As the planet evolves, so does our approach to nourishing it. Constant population growth presents a unique challenge, but at Cargill, we’ve been addressing the issue from every angle. We’re forever in pursuit of new solutions, developing the innovations that help us feed the planet while conserving its resources. Learn more by visiting cargill.com/foodsecureworld
Scott Metzger
Ohio Soybean Association President Ross County soybean farmer
As I write this in early June, Ohio planting is still underway, and the going is tough. It’s been an unprecedented wet spring with a large number of farmers doing prevent plant on their acres that were impossible to get in before the insurance deadlines. Northwest Ohio was especially hit hard. In addition to the weather, uncertainty in the grain market, tariffs and trade aid packages are adding to the complexity of making management decisions this year.
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) encourages farmers to take advantage of new or additional programs and resources. Contact your local FSA office and watch for updates to USDA’s Market Facilitation Program website (https://www.farmers.gov/manage/mfp) for important details and deadlines.
At the same time OSA is speaking out and taking a stand on your behalf. We’re working more closely than ever with our national partner, the American Soybean Association, to find out details as soon as possible on the MFP so that information can get to you. We will also continue to lobby hard for a resolution to the trade war and an end to the tariffs so that we can resume business with the largest soybean buyer in the world.
Our farmer leaders have gone to the public to tell farmers’ stories more than we ever have. Appearing on state, national, and international news outlets is helping to keep pressure on the Administration to remember the challenges agriculture is facing right now and increase their support for additional market development funding. The public pressure is helping.
Here in the state we haven’t forgotten our priorities with water quality. Lake Erie remains a focus and we will continue to stay in close contact with our legislators on ways to collaborate and find solutions without creating burdensome regulations on farmers, especially during such a challenging year.
We’re also working closely with the newly formed Ohio Agriculture Conservation Working Group, which is made up of agriculture, environmental and university representatives, to develop a farmer certification program that will facilitate increased adoption of best management practices that reduce runoff. More information about this group and its programs will be announced later this year.
President
Scott Metzger, Ross County
First Vice President
Ryan Rhoades, Marion County
Vice President
Patrick Knouff, Shelby County
Treasurer
Jennifer Wilson-Oechsle, Van Wert County
Secretary
Jeff McKanna
Chairman
Allen Armstrong, Clark County
trustees
Jerry Bambauer, Auglaize County
Trish Cunningham, Knox County
Bret Davis, Delaware County
Rusty Goebel, Williams County
Caitlyn Heimerl, Industry Affiliate Ex-Officio
Jeff Magyar, Ashtabula County
Derek Reusser, Holmes County
Jeff Roehm, Highland County
Luke Ryan, Lucas County
Andy Stickel, Wood County
Kerrick Wilson, Preble County
American Soybean Association
Board Representatives
Jerry Bambauer
Bret Davis
Scott Metzger
Staff Credits
Kirk Merritt - Publisher
Jennifer Coleman - Editor
Julia Brown - Contributing Editor/Staff Writer
Kayla Weaver - Contributing Writer
Brent Warren - Art Director
Barry Falkner - Photo Quality/Proofer
Tony Green - Advertising Production
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. For address corrections contact Ohio Soybean News at 918 Proprietors Rd., Suite A, Worthington, OH 43085.
Web address: www.soyohio.org
E-mail: cdeboard@soyohio.org
Comments and statewide news articles should be sent to the above address. Advertising space reservation must be made by the first of the month preceding publication. In consideration of the acceptance of 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.
For Advertising Sales Contact:
Matt Herman - (612) 812-5833
matt.herman@dtn.com
State Representative Susan Manchester is serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 84th District, which encompasses Mercer County, as well as portions of Auglaize, Darke and Shelby counties.
Growing up on the family farm in Waynesfield, Ohio, Manchester went on to graduate from The Ohio State University in 2010 with degrees in Psychology and Political Science. There, she also participated in Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru) and mentored young women. Prior to being elected to the House, she worked in Washington, D.C., for Congressman Jim Jordan, where she focused on policies such as agriculture, health care, business and education. Upon returning to Ohio in 2016, Manchester took a position with a non-profit organization focused on mentoring kids.
Want to contact Rep. Manchester? Her office can be reached at (614) 466-6344.
Q: What do you like most about working in the ohio Legislature?
A: I love being able to advocate for my District. We have the lowest unemployment rates in the state, thousands of jobs available, and unlimited opportunity for innovation. I am often presented with the accomplishments of people in my district, from state championships to business openings to retirements, and I am proud to highlight those accomplishments. My
district was built on a foundation of hard work and resilience, and I look forward to continue advocating for policies that reward that attitude.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get more involved in state government?
A: Your government works for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your legislators if you have an idea or opinion. I love hearing from my constituents, especially on areas where they may be impacted negatively by the state and there is an opportunity for us to positively change that. I'm always looking for ways to advocate for the needs of the agriculture industry. If you ever come across something we can be helpful with at the state level, please feel free to contact me.
Q: you recently went on a bipartisan tour of rural counties with other freshman legislators. What did you learn from that tour?
A: We had so much fun! Ohio is a very diverse state. I think it's important for us as legislators to understand the unique challenges that each part of the state may face. I was happy to show my colleagues the exciting things we have going on in a rural district and I'm looking forward to similar tours in urban, suburban, and Appalachian districts.
