Ohio Soybean News January - February 2025 by ohiosoybean

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WRusty Goebel

Ohio Soybean Association President Williams County farmer

A Letter From the President

hat a year 2024 was for Ohio farmers! Between drought, molding, and pod sprouting, this harvest season was one we’d all like to put in the rearview mirror. Fortunately, in farming, each new year brings a new opportunity to start fresh with a new crop. Here’s hoping the 2025 crop goes much more smoothly.

Despite the significant challenges we faced, 2024 wasn’t all bad. The Ohio Soybean Association accomplished a lot this year, even though many legislators had hit the campaign trail for the November election. You can see a brief overview of last year’s policy work on pages 8-9. As for the November election results and what that may mean for agriculture, you can read our post-election analysis on page 10.

Post-election, there will be an opportunity – and a need – for OSA board members and staff to educate incoming lawmakers about the importance of agriculture and the complexities of the soybean industry. As we enter a new year, many of our policy objectives remain, including:

• Reducing volatility in farmland property taxes

• Creating a fair eminent domain process for landowners

• Safeguarding quality grain testing

• Promoting renewable fuels production

Of course, as other issues come up throughout the year, OSA is prepared to address those head on as well. I have always believed in the work that member-driven organizations like OSA do on behalf of our industry. I encourage anyone reading this magazine to reach out this winter to your OSA district representative. Chat with them about what OSA is doing for you and how you can get involved. Visit www.soyohio.org/membership to learn more.

Wishing you all a very happy New Year!

Rusty Goebel

President

Rusty Goebel, Williams County

Vice President

Bennett Musselman, Pickaway County

Treasurer

Trish Cunningham, Union County

Secretary

Jeff Magyar, Ashtabula County

Chairman

Patrick Knouff, Shelby County

Trustees

David Clark, Warren County

Dustin Converse, Union County

Dave Green, Crawford County

Austin Heil, Hardin County

Scott Metzger, Ross County

Jeremy Price, Putnam County

Derek Reusser, Wayne County

Ryan Rhoades, Marion County

Andy Stickel, Wood County

Bob Suver, Clark County

Kerrick Wilson, Preble County

Jennifer Wilson-Oechsle, Van Wert County

American Soybean Association

Board Representatives

Rusty Goebel

Scott Metzger

Ryan Rhoades

Staff Credits

Kirk Merritt - Publisher

Julia Brown - Editor

Mackenzie Joseph - Staff Writer

Lauren Gerig - Art Director

Kim Lemmon - Production Manager

Ohio Soybean News is published six times a year by the Ohio Soybean Association, 918 Proprietors Rd., Suite A, Worthington, OH 43085. Phone: 614-476-3100.

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WISHH leverages partnerships for U.S. Soy to help meet the protein needs of 8 billion consumers

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH HELP

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, call 988.

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the national suicide and crisis lifeline. People can now call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org if they are in crisis or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support, which can include having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

#SoyHelp - American Soybean Association

ASA and other soy groups are devoted to the wellbeing of farmers – including combating farm stress so often experienced by growers and their families.

for the national suicide and crisis lifeline. People can now call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org if they are in crisis or are worried about a loved one who ma y need crisis support, which can include having thoughts of s uicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use

ASA and other soy groups are devoted to the wellbeing of farmers – including combating farm stress so often experienced by growers and their families.

Visit: shorturl.at/KsfVW

The #gotyourback campaign was designed to let farmers know that there is help and resources for those going through stressful times.

Visit: gotyourbackohio.org

Got Your Back - Ohio Department of Agriculture Ohio State University Extension

OSU Extension is partnering with other agricultural groups to offer new programs and resources to help farmers and farm families as they go through stressful times.

Visit: shorturl.at/6rlvF

Rural Minds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to serve as the informed voice for mental health in rural America and to provide mental health information and resources.

