Increasing demand for soybeans through soy biodiesel is just one of the things your checkoff does. Today, Ohio produces nearly a fifth of America’s soy biodiesel – 45 million gallons – and has more than 150 soy biodiesel distributors and 50 retail locations. As the market for soy biodiesel increases, demand for our soybeans will continue to grow. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, every 50-million-gallon increase in soy biodiesel production raises soybean prices 1 percent. And every penny stays right here.
To find a distributor or retailer near you and to learn more about how soy biodiesel is fueling Ohio’s economy, visit www.soybiodiesel.org.
The Tradition Continues … Tune in to listen to Dale Minyo, Ohio’s most recognized farm broadcaster.
Ford Model U Concept Car and 2008 Ford Mustang: Highlight the Future for Soy-Based
Materials
Page 10
For years, the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) has been investing checkoff dollars to develop new industrial uses for soybeans. During the Ohio State Fair in August, OSC displayed the Ford Model U concept car as a demonstration of how versatile crops, such as corn and soybeans, can be in creating these eco-friendly industrial materials.
Soy Biodiesel Quality Testing Program Developed for Ohio
Page 13
The Ohio Soybean Council, along with the United Soybean Board and other state soybean associations, has long supported the research, development, education, marketing and promotion of soy biodiesel. Over the last ten years, all of these organizations combined have invested millions of checkoff dollars to support this growing industry.
Florida Research Station Preparing Ohio Soybean Farmers for Asian Soybean Rust
Page 14
Much of the original buzz around the arrival of Asian Soybean Rust has diminished among soybean farmers due to its lack of appearance this far north. But many still believe that it’s only a matter of time before the right conditions allow the disease to spread into Ohio. Preparation is key, and there is a research station in Florida that is helping to prepare soybean farmers in Ohio.
Determining How Resistant Is Resistant
Page 16
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most costly yield-robber to the soybean industry today. That’s why many lines of SCN-resistant soybeans exist. According to Dr. Kris Lambert and Dr. Terry Niblack, researchers at the University of Illinois, SCN has cost U.S. farmers over $600 million per year from 2003-2005.
About the cover
When the Ford Model U concept car debuted in 2003, featuring soy-based seat foam, it was meant to serve as Ford’s vision for the future and model for change. And now Ford has announced that soy-based polyurethane foam will be used in seating applications for the 2008 Ford Mustang, bringing soy foam use in the auto industry from concept to consumer.
Hello, my name is Jeff Sollars, and this is my first article for the Ohio Soybean Review. I was recently elected to serve as chairman of the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA). Prior to the election, I served as OSA president for two years, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue communicating the current issues and concerns of the soybean farmer.
To give you just a little information about myself, I farm in southwestern Ohio with my two brothers, Brian and Mike. Our operation consists of corn, soybeans and wheat. My wife, Bridget, and I have three children: Zachary, 16, Aaron, 14, and Clare, 8.
And now, I’ll move on to legislative matters. On the national front, the farm bill is taking shape and the American Soybean Association (ASA) is working on the positive steps taken in the House version of the farm bill, earlier passed by the full House. The House bill increases the soybean target price to $6.10 from $5.80 per bushel. It also funds a reauthorized the Commodity Credit Corporation bioenergy program, including an incentive payment for biodiesel production at $1.4 billion over five years, and authorizes a Commodity Quality Incentive program to promote increased production of soybeans with high-stability oil traits. Each of these provisions is a top ASA priority for the 2007 Farm Bill. As other budget needs arise, these provisions could change from their current status.
Here in Ohio there are many new and exciting developments as well. The Ohio Soybean
Council (OSC) has announced the Clean Air for Kids campaign, designed to promote the use of soy biodiesel in school buses across the state. Clean Air for Kids will promote B20 soy biodiesel to decision makers in Ohio’s 600 school districts as a sensible alternative fuel that burns cleaner and releases fewer emissions compared to conventional petroleum. The health and environmental benefits are even more important considering the close proximity of children. The School Bus Biodiesel Grant program, established in Governor Strickland’s biennium budget, will eliminate the cost barrier for school districts to run B20 soy biodiesel in their buses.