Q: Are there any bills you’re working on or that you’ve already introduced this session that make you especially proud or excited?
A: I am thrilled to sponsor a priority bill that would reform Ohio’s foster care training guidelines. Ohio has seen a significant increase in children in foster care as a result of the opioid epidemic. House Bill 8 will ensure more qualified parents are equipped to lend helping hands to our kids in the foster care system. The bill passed unanimously in the House and I look forward to seeing it progress and made into law. I am also very excited about House Bill 183, the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Bill. This bill would provide a tax credit to landowners for renting or selling land to a beginning farmer, which is well-defined in the bill. We are all aware that many farmers are reaching retirement age and may not have a family successor in place. This bill would encourage retiring farmers to look to beginning farmers when making those decisions. u
HERE’S HOW THE SOY CHECKOFF WORKS. The national soy checkoff was created as part of the 1990 Farm Bill. The Act & Order that created the soy checkoff requires that all soybean farmers pay into the soy checkoff at the first point of purchase. These funds are then used for promotion, research and education at both the state and national level.
Half goes to the state checkoff for investment in areas that are a priority for that state.
1/2 of 1% of the total selling price collected per the national soybean act & order
Half goes to the national checkoff for investment in USB’s long-range strategic plan.
Once again, the Ohio Soybean Association has teamed up with Ohio Ag Equipment to offer all new and renewing members the chance to win 50 hours with a Challenger MT500 tractor. To qualify, members must have signed up and paid for an OSA membership between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019. The winner of the Ohio Ag Equipment drawing will be announced in October 2019. OSA and Ohio Soybean Council board members, as well as Student/Young Adult non-paying members are not eligible to win. Stop by OSA’s booth at Farm Science
Review (at the corner of Friday Ave. and Tractor St.) to see the Challenger MT500 for yourself and to sign-up for an OSA membership!
The mission of OSA is to provide leadership for Ohio’s soybean farmers in promoting effective policies and legislation to ensure a growing and profitable soybean industry. Soybean checkoff dollars, managed by the Ohio Soybean Council, cannot be used for lobbying and legislative activities. That is why OSA memberships are vital to making the soybean industry in Ohio successful for generations to come. Considering membership? Ready to sign-up today? Visit www.soyohio.org/membership , or call OSA at 614-476-3100. u
In 2017, the Ohio Soybean Council put your checkoff dollars where hungry fish mouths are, partnering with Battelle and Kentucky State University to develop and evaluate an innovative new soybean meal that could revolutionize fish farming. Our patented EnzoMeal™ technology removes anti-nutritional factors (ANF) from conventional soybean meal to deliver a healthy, sustainable and economical alternative to traditional fish feeds. That’s valuable news for Ohio soybean growers because aquaculture is the fastest-growing sector in food production.
Discover all the ways state soybean checkoff dollars are working for Ohio growers at SoyOhio.org.
By Courtney Heiser
With the intent to grow the U.S. biodiesel industry, the Biodiesel Tax Credit was first established in 2005 by the American Jobs Creation Act. This incentive allowed blenders of biodiesel to claim a credit of $1 per gallon against their U.S. federal tax liability and was crucial to sustain jobs, diversify the fuels market, and improve U.S. energy security.
Over the years, there have been many amendments and extensions to the original biodiesel tax credit, however, in 2018, the credit expired, leaving producers and businesses at every stage of the biodiesel production and consumption process in the dust. Recently, Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced bipartisan legislation that would provide a two-year extension of the biodiesel and renewable diesel tax incentive.
The Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act of 2019 (HR 2089) would provide certainty for soy growers and to biodiesel producers and their employees. Ohio Soybean Association has recently reached out to Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), 9th District, asking for her support in the bill.
The U.S. biodiesel industry supports more than 60,000 jobs, distributes $2.5 billion in annual wages, and generates over $11 billion in economic impact. In addition, every 100 million gallons of biodiesel supports 3,200 jobs within the industry. The tax credit is vital in sustaining the growth and productivity of the U.S. biodiesel industry.
Biodiesel is a renewable, cleanburning diesel alternative that is not only reducing U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum but is also providing various environmental, energy, and economic benefits. The diesel
alternative is derived from a diverse mix of feedstocks, including soybean oil and animal fats. The most common method of biodiesel production involves a reaction of feedstocks with methanol or ethanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide, which serves as the stimulator for the reaction. The result of this reaction is biodiesel. This product and many of its blends can be used in all original diesel engines and is covered by all major engine manufacturers’ warranties. It is also the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel in the U.S. to be produced on the commercialscale and the first to reach 1 billion gallons of annual production.
Without biodiesel, there would be a surplus of soy oil, which would result in an overall drag on soybean prices. Fortunately, nearly half of U.S. biodiesel is produced from soybean oil, which provides soy growers with competitive prices for their quality product. In addition, rendered animal fat is also significant in the production of biodiesel, therefore benefiting those involved in the livestock industry as well.
Biodiesel is better for the environment, better for the economy and better for ohio farmers’ bottom line — it adds 63 cents in value to every bushel of soybeans. That’s why oSA supports the 2019 Biodiesel tax Credit.
Not only does biodiesel benefit producers, but it also poses several environmental and consumer benefits. Biodiesel poses a significant reduction in greenhouse gas and hydrocarbon emissions when compared to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel is also the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. Additionally, biodiesel is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades at the same rate as sugar.
