editor Drew Lyon Sr. Manager of Communications Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 dlyon@agmgmtsolutions.com Layout & Design Kaelyn Rahe krahe@agmgmtsolutions.com Alex Troska atroska@agmgmtsolutions.com

CIRCULATION: Soybean Business is published six times a year on behalf of Minnesota Soybean. Comments and suggestions can be submitted to: Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, 151 Saint Andrews Court, Suite 710, Mankato, MN 56001.

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Sara Hewitt, Manager of Brand Development and Events 507-995-5208 | 888-896-9678 | shewitt@mnsoybean.com Advertising space reservations can be made by the 15th day of the month prior to publication. In consideration of the acceptance of the advertisement, the agency and the advertiser must, in respect of the contents of the advertisement, indemnify and save the publisher harmless against any expense arising from claims or actions against the publisher because of the publication of the content of the advertisement.

Advertisements within this publication contain the opinions and information of the advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Minnesota Soybean organizations or affiliated groups.

mnsoybean.org

*Term begins in December. **Term ends in December.

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unitedsoybean.org

Letter from the President Leading MSGA is a ‘giant’ privilege This past July, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association’s (MSGA) board of directors held their annual election of officers. Forty directors who volunteer their time to represent Minnesota’s organized counties came together and voted for Ryan Mackenthun as secretary, Darin Johnson as treasurer, Bob Worth as vice president and yours truly as president.

These positions are taken seriously, and I am privileged and humbled to serve as president of MSGA as we enter our 60th year of promoting farm-friendly policies in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. What a legacy! MSGA is one of the nation’s most respected farm organizations, walking the talk when it comes to advocacy. We also have a history of leaders who graduate to the national stage – including past Presidents Jamie Beyer and Michael Petefish, both of whom were recently elected to serve Minnesota on the American Soybean Association board. Minnesota is now the first state to support seven ASA directors.

Everyone at MSGA stands on the shoulders of giants, from our Founding Fathers in the 1960s to modern leaders like outgoing ASA Chair Bill Gordon.

After nearly a decade as a director, and two as vice president, I am honored to have my name alongside the farmer-leaders who have come before me.

MSGA is a non-partisan grassroots policy organization that has earned a reputation for bringing issues to our state legislators that are pragmatic and move agriculture forward. Despite having to advocate virtually, MSGA was successful in conforming the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) to federal law, securing needed funding for research to AGREET and the Northern Crops Institute (NCI), and advancing the Ag Innovation Campus construction plans. For two decades, biodiesel in Minnesota has been a mainstay in supporting nearly 5,400 jobs and adding almost $1.7 billion toward our state’s economy. The EPA rates biodiesel as the first advanced biofuel, and we are proud to defend and promote this homegrown fuel. Biodiesel delivers more renewable energy to empower our state’s

economy and improve Minnesota’s air quality – today.

This past August and September, I spent three days at Farmfest and Big Iron to visit with growers and learn more about their policy and production concerns. A common topic with folks was the droughts plaguing much of Minnesota during the growing season. At that time, Minnesota’s Drought Index was reporting 88% of the state was classified in a severe drought or worse. MSGA heard the calls of our members, and successfully advocated the Walz administration for financial assistance. We know and appreciate the business of farming is fraught with financial risk and highly dependent on Mother Nature.

MAINTAINING OUR REPUTATION TO DELIVER

Whether shipping by river, road or rail, the soy checkoff is committed to ensuring America’s infrastructure is a significant advantage for U.S. soybean farmers. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you.

See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for soybean farmers at unitedsoybean.org

The successes and ambitions of MSGA are not accidental. MSGA is a membership-based organization that includes grower representatives from around the state who can share actual experiences. We benefit greatly knowing the plight of growers when advocating on their behalf at the state capitol. MSGA directors volunteer their abilities toward a common goal of promoting state policy that advances rural Minnesota. We are pleased with our track record, but know the work ahead continues as we plot our 2022 legislative priorities and look ahead to the return of MN AG EXPO in January. Thanks to your membership dollar, grower volunteers, lobbyists and staff are working to grow a better tomorrow – and improve your profitability.

We represent all soybean growers across our state and value their membership. Continue to stay engaged by visiting mnsoybean.org/msga and joining today!

Mike Skaug, President, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Brought to you by the soy checkoff. ©2018 United Soybean Board. Our Soy Checkoff and the Our Soy Checkoff mark are trademarks of United Soybean Board. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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CALLING ALL LEADERS Council seeks candidates for 2022 2022 MN SOYBEAN RESEARCH & elections Brought to you by the soybean checkoff PROMOTION COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Have you ever wanted to have a voice in directing in 2022.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and investing checkoff resources?

Now’s your chance Council directors help oversee the state’s soybean holds commodity council elections each spring. a Five Minnesotafor Soybean Research to become candidate election to the Minnesota checkoff dollars on behalf of Minnesota’s nearly 28,000 & Promotion Council positions are up for Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC). soybean farmers. Interested participants election.

MSR&PC Directors must fill out a As of June 1, 2021 Yes, it’s that time of year again. MSR&PC and the candidate certification form and a candidate biography Interested candidates need to fill out a Kris Folland Dist. 1,2 & 3 Minnesota Department ofand Agriculture candidate biography form a candidate (MDA) are seeking form and submit it to the Minnesota Soybean office no Bill Zurn Dist. 1,2 & 3 certification form and returncouncil to Minnesota candidates for commodity elections later than Jan. 24, 2022. Paul Freeman Dist. 4 Soybean by Jan. 24, 2022.

Patrick O’Leary Dist. or 4 serving “I know from my first term that serving on the Council “If you’re unsure about being a candidate Tom Frisch Dist. 4* Dates to Remember: is rewarding and an important step in directing where on the Council, we encourage farmers to Dist. reach Joe Serbus 5 &out 6* Jan. 24, 2022 Ballot requests due to Pat Sullivan 5 & also 6 soybean checkoff investments go,” MSR&PC Vice Chair to their area representative, ” said Serbus, Dist. who Minnesota Soybean Gene Stoel Dist.time 7* to Tom Frisch said. “A larger serves as Council chair. “Volunteering your office pool of candidates gives Jim Willers Dist. 7 farmers the chance to vote for someone who will give any organization takes commitment, andDist. not7 everyone Ron Obermoller March 18, 2022 MN Department of Cole Trebesch Dist.

8 and a them a voice on checkoff investments.

The more the is meant to be a leader.

However, it is an honor Agriculture mails ballots Rochelle Krusemark Dist. 8 to soybean producers merrier.” privilege to represent Minnesota soybeanDist. farmers and to Gail Donkers 8* who requested ballots Council Directors or Gail Donkers (District 8), Frisch ensure soybean checkoff funds are invested properly. ” Glen Groth Dist.

9* have voted in past Ben Storm Dist.

9 soybean elections (District 4), Glen Groth (District 9), Joe Serbus (District Interested candidates can download the necessary 5 & 6)April and4, Gene (District 7) are all up for reelection forms at mnsoybean.org/msrpc.

2022 Stoel Last day for ballots to be For MSR&PC candidate forms or to request a

1

postmarked

2

4

5 6

7

8

3

9

ballot, visit mnsoybean.org/msrpc.

*MSR&PC Expiring Director Terms, 2022

2022 MN SOYBEAN RESEARCH & PROMOTION COUNCIL ELECTIONS The Minnesota Department of Agriculture holds commodity council elections each spring. Five Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council positions are up for election.

Interested candidates need to fill out a candidate biography form and a candidate certification form and return to Minnesota Soybean by Jan. 24, 2022.

MSR&PC Directors

1

2

3

Dates to Remember: Jan. 24, 2022

Ballot requests due to Minnesota Soybean office

March 18, 2022

MN Department of Agriculture mails ballots to soybean producers who requested ballots or have voted in past soybean elections

April 4, 2022

Last day for ballots to be postmarked

4

5 6

7

8

9

For MSR&PC candidate forms or to request a ballot, visit mnsoybean.org/msrpc.

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As of June 1, 2021

Kris Folland Bill Zurn Paul Freeman Patrick O’Leary Tom Frisch Joe Serbus Pat Sullivan Gene Stoel Jim Willers Ron Obermoller Cole Trebesch Rochelle Krusemark Gail Donkers Glen Groth Ben Storm

Dist. 1,2 & 3 Dist. 1,2 & 3 Dist. 4 Dist. 4 Dist. 4* Dist. 5 & 6* Dist. 5 & 6 Dist. 7* Dist. 7 Dist. 7 Dist. 8 Dist. 8 Dist. 8* Dist. 9* Dist. 9

*MSR&PC Expiring Director Terms, 2022

Checkoff project hits pavement

By Katelyn Engquist A product funded by soybean checkoff dollars has made its way to Minnesota’s roads.

This fall, EPIC EsterLink (EL) Dust Suppressant was applied to a gravel road adjacent to a sugar beet piling station near the town of Foxhome in Wilkin County. EPIC EL, commercialized by BioBlend Renewable Resources, is a soy-based dust control product designed to decrease the amount of dust created by traffic and large equipment on unpaved roads.

The EL dust suppressant uses soybean oil and glycerin, a coproduct of biodiesel production, to create an emulsion. The emulsion is concentrated and mixed with water prior to application. Research at North Dakota State University, funded in part by the soybean checkoff, created the chemistry for the product.

The application site was chosen because of the high amount of sugar beet truck traffic on the road. The suppressant was put to the test following sugar beet harvest. Typically, traditional magnesium/calcium chlorides are applied to the entire road before and during harvest as needed. The Foxhome application site includes another stretch of the road treated by chlorides.