Since his election as governor, Ted Strickland has been very accepting of the biofuels industry. In the state biennium budget, $4.5 million has been allotted for alternative fuels to increase the availability across the state of Ohio. This will be very helpful as new ethanol plants and soy biodiesel production facilities come on line.
With the increasing demand for soybean production and the continued technological advances, I feel this is an exciting time to be involved with the soybean industry, both as a producer and as an officer of OSA. As always, I welcome your comments and concerns and can be reached through the Ohio Soybean Association office. Thank you for the opportunity to serve!
Jeff Sollars
ohio
Soybean association Chairman fayette County Soybean farmer
President
Mark Watkins, Hardin County chairman
Jeff Sollars, Fayette County Vice President Membership
Jeff Wuebker, Darke County Secretary
Dave Dotterer, Wayne County treasurer
Bret Davis, Delaware County trustees
Bill Agle, Clark County
Jerry Bambauer, Auglaize County
John Buck, Marion County
Dave Dotterer, Wayne County
Mike Heffelfinger, Van Wert County
Kevin Homan, Henry County
Rob Joslin, Shelby County
Ed Lamalie, Sandusky County
Lyle McKanna, Putnam County
Clark Myers, Mahoning County
Dale Shawk, Crawford County
Sam Shuey, Clark County
Bruce Simmons, Medina County
Bob Slicker, Stark County
Joe Steiner, Warren County
aMerican Soybean aSSociation DirectorS
Rob Joslin, Shelby County
Joe Steiner, Warren County
Mark Watkins, Hardin County industry affiliates
Kathy Alvarez, Bunge NA
Jim Beuerlein, The Ohio State University
Andrea Guckes, Cargill Inc.
Don Ralph, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
Staff credits
John Lumpe and Kirk Leeds....Publisher
Ann Clinton Millsap....Editor
Jamie Butts....Editorial Manager
Shelby J. Ostrander....Senior Creative Advisor
Gary Usovsky....Senior Creative Advisor
Jennifer Coleman....Staff Writer
Rob Stewart....Publications Production Assistant
David Larson....Sales Director
The Ohio Soybean Review is published six times a year by the Ohio Soybean Association in partnership with the Iowa Soybean Association. For address corrections contact the Ohio Soybean Review 4554 NW 114th Street
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OhIO’S STaTE BUdgET INClUdES $4.5 MIllION FOR alTERNaTIVE FUEl PROgRaMS
ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed the biennium state budget this summer, which allotted $4.5 million to alternative fuel programs that will work to increase availability of soy biodiesel and E85 ethanol across the state. The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) and the Ohio Corn Growers Association (OCGA), in cooperation with Ohio Farm Bureau, have been working together to promote these programs, resulting in the most attention biofuels have ever received in the state budget.
“The increased presence of biofuels in the state budget is a sure sign that alternative energy sources are a high priority for our state government, and it is exciting to know that soy biodiesel and E85 are leading the way,” says Mark Watkins, OSA president and Hardin County soybean farmer. “OSA’s work in solidifying these programs in the budget
is just one example of the important role OSA plays in the legislative arena and how the organization is working on behalf of Ohio’s soybean industry.”
Included in the budget for the first time is a tax credit for retailers selling E85 ethanol (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) or B20 soy biodiesel (20 percent soy biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel). This tax credit will be paid directly to the retailer in the amount of 15 cents per gallon in 2008 and 13 cents per gallon in 2009.
A second program, different from the tax credit, will allow retailers not currently selling E85 or B20 soy biodiesel to obtain infrastructure grants to do so. These grants will help pay for necessary equipment needed to begin selling these fuels, such as pumps and tanks.
Blenders that want to begin processing E85 or B20 soy biodiesel will be able to take advantage of the alternative fuels
infrastructure grant program, established in House Bill 245, to help with their specific infrastructure needs as well.
Also included in the budget is the school bus biodiesel grant program, which is designed specifically for the B20 soy biodiesel blend. School districts that choose to use B20 soy biodiesel in their buses can receive grants that will offset the incremental cost of the fuel. This grant program will give school districts a chance to use a fuel that is better for the environment and the health of students without additional cost.
A promotional campaign developed by the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) called “Clean Air for Kids” will work to promote the use of B20 soy biodiesel to school districts and educate them about the school bus biodiesel grant program.