When you choose biodiesel, you not only protect the environment, you protect your bottom line. To find out more about biodiesel blends and how you can advocate for the tax credit extension please visit www.soygrowers.com. u
Whether it’s improving soybean meal to outperform the competition or promoting the sustainability of U.S. soy, the soy checkoff has been working behind the scenes to help farmers satisfy their customers’ needs. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And for U.S. soybean farmers like you, the impact is invaluable.
See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for farmers at unitedsoybean.org
What is a tariff?
A tariff is a duty or tax levied on an imported good. The tariff's current use tends to be about protecting a domestic industry from foreign competition, alongside raising revenue. there are two types of tariffs:
A “unit” or specific tariff is a tax levied as a fixed charge for each unit of a good that is imported — for instance $300 per ton of imported steel.
An “ad valorem” tariff is levied as a proportion of the value of imported goods. An example is a 20 percent tariff on imported automobiles. Both tariffs act in similar ways.
The U.S. and China have been levying “ad valorem” tariffs on each other under the current trade dispute.
Who pays a tariff?
American importers are the ones responsible for paying the tariff on imported Chinese goods. Some importers absorb the cost, but most pass it onto the consumer. A tariff effectively increases the price of an imported good, which in theory should protect domestic industries who face competition from foreign companies. However, what this really means is that tariffs applied to imported Chinese products are being paid by U.S. consumers when they purchase that imported good, assuming the increased cost doesn’t dissuade them from making the purchase. For many imported goods there is not a U.S. made alternative.
timeline 2018
March 22: The U.S. announces approximately $60 billion in tariffs against Chinese goods under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
April 4: China announces a proposed 25 percent tariff on imported U.S. soybeans. June 15: The U.S. announces that it will implement 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese products.
June 15: China responds to the U.S. announcement, placing in-kind retaliatory tariffs on $50 billion of U.S. imports. This includes a 25 percent tariff on U.S. soybeans.
June 19: President Trump orders U.S. trade official to craft a list of $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that would be hit with an additional 10 percent tariff.
July 6: U.S. Customs and Border Protection begins collecting duties on $34 billion of Chinese products under Section 301 tariffs.
August 27: U.S. Department of Agriculture releases details for a plan to offset the short-term impact of tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports to China. This includes a payment of $1.65 per bushel to soybean farmers.
September 17: The U.S. announces it will impose 10 percent tariffs on an additional $200 billion in Chinese product imports. The 10 percent tariff is slated to rise to 25 percent in January 2019.
September 24: The U.S. officially imposes a 10 percent tariff on an additional $200 billion in Chinese product imports.
September 24: China responds by placing retaliatory tariffs on $60 billion of U.S. goods, including additional agriculture products. This round of tariffs did not increase the 25 percent
tariff China imposed on U.S. soybeans on July 6.
December 2: The U.S. and China met at G20 Summit and reached deal to half additional tariffs while the two countries continue negotiations.
December 13: China makes initial good faith purchase of 1.13 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans.
February 25: The U.S. and China were unable to reach a conclusion to end the trade war. The Chinese government makes good on promises to purchase U.S. soybeans, totaling around 20 million metric tons.
April 18: Trade negotiations continue, no deals are reached between U.S. and China.
May 6: The U.S. threatens to impose a 25 percent tariff on almost all Chinese goods if a quick resolution with China is not reached.
May 10: The U.S. increases the tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent.
May 13: China retaliates, raising tariffs on $60 billion in U.S. goods, including many agricultural products.
May 30: The U.S. announces a 5 percent tariff on all imported goods from Mexico, set to begin June 10. u
Source: American Soybean Association
Ed Basinger
Jay Begg
Anthony Bornhorst
Joe Brubaker
Richard Butler
Mike Clark
Richard Clifton
Craig Cockerill
Chris Collett
Trish Cunningham
Evan Delk
Dave Dotterer
John Dulin
Kent Eddy
Robert Engel
Ellis Erb
Larry French
Mike Funderburgh
Robin Gaerke
Joan Garmyn
Scott
John Grilliot
Douglas Hafer
Mark Hageman
Rom Hastings
Donald Hays
Paul Herringshaw
Dennis Heyob
Gary Hostetler
John
Keith
Matthew King
John Knippen
John Landis
Bruce Lanker
Jan Leaders
Randy Leienberger
Jerry Liska
Richard Lowry
John Lowry
Robert Marrison
Ronald McCoy
Steven Moore
John Motter
Jerry Murphy
Bill Pfeiffer
Deborah Rellinger
Robert Rettig
Wendell Rhoades
Ryan Rhoades
Richard Ricker
James Riethman
Jerald Rockwell
Jeffery Roehm
John Rohrs
Tim Schaefer
Susan Sherer
Brian Skinner
Sherman Smith
Coedy Snyder
Max Strine
Melanie Strait-Bok
Keith Truckor
Roger Voge
Patrick Vorst
Dan Warner
Teresa Watkins
Denny Werling
James Wish
Joseph Yahl
By Steve Kozel
Each generation enters the workforce bringing new perspectives and processes. As new technologies and trends emerge, the world changes, and that includes the world of farming. How are new generations shaping the future of farming, or are they even interested in farming?
According to a recent study, “Farmers of Tomorrow: Generation Z’s Future in Agriculture,” a generational shift study by marketing communications agency O+B|P, U.S. soybean customers should expect the next generation to be more educated and focused on farming as a business, among other insights.