“If we could find something more affordable, and if it can be environmentally friendly, that’s a huge plus,”

said Tim Christopher, maintenance supervisor for the Wilkin County Highway Department.

Besides decreasing the amount of dust and other air pollutants, EPIC EL offers environmental benefits by offering an alternative to the traditional products that can cause corrosion on equipment or leach into the soil.

Harold Stanislawski, project development director for Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), believes people are eager to switch to a better product for suppressing dust if they can find something that works as well as chlorides. AURI will compare the chloride and EL applications at the Foxhome site with dust monitors and complete similar dust suppressant comparison trials at other sites around Minnesota.

“This is just another example of how soybean farmers and the soybean checkoff are creating new products that have benefits from the farmer to the consumer and the environment,” said Mike Youngerberg, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council senior director of product development and commercialization.

BioBlend is searching for the best soybean oil pricing to retail a cost-effective product. Research and development continue to develop the best mixing process. The product can be purchased directly from BioBlend.com.

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VAMONOS PESTS!

MSGA, MSR&PC support research center’s battle against invasive species

By Shane Frederick As the end of Minnesota’s 2021 legislative session approached, the folks at the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants & Pests Center were more than a little bit nervous.

After not receiving funding from the Legislature in 2020, the Center was “in a precarious situation,” according to Rob Venette, MITPPC director.

“We weren’t sure if we were going to be around much longer,” Venette said. “With the support of Minnesota Soybean and all the other commodity groups within the state, it was made very clear to the Legislature how important research on invasive species is to them and why they support the work of the Center. …

“Their message was received.”

And it was answered – on the final day of the session with a $5 million allocation for future research through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association indeed advocated for continued funding for MITPPC, which was started in 2014 as a way to bring research resources and talent together to take on some of the biggest

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threats to the land by invasive species – plants and pests that harm forests, prairies, wetlands and, of course, agriculture.

“The critical investment the state has decided to make in our center is absolutely essential for the health of agriculture in Minnesota,” said Heather Koop, MITPPC associate director.

MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek agreed.

“They’re an important partner in our efforts to keep foreign material out of our soybeans,” he said. “We need them in the fight against pests and disease, so our

Minnesota Soybean has been a valued partner for the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants & Pests Center, said Heather Koop, the Center’s associate director.

MSGA has advocated for state funding for the Center, and David Kee, Director of Research for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, is a member of the MITPPC board.

“We really value the relationship that we have developed with the soybean growers,” Koop said.

“David Kee and (MSGA Executive Director) Joe Smentek have been of invaluable help to us and supporters of us from the get-go.

That means the world to us in terms of our success as a center.

If we’re not answering the calls of concerned citizens around invasive species, then, clearly, we’re not doing our job. So to have that support of a major agricultural industry is really a big deal.”

members were proud to advocate for continued funding of this program.”

Among the nearly three dozen projects that the Center funds, several directly or indirectly affect Minnesota soybean farmers. They include: • Soybean aphid research, including modern scouting and screening methods and development of an aphidresistant line of beans.

• Development of a genetic testing tool to detect harmful Palmer amaranth in seed mixes.

• Research to better understand soybean sudden death syndrome and how the fungus Fusarium virguliforme (FV) spreads and triggers disease.

• Creation of a mobile app to identify and report the presence of brown marmorated stink bugs.

• Keeping buckthorn in check, both as a hard-to-control invasive species and also as the overwinter host of soybean aphids.

“We look across the landscape at all

terrestrial invasive species,” Venette said. “And it’s not that we intentionally go after soybean pests – that’s not really our charge – but it does turn out that some of those soybean pests are among the greatest threats to the state.”

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council has collaborated on soybean aphid management research, providing checkoff funding to a project led by entomologist Robert Koch and a team that includes agronomist and plant geneticist Aaron Lorenz and others.

“The Center has unique ways of bringing collaborators from different disciplines together to solve a common problem,” said MSR&PC Director of Research David Kee, who is a member of the Center’s advisory board. “We can leverage our information and our resources with MITPPC to help develop the

knowledge base to manage a variety of soybean pests.”

The soybean aphid research advanced the development of aphidresistant soybeans as well as remote sensing of aphids through droneand even satellite-based scouting to reduce the use of insecticide and decrease any adverse economic and environmental impact of soybean aphid management.

“If not but for the funds that the Center has brought to the university for this program, there probably wouldn’t be this research,” Koop said.

Besides scoring proposals and choosing which projects to fund, the Center brings together researchers and teams from the U’s “incredibly deep bench of talent” and also connects them to other collaborators and stakeholders from around the state and the country.

Continued on Page 10

The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants & Pests Center was started on the heels of a similar organization at the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center.

“Most Minnesotans really know about aquatic invasives and why they should be concerned,” MITPPC Director Rob Venette said. “We had some very forward-thinking folks in the Legislature who said, ‘Wait a minute. We’ve got a lot of stuff happening on the land. What are we doing about that?’ … That’s a pretty big charge.”

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Review and Plan

Brought to you by Mustang Seeds

Bob Koch is a soybean checkoff-sponsored entomologist from the University of Minnesota.

Soybean aphids were first discovered in Minnesota around the year 2000.

It’s brought together unlikely partners, including scientists from across campus who didn’t even know each other, let along the work the other was doing, and has included work from colleges outside the university’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).

“What our center is meant to do is take all of the talent and all the resources that the university has and focus them and, really, direct them at the some of our greatest invasive species threats and demonstrate that we really can make progress in mitigating the risks that those species pose to us,” Venette said. “Our center has been in an ideal position to begin to address those kinds of questions. We feel fortunate to be able to support some of the best talent at the university to go after them.”

Venette said each project funded by the Center incorporates four themes: • Development of new methods for detection and distribution of invasive species: “You can’t manage them if you don’t know where they are,” Venette said.

• New management methods, including

nontraditional approaches: “Thinking outside the box from traditional approaches.”

• Future conditions, studying how invasive species might respond to changing climate, markets, land use and demography: “It all has pretty significant implications for the pests that we’re dealing with.”

• Socio-economics: “How do we motivate people to take action? What are the costs and benefits of that work?”

“We don’t want to do research for the sake of research,” Venette said. “We want to make sure this actually has an impact.”

Koop agreed, noting the importance of collaboration in advancing research.

“If you want to be successful, you really have to address issues from multiple perspectives and multiple points of view,” she said. “Ten years ago, you might not have had an aeronautical engineer (Demoz Gebre-Egziabher) working on a soybean aphid project. That happened because of the Center. We bring people together in very surprising ways.”

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Many farmers throughout the Dakotas and Minnesota will likely be happy to put the challenges of the 2021 growing season in their rearview mirrors. Extremely dry conditions blanketed much of the upper Midwest, curbing top end soybean yields.

Still, many growers were pleasantly surprised at what they found when combines started rolling.

W“A lot of areas turned out better than they probably should have, given the year we had,” says Mason Roerig, Soybean Product Manager for Mustang Seeds. “Yields have been spotty, but for the most part, people have been impressed when they run their combines through the beans.”

Roerig says moisture and seed relative maturity were among the key factors determining yield in 2021. Some soybeans that were still green when late season rains arrived were able to make use of the moisture to pack on extra yield. The rains came too late for some of the earlier maturing beans.

Rainfall during the 2021 growing season was spotty throughout South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, which resulted in a wide range of yields.

“Yields have been all over the board,” Roerig says. “I’ve heard reports of 20-bushel beans and 70-bushel beans coming from different areas of the same field.”

Farmers can’t plan for the weather, but they can take what they’ve learned in 2021 and apply it to decisions for next year.

One of the deciding factors in selecting soybean seed for 2022 will be the herbicide platform farmers want to use, including XtendFlex® or Enlist™ E3 traits.

“What they’re going to want to spray, based on herbicide supply in their area and what weed control needs they have, will be a factor in what they plant,” Roerig explains.

“Mustang Seeds is independent and want to sell the seed that works for the grower,” says Mustang Seeds Corn Product Manager Dale Nelson.

Nelson says Mustang Seeds has a full portfolio

of soybean seed options, including varieties with resistance to diseases like iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) and pests like soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

“We’re not tied up with one particular trait. Certain farmers need an IDC bean, certain farmers need a cyst soybean, we have pockets of the region where all growers need is a bean that can handle hotter and drier conditions, so they’re not as fussy on the characteristics,” Nelson explains. “We have a full portfolio from a 00.8 to a 2.9 maturity soybean, so we’ve got the whole gamut. We’re not pushing one trait or the other, we want to match up the grower with seed that works for their conditions and their operation.”

Roerig says Mustang Seeds has a full product guide with multiple new varieties in both the Enlist E3 and Xtendflex platforms plotted across South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. Growers can use that information to help plan for 2022.

Whatever variety growers select, Nelson recommends farmers don’t hesitate to make their plans to ensure they can get the products they want.

“Anytime there are new traits, seed selections get a little tighter,” Nelson says. “If growers want a particular characteristic and particular bean, it’s best not to wait.”

For a listing of Mustang Seeds soybean options, visit mustangseeds.com or contact your local Mustang Seeds representative.

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Clean Beans Experts say farmers have options in keeping foreign material low

By Drew Lyon A farmer’s mission to manage weeds and keep foreign material low doesn’t end with the growing season.

Growers in Minnesota, the Dakotas and Nebraska should continue to be mindful of controlling weed seed and keeping spread at bay, said Minnesota Soybean Director of Research David Kee. Spreading weed seeds such as waterhemp or ragweed can lead to significant yield loss.

“You don’t want to turn your combine into a weed seed distributor,” he said. “If you blow through that pocket of weeds, it’s going to spread out.”

Kee recommends farmers design and implement a weed control strategy. Keep it simple, he says.