Visit: www.ruralminds.org/you-are-not-alone

go through stressful times. Visit: shorturl.at/6rlvF The #gotyourback campaign was designed to let farmers know that there is help and resources for those going through stressful times. Visit: gotyourbackohio.org ASA and other soy groups are devoted to the wellbeing of farmers –including combating farm stress so often experienced by growers and their families. Visit: shorturl.at/KsfVW

Ohio Soybean Organizations Welcome Kiley Holbrook As Policy and Demand Coordinator

The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) and Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) are excited to welcome Kiley Holbrook to their staff as the Policy and Demand Coordinator. In this role, she will implement and analyze state and federal policy priorities, drive farmer and partner engagement on key issues, and build domestic and international soybean demand, to the benefit of Ohio soybean farmers and stakeholders.

“On behalf of both of our boards, I’m happy to welcome Kiley to our Ohio Soybean team,” said Rusty

County soybean farmer. “Kiley not only has experience in agriculture policy and research that will help OSA, but she completed an internship with the Ohio corn and small grains checkoffs and understands how checkoff work impacts Ohio soybean farmers.”

Holbrook has a strong background in agriculture policy, including a summer internship in the U.S. House of Representatives, and she most recently worked as a legislative aide to Rep. Rodney Creech in the Ohio House of Representatives. She recently graduated from The Ohio

in agricultural communications and public policy. Holbrook is a graduate of Amanda-Clearcreek High School in

OSA 2024 Policy Roundup

March 13

March 26

Shelby County farmer Patrick Knouff and Clark County farmer Bob Suver meet with U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown to talk biofuels, crop protection, and Farm Bill priorities.

OSA board member Trish Cunningham attends a roundtable with Representative Greg Landsman and USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small to discuss ag priorities.

June 25

OSA teams up with Clean Fuels Alliance America for Congressional visits in D.C. discussing the 45Z tax credit, renewable volume obligation for the RFS, and further opportunities for biofuels.

June 27

OSA participates in the groundbreaking for the new Louis Dreyfus soybean processing plant in Upper Sandusky.

June 12

OSA President Rusty Goebel testifies to the Senate Government Oversight Committee on the importance of maintaining high-quality grain testers in Ohio.

June 14

OSA meets with State Senator Tim Schaffer, Rep. Don Jones, and Rep. Susan Manchester to discuss issues impacting Ohio soybean farmers, including potential for advanced biofuel production in Ohio.

July 16-18

OSA visits D.C. to advocate for legislative priorities with ASA, meeting with congressional offices to discuss ag policy issues like the Farm Bill.

October 15

Discussion on grain grading and logistics with Ohio AgriBusiness Association and Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson.

October 30

August 20

September 13

Ohio SoyPAC hosts event for Congressman Mike Carey near Springfield, OH.

March 21, July 30, August 6, 7, & 8

OSA hosts Hometown Tours featuring policy roundtables with Rep. Manchester, ODA Director Baldridge, State Rep. McClain, and State Rep. Hoops.

OSA welcomes USDA NRCS Chief Terry Cosby to Ohio. OSA President Rusty Goebel and other NW Ohio farmers share feedback to enhance conservation programs for growers.

OSA President Rusty Goebel meets with Ohio State Senator Rob McColley to discuss key issues impacting Ohio soybean farmers.

September 4

Rep. Marcy Kaptur visits Rusty Goebel’s farm to discuss agricultural priorities amidst drought conditions.

August 30

OSA participates in a Farmer Roundtable hosted at Magyar Farms with Ohio Rep. Dave Joyce, discussing key issues affecting farmers and speaking with House Ag Committee Chairman GT Thompson by phone.

2025 OSA Policy Prioities Taking Shape

The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) aims to advance key legislative priorities to support Ohio’s soybean farmers in 2025. The organization is focused on providing leadership in promoting effective policies and legislation to ensure a growing and profitable soybean industry.