The study is the first comprehensive look at how the next generation views farming and ranching. The full study provides interesting insight into the next generation, from purchasing habits to decision-making and interest in farming in general.
Generation Z, or “Gen Z” as the study calls them, makes up the largest population base at 26 percent in the U.S. They are defined in the study as youth raised in agriculture between the ages of 18 and 22. Current farm operators are defined in the study as “BoomXY,” which covers the Baby Boomer, Gen X and Millennial generations, ranging from 28 to 74 years old. Nearly 300 farm families in the U.S. are represented in the study.
The research results showed there is not a lack of interest in agriculture, but, rather, a difference in what role the younger generation may play in it. Eighty-nine percent of Gen Z respondents who are currently active on their family farm plan to continue working on the farm in the future, but only 54 percent intend to take over the farm one day. For those who did not want to take over
farm responsibilities, obtaining a degree in an agriculture-related field was of interest. Around 87 percent of the Gen Z respondents attended some college, with 18 percent having earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
For the next generation, obtaining a degree in agriculture is a way to continue to participate in the industry with fewer of the risks associated with owning and operating a farm.
According to the study, Gen Z has a more positive outlook on government entities such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency than the BoomXY generations. Additionally, more than half of Gen Z respondents are active in industry organizations and 81 percent see large company support of farming as very important. Many of the Gen Z respondents are active in industry associations such as farm bureau or state corn and soybean groups.
Other points of interest from the study indicate that Gen Z participants are twice as likely to begin working full-time on the farm before the age of 18 as BoomXY participants, if that is their career path of choice. Gen Z respondents also have more positive opinions on existing herbicide and insecticide technologies and on urban farming, aligning with consumers’ interests.
What does this mean for the future of farming? It appears that there certainly isn’t a declining interest in agriculture. The next generation of U.S. farmers are educated, engaged and seeking a niche into one of the many different facets of the agriculture industry. u
This article originally appeared on ussoy.org, a collaboration between the United Soybean Board, American Soybean Association and U.S. Soybean Export Council to demonstrate the U.S. Soybean Advantage to international buyers.
Noticing our changing climate and weather patterns is one thing. Understanding the science, how it affects your farm and adjusting business strategies to manage these changes requires deeper investigation.
That’s where experts like Aaron Wilson can help. Wilson is a climate specialist with The Ohio State University Extension who enjoys sharing his knowledge with people across urban and rural landscapes to help them think about the personal effects of climate change.
In Ohio, the impact is striking. Due to increased precipitation, five suitable field days have been lost in both April and October, on average, every year. This means planting, applying fertilizer and harvesting in shorter and shorter windows. Unfortunately, it’s a trend that will continue to affect production.
“Our best scientific evidence suggests a 10% increase in annual precipitation by mid-century with a 6585% increase in the number of extreme precipitation events,” said Wilson, who encourages people to get to know the difference between weather and climate for a better understanding of how predictions are made.
Weather includes elements like temperature, pressure, moisture and wind that change very rapidly. Climate involves all the energy exchanged across Earth’s systems averaged over a specific period of time.
“A good analogy for this is a dog owner walking a dog. While the dog is driven by natural tendencies and often meanders around its owner, the two generally walk the same path,” explained Wilson. “If we think of the dog as weather and the owner as climate, it’s easier to understand how we can predict where they both end up despite the fact that the dog is much more erratic.”
With that in mind, here are four tips to help farmers navigate a few of the challenges ahead:
1. Anticipate more water. Farmers need to evaluate their assets from a water management perspective. Annual precipitation and its intensity have increased and will continue to do so, but not necessarily when farmers can use it. Finding holistic ways to manage water resources from deluge to drought will be key since Wilson expects growers will experience both within a single growing season.
2. Use new technology. Innovation will be key to capturing excess water and storing it for drought. Researching and adopting new technology from planter size and autonomy to application of nutrients and selecting hybrid seeds will help navigate the peaks and valleys.
3. Improve soil health for resilience. Some already practice no till and plant cover crops for their environmental benefits. As it turns out, healthier soils and robust root systems are also a win for dealing with climate change. Strong roots and high organic matter improve the soil’s ability to store water and control erosion during extreme
Aaron Wilson is a climate specialist with the ohio State University e xtension. He helps farmers think about how changing weather patterns will impact their operations.
downpours. While it can’t stop all the damage from storms when 5.5” of rain falls in two hours, it does provide more resilience.
4. take advantage of new opportunities. Evidence demonstrates temperatures across the Corn Belt are warming twice as fast in winter compared to summer. According to the Fourth National Climate Assessment, Ohio and the Midwest have experienced an increased average of 9 to 10 more frostfree days. While this trend is alarming, it also provides new opportunities like double cropping and planting crops that haven’t been traditionally grown here in the past. u
In June, the Ohio Soybean Council hosted a webinar with Aaron Wilson about Ohio’s changing weather patterns and what that will mean for farmers in the future. Missed the webinar? A recording can be found at www.soyohio.org/for-industry/ soy-tomorrow
By Kayla Weaver
From outside the industry, seed treatments might just look like a fun way to color code your seeds, but a farmer knows seed treatments are an effective tool to provide an emerging crop with protection from insects and diseases in the soil that may prove detrimental to seedlings. These colorful coatings allow the plants to get a solid start which serves as the foundation for a strong crop in the fall. However, handled improperly, treated seed can easily become a source of concern for grain contamination, environmental stewardship and personal safety for those handling the seed as well as those who apply the treatments.