All of the alternative fuel programs in the budget will be administered by the Ohio Department of Development.
2007 ASA/DuPont Young Leaders
The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a subsidiary of DuPont, hosted the 2007 ASA/ DuPont Young Leader Program from Feb. 27 to March 3 in Tampa, Fla. Ryan and Amanda Rhoades of Delaware County were chosen as the Ohio representatives.
The Young Leader Program began in 1984 as a way to identify, cultivate, train and develop soybean growers who are looking to take on future leadership positions in the soybean industry. And it is exactly this reason that Ryan Rhoades decided to apply.
“I knew that I wanted to get more involved with this exciting industry, and the Young Leader Program was a great opportunity to learn the skills I will need to reach my goals,” Ryan Rhoades says.
Participants of the program go through an intensive course designed to be interactive with activities throughout the day and evening. But one of the most unique features is that spouses or significant others are included as regular participants as well, taking into consideration farming as a family business. Ryan’s wife, Amanda, was very excited to be a part of the experience.
“I learned a variety of leadership styles and skills,” Amanda Rhoades says. “I can take what I learned back to the workplace and improve my ability to lead others. This program is a great learning experience.”
The Young Leader program has an excellent record, with more than half of all participants going on to serve on association or promotion boards statewide and nationally. Focusing on
“We gained very practical, useful information from this experience that will definitely help both of us in the future. I now have a better understanding of where I want to be, and how to get there.”
ryan rhoades delaware county
motivational skills and the ability to handle oneself in a public position is only a small portion of the information covered.
Any soybean grower may apply, as long as they have a current state soybean association/ASA membership as of the January before attending the course. Actual age is not a factor in choosing participants.
During the program banquet, the Rhoades received a certificate of achievement and met with ASA president, Richard Ostlie. Both were very pleased with the program and would encourage other soybean growers to apply.
“We gained very practical, useful information from this experience that will definitely help both of us in the future,” Ryan Rhoades says. “I now have a better understanding of where I want to be, and how to get there.”
For more information about the ASA/Dupont Young Leader Program, or to apply to be a 2008 participant, visit www.soygrowers.com.
by Jennifer Coleman
ryan and Amanda rhoades pictured with their daughter hanah.
ASA Announces New Positions for OSA Board Members
The American Soybean Association (ASA) has announced new officers and committee assignments for 20072008. Elections were held during the summer meeting in Washington, D.C.
Rob Joslin, OSA chairman and soybean farmer from Sidney, was elected to his second term as one of four vice presidents who help make up the Executive Committee for ASA. He will also serve as chairman of the Membership Services and Corporate Relations Committee.
Joslin will also represent ASA on the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Board of Directors and work as a communications liaison to the United Soybean Board (USB).
OSA President Mark Watkins, a soybean producer in Hardin County, was assigned to serve on the Public Affairs Committee and the Investment Committee.
Joe Steiner, soybean producer in Warren County, will serve as a member of the Mature Markets division of the Trade Policy & International Affairs Committee.
Left to right: mark Watkins, rob Joslin, and Joe steiner
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Ford Model U Concept Car and 2008 Ford Mustang Highlight the Future for Soy-Based Materials
by Jennifer Coleman
for years, the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) has been investing checkoff dollars to develop new industrial uses for soybeans. During the Ohio State Fair in August and the Farm Science Review in September, OSC displayed the Ford Model U concept car as a demonstration of how versatile crops, such as corn and soybeans, can be in creating these eco-friendly industrial materials. The Ford Model U, powered by a hydrogen fueled engine, features a soy-based plastic tailgate, soy-based seat foam, and cornbased tire filler just to name a few.
“OSC has invested millions of dollars in research work at Battelle Research Institute in developing new industrial uses for soybeans, and this Model U car is an excellent example of how these research efforts can be applied to consumer products,” says Dan Corcoran, OSC chairman.
The idea of using soybeans in vehicle applications is not new to the Ford Motor Company. The Ford Model T once contained 60 pounds of soybeans in its paint and molded plastic parts. The Model U came along and took this idea to the next level.
When the Model U debuted, it was designed to serve as a vision for the future and model for change, and Ford announced it would consider the materials and processes used in its development for future vehicles. That was in 2003.