At the top of the list will be promoting advanced biofuel production. These fuels, such as Renewable Diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel, offer a significant market opportunity for soybeans. However, it will be important to get state and national-level policies right to allow soybean oil to compete in this complex market. Policies that promote the use of domestic feedstocks in biofuel production are necessary for long-term stability in the biofuel sector. OSA will also be working to ensure that soy’s carbon intensity measurement is more accurately

measured as part of tax incentives and other programs that drive this market. Ohio also stands to benefit economically from domestic production of biofuels. OSA will be working to promote the idea of incentivizing production of biofuels here in Ohio to supply new demand. This could benefit farmers by bringing markets closer to home and add to the state’s economic productivity.

The Ohio General Assembly will craft the next two-year state operating budget this year. Ensuring funding priorities such as effective grain marketing programs, extension services and investments in farmers’ water quality efforts will be a focus. The Ohio Soybean Association also supports a broad range of policies to help promote a healthy animal agriculture industry in our state. Ensuring adequate resources for

animal disease prevention and detection will be important.

On the federal level, OSA is committed to active engagement with members of Congress on vital issues such as the farm safety net and risk management strategies, ensuring that Ohio’s farmers have the support they need to navigate an increasingly challenging landscape. Numerous tax policies impacting farm operations will also be considered by Congress and OSA will be working to help pass policies that benefit producers in this area.

Overall, OSA will continue to actively advocate for legislation that provides predictability and support for the industry, which will drive innovation and growth across Ohio’s agricultural landscape. Be on the lookout for opportunities to help us carry your message to policymakers in 2025. u

OSA Commodity Classic Member Benefit

Attention OSA members! Don’t miss out on your registration discount for Commodity Classic! As a member of the Ohio Soybean Association, you also gain membership in the American Soybean Association (ASA), which includes exclusive benefits like a $100 discount on registration.

The 2025 Commodity Classic will be held from March 2–4 in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. This is the must-attend annual event for soybean, corn, wheat, and sorghum farmers across the nation. Attendees can explore the latest innovations in agriculture, hear transformative ideas directly from industry leaders, and network with fellow growers and agricultural experts.

The event features an exceptional trade show where you can engage one-on-one with top agribusiness representatives and discover the tools and resources to enhance your farming operation. If you’re passionate about advancing your agricultural knowledge and ensuring your success in the industry,

Commodity Classic is the place to be. Join us and other leaders in agriculture for this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

Take advantage of your OSA and ASA membership benefits to ensure that you don’t miss out on this year’s Commodity Classic! u

FRIEND OF OSA: $50

Subscriptions to Ohio

Soybean News and Ohio’s Country Journal

Monthly Leader Letter enewsletter

EXCLUSIVE retail discounts from Sofia’s Soy Cleaner, Gear Head Fifth Wheel Grease Pads and RoofMaxx

STUDENT/ YOUNG ADULT: $10

Includes all Friend of OSA

Benefits, plus eligibility for $1,000 OSA Scholarship. This three-year membership offer is open to any individual ages 18-24. Date of birth is required on all applications to confirm eligibility.

MEMBER BENEFITS

FARMER 1-YEAR: $100

Includes Friend of OSA benefits, plus:

Biodiesel Bucks – save up to $100 on biodiesel at participating retailers

2 free Ohio State University

SCN soil tests ($80 value)

Eligible for $1,000 OSA

Scholarship (eligibility includes OSA members and their children and grandchildren)

American Soybean Association membership & benefits

$100 Commodity Classic

Registration Discount

Eligible for $5,000 Soy Scholarship

Cabela’s Gift Card Purchase 10% discount

FARMER 3-YEAR: $285

Includes Farmer 1-Year Membership benefits, plus: BAMWX – Save $400 a year on the BAM Ag Weather Package ($1,200 savings)

Soybean Seed Coupon –Save $200 at participating companies (100 bag minimum)

American Soybean Association membership & benefits

$100 Commodity Classic Registration Discount

Eligible for $5,000 Soy Scholarship

Cabela’s Gift Card Purchase 10% discount

Soil Health Research Highlight

The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) is proud to support soil health research that empowers Ohio farmers with innovative tools and knowledge for sustainable agriculture. We wanted to highlight two current research projects supported by OSC that focus on advancing soil management and nutrient efficiency.