When spring planting wraps up and the focus shifts to another important task such as handling livestock or baling hay, it’s easy to park equipment in a storage shed with the intention of cleaning it out when things slow down. However, with a busy schedule, that to-do item may be postponed until forgotten, and then all of sudden its harvest time and those same wagons that had been used for treated seed in the spring are hauling grain to the elevator with remains of treated seed still lingering in the corners.
When those treated seeds surface in the probed sample the load can be rejected, but if the load is already being dumped it may now be the entire commercial bin that is contaminated, and the grower may be on the hook.
The rules aren’t new, but according to Chris Henney, President and CEO of the Ohio Agribusiness Association (OABA), contamination and improper handling are issues that continue to arise on occasion and with members from both the seed and grain handling side of the industry, OABA believes it’s an issue worth reviewing.
When looking at grain contamination from treated seed, the Ohio Revised Code reads:
orC 926.31(e)(1)
(E) No person shall offer for sale or storage any agricultural commodity that is:
(1) Treated with any poisonous material or that contains rodent excreta or any other material in such amounts as to render the commodity unfit for animal or human consumption.
“We understand a majority of these incidents are unintentional; farmers get busy and corners get cut,” said Henney. “We work with our members to help them communicate best practices for treated seed to their customers. Contaminated grain is not just financially damaging for the elevator, but being part of the Ohio Revised Code, it is illegal as well.”
Proper handling is important for the agriculture industry as a whole to prevent recurring issues that could lead to additional regulations on use of seed treatments and limit use.
“It’s important to be good stewards, whether that means cleaning out wagons and trucks to prevent contamination or
properly handling spills or exposure of dust to pollinators and their habitats,” said Henney.
OABA aids in communication for their members with “zero-tolerance” signs that can be posted to remind producers of the importance of proper practices and additional resources from the America Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and other industry stakeholders.
While it is important equipment that has been used for treated seed should be thoroughly cleaned out after use or before being used to transport grain, there are many other principles of good stewardship with treated seed.
Basic guidelines for farmers include:
Follow label directions for proper handling and storage practices for a pesticide treated product.
Be aware of wind direction and speed as well as the presence of foraging pollinators, hive locations, flowering habitats including weeds and other plants at field edges or nearby.
Properly dispose of treated seed and empty seed containers.
Ensure no treated seed enters the commodity grain channels.
Seed treatment Applicators are encouraged to:
Comply with all regulations for registered pesticide products and ensure proper employee training.
Establish written application protocols using best practices to ensure high quality seed treatment application to minimize dust-off.
Adopt stewardship documentation for the full life-cycle of seed treatment products.
Properly discard of treatment, treated seed and rinse water to minimize environmental impact.
Ensure that all required and pertinent seed treatment information is conveyed to customers through product labels and education.
Anyone who handles seed directly should be using personal protection equipment including full coverage clothing and shoes, chemical resistant gloves and any additional items indicated by seed tags or equipment manufacturers. When transferring seed, exposure to dust can be avoided by noting wind speed and direction.
Treated seed should be protected from direct sunlight, extreme heat and moisture. Spills should be cleaned up immediately with minimized exposure to people, livestock, wildlife and the environment. Compressed air should be avoided for cleaning as it contributes to dust drifting. Rinse water should not be
dumped on soil, surface water, ground water or in septic systems.
Excess treated seed can be returned to original containers if being used for subsequent planting or planted in fallow ground or double planted in turn rows or a portion of the field. Larger quantities of treated seed should be handled by an EPA permitted disposal facility. u
The complete Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship: Handling, Planting and Disposal of Treated Seed, and it’s many related links can be found at: https://seed-treatment-guide.com/ resources/for-farmers/
Courtney Heiser is serving as the Ohio Soybean Council Summer Intern this year. She was raised on a family farm in Attica in Seneca County where her family raises soybeans, corn and wheat. She studies Agricultural Communications at The Ohio State University and was a recipient of an Ohio Soybean Council Foundation scholarship this year. After graduation, Heiser would like to work for an agricultural organization or cooperative communicating and educating to both farmers and consumers.
Q: Why did you decide to study agricultural communications?
A: Throughout high school, I was actively involved in my FFA chapter, but it wasn’t until the end of my junior year, when I job shadowed several
marketing and communications directors involved in the agricultural industry, that I decided I wanted to be an agricultural communicator.
Q: What other professional organizations or activities are you involved in with agriculture or, more specifically, soybeans?
A: In addition to being a Student/ Young Adult member of the Ohio Soybean Association, over the past year, I have become actively involved in the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. In February 2019, I was able to participate in OFBF’s Young Ag Professionals program which allowed me to connect with other leaders in the industry. I enjoyed my experience and I am currently working to develop a Young Ag Professionals in Seneca County.
Q: What achievements are you most proud of to date?
A: Last year I had two opportunities to travel to Washington, D.C., with the American Soybean Association for both their Ag Voices of the Future Program as well as their Advocacy Communications Team. These opportunities have helped me achieve many other goals and given me the resources to better speak up for our soybean farmers.
Q: What was your favorite project so far?
A: Although I have lots of fun and educational projects, I have loved managing the social media pages. I have learned a lot about what our followers want to see in addition to enhancing my design skills.