“You could harvest the weed stuff last and then make your weed control based on what your weeds were last and the crop you’re rotating for next year,” he said.

University of Minnesota Agronomist Seth Naeve agreed, saying controlling weed seeds is important to maintaining the crop for domestic and export purposes.

“Farmers should take notes of where weedy patches are and get back to them and control them for the future,” he said.

Keeping FM at bay Besides their outstanding quality, soybeans grown in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota are consistently among the cleanest in the world. These soybeans, which are exported to markets worldwide, have limited foreign material (FM), thanks to strict management practices throughout the process of planting, growing, harvesting and storage.

“Farmers need to continue doing all they can to keep their beans clean from the beginning to allow the system to

stay clean all the way through,” said Naeve, who also works with farmers through projects funded by the farmer-led Northern Soy Marketing group.

In December 2017, the USDA and Chinese government agreed that future soybean shipments from the United States to China are required to contain less than 1% FM. According to the 2020 United States Soybean Quality Annual Report, the percentage of FM in soybeans sampled in northern-grown states already meet China’s required threshold: 0.2% in Minnesota and South Dakota and 0.3% in North Dakota.

“We know that being free of weed seed and being free of FM is a significant role player for all marketplaces,” NSM Chair and Minnesota farmer Patrick O’Leary said. “On the farm here, it’s one of our goals to keep our beans as clean

The physics of whole soybeans play a crucial role in the distribution of FM particles. Using the “coring of the bin” method improves airflow and enables better quality preservation for longer storage periods.

as we can.”

A clean crop is the most effective way to maximize the highest value at the marketplace; otherwise, Naeve warned, exporters are in danger of their shipments being rejected by overseas customers.

“That doesn’t affect the farmer directly, but then it costs the export company a bunch of money to redirect the vessel and that cost will

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trickle back to the farmer,” Naeve said. “It can be a tough message, but it’s best to act altruistically.”

In an ideal situation, Kim Nill, market development director with Minnesota Soybean, advises farmers to also use a rotary cage mill known as a seed destructor “That will help clean out the small weed seeds,” he said.

Naeve tells farmers that if they do have weed issues on their crops, they should separate and store that portion from the bulk of the crop post-harvest. Employing these practices will prevent contamination, a penalty at the elevator or pushing their crop over the 1% FM limit.

“That’s one of the easiest things farmers can do – isolate their ugliest beans,” he said.

To learn more about managing FM, visit soyquality.com/foreign-material for a series of videos funded by NSM and the soybean checkoff.

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 13

By Drew Lyon After a lost summer in 2020, the 2021 Driving Soy campaign kept the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council on the road all season long. The campaign, which ran from June into September, blanketed the state to promote long-term checkoff investments in value-added agriculture, with Goodyear’s four sets of soybased tires serving as the centerpiece.

Farmers in both local and state leadership positions say Driving Soy took the soybean checkoff for a spin in the fast lane.

“This was an exciting campaign to be part of,” said Dodge County Corn and Soybean Growers Director Pete Henslin, whose board donated a set to their sheriff ’s department in early September. “Our county is always trying to promote agriculture within our county, and this campaign truly does that.”

Joe Serbus, who was elected Council chair during the Driving Soy campaign, said the campaign served multiple purposes.

“The ‘Driving Soy’ mission has achieved multiple goals,” Serbus said. “Our farmerled county boards were able to reconnect with their communities and promote the commodities they grow. We were also able to thank first responders for keeping us safe, and finally, this also gave us the opportunity to recognize the valuable work nonprofits are doing for those who need a helping hand.”

Serbus farms in Renville County. In August, the Renville County Corn and Soybean Growers donated a set of the Eagle Enforcer tires to its local sheriff ’s department.

“Donating the soy-based tires gave us a chance to support the local first responders, while also promoting new soybean uses,” said Charles Mathiowetz, Renville County Corn and Soybean Growers chair. “I think Goodyear producing soy-based tires

surprised some people, and I hope that they continue to pay attention to what innovations use soybeans, especially the ones they wouldn’t think about.”

‘Seeking something better’ Soybean oil in the tread of four lines of all-season Goodyear tires improves the tires’ flexibility, providing better traction in colder temperatures, and lowers petroleum-based use by 42-62%. Soy oil also mixes easier with rubber, creating a more sustainable product.

“By taking advantage of the soybean oil properties, we’re able to have a lot more flexibility in our manufacturing,” said Bob Woloszynek, a chemist and Goodyear’s chief engineer of global raw materials and technology. “This allows us to improve multiple attributes simultaneously.”

Goodyear has released four lines of tires with soybean oil compounds: Assurance WeatherReady (2017), Eagle Enforcer All Weather (2018), Eagle Exhilarate (2019) and Assurance Comfort Drive (2020). About a bushel of soybeans is needed for each set of soy-based tires. Goodyear, supported by checkoff investments, has increased its use of soybeans by 73% since 2018 and has pledged to fully replace all of its petroleumdriven oils with soybean oil by 2040.

“We’re always looking for new materials and technology that can improve the tire performance,” Woloszynek said.

“Considering its abundance in the U.S., soybean oil was the perfect place to start.”

That’s just one of many value-added uses of soybeans grown in Minnesota and elsewhere. Others include the bio-based asphalt-life extender RePlay and, of course, carbon-fighting biodiesel.

The highway is alive, thanks to checkoff investments from Minnesota’s nearly 28,000 soybean farmers.

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This billboard was placed in Traverse County last summer as part of the Driving Soy campaign.

“This campaign was good for consumers, good for the farmers and good for the environment,” said Mike Youngerberg, MSR&PC senior director of product development & commercialization. “We see advancements happening all over the place in agriculture, and these tires are a prime example.

People are seeking something better.”

Council CEO Tom Slunecka said the positive response has led the organization

to consider holding a similar checkoffrelated promotion in 2022.

“There are so many products and successes that have come from checkoff investments,” Slunecka said.

“These tires are a great example of a checkoff investment that had a long-term vision on how to reach commercialization. They perform better than other tires, and we just couldn’t be more excited about showing another way agriculture can be a solution to consumer demand.”

Over the course of several months, Driving Soy helped raise the Council’s brand and profile – both regionally and nationally – to the tune of 68 million media impressions across dozens of earned media outlets throughout the state in 2021.

In total, the Council’s communications team issued 45 press releases related to the campaign, and published nine stories on mnsoybean.org.

Story placements in Minnesota media: 38 Facebook: 361,245 impressions, 27,152 engagements Google: 106,815 impressions Radio: Aired more than 3,120 local messages on ag radio stations, earning over 1 million audio impressions

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 15

Building a Bridge

MSR&PC announces tire donation to youth nonprofit rmance of soy-based tires rfo pe th wi ed as ple ts en rtm pa de ff’s Sheri

By Drew Lyon As a farmer and Rice County sheriff ’s deputy, Derek Estrem was doubly excited to participate in the Driving Soy campaign.

“Derek was banging at the door, going, ‘Hey, can I have that first set?’”

Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn said.

“We were excited to get these tires on here and put our agriculture to use in public safety.”

In June, MSR&PC hosted a Driving Soy kickoff event at Estrem Farms alongside Sheriff Dunn, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Andrea Vaubel, ag leaders and Rice County officials.

The Eagle Enforcer tires, designed specifically for law enforcement and released in 2019, were put on Estrem’s 2019 Dodge Charger. Throughout the summer, nearly all of Minnesota’s 44 organized soybean counties joined Rice County in donating a set of Goodyear’s soy-based tires to promote soybean checkoff investments.

“It was rewarding to be asked to put on these tires because I grow the product that goes into making it,” he said. “It’s an honor to have these tires.”

By harvest time, Estrem had driven about 7,000 miles and said the tires performed well during driving

school. A SUV in the Rice County Sheriff ’s Department is also using a set of Eagle Enforcer tires.

“I would definitely recommend these tires,” said Estrem, who farms with his brother and uncle on their third-generation family farm in Nerstrand. “It’s nice to see that Goodyear is finding a way to use the farmers’ products and support renewable materials.”

Even before the Driving Soy tire donation, the Clay County Sheriff ’s Department transitioned to the Eagle Enforcer tires for its entire 20-car patrol fleet.

“Our department has used the Eagle Enforcer tires for a few years now. They’re a very all-purpose tire, which leads to a cost savings to our department,” Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting said. “When we were approached about the tire donation from the Corn and Soybean Growers, we were surprised but very happy that they thought of us. It speaks volumes of the relationships and the support we receive from our communities.”

Previously, the Clay County department used different tires for the summer and winter, creating a storage issue. The Eagle Enforcer tires solve that problem, holding up well throughout Minnesota’s weather

16 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

The Eagle Enforcer tires feature a multi-zoned tread compound that helps increase grip for superior handling and enhanced cornering stability.

extremes. Empting said his deputies report the tires grip the road better than the previous Goodyear tires the department used.

“This is a tire we can run yearround without any issue,” Empting said. “We’re very happy with them.”

Derek Estrem is a Rice County farmer and sheriff ’s deputy. His late father, Kevin, was a wellknown agriculture leader.

By Drew Lyon Soybean oil is a component in a myriad of products, from food to fuel to crayons. But Christina Heineken Woodlee of The Bridge for Youth program had no idea this Minnesotagrown commodity could also be converted into sustainable tires. At least she didn’t until she received notice that the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) selected them from nominations to donate a set of soybased tires to her organization. The Bridge for Youth is a Minneapolisbased nonprofit that helps connect with the thousands of minors and young adults facing homelessness and home-instability throughout Minnesota.

“I knew a little bit about soybeans, but I didn’t know they could be used to make tires,” Heineken Woodlee said. “I was like, ‘This is pretty cool!’”