Predicting Soybean Yields and Quantifying Soil Health

By: Peter Renz and Richard Dick

The condition and the health of a soil is fundamental for attaining optimized crop productivity and to guide sustainable soil and crop management. This means that a soil health assessment method must quantitatively detect cropping system effects quickly (within 1-3 yrs.), be calibrated independent of soil type and be related to crop yields. However, the currently available Soil Health tests (e.g., Cornell CASH and Haney tests) have been shown to be inconsistent in detecting soil/management effects and resulted in limited or no correlation with crop yields (Roper et al., 2017; Chu et al., 2019; Chahal and Eerd, 2018; Faé et al., 2020). These results were the reason why we approached the Ohio Soybean Council to fund our 3-year study.

The outcome of this study allowed us to develop the Ohio Soil Health Score index. Notably, this score readily detects soil/crop management in fields under farmer management and is calibrated independent of soil type with a score of 0 to 1. Additionally, we developed a robust soybean yield prediction model that can reliably predict soybean yield (R2=0.84). This yield model incorporates the Ohio Soil Health Score along with other crop management information into a multivariate yield model that was developed using a machine learning algorithm.

A follow-up sensitivity analysis of various soil properties allowed us to identify eight soil health indicators

that are temporally sensitive to soil/ crop management, and that are seasonally stable. To our surprise, the Ohio Soil Health Score, which was created as an approach to quantify soil health, was one of them. This observation meant that the Ohio Soil Health Score allowed us to identify beneficial soil/crop management practices that are indirectly tied to soybean yield.

With the help of the sensitivity analysis, we determined that moldboard and chisel tillage practices reach a soil health score plateau even though farmers implemented sustainable soil management practices (diverse crop rotation, cover cropping, manure amendments). For no-till, we found a linear increase in the soil health score when sustainable soil management practices were implemented. A deeper analysis of the soil management practices revealed a beneficial order of management practices independent of tillage usage. The first option was to implement a corn-soybean-wheat

Example of a soil core that was collected

rotation, the second option was to use cover crops, and that the last option, with the smallest impact on the soil health score, could be achieved through manure amendments.

Overall, our finding allows us to imagine a hypothetical future scenario, where a farmer could ask a lab to determine the Ohio Soil Health Score of his soil, receive a theoretical soybean yield prediction for the season, and discuss management solutions with a consultant to attain a higher score which in theory would result in a higher yield in the future.

Our research is promising and ongoing and will hopefully become available to Ohio farmers in the coming future. Furthermore, we want to state that this scoring approach is not only applicable for conventional farmers but also for certified organic farmers. u

Investing Checkoff Dollars Understanding crop response to phosphorus application

By: Manbir K. Rakkar, Assistant Professor of Soil Fertility, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Resources

Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient. Growers add P fertilizers to build or maintain the soil P levels to obtain good crop yields. However, data collected from 457 field P trials in Ohio indicated that the yield response to P fertilizer was less than 25 percent (Culman et al., 2023). In this dataset, only 14.2% of total soybean trials showed a positive response to P application. To improve P management and farm profitability, it is therefore critical to better understand the soil P dynamics when P fertilizers are added to the soil. Furthermore, data from Ohio fertilizer trials show applying phosphorus (P) leads to an accumulation of P in the available pool, but crop yield response remains unaffected in a lot of cases. A better understanding of other P pools would be beneficial for comprehending the yield responses and reducing the risk of non-point P pollution of water bodies.