Now, in 2007, Ford has announced that soy-based polyurethane foam will be used in seating applications for the 2008 Ford Mustang. Ford and the Lear Corporation, along with a partnership with soybean farmers and their checkoff, helped make this foam technology a reality in Ford vehicles.
The soy-based flexible foam, which uses a 5 percent soy polyol, will be incorporated into seat backs and seat cushions in the new Mustang. However, Ford and Lear already plan to ramp up efforts and increase the percentage of soy polyol in vehicle seats in the near future, without compromising the durability, stiffness or performance of the foam. Using a polyurethane foam composed of 40 percent soy is estimated to reduce environmental impact by up to 75 percent.
“Soy is a very green, renewable resource,” says Debbie Mielewski, technical leader for Ford’s Material Research & Advanced Engineering Department. “Using a soy-based foam gives us the opportunity
to conserve natural resources and reduce our environmental footprint.”
Soy-based production also requires less energy to produce, and results in reduced carbon-dioxide emissions. Most automotive manufacturers today are using 100 percent petroleum-based polyol foam in their vehicles. The annual demand for petroleum-based polyols in the United States is 3 billion pounds, with 30 pounds of petroleum-based foam being used in each automobile produced. This offers a lot of potential for the future of soy-based foam.
Todd Allen, USB New Uses chair and a soybean farmer from West Memphis, Arkansas says, “The move by Ford to replace petroleum in auto interiors with soybean oil is revolutionary. Such a move may not only be the start of something big for soybean farmers but also for America as a whole.”
2008 ford mustang seats will contain soy-based foam.
Clean
Air for Kids
Clean Air for Kids Campaign Promotes
Soy Biodiesel Use in School Buses
Campaign Promotes Soy Biodiesel Use in School Buses
The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) recently introduced the “Clean Air for Kids” campaign, a program designed to promote the use of soy biodiesel in school buses across Ohio. The campaign will also educate school districts about the school bus biodiesel grant program, established in Ohio Governor Ted Strickland’s biennium budget and administered by the Ohio Department of Development.
“Clean Air for Kids” will promote the B20 soy biodiesel blend (20 percent soy biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel) to decision makers in Ohio’s 600 school districts as a sensible alternative fuel that burns cleaner and releases fewer emissions into the air than conventional petroleum. This environmental benefit is even more important when considering school buses with children in close proximity.
“For more than a decade, the soybean checkoff has funded the research and development of soy biodiesel and we are finally seeing it as a mainstream alternative fuel source,” says Dan Corcoran, OSC chairman and Pike County soybean farmer. “School bus fleets provide tremendous opportunity to grow Ohio’s soy biodiesel industry even more. The “Clean Air for Kids” program will not only give school districts the incentives to use soy biodiesel, but it will promote a fuel source that is cleaner burning for our children.”
Several Ohio school districts have already made the switch and are using soy biodiesel. But one of the reasons that more school districts have not switched is because, on average, soy biodiesel costs more than petroleum diesel. To solve this problem, the school bus biodiesel grant program, designed specifically for B20
soy biodiesel, will help school districts pay for the incremental cost of using the fuel in their buses. This will give schools an added cost incentive, in addition to the environmental and health benefits for students. And diesel engines do not require modifications in order to run B20 soy biodiesel. The goal is to have 100 Ohio school districts using B20 soy biodiesel in their fleets by 2009.
“OSC would like to recognize and thank its sister organization, the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA), for its work in the legislature to ensure the inclusion of the biodiesel grant program in the budget,” Corcoran says. “Soybean farmers stand to benefit a great deal from this program and the continued attention OSA pays to government activities.”
For “Clean Air for Kids” program updates or information, be sure to visit www.soyohio.org/kids
clean Air for Kids soy biodiesel display at the ohio state fair.
Ohio Soybean Council Sponsors 11th Annual Pork Rib-Off
The Ohio Pork Producers Council (OPPC) held its 11th Annual Pork Rib-Off at the Ohio State Fair in August. This event has been a favorite at the State Fair for many years and brings in restaurants and other organizations from around Ohio. There were five different entries this year competing for various awards and prize money.