I usually cook with soybean oil, so when I heard about this donation, I thought, ‘I have that in my kitchen.’”

As part of the Driving Soy campaign, MSR&PC held a Nominate a Nonprofit online campaign to allow the farming audience a chance to submit on behalf of a deserving nonprofit.

Beth Gasser of Vivid Image, and her colleague, Amber Erickson, both

nominated The Bridge for Youth, which was established in 1970 by a pair of local activists from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

“I’m truly moved by The Bridge’s relentless compassion for marginalized youth and their commitment to show up where, when and how they are needed most,” Gasser said. “Once you learn about The Bridge, you can’t help following what they are planning next. The impact they are making is really remarkable.”

Heineken Woodlee, the organization’s Senior Director of Strategy & Partnerships, was unaware Bridges for Youth had even been nominated for the Council nonprofit award.

“It was a big surprise,” she said, “but it was a beautiful surprise. We are so grateful.”

Meeting a need Based in south Minneapolis, The Bridge for Youth provides emergency shelter and supportive housing for minor-age youth (including singleparent youth) and young adults experiencing homelessness. The pandemic has only exacerbated issues related to youth homelessness.

On any given night, 6,000 youth in Minnesota are homeless – accounting

for nearly half of the state’s homeless population. Most home-instable youth are also experiencing mental health challenges.

“During COVID, the world changed,” Heineken Woodlee said, “and for youth seeking the stability and safety of The Bridge, a lot of those options and supportive adults just weren’t there. … There was nowhere to go.”

As a result of the challenges brought forth by the pandemic, The Bridge for Youth launched its Mobile Youth Outreach Center, a bus equipped with food, clothing and hygiene needs. The organization hopes to use the Goodyear soy-based tires for the mobile bus or another van designed for outreach services.

Feeding homeless youth is a critical step toward forging relationships.

“Food builds trust,” Heineken Woodlee said.

Minnesota Soybean will donate the set of soy-based tires to The Bridge for Youth later this fall.

“We applaud The Bridge for Youth for their efforts in feeding and clothing our youth in the face of some difficult circumstances,” Council CEO Tom Slunecka said. “This harvest season, our organization is proud to give back to this worthy nonprofit.”

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‘Good peace of mind’: ‘Millennial Farmer’ enrolls in the MAWQCP Zach Johnson, aka the “Millennial Farmer,” has a lot going on between the rows on his family farm in Pope County. He grows corn and soybeans, raises three children with his wife, Becky, and is one of the most prominent farmers on social media.

Johnson can now add his voluntary enrollment in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) to his growing list of credentials and accolades.

“Sometimes, you don’t know what you’re getting into, what you’re signing up for,” he said. “But after we talked to the local NRCS office, they reassured us that there isn’t a negative to be in the program, and they were right.”

In July, Johnson, a social media creator and influencer, announced his participation in MAWQCP to his more than a quarter-million followers on Instagram. His post received nearly 10,000 likes, helping to generate an online conversation about water and soil health.

“I think it’s good peace of mind for everyone involved, including consumers who may be wondering, ‘What are farmers doing out here?’” said Johnson, who’s also a member of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. “Now, they can look and see and see that farmers are volunteering for this program, and we’re doing pretty good out there.”

Several months ago, the Pope County Soil & Water Conservation District reached out to Johnson to encourage him to join MAWQCP. Johnson agreed, and after working with Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) officials, he completed the process in summer 2021. While working with his local SWCD, Johnson realized he was already using many of the same policies that help to earn certification.

“We didn’t have to change much at all,” he said.

“The big thing we’re going to work on now moving forward is some of our drain tiling intakes. We’ve got some older intakes that need some work, and we’re going to work on those and clean those up and look at other options besides open intakes.”

Farmers can contact their local SWCD to apply for MAWQCP certification and then complete a series of steps with local certifiers using a 100% site-

IT’S NOT JUST YOUR LAND. IT’S YOUR LEGACY. The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program Zach Johnson, the Millennial Farmer, is active on Instagram and his YouTube channel.

specific risk-assessment process. By law, all data is kept private, and only by signing a formal release can a farmer’s name be released publicly. After becoming certified, farmers like Johnson receive a 10-year contract ensuring they will be deemed in compliance with any new water quality laws, an official MAWQCP sign to display on their farm and other benefits developed by local MAWQCP providers.

“For me, it’s important (farmers) understand it’s a volunteer program,” Johnson said. “We’re not getting a bunch of dollars to be a part of this program and do things different. We basically give MDA info and they let us know what we’re doing well and what need to work on, and then they work with us moving forward to make sure we stay in compliance in case anything changes.”

More than 1,100 producers are currently certified in the MAWQCP, covering more than 790,000 certified acres, and implementing more than 2,220 new conservation practices. Gov. Tim Walz has set a goal of enrolling 1 million acres in the MAWQCP by the end of 2022.

“We applaud Zach for using his voice and platform to support water quality efforts,” MAWQCP Project Manager Brad Jordahl Redlin said.

Johnson said he’s been encouraged by the comments he’s received from farmers and consumers, and has spoken with other growers in his area who are also water quality certified.

“Everything I’ve received is positive,” he said. “I’ve never heard anyone say they regret it, and that’s always good.”

rewards farmers like you for what you do best, taking care of your land and its natural resources.

To get started and learn more, contact your local soil and water conservation district or go to:

MyLandMyLegacy.com

Brought to you by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

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Drift Task Force works to keep dicamba in the toolbox MDA to have final say on 2022 guidelines

By Drew Lyon In order to preserve crucial technology for the future, the Drift Task Force held a meeting prior to harvest with grower leaders and Minnesota Department of Agriculture officials to discuss overthe-top application of dicamba.

Following the meeting, the Drift Task Force, chaired by Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Vice President Bob Worth, issued a series of recommendations to MDA designed to ensure dicamba can be applied safely in 2022 and beyond.

“We need to keep this tool available for use,” Worth said, “but we need to put certain limitations on it in order to keep it a viable option. Otherwise, we’re in danger of losing dicamba.”

For sites located south of a line stretching across the state from Moorhead to Duluth, the Drift Task Force recommends dicamba products labelled for over-the-top use of dicamba tolerant soybeans should be applied according to the EPA label with the following restrictions: • No application after June 12 • No application when air temperatures exceed, or are predicted to exceed, 85 degrees

Fahrenheit For areas north of the line, the Drift Task Force recommends dicamba products should be applied according to the EPA label.

“We want to be good stewards, but we don’t want to lose this product and we don’t want farmers against farmers,” Worth said. “We want this product used correctly. We don’t want to pick on dicamba all the time, but this is the one that’s been causing problems.”

Since dicamba was first registered for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans in the 2017 growing season, MDA has fielded complaints each year of alleged off-site movement onto neighboring property. So far, this year, MDA has fielded more than 300 complaints, the most the department has received in a given growing season. The vast majority of dicamba damage reports are from southern Minnesota; soybeans were by far the crop most affected.

“Dicamba is still a very useful tool for growers combating resistant weed species,” MDA Director of Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Josh Stamper said. “But like any important tools, there’s a lot of responsibility

20 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

that comes along with that. In the case of dicamba, there’s a significant amount of legal liability that comes along with the use, and that’s something we saw this year.”

The previous annual totals of complaints were: 2020: 124 reports 2019: 22 reports 2018: 53 reports 2017: 253 reports An application cutoff date has been in effect in the state since 2018. The cutoff date for 2021 was June 30.

Most of the complaints this growing season occurred in June.

“We felt more issues happened because of that later date,” Worth said. “Very few of these complaints came in early, and we appreciate MDA giving us all the information needed to come to this recommendation – and that’s what this is, just a recommendation. MDA has the final say on all of this.”

So far, Stamper said all of the dicamba-damage investigations since 2018 have revealed that farmers haven’t been in full compliance of the label. Stamper urged farmers to follow the label and maintain detailed record-keeping when using dicamba.

Moorhead

Duluth

Drift Task Force 2022 Recommendations Dicamba products should be applied according to the EPA label.

Dicamba products for over-the-top use on soybeans should be applied according to the EPA label, but with the following restrictions: • No application after June 12 • No application when air temperatures exceed, or are predicted to exceed, 85 degrees Fahrenheit

MDA will announce its 2022 dicamba guidelines this winter.

“A big portion of the compliance with this label is record-keeping and the record-keeping is the growers’ opportunity to demonstrate that they did everything correctly,” Stamper said. “The challenge we’re running into in our investigations is nobody is doing that, and that’s problematic from our end.”

The Drift Task Force was created in 2017. It was the first farmer-led group assembled to examine the data and science behind suspected

dicamba damage reports in Minnesota, and find a solution to develop best management practices concerning the use of dicamba in dicamba-tolerant soybeans in the state. Members from both MSGA and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, including Chair Joe Serbus, serve on the Drift Task Force.

Worth said it was important that farmers throughout the state have a voice on the Drift Task Force.

“MSGA President Mike Skaug has set up a Drift Task Force that has people scattered all over the state, so we have great representation,” Worth said.

MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen hopes to announce dicamba guidelines for the 2022 growing season by early December.

“It’s going to be very challenging for us to use the existing federal label in Minnesota,” Stamper said.

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A new market?

Carbon sequestration has farmers wondering who will benefit

By Drew Lyon Rochelle Krusemark uses a truism her father often employed – “Don’t speak with authority when our knowledge is limited” – that has served her well during her farming career. The maxim, she said, relates to the ongoing debate around the role farmers are playing in carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“We need some answers and a reliable, repeatable and consistent test,” said Krusemark, a Martin County farmer and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council director.

“Otherwise, it’s a grab bag and we’re just throwing stuff in the air.”