Q: What are some of the challenges facing soybean farmers today? How do you see the checkoff addressing these issues?
A: Farmers face many challenges daily, but one that stays pertinent is the gamble of market prices. With the market still not recovered from the tariffs placed on China, the Ohio Soybean Council invests checkoff dollars to develop new, innovative uses for soybeans and their by-products.
Q: What is something that you’ve learned about the soybean checkoff that surprised you?
A: The checkoff provides funding and support for many initiatives such as Future Eats, Field Leader, Grow Next Gen and Precision Ag Reviews. These organizations are helping both farmers and consumers, and I think it is a great investment to continue to bridge the gap from farm to fork. u
By Mike Steenhoek, executive Director, Soy transportation Coalition
As Ohio and U.S. soybeans remain under pressure due to uncooperative weather and growing conditions, on the supply side of the equation, and international marketing challenges, on the demand side of the equation, it becomes all the more essential to ensure our nation’s multi-modal transportation — the connection between supply and demand — is emphasized and prioritized. Unfavorable growing conditions is often a function of the weather. International marketing stress is largely a function of geopolitical acrimony. However, the challenges confronting our transportation system is largely due to a lack of understanding and will. Farmers can do something about that.
“Bottom line — transportation is a cost of doing business,” says Todd Hesterman, a soybean farmer from Napoleon, Ohio, and board member on the Ohio Soybean Council and Soy Transportation Coalition. “If we can have a system of roads and bridges, highways and interstates, inland waterways, freight rail, and ports that is more and more efficient, that will result in subtracting cents from the final per bushel delivered price. Transportation must continue to be a focus of farmers. Our competitiveness depends upon it.”
The Ohio Soybean Council is one of the founding member organizations of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) — comprised of 13 state soybean boards, the American Soybean Association, and the United Soybean Board. Given how the soybean industry, and much of agriculture, has a diverse and elongated supply chain, it is necessary to be actively engaged in each of the major modes of transportation of consequence to farmers.
ohio Soybean Basis Pre and Post Lower Mississippi r iver Deepening (September through November)
Deepening the Lower Mississippi r iver: Soybeans’ Number one Launching Point
The 256-mile stretch of the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to the Gulf of Mexico accounts for 60 percent of U.S. soybean exports, along with 59 percent of corn exports — by far the leading export region for both commodities. There is a growing effort among Mississippi River stakeholders, including agriculture, to promote the dredging of the lower river shipping channel from 45 ft. to 50 ft. in depth.
According to research funded by the STC, the shipping costs for soybeans from Mississippi Gulf export terminals would decline 13 cents per bushel ($5 per metric ton) if the lower Mississippi River is dredged to 50 ft. A deeper river will allow both larger ships to be utilized and current ships being utilized to be loaded with more revenueproducing freight.
The research also highlights the impact on interior basis — the difference
As the above basis maps highlight, areas of the state of ohio enjoying positive or slightly negative basis will expand if the lower Mississippi river is dredged to 50 ft. The areas with more pronounced negative basis will be crowded out by more favorable basis territory. It is estimated that this development will result in ohio soybean farmers annually receiving over $34 million more for their soybean crop. This dynamic will be replicated in other soybean producing states along the inland waterway system.
between the local price a farmer receives and the market value established by the Chicago Board of Trade — for soybeans in 31 states if the lower Mississippi River shipping channel is dredged. It is well established that farmers located in closer proximity to the nation’s inland waterways and barge transportation enjoy a positive or less negative basis vs. soybeans grown in areas further removed. As a rule, the less-costly
and more efficient the supply chain is subsequent to farmers delivering their soybeans, the higher value a farmer will receive for the bushels of soybeans produced. The STC directed the researchers to produce basis maps for soybean-producing states located adjacent to navigable inland waterways — highlighting the current situation and how basis could improve for soybean farmers if the lower Mississippi River shipping channel is dredged to 50 ft.
Safer, More efficient truck transportation
Recent analysis by the STC examined the impact of increasing semi weight limits on the interstate system on: 1.) Motorist safety; 2.) Infrastructure wear and tear; 3.) Carbon emissions and fuel consumption; and 4.) Potential cost savings and efficiency gains for agriculture and the U.S. economy.
The research highlights that adding an additional sixth axle to a semi weighing 91,000 lbs. will not only create additional braking capacity but will also produce greater vehicle handling and stability compared to the standard five axle, 80,000 lbs. truck. Moreover, allowing six axle, 91,000 lbs. semis will result in fewer semis on the road compared to maintaining an 80,000 lbs. weight limit, which will result in fewer motorist accidents and injuries. Research validates that motorist safety is strongly a function of the number of semis over a given stretch of road. Allowing six axle, 91,000 lbs. semis will result in a decrease in truck density — resulting in an increase in motorist safety.
A six axle, 91,000 lbs. semi will result in a reduction of weight per tire compared to a five axle, 80,000 lbs. semi — reducing wear and tear on the nation’s roads. In addition, a six axle, 91,000 lbs. configuration is compliant with the Federal Highway Administration’s Federal Bridge Formula — meaning that such trucks will meet weight distribution
requirements for bridges on the Interstate Highway System.
For transporting soybeans and soy products, allowing six axle, 91,000 lbs. semis will result in fewer truck trips, fewer gallons of fuel consumed, fewer tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and reduced fuel costs. The use of a six axle, 91,000 lbs. semi will enable a farmer to transport an additional 130 bushels of soybeans per load.