The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and the soybean checkoff sponsor this event every year in support of Ohio’s animal agriculture industry. At the contest, OSC presents an award for the best barbecue sauce containing soybean oil. This year’s award went to Fat Freddy’s Sticky Q of Maumee, Ohio. Tom Fontana, OSC director of New Use Development, and Keith Roberts, 2007 Rib-Off judge and
OSC board member, presented the award to Harold Uhde of Fat Freddy’s.
Fat Freddy’s also won the Grand Champion Ribs title and received $1,000 in prize money. Tony’s Restaurant of Findlay, Ohio, was named Reserve Champion and awarded $500, while the Red Pig Inn of Ottawa, Ohio, came in third winning $100.
Before the judges of the event make their decisions, fair-goers also have the chance to sample ribs from all of the entries and vote for their favorite. This year, Wally’s Great American BBQ of Tiffin, Ohio, was named the People’s Choice Award Winner.
The event received both radio and television coverage with Bob Nunnally, of NBC Channel 4 News Columbus, serving as emcee of the event. Judges were Joe Boxer, 92.3 WCOL radio; Virgil Strickler, Ohio State Fair general manager; Ray Noecker, Ohio Pork Producers Council; Michael Morris, Clear Channel Communications; and Keith Roberts, Ohio Soybean Council.
Brent Cline ashland University 820 Claremont avenue ashland, Oh 44805
Wallace Snow
Wally’s great american BBQ 201 longfellow drive Tiffin, Oh 44883
Tony’s Restaurant 10280 US 224 West Findlay, Oh 45840
Left to right: tom fontanta, osc director of new use development; Keith roberts, 2007 rib-off judge and osc board member; and harold uhde, fat freddy’s sticky Q.
Soy Biodiesel Quality Testing Program Developed for Ohio
“The public demands and deserves to have excellent performance from fuels they purchase, and soy biodiesel is no different.”
tom fontana, osc director of new use development.
by Jennifer Coleman
The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC), along with the United Soybean Board (USB) and other state soybean associations, has long supported the research, development, education, marketing and promotion of soy biodiesel. Over the last ten years, all of these organizations combined have invested millions of checkoff dollars to support this growing industry.
Now that soy biodiesel has become more established with 250 million gallons produced in 2006, and a significant increase in production projected for 2007, the quality of fuel that consumers are getting has become an important issue for everyone involved. OSC has developed a quality testing program for Ohio soy biodiesel producers to help address this need for acceptable quality testing, and ensure a good experience by consumers.
OSC has contracted with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) to collect soy biodiesel samples from
osc has developed a quality testing program for soy biodiesel producers to help address the need for acceptable quality testing and ensure a good experience by consumers.
program participants on a random basis and send the samples to an accredited laboratory to test for compliance with the ASTM D 6751 specification.
ASTM D 6751 specification for pure soy biodiesel was developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International. In an effort to protect the reputation of soy biodiesel as a high quality alternative fuel, OSC will distribute the results of the test to Ohio’s fuel marketers, who distribute the fuel to consumers. This process will help ensure that consumers are receiving the highest quality soy biodiesel and protect them from fuel that might be substandard.
The quality testing program is voluntary, but OSC encourages all Ohio soy biodiesel producers to participate
in the program, as this type of testing ensures the long-term health of the entire industry.
“The public demands and deserves to have excellent performance from fuels they purchase, and soy biodiesel is no different,” says Tom Fontana, OSC director of new use development. “As the industry expands, it is absolutely imperative that only the highest quality soy biodiesel reaches the market place.”
Even a small amount of poor quality fuel could destroy efforts to build a viable soy biodiesel industry in the state of Ohio and the entire U.S. This quality testing program and others like it, such as the BQ 9000 Program administered by the National Biodiesel Board, can keep soy biodiesel’s reputation with consumers intact.
“It looks like rust is going to eventually make it to Ohio and be a problem for us. The research in Florida is important because it is moving north from the southern states, and the research facility in Florida helps us keep track of where it is.”
Keith Kemp preble county soybean farmer and osc vice-chairman
Florida Research Station Preparing Ohio Soybean Farmers for Asian Soybean Rust
by Jennifer Coleman
much of the original buzz around the arrival of Asian Soybean Rust (ASR) has diminished among soybean farmers due to its lack of appearance this far north. But many still believe that it’s only a matter of time before the right conditions allow the disease to spread into Ohio.