The P fertilizer application to crops is generally based on soil test P levels. However, the routine soil tests only measure the readily available P pool (Mehlich-3 P), which makes a small fraction of total soil P (<10%; Fig. 1). In our project, we are evaluating how d ifferent P application rates and P sources affect overall soil P pools and their correlation to crop yields. Our study consists of six sites: 3 inorganic P sites and 3 organic P sites. The inorganic P sites have three P management approaches: no P, maintenance approach, and build up approach. These sites have received fertilizer applications since 2006 and have been in the drawdown phase (no fertilizer application) since 2021. The organic P sites contain different rates of swine and dairy manure. Soil samples were

collected in Spring 2024 and are being analyzed for P sorption capacity, readily available P, water extractable P, and P bound to iron, aluminum, and calcium ions.

Our preliminary data from inorganic sites show that P saturation levels were highest in buildup rate (9.12%) followed by maintenance range (7.09%) and no P treatment (5.67%) across sites. The relationships between P saturation and water-extractable P (P-solubility) will be examined to illustrate how soil P solubility changes as soil P saturation increases. Results from this project will serve as a preliminary database to expand the research across Ohio in different regions and cropping systems to refine the P management practices in agriculture fields. The project is relevant to address the environmental issues caused by P loads from agriculture fields and will help growers to better manage P fertilizers to improve

Soil phosphorus (P) cycle highlighting different P pools. The routine soil P test only measures a snapshot of readily available P pool, while inorganic and organic P pools undergo bio-chemical processing to supplement available P pool.

farm profitability. The findings of this project will also reflect on the significance of existing P fertilizer recommendations which are based on readily available soil P pool.

REFERENCE:

Culman, S., Fulford, A., LaBarge, G., Watters, H., Lindsey, L. E., Dorrance, A., & Deiss, L. (2023). Probability of crop response to phosphorus and potassium fertilizer: Lessons from 45 years of Ohio trials. Soil Science Society of America Journal , 87, 1207-1220. https://doi.org/10.1002/ saj2.20564 u

The Ohio Soybean 2024 Industry Dinner: Recognizing Soybean Leaders

This year’s Industry Dinner offered the chance to reflect upon and celebrate the 2024 accomplishments of the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and Ohio Soybean Association (OSA). This year, OSC honored Dr. Carl Zulauf with the Outstanding Achievement Award for his service as a Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at The Ohio State University. Dr. Zulauf’s areas of specialization are commercial agricultural policy and commodity futures and options markets. Crawford County farmer Steve Reinhard was recognized for his service this year as chairman of the United Soybean Board ended. The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and Ohio Soybean Association also recognized their retiring members.

Retiring OSC Board Member

Nathan Eckel

Nathan Eckel of Wood County runs Eckel Grain Farms and served on the OSC Board of Trustees from 2015-2024 In his time on the board, Eckel served as the secretary and vice president. He farms nearly 2000 acres of soybeans, corn and wheat. He earned a B.S. from The Ohio State University where he studied Agricultural Business and Applied Economics. In addition, Nathan is a co-owner of Eckel Cattle Company, raising 900 head of cattle. He also sits on the board of directors for Luckey

Farmers, Inc. and is a member of Wood County Young Farmers and Northwest Ohio Tractor Pullers.

Retiring OSA Board Members

Austin Heil

Austin Heil of Hardin County served on the OSA Board of Trustees from 2022-2024.

He farms over 400 acres of soybeans, corn and hay. During his time on the board, Heil was a member of the 2023 class of the Corteva Young Leader program, which is put on by the American Soybean Association. He also completed the AgOne Leadership Program at The Ohio State University. Off the farm, Heil works as a Precision Tech Support for CNH Industrial. He earned a degree in Ag Systems Management from The Ohio State University.

Derek Reusser

Derek Reusser of Holmes County served on the Ohio Soybean Association Board of Trustees from 2016-2024. Derek farms 900 acres of soybeans and corn in Lakeville, Ohio. Derek is a past Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professional participant, FFA Alumni and an active 4-H advisor. He is a worship band member of the Nashville Church of Christ. Derek received a degree in

This year, OSC honored Dr. Carl Zulauf with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Sales Management from the University of Akron.