For a number of years, the STC has been promoting the use of load testing equipment when evaluating rural bridges. By doing so, bridges receive a more data-based, objective assessment and the results are: 1.) Bridges receive a more precise rating, and 2.) Counties and other local governments are able to allocate scarce resources to those bridges that are most acutely in need of repair.
The STC recently completed a successful collaboration in Midland County, Michigan. The total upfront cost of the project was $22,000. The Soy Transportation Coalition provided $10,000 to help underwrite the cost so the total initial cost to Midland County was $12,000. Midland County now owns the sensor kit (the STC has no ownership). The county engineer and
his team have thus far tested four posted bridges. After the testing, the postings on all four were removed. They are now proceeding with testing additional bridges. It will continue to be utilized within the county. Since the project was so successful, a second Michigan county has proceeded with a similar project. Similar agreements for load testing have occurred with a county in southwest Kentucky and another project in southeast Kansas so momentum continues. The STC has $10,000 available to help underwrite the cost of a similar bridge load testing project in Ohio similar to what we have done/are doing with a number of counties.
“There is often a significant distance between where Ohio soybeans are grown and where they are consumed,” says Scott Metzger, a soybean farmer from Williamsport, Ohio, and board member on the Ohio Soybean Council, the Ohio Soybean Association, the American Soybean Association and the Soy Transportation Coalition. “Therefore, having an efficient transportation system can be a major factor in farmer profitability. Whether it's roads, bridges, railways, locks and dams, or ports, the Soy Transportation Coalition is actively engaged to ensure our transportation system better positions soybean farmers for success.” u
Waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, both members of the pigweed family, have become significant threats to crop yields and farm incomes across the Americas. In the U.S., they compete with crops in the South and in parts of the Midwest, but according to the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), a new community-based awareness initiative is informing growers about the risks and teaching them how to fight back.
Weed scientists with The Ohio State University have worked with the United Soybean Board and the Ohio Soybean Council to launch a “No Pigweed Left Behind” campaign in their state, where problematic pigweeds (Amaranthus species) have been spotted in multiple counties.
“Our goal is to hold the line against pigweed and avoid large-scale infestations,” says Mark Loux, Ph.D., of The Ohio State University. “We want growers to understand they can’t beat these weeds with herbicides alone.”
What makes pigweed (especially Palmer amaranth and waterhemp) so problematic? A single female plant will often produce hundreds of thousands of small seeds. The weed grows rapidly — as much as three inches a day under ideal conditions. That’s a problem since most post-emergence herbicides must be applied when the plants are less than three inches tall. To add to the complexity, pigweed plants can rapidly develop resistance to multiple herbicides.
The “No Pigweed Left Behind” campaign is designed to raise grower awareness and to provide specific tips and techniques for controlling the weed before it goes to seed. For years Loux and his colleagues have shared information on pigweed with crop advisors, but they wanted to raise visibility and broaden their reach. Now catchy and colorful “No Pigweed Left Behind” materials are being used to call attention to their cause.
Bumper stickers, brochures and other new campaign materials are being handed out at meetings, workshops and conferences and to agricultural dealer groups, extension agents and others likely to be working one-on-one with growers.
“If an agronomist arrives at a local farm with one of our ‘No Pigweed Left Behind’ magnets on their truck, it’s a great conversation starter and gives them a chance to share what they know about pigweed and how it is best controlled,” Loux said.
So how do you battle pigweed if herbicides alone aren’t enough? The team at The Ohio State University recommends the following best practices:
1. Know what pigweed looks like. There are a number of pigweed species with varying leaf shapes and characteristics, so it’s important to study up.
2. Be careful of cross-contamination. If you purchase or lease equipment, know where it has been. Avoid combines, plows and custom harvesting equipment used in areas known to harbor pigweed. Avoid cotton feed products or hay that might contain pigweed, as well as manure from animals fed with cotton feed products.
3. Scout for pigweed. Inspect fields continually throughout the growing season for pigweeds that might have escaped herbicide applications. Pay special attention to recently seeded cover crops, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) plots, field buffers, roadsides and natural areas where problem pigweeds might be lurking.
4. Be smart about herbicide selection. Use residual herbicides to control earlyemerging pigweed, but mix things up instead of relying on a single herbicidal site of action. Herbicide applications, that include multiple sites of action still effective on the targeted pigweed population, can slow the development of resistance.
5. Avoid seed dispersal during harvest. If you spot patches of pigweed as crops are being harvested, make certain to avoid them. Running a combine over pigweed can disperse seeds and prove problematic for years to come.
6. Use safe removal techniques. If you spot pigweed plants that have yet to produce mature seeds, pull them or cut them off just below the soil line. Plants with mature seeds should be bagged before being removed and destroyed. Either burn the plants or bury them under at least a foot of compost. u Source: Weed Science Society of America
EACH CYST (dead female) contains 200 or more eggs.
AFTER MATING, she makes about 50 eggs outside her body and fills up with another 200+ internally. Then she dies and her body wall hardens to form the cyst.
The SCN life cycle can be completed in as few as 24 days during the growing season. There can be from three to six generations per year.
THE FEMALE GETS SO LARGE that she ruptures out of the root onto the root surface and sends out a chemical signal to attract mates. There’s no such thing as nematode monogamy. Females mate with many males, and males mate with many females. There’s a lot of genetic mixing.