Preparation is key, and the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC), with funding from the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and the soybean checkoff, is helping prepare Ohio soybean farmers.
Located in Quincy, Fla., NFREC began conducting ASR research very soon after it appeared in Florida and Louisiana in late 2004. It is home to one of the statewide plant disease diagnostic labs and of the 1,100 acres
used for research at the Quincy station, 22 are devoted to soybeans.
But the valuable research coming out of NFREC is not the only thing benefiting Ohio soybean farmers. For the past three years, NFREC has been conducting a Soybean Rust Identification Short Course. This course, with funding from the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP), has given researchers, extension agents and soybean farmers from around the country
valuable knowledge and experience detecting ASR in the field. To date, 250 people, many of whom had never seen the disease before, have completed this course.
In July, John Buck, OSC board member from Marion County, and Keith Kemp, OSC vice-chairman from Preble County, attended this rust identification course. They participated in an effort to further their knowledge about ASR, its threat potential to the Midwest and how to identify it in the field.
“This course was helpful because we were able to actually see examples in test plots of rust on soybeans, and I will be able to better identify it,” Kemp says. “The more we know about this disease the better.”
To learn more, researchers at NFREC are looking at a variety of issues, such as how rust spores attach to leaves, the effects of row spacing on the disease, survival rates and management methods. The data gathered from these research projects are shared with other researchers around the country.
the soybean rust Identification short course can help researchers and growers better detect the disease in the field.
Anne Dorrance, Ohio State University Extension plant pathologist with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, says, “The data coming from the Quincy research station is going directly to the extension in Ohio. This has really helped improve the flow of science for everyone involved.”
While ASR was first found in the southern states, it has since worked its way north, reaching as far as Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky and North Carolina.
“It looks like rust is going to eventually make it to Ohio and be a problem for us,” Kemp says. “The research in Florida is important because it is moving north from the southern states, and the research facility in Florida helps us keep track of where it is.”
While soybeans are not a major crop in Florida, ASR is still thriving there on kudzu, a host plant for the disease. Kudzu is native to China and Japan, originally brought to the United States to help combat soil erosion. Because it is such an invasive plant, it is virtually impossible to eradicate. It also stays
green year-round, giving soybean rust a place to thrive during the winter months. Even if the kudzu plant loses its leaves during colder weather, it will grow new ones back very quickly.
“Of all the things I learned about the disease during the rust course in Quincy, the one that concerned me the most was that rust can survive a short time on kudzu leaves after they’ve dropped off the kudzu plant,” Buck says. “If the weather and other conditions are right, soybean rust has a strong starting point in Florida to make its way north.
NFREC continues to research this disease, find ways to fight it and educate others. Eventually, the data from Florida could lead to a modeling system to assess risk and timing for fungicide applications for soybean farmers.
“I can’t stress enough how important the collaboration between NCSRP, the United Soybean Board and the state associations is in the effort to beat this disease,” Buck says. “The research being done in Florida is important for all Ohio soybean farmers.”
John buck searches for Asian soybean rust in a large kudzu patch in Quincy, florida.
Determining How Resistant Is Resistant
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most costly yield-robber to the soybean industry today. That’s why many lines of SCN-resistant soybeans exist. According to Dr. Kris Lambert and Dr. Terry Niblack, researchers at the University of Illinois, SCN has cost U.S. farmers over $600 million per year from 2003-2005.
However, there are many different SCN types, and SCN-resistant lines of soybeans may be resistant to some but susceptible to others. How can farmers know which line is the best for use on their farm?
Drs. Lambert and Niblack are looking at the virulence, or the ability of SCN to reproduce, on a soybean plant that is considered SCN-resistant. SCN populations can change over time, like many species. So, if an SCN population is challenged with a strong selective force, such as SCNresistant soybeans, it is likely to adapt by becoming virulent and able to overcome that resistance.
“Because SCN populations are variable in terms of virulence, it is important to know the virulence profile of your farm to decide which SCN-resistant cultivars to plant,” Dr. Lambert says. “If farmers know the virulence profile of nematodes in the field, they can choose the line of SCN-resistant soybeans that best fits their needs.”