For much of 2021, carbon sequestration has been a hot topic among Minnesota farmers at the local and state level. For now, there are more questions than answers.

“We’ve heard a lot of concerns about this topic through our membership at local and state boards,” Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Mike Skaug

said. “It’s a subject that’s certainly on our radar as an advocacy organization.”

Last year, MSGA blocked efforts in St. Paul to start a state-level carbon program. Farmer-leaders will discuss MSGA’s position on carbon trading

during its upcoming 2022 resolution process.

“MSGA supports giving the farmers these opportunities,” Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “However, we’re being cautious about any potential unintended

Curbing Carbon:

consequences.”

About 18 months ago, Krusemark said her farm entered into an agreement with a private company for carbon data going back a decade, but hasn’t entered into a carbon contract. So far, one of the biggest benefits is the Krusemarks have been able to reduce diesel consumption on their family farm by an estimated 50%.

“That’s quite a bit. But the main reason they’re doing this is they need the data and we need the data,” said Krusemark, who serves on the US Farm and Ranchers in Action’s ClimateSmart working group. “But if we can’t do something sciencebased, then what good are we doing?”

The United Soybean Board and the American Soybean Association have been actively engaged with farmers on the topic. According to a recent survey, only 3% of farmers are enrolled in a carbon market, but 55% of growers indicated a willingness to participate within the next three years.

Continued on Page 24

Biodiesel produces 2,661 grams of CO2 per gallon, compared to 12,360 grams per gallon for petroleum diesel fuel. In 2020, using a 20% biodiesel blend in the summer and a 5% biodiesel blend in the winter removed an estimated 1,252,967 tons of carbon from the air.

22 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

CARBON SNApshots CARBON SNAPSOTS

Bayer

Payment and basis

$3 per acre for reduced tillage and $6 per acre for cover crop adoption ($9 for both). Can increase with carbon prices. $15 per ton.

When Is Payment Made?

Once carbon removal quantified and verified, typically in the fall of the following year.

Compensation is through Bayer PLUS rewards account and can be redeemed for cash.

Minimum Acreage Requirement

Fields must be at least 10 acres.

Corteva Granular

Ecosystem Services Farmers Business Marekt Consortium Network Gradable Indigo Ag

Depends on outcomes.

Amounts are unclear.

Cash payment is made in full Sometime after fall 2021 after credits are issued. harvest.

None

Land O' Lakes TruCarbon

$20 floor on carbon credit for 2019 and 2020.

However, farmers can retain credit and sell $10 per ton floor for 2020 later if price increases on first carbon crop. above that level.

Potential price of $15. $20 per ton.

$15 per credit fully payable to the farmer, plus 1 unit of cryptocurrency called a NORI token in a restricted account for 10 years.

60% of credits will be issued to the farmer over a 5-year period. They can decide when to sell. The remaining 40% cover future carbon losses and admin fees.

After results verified and Indigo sells credit, payments issued in 5 portions over 5 years (50% in year 1, 20% in year 2, and 10% in years 3, 4, & 5).

Second half of 2021

As NRTs are sold, supplies are paid monthly. Nori currently uses first in/first out (oldest projects are listed first).

150 acres

Recommend 1,000 acres or more during pilot stage, but smaller farms may aggregate.

Recommend 1,000 acres or more during pilot stage, but smaller farms may aggregate.

None in pilot phase. To be determined for market launch.

250 acres

U.S. regions of Corn and Soy Belt, Great Plains, MN, IN, IL, IA, KS, WI, ND, Great Lakes, Pacific NW, SD, NE, MO, MI, OH, AR, MS, CA, others TBD. Market LA, MD, DE launch will be national.

None

Data Requirement

MN, AR, CO, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, NE, NC, ND, OH, OK, SC, SD, United States TN and TX Must use software Farmers share practice platform to map field Use Climate Fieldview (do Use Granular Insights. information with boundaries and submit not have to purchase Requires 3 years of historical Gradable. Three years field management Bayer products) to enter field data, plus the current Contact info, field minimum of historical information. Historical data. Producers’ input crop year. This includes boundaries, field data are needed. FBN data for the past 3 to 5 practices, which are planting, fertilizer, tillage, management info and soil uses machine learning to years must be also be verified by satellite. harvest & cover crop data. sampling information. distill to a single score. added.

Data Ownership

Bayer does not share your data with third parties except in confidence for the purposes listed by the agreement. View Bayer’s Privacy Policy online.

Farmers retain ownership of their data, and their data is protected in accordance with Granular and ESMC’s privacy policies. Granular and ESMC do not farmer data with carbon buyers.

Producers own and have full access to their data, which can be imported from other platforms. Data not shared without producer permission.

Does not sell personal data. Privacy details can be found via www.gradable.com/priva cy-policy. FBN is a certified Ag Data Transparent.

Farmers own their data and can have it removed when they leave. Indigo is certified Ag Data Data belongs to the Transparent. grower.

Payment Basis

Process-based based on validated practice implementation.

Outcomes (measured and verified by ESMC)

Outcomes

Process (model) based

Mixture of modeling Process with soil samples. and soil sampling.

Can Early Adopters Participate?

Fields with practices started before 2012 are ineligible. If practices were adopted b/w 2012-2020, field is eligible for 2021 carbon program and up to 5 years of historical payments. If practices started in 2021, farmers eligible for carbon No, requires a practice program only. change.

Must Land Be Owned?

No, but the producer must have necessary permissions from the landowner to participate.

No, but must show that you will be farming the land for the next two years and the landowner agrees to No, but need to have No, can be owned or participation. rights assessed generated. rented.

Who Pays for Monitoring?

Bayer pays for validation verification costs.

Corteva conducts and pays for soil sampling after Harvest 2021. Farmer is not Pilot project partners incur 15% of credits are responsible for cost of the cost of soil sampling retained by Gradable to ESMC’s certification. during the pilot phase. cover costs.

Contract Length

Program runs 10 years.

Annual opportunity to leave the program.

Practices must be maintained for 10 years beyond that. If credits are generated during this time, there is an opportunity for payment.

Farms sign a 10-year contract with a 2-year optout clause. Farmers can then Pilot is annual. Market opt-out annually through launch will be 10 years and years 3 to 10. can be renewed once.

Locations Currently Offered

MN, IN, IL, IA, KS, WI, ND, SD, NE, MO, MI, OH, AR, MS, LA, MD, DE

NORI

Practices must have been adopted within the last Working on opportunities. two years to be eligible. No

MN, AR, CO, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, NE, NC, ND, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN and TX United States

Historical data must be provided, including 3 years prior to regenerative practice adoption. Annual data must also be reported.

Payments are made for carbon sequestered between 2016 and 2020 only. Changes made in 2021 are beyond are not eligible at this point for credits.

No, but renters are No, but renter must sign required to provide an document saying they attestation of their have control over the five- right to market carbon year contract period. on the property.

Indigo

Trueterra cover the cost of the soil samples.

Program runs 5 years.

Practices must be maintained for another 5 Five years, renewable up years beyond that. to 30 years for each field. 20 years.

Must enter field boundaries, agronomic practices and production information. Must be verified by Nori-approved third party.

Nori does not own your data, nor will it sell your data.

Process-based model. This model has been developed using soil samples.

Practices adopted within the past 10 years are eligible for up to 5 years of grandfathered NRTs. No, but legal document showing renter has legal authority to sign contract must be submitted and verified by third party.

Enrollee responsible for 3rd party verification costs; could be $3K to $5K per project at the initial listing. Verification is required every 3 years and costs should decrease.

10 years for NRT issuance.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 23

USB wants assurances that the carbon market isn’t a flash in the pan, but rather, a program that benefits producers – not just those with large acreage – and can improve farmer profitability over the long-term.

“From an organization standpoint, we want to make sure this market holds up for farmers,” USB Director of Sustainable Supply Jack Cornell said. “And if it’s going to benefit farmers, we want to make sure there’s good science behind, and farmers get a fair shake at this.”

For now, the carbon market is being driven by private industry, with companies paying mostly for practices and outcomes, but also the amount of carbon sequestered, in a quest to become carbon neutral (see graphic on page 24).

Practices ranging from cover crops, reduced or no tillage and precision ag are all variables that are considered. The seller, buyer, the verifier and the broker all stand to benefit from carbon sequestration.

Most programs are still in the pilot stage.

“Our angle is the science, and this is a call to action for growers,” Cornell said. “Now is a great time to adopt some of these carbon smart and more sustainable conservation practices on a few acres. Start small and figure out how to make it work on a few acres.”

Thinking ahead According to USDA research, agriculture is responsible for 10% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions. In July, the Senate passed the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act, which would assist producers in generating and selling carbon credits by setting up a third-party

certification process through the USDA. Although the measure is supported by President Biden, the bill still needs to pass the House.

The bill also doesn’t mandate a federal carbon market.

“We should be forward-thinking because in 5-to-ten years, farming is going to look different, so it’s important to not lose perspective,” Cornell said. “Farmers are hesitant about this, and what I tell them is that if you do sign-up, make sure you’re getting the max benefit.”

With support from giant tech companies ranging from Apple to Amazon, the carbon market has grown to more than $50 million per year and could reach $2 billion annually. Brett Sohngen, an environmental and resource economist at Ohio State University, estimates carbon sequestration could enhance land values by up to 5% in the next decade and as much as 20% by 2040.

“But there’s no free lunch,” he said. “It’s not free to produce carbon on your land.”

To enroll, farmers need to provide companies current and historical data related to crop rotation, planting, fertilizing and irrigation. Many companies also require multi-year contracts.

Cornell recommends farmers conduct research, make sure they’re working with a reliable company and consult with other farmers who have engaged in carbon sequestration before fully committing.