Kerrick Wilson

Kerrick Wilson farms 375 acres of corn and soybeans in Preble County. He served on the OSA Board of Trustees from 20162024. During his time on the board, he served as the treasurer. Kerrick is also a board member of the Preble County Farm Bureau chapter and a member of the Preble County Agriculture Society. He served as the secretary of the Preble County Senior Fair Board. Kerrick attends Missionary Alliance Church in Centerville, OH. u

The Public Health Benefits of Switching to Clean Fuels

Clean Fuels Alliance America , the national trade association representing biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, has conducted research and used the data to identify the positive impacts when switching from petroleum-based fuels to 100% biodiesel in the transportation and home heating sectors. A recently commissioned study by Trinity Consultants further solidified the mounting evidence that biodiesel can and does move the needle on the health of our nation.

Assuming a switch to 100% biodiesel, immediate impacts were found in community health, including:

• More than 456,000 fewer asthma cases

• More than 142,000 fewer sick days

• The prevention of more than 910 premature deaths

• More than $7.5 billion in avoided health costs

• A 45% reduction in cancer risk when legacy heavy-duty trucks use B100 (100% biodiesel) and an 86%reduction when Bioheat® fuel is used for home heating.

The benefits of using 100% biodiesel in 15 historically underserved Environmental Justice (EJ) communities were even more profound. By reducing pollution in legacy heavy-duty transportation and residential heating, two of the most difficult applications to decarbonize, these at-risk communities experienced:

• More than 457,000 fewer/ reduced asthma cases per year

• More than 177,000 fewer sick days per year

• Cancer cases reduced by more than 10,000 (over a 70-year timeframe)

• The prevention of more than 1,100 premature deaths per year

Overall, switching to 100% biodiesel generates $7.5 billion in avoided health costs annually. These findings were based on a mere sample of communities across the country. If biodiesel was adopted nationwide, imagine the benefits.

“Powerful change often starts at the local level, and we hope this report captures the attention of those who are committed to providing clean air for all,” says Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Although we’ve seen a decrease in diesel particulate matter overall thanks to improving technologies, a large gap remains between EJ and non-EJ communities. The time to act is now. Biodiesel and renewable diesel can make a difference in quality of life today – not waiting decades into the future.”

For more information, visit cleanfuels.org. u

By: Julia Brown

SOSU Researcher Investigates Soybean Oil Benefits

oybean farmers, especially soybean farmers from Ohio and Indiana, know the push in the last decade or so for farmers to start growing high oleic soybean oil. Among other positive qualities, high oleic soybeans produce an oil that is lower in saturated fat, making it more heart healthy than conventional soybean oil. But one researcher is keeping her eye on another hearthealthy acid found more commonly in traditional soybean oil.

Meet Dr. Martha Belury, professor and chair of the Department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio Sate University. Belury has been studying lipids for 30 years. She currently has a checkoff-supported research project that looks at the health effects of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for human nutrition. Linoleic acid cannot be produced by the human body –humans have to get it through their

Dr. Martha Belury’s lab examines the health effects of consuming the linoleic acid found in soybean oil.

food. According to Belury, conventional soybean oil is a good source of linoleic acid and one of the largest sources in the American diet.

Belury explains that we’ve known since the 1950s that consuming linoleic acid can reduce the risk for heart disease. More recent research has shown that it is also associated with a rate reduction for type 2 diabetes, regardless of whether the research participants lost weight. Belury’s research aims to understand how linoleic acid works to reduce those diabetes rates.

Belury’s research is ongoing and won’t be published until spring 2025, but has yielded promising results so far. Despite the well-studied health benefits of soybean oil and other soy foods, her work is being done against the backdrop of increasing anti-seed oil messaging, largely driven by influencers on TikTok and Instagram with little-to-no formal training in nutrition.