“With our current knowledge, we can increase soybean yields up to 20 percent simply by matching the correct resistance with the virulence profile of SCN in a particular field. That can be worth between $50 and $134 per acre, but $50 acre is more typical,” Dr. Niblack says.
The ability to monitor the virulence profile in the field allows farmers to rotate different SCN-resistant lines to prevent the buildup of highly virulent
photo courtesy of the unIted soybeAn boArd/soybeAn checKoff.
SCN types, or SCNs that are less affected by the SCN-resistant lines.
To determine the virulence of SCN, Dr. Lambert is developing a molecular test that measures single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), a common type of genetic marker in plant and animal genomics. Because SNP detection is common in diagnostic tests, equipment is widely available. If the virulence gene is abundant in the SCN population, then a different line of SCN-resistant soybeans should be planted.
The benefit of the molecular test is that it can detect an SNP quickly and accurately and requires small numbers of nematodes. Previous plant-based tests required many young nematodes, time to grow them and time to set up and infect a panel of different types of SCN-resistant plants. The entire plant-based assay, which has been the test for determining SCN virulence in the past, takes one to two months and costs at least $100 per sample. By comparison, the molecular test is done in a few hours and costs less that $1 per test.
is developing will test for SCN virulence on the seven SCN-resistant lines now used for HG-type testing, to determine which original source of resistance is the most effective for controlling a given SCN population. This helps soybean farmers determine which type of SCN-resistant lines to plant and which lines to avoid. Since the molecular assay is rapid and costeffective, it is possible to monitor
field populations from time to time to measure changes in SCN virulence and gene frequency.
“The work on SCN virulence is not aimed at devising new SCNresistance sources, but at the longterm management of existing sources of resistance,” says Dr. Lambert. “Understanding SCN virulence will, however, make it easier to breed soybeans with a diversity of SCN resistance.”
1-4
3-20 Moderate
15-20 and over High
Plant SCN resistant variety or rotate to a nonhost crop. At or above 2000 eggs some yield loss may result on SCN resistant lines.
Rotate to a nonhost crop next year and return with SCN resistant soybeans the following year.
Rotate to a nonhost crop for two to three years then sample the soil to determine nematode populations before planting SCN resistant varieties.
The molecular test Dr. Lambert
photo courtesy of pALLe pedersen, IoWA stAte unIversIty.
Biodiesel Renewable Diesel
What’s the difference, and why does it matter?
by Guest Columnist Joe Jobe, CEO National Biodiesel Board
You have surely heard about biodiesel. Not only do you know what it is, but you grow the feedstock for it, and you probably use it in your diesel vehicles. Yes, the renewable fuel for diesel engines in the U.S. is most commonly made with soybean oil. But what is renewable diesel, and, more specifically, what is coprocessed renewable diesel?
Renewable diesel is defined in the federal tax code as a diesel fuel derived from biomass using a thermal depolymerization process that meets Environmental Protection Agency health effects requirements and ASTM International specifications. In April,
2007, however, the Internal Revenue Service issued regulatory guidance that broadly defined renewable diesel. Its definition included a variety of technologies. This definition includes allowing integrated oil companies to add small percentages of animal fats or vegetable oils to petroleum streams in their existing refining process – referred to as coprocessing – and claim the $1 per gallon renewable diesel credit.
First, a quick look at history: Because biodiesel uses renewable resources, supports America’s farmers and is better for the economy and environment, Congress passed legislation for a biodiesel tax incentive. However, when the Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended
the biodiesel tax incentive through 2008, it also attached a $1 credit for “renewable diesel” to the same section of the IRS code that provides the biodiesel tax incentive.
The provision was primarily intended to support the development of a new class of technology that turns lower value animal waste, such as turkey offal, into a fuel such as heating oil. Importantly, the renewable diesel tax credit could stimulate investment in new plants that will add refinery capacity to our fuel supply, create jobs and displace imported crude oil; similar to biodiesel. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is not trying to repeal that tax incentive.
Coprocessed renewable diesel, made from a combination of petroleum and vegetable oils or animal fats, is made in existing petroleum refineries, so it does not add to our nation’s fuel capacity or increase fuel supply. Large integrated oil companies, such as ConocoPhillips, can now receive the same tax incentive as the home-grown, self-financed agribiodiesel plants dotted throughout the Midwest. The recent ruling allowing this is tantamount to subsidizing 30-year-old facilities that do nothing to add to our energy security.