“You want to make sure you can fully do these practices and have the tech support to handle it,” he said. “Be committed and find the experts who can trust you. Farmers rely on reputation and trust, so it’s important you have that in place.”

24 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

Carbon questions to ask: • Do I have to keep reporting farm operating data after the aggregator or credit buyers stop paying for credits? If so, for how long?

• What is my recourse if something goes wrong?

• What happens to my obligations and payments if the company exits the carbon market or goes bankrupt?

• Does a lien attach to my property?

• Can I still participate in gov’t conservation programs on the same acres?

• Are there force majeure clauses? What happens if weather forces the use of tillage or prevents a cover crop from being planted?

We can’t help your daughter get straight A’s, but we can help you get the best genetics for your farm.

Scan to watch the video

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 25

“I’m more than just what the box says.” Patrice Bailey is chair of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Emerging Farmer Working Group and Emerging Diversity issues.

By Drew Lyon During Patrice Bailey’s senior year of high school in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, his mother asked him which profession he wanted to pursue in college.

Maybe a lawyer, Patrice said.

“There are too many lawyers,” she told her son. “You should go into something that will allow you to travel and feed yourself, wherever you happen to be in the world.”

Patrice Bailey chuckled recalling the conversation.

“I said, ‘What is that?’ She said, ‘Agriculture.’

I said, ‘Mom. We live in Harlem – there’s no agriculture in New York City.’ Of course, New York State is a dairy state, but the folks that live in the city? They’re not going to upstate New York to visit a farm.”

Mother knows best. So Bailey heeded her advice and found his calling in agriculture. More than 20 years later, after earning multiple degrees in agriculture, Bailey is assistant commissioner with Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

There, he helps leads MDA’s outreach efforts with the Emerging Farmers Working Group and promotes agriculture diversity through Minnesota Ag in the Classroom.

“Patrice is so passionate about the next generation of farmers,” MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “He’s very proactive and supportive of those efforts. He looks at all types of agriculture and has so much enthusiasm.”

Minnesota Ag in the Classroom Education Specialist Sue Knott praised Bailey for his natural gift for relating to students and

encouraging them to seek out the breadth of careers in agriculture.

“Patrice wants students to see themselves in agriculture,” Knott said. “Ag involves different faces and different people in our state, and he can make those connections in those communities.”

First of its kind The Emerging Farmers Working Group was established in 2020 through a legislative request led by DFL Sen. Foung Hawj, following a series of listening sessions in 2019. The goal of the program is to break down barriers by affording minority farmers a more equal opportunity in establishing themselves in agriculture.

“We help answer questions like, ‘How do I get into farming and information on how to have access to grants?’” Bailey said during an interview at MDA’s headquarters in St. Paul.

“People want to feel like they matter, and there are emerging farmers wherever you go. They want to contribute to the economy and their communities, but they also want to be seen as equal.”

Continued on Page 28

Photos by Drew Lyon

26 26--Soybean SoybeanBusiness Business--NOVEMBER NOVEMBER--DECEMBER DECEMBER--2021 2021

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER--DECEMBER DECEMBER--2021 2021--Soybean SoybeanBusiness Business--27 27

About 84% of Minnesota’s population is white. The state’s farming demographic is 99% white.

In 2021, the Minnesota Historical Society approved $10,000 in funding for an oral history on Black farmers in Minnesota.

“This is what I love about agriculture!” Patrice Bailey says after Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council CEO Tom Slunecka showed him the Council’s Plasma Blue unit at the 2021 Farmfest.

The Emerging Farmers Working Group comprises 15 stakeholders from throughout Minnesota.

“This opportunity is a dream job because I’m helping all types of people,” Bailey said. “It’s also a big responsibility.”

MDA offers several programs available to support emerging farmers: FarmLink, an online database of Minnesota farm properties for rent or purchase; Farm Business Management scholarships; the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit (a policy supported by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association) and access to loans and grants. In 2021, the Minnesota Legislature approved funding for a full-time emerging farmer outreach coordinator.

“There are a lot of people who will benefit from having this office,” Bailey said. “With anything, you have to

have equity. This is the first of its kind in the country – an emerging farmer office created through the legislative process to deal with these issues.”

Bailey was appointed to his MDA post in 2019, following a search by the department to diversify its leadership. Petersen says Bailey’s background and passion for farming make him uniquely qualified to help oversee the program.

“Patrice is a really upbeat person and a collaborative problem-solver,” he said, “He fits in well with our emerging farmer program; he’s able to help and connect with Somali, Hmong and Black folks who want to get into farming. He’s just been a really helpful addition to the Department of Agriculture.”

Bailey commended the Walz administration for implementing and supporting diversity outreach efforts

28 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

in agriculture.

“The governor’s office has been amazing,” he said.

“Agriculture has to be ready for a generational change, and the governor understands that. He and Lt. Governor Flanagan have been stellar in helping and advocating.”

In recent years, MSGA has diversified its membership choices to appeal to developing farmers. MSGA now offers a young farmer option to producers (35 years and younger) for just $70 a year, and a student membership for only $20 annually.

“Membership is huge. It’s about being inclusive,” Bailey said. “I think it’s important that the ag groups in Minnesota put together a package for up-and-coming emerging farmers who aren’t members.”

Eye-opening experiences With his mother’s blessing, Bailey attended Prairie View A&M University in Texas, where he majored in ag education, before receiving a master’s degree in agriculture from Iowa State University. He moved to Minnesota in 2005 to pursue a career as an ag teacher.

Bailey is frank about his initial assessment about diversity in Minnesota agriculture education.

“My experience with ag at that time was so negative because the reception was so excluding,” he said, pointing to the lack of diversity in ag education. “We need to do a better job recruiting our agriculture teachers.”

More than 15 years later, Bailey says his experience with Ag in the Classroom – a program supported by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council – has been far more positive.

“It’s been such an eye-opener for me,” he said. “Ag in the Classroom does such a great job showing kids the whole range of agriculture. I give that group a lot of credit.”

Earlier this year, Bailey participated in a Zoom session with Minnesota students and read “City Green,” a nonfiction children’s book about urban renewal and community engagement.

“He is a natural with students. Patrice is a supporter of looking for different voices,” Knott said. “He’s a huge champion for agriculture, and I feel fortunate he’s involved in our program and at MDA.” Bailey nodded emphatically when asked if his mom still endorsed his career path.

“Yes,” he said. “She was extremely happy I went into ag.”

Patrice Bailey (left) meets with Deputy Commissioner Andrea Vaubel (middle) and Commissioner Thom Petersen (right) to start the morning at MDA’s headquarters in St. Paul.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 29

MSGA Secretary hosts state senator, Hmong American leaders during harvest

By Drew Lyon Sen. Foung Hawj arrived at Ryan Mackenthun’s farm at an ideal time in late September to see firsthand that the farming life can be a grind, especially during harvest.

“He got there and one of our combines had broken down,” said Mackenthun, who farms in Brownton and serves as secretary of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. “Then, the other combine broke down, too. … We ended up having a great chat about the realities of farming versus the

perceptions of farming.”

Hawj, the DFL’s Assistant Minority Leader, was joined by constituents from the Hmong American community in his East St. Paul district in an effort to learn about soybean farming practices.

“It was a learning experience,” said Hawj, who later joined Mackenthun for a ride in the fixed combine. “I thought farming would be a little easier. The perception is that farming is simple, but it’s not simple.”

Hawj, a strong advocate at the Legislature for urban and specialty

MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek (middle) visits with Sen. Foung Hawj (left) at Ryan Mackenthun’s farm in Brownton.

30 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

The Hmong American farming community in the Twin Cities contributes more than $250 million in sales each year.

farming, said he was eager to engage with a farmer and catch a glimpse of the day-to-day tasks of running an operation.

“This really helps me, getting to know the farmers and talk to them about their struggles and their strategies for gains,” Hawj said. “It was great to see the details.”

MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek and lobbyist Cory Bennett (who lives in Hawj’s district) also attended to discuss legislative priorities and how MSGA can work with the Legislature to create jobs by

Ryan Mackenthun (pictured here in red) is a graduate of the American Soybean Association Young Leaders Program.

bringing more skilled young people and minorities into farming.

“We had a really great conversation,” Smentek said.

“We spoke with the senator about how legislation impacts farmers through policies like taxes and chemical regulations and how sustainable our farmers’ production practices are.”

Generating job growth and building workforce development are two of Sen. Hawj’s core priorities. This year, he’s become concerned to hear of Hmong American constituents leaving Minnesota to work on chicken and hemp farms in Missouri, Oklahoma and California.

“My district has grown, but my cultural community has shrunk a little bit,” said Hawj, who emigrated to Minnesota from Laos more than four decades ago. “My heritage is attracted to agriculture. Their agriculture is different from Minnesota agriculture, but they can be adaptable. They want to be close to the earth and the land and help empower our Minnesota farmland.”

In recent years, the Karen community (refugees from Burma in Southeast Asia) has established themselves in southwest Minnesota and have found jobs in food processing plants. Hawj, who met with Karen leaders in Marshall, envisions this community growing over the next decade, helping to fill worker shortages in the region.

“If there are opportunities and options for them to be entrepreneurs, they can fill the gap of the missing link,” he said.

Mackenthun said the meeting was important in

establishing the range of jobs available in agriculture.

“The fact is, farmers support and create so many careers and jobs other than the actual act of farming,” he said.

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NOVEMBER NOVEMBER -- DECEMBER DECEMBER -- 2021 2021 -- Soybean Soybean Business Business -- 31 31

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Two former MSGA presidents elected to ASA positions

By Drew Lyon Michael Petefish is ready to step back into the advocacy arena.