“Whenever we demonize one thing in nutrition, we’re really not doing ourselves a favor,” Belury stressed. She suggested one way to combat misinformation: training scientists to be able to talk more about science.

“We’ve got to keep the discourse going. We can’t just shut up and pretend that our science will take care of everything because it’s true,” she said. “We’ve got to become more communicative about things.”

To help combat these myths, Belury will continue to work with checkoff groups like the United Soybean Board to better understand the impact soybean oil has on human

health and nutrition. In fact, she’s been working with checkoffs for over 30 years since she received her first research grant from the Cattleman’s Beef Board in 1993.

“Without this funding, we would not be able to have done this study,” Belury said. She explained that less than five percent of the annual budget of the National Institutes of Health – the primary funder of medical and health outcomes research in the United States – goes toward nutrition research. Checkoff funding across the commodities has become vital to funding this type of research and communicating it with the masses.

“I am just so grateful at my very first grant, 30 years ago, was from a commodity group,” she said. “Thank you to the farmers who have this checkoff system.”

To see the results of this study when they’re published and learn more about other health benefits from soy, visit www.sniglobal.org . u

Dr. Martha Belury

Interview with Mike Hannewald: From OSCF Scholarship to Agronomy Leader

Mike Hannewald, a two-time Ohio Soybean Council Foundation (OSCF) scholarship recipient, has built an impressive career in agronomy. We caught up with Mike to learn more about his professional journey, his insights on the soybean industry, and the impact of the OSCF scholarship on his career.

Q: What year did you receive your OSCF scholarship, and what did you study?

I received the OSCF scholarship in both 2012 and 2013. I studied agronomy at Ohio State University.

Q: Could you share what you’re doing now professionally and how your career has evolved since winning the scholarship?

After graduating from Ohio State, I started working at Beck’s Hybrids in the precision farming department, specifically supporting their FARMserver platform. I spent three years in that role before transitioning to a position as an agronomist for the state of Michigan while still living in northern Ohio. After three more years in Michigan, I had the opportunity to move into my current role as an agronomist for northern Ohio and northeast Indiana.

As an agronomist, I work closely with Beck’s sales team, seed advisors, and dealers to support farmers. My role involves diagnosing and troubleshooting field issues, conducting agronomy and product training sessions, and sharing results from Beck’s Practical Farm Research (PFR). I help farmers

implement these practices to maintain and grow their success. In addition to my work at Beck’s, I’m also involved in my family’s grain farming operation, where we grow soybeans, corn, and wheat.

Q: What inspired you to apply for the OSCF scholarship?

At the time, my main motivation was the financial assistance the scholarship provided. However, looking back 10 years into my career, I realize the OSCF scholarship gave me much more than that. Through the scholarship, I had the opportunity to meet staff and board members of the Ohio Soybean Council and the Ohio Soybean Association, many of whom I still cross paths with in the industry today.

Additionally, I received a membership in the Ohio Soybean Association, which I continue to maintain. It has

given me insight into the policy and advocacy side of the soybean industry, and I appreciate how the association keeps members informed about government actions that affect us and advocates for policies that support the success of the soybean industry.

Q : What advice would you give to current students in the agricultural field?

Make the most of your time in college. It’s a unique opportunity to dive into topics you’re passionate about, much of which you’ll apply in your future career. You also have the chance to build a network of friends and peers who will become your future coworkers and industry partners. I’m still amazed at how “small” the agricultural industry is—many of the people I met in college are the same people I work with and see regularly in my career today. u

The “New Menopause,” Hormone Therapy, and the Role of Soy Foods

By: SNI Global

Menopause is a hot topic, and a “new” approach to it is being driven largely by a generation of mid-life female OB-GYNs and health professionals who are aimed at destigmatizing this natural transition in a woman’s life. This approach to menopause addresses symptoms with lifestyle changes, such as diet, nutrition, and exercise, along with a renewed use of hormone therapy (HT) (estrogen alone or combined with a progestogen).