Biodiesel and renewable diesel differ in other ways as well.
ConocoPhillips’ coprocessed fuel does not contain any oxygen, unlike cleaner burning biodiesel, and does not offer the same benefits in terms of being nontoxic, biodegradable and increasing fuel lubricity. It also does not significantly reduce harmful particulate matter emissions from diesel engines.
While biodiesel has added more than 1.8 billion gallons of fuel capacity to the U.S., with even more being built, coprocessed renewable diesel will not add capacity. The hydrotreating of biomass to make diesel produces the same amount of diesel as it did before the biomass was added.
Of special note, Congress already created a process for ConocoPhillips and every other petroleum company to receive a tax credit for creating an “alternative fuel” that is “mixed with” or “added to” diesel fuel. They can receive an Alternative Fuel Mixture Credit of 50 cents per gallon through the transportation bill, also passed in 2005.
The NBB, which I represent, welcomes new technologies and multiple feedstocks for renewable fuels. The NBB is a feedstock-neutral organization. However, the tax credit was meant for specific emerging technologies that add U.S. fuel refining capacity and benefit the economy. The original author of the legislation agrees. If ConocoPhillips were producing a
pure renewable fuel, it would more likely result in the investment in additional refinery capacity. That has additional public policy benefits that would be worthy of an additional level of incentive.
The reasons farmers and those with biodiesel interests, often one in the same, should be concerned are many. This process will not add new American jobs in any significant way. The biodiesel industry is expected to add 40,000 jobs to the U.S. economy. The oil companies might also put a stranglehold on materials used to make biodiesel, thereby stunting the growth of the biodiesel industry, of which many soybean farmers are vested.
Solving the Problem
Fortunately, there is an ongoing effort in Congress to remedy this problem. U.S. Reps. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, and Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo., introduced legislation to properly define renewable diesel as not including petroleum coprocessing for purposes of the $1 per gallon renewable diesel tax incentive. This HR 2361 fix has been included in the existing energy bill, a step in the right direction.
Although the fact that the oil companies may, in theory, buy soybean oil to coprocess with petroleum, there are piercing questions about whether this is likely to be a sustainable relationship. The oil companies have to invest very little to coprocess soybean oil, and so to stop doing it at any time would be as easy as the flip of a switch.
Biodiesel plants, on the other hand, are brick-and-mortar facilities, built with family and farmer investments. There is much more likelihood that these companies will do everything in their power to keep operating, and buying soybean oil, for decades to come. If, on the other hand, Congress realizes that the tax incentive originally designed to encourage free-standing renewable fuel facilities has become a transfer of taxpayer dollars to already wealthy oil
companies, the incentive is likely to go away for everyone. It simply isn’t sustainable energy policy, and soybean farmers could be left out in the cold in the end.
The NBB has taken a feedstock- and technology-neutral position, which would help close this loophole with sound energy, agriculture and taxation policy. There is no justification for subsidizing the existing operations of integrated oil companies at the expense of free-standing biodiesel facilities that provide many benefits to America. For these reasons, NBB will continue working in Washington to properly define the renewable diesel tax credit. Our industry very much appreciates the support of soybean farmers who share in this desire for strong federal policy.
biodiesel vs. coprocessed renewable Diesel
1) Biodiesel: Production plants are bought with family and farmer investments.
Coprocessed Renewable Diesel: Is made in existing petroleum refineries and does not add to our nation’s fuel capacity or increase fuel supply.
2) Biodiesel: Burns cleaner, is biodegradable, increases fuel lubricity and reduces harmful particulate matter emissions from diesel engines.
Coprocessed Renewable Diesel: Does not contain oxygen or offer any of the same benefits of being nontoxic and bio degradable. It will not increase fuel lubricity and does not significantly reduce harmful particulate matter emissions from diesel engines.
3) Biodiesel: Has added more than 1.8 million gallons of fuel capacity to the U.S.
Coprocessed Renewable Diesel: Will not add fuel capacity.
4) Biodiesel: Expected to add 40,000 jobs to the U.S. economy.
Coprocessed Renewable Diesel: Will not add new American jobs in any significant way.