After serving as MSGA president from 2017 to 2019, the Dodge County farmer admits he’d experienced a bit of policy burnout.

He’d grown tired from endless interviews centered around the U.S.-China trade war and impatient with the languid pace of legislative progress in the state and federal capitals. Though he remained a board director following his presidency, Petefish took a step back to focus on his family and operation. It was time to let other farmer-directors take the lead.

“I just needed a break,” Petefish said during the 2021 harvest. “You’re saying the same thing over and over.

You want to get changes done, and it gets frustrating. It’s different from running a farm. I figured I’d pass the torch to someone else.”

Following the birth of his son, Henry, Petefish felt refreshed enough

by summer 2021 to seek a spot on the American Soybean Association’s Board of Directors. In August, he was elected, along with fellow past President Jamie Beyer, to represent Minnesota on ASA. “I felt I had the qualifications and experience to re-enter the advocacy field,” he said. “I felt refreshed mentally. … and (being a parent), I’m more patient than I used to be.”

Petefish, who farms with his wife, Jessica, in Claremont, says protecting family farms like his will be one of his policy priorities, along with renewable fuels and advocating against tax increases.

“I think we go down a dangerous path when family farms don’t stay in the family,” he said, “We don’t want to farm those out to bigger corporations.”

Unlike Petefish, Jamie Beyer decided to stay involved in advocacy after stepping down as president in July 2021 and felt rejuvenated after a brief break following her two

32 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

years leading MSGA. As part of her presidential duties, Beyer traveled to ASA board meetings and found her voice advocating with federal legislators in Washington, D.C. “I’ve enjoyed meeting with Angie Craig and Tom Emmer and those folks,” she said. “I see this position as an opportunity to keep contributing.”

The Wheaton farmer closely follows state and federal agriculture policy, even during harvest.

“There are so many issues at the federal level, it makes my head buzz,” Beyer said, citing the upcoming farm bill, estate taxes, supply chain issues and environmental policies among her priorities. “They’re all very complicated and nuanced.”

Both Beyer and Petefish begin their ASA terms in December. With the 2022 midterms around the corner, Beyer says the stakes are high.

“Some of these federal activities are very concerning and fast-moving,” she said. “I’m looking forward to finding my niche and helping the team.”

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

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 33

Former MSGA president retiring as Minnesota Farm Bureau president

By Drew Lyon

34 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

efore an interview with Soybean Business, outgoing Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap combed through his archives to rehash some memories from his term as president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.

“I like to call myself organized,” the lifelong farmer said with a chuckle, “but my wife calls me ‘anal retentive.’”

Among his organized items, Paap found his presidential retirement speech from 1996.

He found the title of his address – “Educate, Educate, Educate” – ironic.

Twenty-five years and hundreds of

meetings later, Paap says he uses entirely different language when speaking with legislative leaders and influencers.

“Now, you’d be hard pressed to hear the word ‘educate’ come out of my month,” he said. “I think it’s one of those words to lose. Any time (now) when I want to say ‘educate,’ I’m going to say ‘engage.’ It can’t be a lecture. It’s got to be a conversation.”

Paap, who farms with his wife, Julie, on their fourth-generation farm, honed his leadership skills over the course of an advocacy career that spans five decades. He’s learned about respect. Listening. Finding common ground. Building relationships.

Understanding different cultures and

beliefs.

“Now, I’m probably a better leader,” he said. “We’re not going to educate. We’re going to first listen for an opportunity to engage without judgement and find that shared value and try to create a connection – and not just speak to them, but with them.”

In late November, Paap planned to step down after 16 years leading Minnesota Farm Bureau, marking the end of an era for the venerable advocacy group. The people and the relationships he’s established are what he’ll miss most.

“It’s been a great opportunity and experience to see different places,” Continued on Page 36

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THE PAAP FACTS

Pictured here with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, Kevin Paap prides himself on building relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Kevin Paap hosts a farming discussion with then-USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue in 2017 at Paap Farms in Garden City.

he said. “I’ve got friends all over the U.S. and many places in the world.

No matter where the places were, it’s more about the people, whether I was in Cuba or closer to home talking about locks and dams.”

‘Born to lead’ Paap is a lifelong resident of Blue Earth County in south-central Minnesota (except for college, he’s only lived in three houses separated by less than a mile) and became involved at the local level by serving on the Blue Earth County Corn and Soybean Growers board. In 1987, he was appointed to MSGA’s board of directors.

Former ASA Director and MSGA President Mike Yost knew a natural leader when he saw one. Paap, chock full of charisma and homespun oneliners (“You’re either at the table or on the menu.”), fit the bill.

“We could tell he was born to lead

right away,” Yost said. “He wanted to be engaged. Certain people have that passion and intelligence, and Kevin had the right mix.”

Yost nominated Paap as vice president. In 1995 Paap was elected president. During his year as president, he helped build relationships with soybean processing plants, increased engagement with county organizations and formed the Ag Commodity Coalition. After his presidency, MSGA honored Paap by bestowing him with a rare lifetime membership.

“Our relationship with the processors improved tremendously,” Paap said. “We really worked a lot closer. In ag, we’re all better off working together.”

Through his leadership development with MSGA Paap forged close bonds with his fellow farmers.

“The Soybean Growers gave me the

36 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

opportunity to make lifelong friends,” he said. “There are a lot of national leaders in Minnesota ag, and MSGA is no exception.”

Working in tandem with commodity groups remained a priority for Paap throughout his leadership at Minnesota Farm Bureau. With farm families accounting for less than 2% of the U.S. population, Paap said it’s important that farm advocacy groups join forces when priorities overlap.

“We’re a minority as it is, and the last thing we need to do is set up a circular firing squad,” he said. “We’ve got to not only show up and stand up, but to speak up for agriculture, because (the urban-rural) disconnect is getting wider.”

MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said both MSGA and Farm Bureau have aligned on legislative issues in St. Paul ranging from taxes to chemical regulations to biofuels.

Paap’s deep connections with local, state and national leaders from both parties have helped farmers across Minnesota.

“Kevin has been a true champion for Minnesota agriculture,” Smentek said. “We’ve appreciated working with him on many policy issues, and thank him for his work on behalf of Minnesota’s soybean farmers.”

Staying engaged Paap has traveled all over the world, preaching the values and production practices of Minnesota farming.

He accompanied the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council on a 2016 See For Yourself trip to Vietnam, and in 2019 joined American Soybean Chair Bill Gordon during a USDA trade mission to South America. After traveling to Washington, D.C., hundreds of times – and visiting White House on several occasions – he hasn’t visited the nation’s capital since early March 2020, just before the pandemic restricted access to Capitol Hill.

Paap also served on Farm Bureau’s Trade Advisory Committee and addressed the delegation at the North American-European Ag Summit.

“It’s always been an honor to travel

on behalf of farmers, to have that opportunity,” Paap said. “Just great memories.”

The methods of advocacy, of course, have transformed over Paap’s 35 years. Instead of passing notes to legislators, Paap can now text with an elected official. But the feeling remains the same.

“Farm size has changed, tech has changed, but our commitment and values haven’t changed,” Paap said.

“And those are the conversations we have to have – whether it’s at the State Fair, a church basement or a ballgame – and that’s why we need farm organizations: to make sure we have that ability.”

Paap won’t be retiring entirely from rural leadership. He’s heavily involved in drainage issues as part of his role as a Blue Earth County commissioner. He also sits on the River Basin Authority and the Rural Minnesota Energy Board.

He’ll continue farming and plans to stay engaged with Farm Bureau, in addition to returning to D.C. to advocate. But he’ll leave the educating to others.

“I’m OK with being a ‘has been,’” Paap said, “which is always better than a ‘never was.’

Tongue tied Paap has rubbed shoulders with leaders from across all corners of government – both domestic and foreign. He can only recall one time when he found himself full-blown starstruck. In January 2020, during the signing of the long-awaited U.S.-China Phase One trade deal, he saw former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (96 years old at the time) in action.

“I’ve always been a Kissinger fan,” Paap said, noting he always enjoyed how Kissinger conducted himself with the media. “It was great to have him there.”

The Countdown Paap isn’t just well-organized; he’s also sharp with numbers.

Without prompting, during his interview he could cite the number of days – 730 – until the Farm Bill expires.

All in the Family Brian Hanson served under Paap as MSGA vice president in 1995. His daughter, Amber, has worked under Paap as Farm Bureau’s director of public policy.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 37

LET’S GO FISHING

MSGA puts out a line in latest fundraising effort

By Drew Lyon The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is going fishing to reel in funds for its grassroots advocacy mission.

At the 2021 Biodiesel Open, MSGA unveiled its latest fundraising venture, an 8-by-18-foot Outdoor Getaway ice fish house made in Minnesota with soy-based materials. Hundreds of attendees at Farmfest were also afforded an up-close look at the Fish House. The allseasons model is made with soy-based foam insulation, furniture cushions, paint, cabinetry and flooring. It sleeps six, has a toilet and shower, features eight ice holes, LED strip lighting and more.

“This is a real-deal fish house,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “When I first saw it, I was truly blown away by the quality.”

The fish house also includes stainless steel appliances.

For just $100, it could be yours!

MSGA is selling $100 raffle tickets (cash or check only), and supplies are limited – only 500 tickets are available.

Tickets can be purchased from MSGA board members, at select Profinium locations and at Minnesota Soybean‘s Mankato headquarters. The winner will be unveiled on Jan. 20, 2022 at the MN AG EXPO (the winner need not be present to win) in Mankato. Please note: The winner will be responsible for all applicable fees and taxes.

The Fish House is sponsored by MSGA, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Profinium,

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On World Food Day and every day, WISHH’S strategic partners take local action.