Common menopausal symptoms include but are not limited to, hot flashes, weight gain, body composition changes, and skin changes. Symptoms occur as the production of estrogen and progesterone, hormones naturally produced by the ovaries, declines when a woman enters menopause. Additionally, postmenopausal women are at greater risk of chronic conditions including heart disease and osteoporosis.

With nutrition prioritized in this new approach to menopause, soy foods can play a role. Soybeans are a uniquely rich source of isoflavones. Isoflavones have a similar chemical structure to estrogen, bind to estrogen receptors, and exert estrogen-like effects under certain experimental conditions. For this reason, they are commonly classified as phytoestrogens. Research suggests that isoflavone-rich soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, roasted soybeans, and soymilk help ease some menopausal symptoms and provide other benefits as well.

HOT FLASHES

Women experiencing menopause may benefit from eating more soy foods because soy isoflavones may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 studies found that menopausal women consuming 30-80mg of soy isoflavones daily had 21% fewer hot flashes that the severity of those hot flashes was decreased by 26% in comparison to the placebo group.

Weight Loss and Body Composition Changes

Dietary protein is increasingly recognized as important for weight loss, with evidence suggesting it enhances satiety. The authors of a comprehensive review of the scientific literature concluded that soy protein supports weight loss similarly to other proteins. Also, the high-quality protein in soy foods promotes strength and muscle mass gains in those who engage in resistance training offering comparable benefits to animal proteins such as whey.

Skin Changes

A recent 6-month clinical trial involving 159 postmenopausal, lighter-skinned women found that those who consumed 50 mg of isoflavones daily – an amount provided by just two servings of traditional Asian soy foods – experienced a decrease in wrinkle depth and pigmentation and an increase in skin hydration. Previously published research supports these exciting results.

HEART DISEASE AND OSTEOPOROSIS

Soy foods have been studied extensively for their role in reducing risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Soy protein carries a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized health claim related to its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels, which states that 25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. There is also evidence that in postmenopausal women, isoflavones improve endothelial function, the thin layer of cells that line blood vessels.

For more information about soy, isoflavones and women’s health, visit the Soy Nutrition Institute s website at sniglobal.org u

SUPER SOY RECIPES

CINNAMON SUGAR CHURROS

Instructions

1 Heat 6 cups of soybean oil to 400°F in a heavy frying pan or deep fryer.

2 In a saucepan, boil 1 cup water, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 3 tbsp soybean oil. Stir in 1 cup flour until a ball forms. Let cool slightly.

3 Mix in 4 large eggs until the dough is smooth.

4 Fill a pastry bag with dough fitted with a 3/8-inch star tip. Pipe six 4-inch strips into the hot oil, frying for 2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining dough.

5 In a bowl or paper bag, combine remaining sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Toss warm churros in the cinnamonsugar mixture until evenly coated.

INGREDIENTS

oil 6 cups divided

INGREDIENTS

chili powder 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons soy-flour blend 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 2 teaspoons garlic salt 2 teaspoons pork loin back ribs 3 pounds

SLOW COOKER

RATTLING RIBS

Instructions

Place seasonings in resealable plastic bag; mix.

Cut ribs into individual rib pieces.

Place a few at a time in the plastic bag, and coat with seasoning.

Place coated ribs in a 6-quart slow cooker lined with disposable liner.

Repeat with all ribs, and place in slow cooker. Sprinkle any remaining seasoning over ribs.

Cover, and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours or until meat is tender.

WE HELP MAKE SURE YOURS HAS A FUTURE.

Every farm here was built on generations of hard work. That’s why the Ohio Soybean Council is always hard at work making sure the next generation to operate your farm has every opportunity to make it a better one. Whether we’re driving innovation, expanding markets or educating classrooms — we’re investing in what matters most: creating a solid foundation for the next generation to operate your farm.