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Asgrow, Goblish Seeds, Worthington Tax & Business Services, Bayer, Bennet Government Consulting, Duerr Government Affairs, Advanced Grain Handling Systems, R&J Broadcasting, Houston Engineering and Outdoor Getaway. As with any MSGA fundraising venture, proceeds from the raffle directly benefit MSGA’s nonpartisan mission to advocate for farm friendly policies in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. “This Fish House has everything a Minnesotan could want – and more,” MSGA President Mike Skaug said.

“Whoever wins this is getting a bargain, to say the least.

And by entering the raffle, you’re helping to support MSGA’s efforts.”

For more questions, contact MSGA’s Sara Hewitt at shewitt@mnsoybean.com.

Connect with WISHH www.wishh.org

The 8-by-18-foot ice fish house was a big draw at the 2021 Farmfest. Don’t wait to purchase a raffle – tickets are going fast.

38 -- Soybean Soybean Business Business -- NOVEMBER NOVEMBER -- DECEMBER DECEMBER -- 2021 2021 38

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

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 39

unitedsoybean.org

It’s back! MN AG EXPO registration now open Minnesota’s premier indoor ag show is set to return in 2022. That’s right, registration is now open for MN AG EXPO, held Jan. 19-20, 2022 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato.

Register today at www.mnagexpo.com.

Keynotes for this year include veteran Jack Zimmerman and Amanda Radke, a beef farmer and social media advocate. Speaker biographies and agendas can be found online at mnagexpo.com – more details are forthcoming, and look for a full preview in the January-February issue of Soybean Business. The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association will also be holding its annual meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 19. Remember, MN AG EXPO is free to attend, but registration is required. Travel and hotel information is available on the website – booking early is recommended if planning to stay the night.

If you have trouble completing the online registration, please call the Minnesota Soybean office at 507-388-1635 and ask for Michelle. See you at the show!

Funds available to improve safety on Minnesota farms Minnesota farmers who want to improve safety on their farms can now apply for funding through two programs from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) that help with the cost of buying, shipping and installing eligible safety equipment.

Now in its second year, the Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share program reimburses up to 75% of the cost to buy, ship, and install eligible safety equipment for on-farm grain bins or silos. The program will pay up to $400 per bin or silo, with a limit of $2,400 per farm per year. The first year of the program reimbursed 91 farmers an average of $831 to install guardrails, platforms, auger shields, safety harnesses and more.

For more information and to apply, visit MDA’s Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share webpage.

The Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) Rebate Program makes tractor safety equipment affordable and

40 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

simple to order. Minnesota’s program reimburses farmers and schools at least 70% of the cost to purchase, ship and install a rollover protection kit, limiting the cost to no more than $500 per tractor.

For more information, visit the MDA’s ROPS Rebate Program webpage. Both programs are accepting applications through June 30, 2022, or until all funds are exhausted.

Council directors attend Precision Ag Center unveiling Before harvest began, leaders from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council attended the unveiling of South Dakota State University’s Precision Ag Center. The Council invested checkoff funds into the $46.1 million Raven Precision Agriculture Center building project.

“The Council is proud to be a sponsor of this facility,” said MSR&PC Chair Joe Serbus, who attended the event alongside Directors Cole Trebesch and Gail Donkers. “The Precision Ag Center will help train the next generational of ag professionals, increase farmer profitability throughout our region and will help develop value-added products.”

The building will support modern precision farm equipment, 15 teaching labs, 12 research labs and 22 collaborative spaces. Additionally, the building hosts just under 500 students studying agricultural and biosystems engineering, agricultural systems technology, agronomy and agricultural science for hands-on laboratory and classroom experiences.

40 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

KEEPING THE FUTURE OF SOYBEANS BRIGHT

From researching new uses for soybeans to identifying new markets for U.S. soy, the soy checkoff is working behind the scenes to create new opportunities and increase profits for soybean farmers. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you.

See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for soybean farmers at unitedsoybean.org

Brought to you by the soy checkoff. ©2018 United Soybean Board. Our Soy Checkoff and the Our Soy Checkoff mark are trademarks of United Soybean Board. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 41

FACES OFMSGA

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) is the nation’s premier soybean association because farmers and agri-businesses recognize the value their investment in MSGA brings. Here are two examples of Minnesota members who actively promote Minnesota’s soybean industry.

Tim Bartness, his wife, Betsy, and their daughter, Raegan, live in Hartland.

The Bartness’ grow corn, soybeans and some alfalfa with his dad, Ronnie, on their family farm.

“I really enjoy working on the farm with my dad. You’re kind of working for yourself and work together to get the crop out,” Bartness said of farming as the third generation.

Bartness received his bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and his master’s degree from Iowa State University, both for agronomy. Bartness has a Pioneer Seed business, which is his main job, where he treats soybeans with a focus on soil sampling, crop scouting, crop fertility, chemical recommendations and numerous other tasks.

He has served on the Freeborn County Corn and Soybean Growers board for three years. The board works to promote soybeans as well as scholarships for students who go on to study agriculture after high school. Being a member of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association allows Freeborn Growers the chance to promote policy issues at the local level.

“I like being a member (of MSGA) to advocate for soybeans and the use of soybeans,” Bartness said. “Our board is also proud to raise money for scholarships for students going into to agriculture, so it’s great to promote agriculture in Freeborn County.”

David Swenson a Norman County grower, has been overseeing his fourthgeneration family farm since 1980.

His brother, Craig, joined the operation in 1985 and today the Swenson brothers run the more than 3,000-acre corn and soybean operation. Darla Moen, the daughter of David’s girlfriend, also contributes to the operation, along with David’s parents, Beatrice and Gerome.

“I have always wanted to be a farmer, since I was in school,” Swenson said.

“There’s not a lot of farms out there of deep generations, it’s been good working on ours.”

Swenson was a school bus driver for 19 years, before working fulltime on the farm. He has also been on the fire and rescue squad for the last 16 years.

The Norman County Corn and Soybean Growers Association started about 10 years ago with Swenson as one of the original board members. Currently, he is the treasurer.

Being a member of MSGA allows farmers like Swenson a forum for their voices to be heard by local, state and federal officials.

“It’s been good,” Swenson said of the board. “You want to be part of an organization that has a loud voice and that represents you at different levels.”

42 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021

MSGA DIDYOU KNOW Newsmakers

By Drew Lyon

There’s no such thing as a slow news week in the world of soybeans.

For more than 30 years, Minneline has served as Minnesota’s premier source for timely soybean and agriculture news. The weekly newsletter was first published in the 1980s, and initiated by then-Executive Director Jim Palmer. When Mike Youngerberg was hired in 1986, he was instructed to be a “walking-talking Minneline” in Minnesota Soybean’s organized county program.

“Jim wanted a way to communicate to the farmers some of the important issues they couldn’t get from other sources,” said Youngerberg, the organization’s resident historian.

Each issue was published via mimeograph, and mailed to farmer-leaders from both the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, along with the chairs of the 30-something organized counties throughout the state at the time. The newsletter delivered the latest information, including research updates, policy news, upcoming events, awards and lighthearted dispatches from the county level. However, unlike today’s Minneline, which is distributed freely to anyone who signs up for the newsletter, the first era of Minneline was published as an internal document not to be shared among the greater agriculture community.

“Minneline is for soybean leaders only!!!” read the Sept. 15, 1995 edition. OK, got it!

During the early days of Minneline, MSGA also compiled a separate four-page monthly newsletter, MinnSoy Voice. The publication served as a precursor to Soybean Business, which debuted in fall 2002.

By the early 2010s, Minneline was still snail mailed

to recipients, but had now advanced to digital printing via PDFs. In 2014, Minneline went modern and began being distributed via email. Today’s Minneline, which is compiled by Council and MSGA’s communication team and overseen by Digital Media Manager Kristeena Thisius, mixes both original and sourced content highlighting the latest Minnesota Soybean news, along with a poll question and events calendar.

“I came from the newspaper world where community meant everything and information was fast-paced,” said Sr. Director of Communications Doug Monson, who helped design the modern Minneline template. “I saw Minneline as the perfect vehicle to build soybean community engagement at a more modern pace. Today, Minneline is the pinnacle of commodity newsletters.”

Youngerberg says he remains an avid reader.

“Yeah, absolutely!” he said. “I wouldn’t miss it, because there’s a lot of news coming out of this office and it can be hard to keep up with. Everything in Minneline is relevant to soybean farmers.”

In 2020, Minneline earned regional National AgriMarketing Association honors for editions related to coverage during the state’s COVID-related shutdown, when the Council and Growers shared critical resources with producers. Minneline will be entered again for consideration this year, and is now delivered to over 4,000 subscribers.

Sign-up for free today at mnsoybean.org/msrpc/.

During the legislative session, MSGA publishes the MSGA Bulletin, its own e-newsletter exclusive to members, featuring policy updates from lobbyists and farmer-leaders. Visit mnsoybean.org/msga/invest/ to join MSGA. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021 - Soybean Business - 43

MN mn AG ag Expo expo january 19-20, 2022 mayo clinic health system event center = mankato, mn 2022 FEATURED Speakers speakers

Amanda Radke Afternoon Keynote Wednesday, January 19th

Comedian Todd Andrews Dinner Wednesday, January 19th

Jack Zimmerman Food for Thought Thursday, January 20th

MN AG EXPO is back in 2022 with the latest in soybean and corn research, top notch speakers and a variety of agriculture exhibitors to improve your farm's profitability, strengthen your knowledge and challenge the way you do business.

For the latest news on MN AG EXPO, visit www.mnagexpo.com.

Register Now at www.mnagexpo.com

44 - Soybean Business - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2021