WHEN THE CYST BREAKS, half of the eggs will become male and half will become female.
JUVENILE WORMS hatch from eggs and burrow into soybean roots to feed and develop. There’s no way to tell whether a juvenile is male or female at this stage.
IF THE JUVENILE IS MALE, it will revert back to a worm shape and leave the root.
Even with an attrition rate of 99% – meaning only 1% of eggs survive each generation – this is how quickly SCN egg populations can build up on a plant in three generations.
THIS JUVENILE IS SWOLLEN from feeding in the root for several days. If this juvenile is female, she’ll stay in the soybean root and keep feeding.
Tylka, Iowa State University ** Chitwood, USDA
By Courtney Heiser
In April, Barry McGraw, Director of Product Research and Commercialization with the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC), had the opportunity to travel to Melbourne, Australia as a keynote speaker for the Crop Waste to Value Added Products Conference. This conference allowed commercial industry partners as well as university researchers to network and gain insight on biobased research.
During his presentation, McGraw discussed various research projects funded by OSC that have resulted in many new innovations. In addition,
Keynote speaker Barry McGraw explains Soybean 101 at the Crop Waste to value Added Products Conference
he was able to announce some of the projects that are currently underway.
To start, McGraw briefed his audience on what sets U.S. and, more specifically, Ohio soybeans apart from the competition. He explained that U.S. farmers are the most sustainable in the world and currently grow twice as much food as the previous generation. Specifically, annual soybean production in Ohio soars to nearly 250 million bushels which generates over $2.5 billion in revenue and over $5.3 billion in economic impact. In addition to the
nearly 25,000 soybean farmers in Ohio, the industry employs an additional 10,000 workers across the state. McGraw also attested Ohio's reliable supply of both commodity and specialty soybeans.
After capturing the audience's curiosity with soybeans 101, McGraw eventually scaled up the conversation to allow companies and researchers to ask questions, make connections, and learn about opportunities to utilize or invest in research.
Diving into his key message, McGraw introduced the opportunity for the audience to collaborate and invest in projects with OSC. He stated that OSC invests in soy-based product development to create additional markets and add value for soybeans. He called the audience to action as he explained he was actively looking for new partnerships and collaborations. McGraw gave brief, yet informative backgrounds on projects and success stories that resulted from previous collaborations.
Below is a list highlighting several award-winning projects funded by the Ohio Soybean Council:
healthy solution. The product also received a 2017 R&D 100 Gold Special Recognition Award.
2. roof Maxx: A USDA Certified Biobased Product, Roof Maxx is an earth-friendly, effective, and affordable alternative to roof replacement or the application of traditional roof sealants. The product uses Soy-Fusion Technology to extend the life of roofing shingles, reducing waste and conserving valuable resources — for a cost significantly lower than roof replacement. Roof Maxx received fourth place in the "Bio-based Material of the Year 2018" Innovation Awards.
3. Light Curable Coatings: OSC supported the development of a UVcured, high-performance, bio-preferred floor coating with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The clean, green soy-acrylate-based product delivers exceptionally low cure times and meets or exceeds industry targets for appearance, hardness, adhesion, solvent resistance, and application temperature. The technology won two R&D 100 Awards in November 2018.
Award-winning enzomeal, which is derived from soybeans, has captured the interest of new collaborators
1. enzoMeal: An improved soybean meal that removes oligosaccharides and increases crude protein. EnzoMeal represents a breakthrough product for use in commercially derived feed in a high value, well-recognized aquaculture species such as rainbow trout. EnzoMeal provides aquaculture farmers a sustainable, long-term, economically viable
OSC provides the research, but does not have the ability to commercially produce or brand a product. Therefore, OSC looks to collaborate with commercial companies. These companies help identify the wants and needs of their customer base which allows for a more successful product.
After his presentation, McGraw had the chance to connect and develop relationships with several companies to discuss plans to work together on several projects, including a soy-based coating for concrete molded roof tiles.
Overall, McGraw’s trip was successful: just one month after the trip, he has lined up several companies that are eager to work on future product developments. u
By Courtney Heiser
The Ohio Soybean Council and soybean checkoff fund many different research projects that utilize soybeans, thus increasing demand for soybeans and helping farmers become more profitable. OSC continually works to explore new, innovative market outlets for soybeans and their by-products. Below are some of the latest research ventures that aim to increase market value for soy growers.
Torrified hulls to replace carbon black is a compounding filler produced from a soy hull that seeks to reduce carbon black usage in U.S. tires. Not only is it a more environmentally-friendly product, reducing energy consumption and pollution from carbon black production, but it is also a higher quality product that is providing another market outlet for surplus soybeans.
There are enough raw materials to replace nearly all carbon black tires in the U.S. Torrified hulls could replace the 5 million annual tons of carbon black at about $2,400 per ton. The product is also proven to significantly reduce the weight
Soy vodka will soon be available on the market with the potential to bring in over $5 million annually.
of rubber composites and result in less waste and is the result of a simple, green biological process.
OSC is currently testing and researching this product. So far, they have produced a soy filler, produced and improved preliminary rubber composites and continue to examine enzyme destruction of soy hulls to enable a better design process. From here, OSC plans to improve and increase filler production, study filler performance, and partner with a filler producer to eventually get our product on the market.
As water quality continues to be a top priority for Ohio agriculture, functionalized hulls to absorb phosphorous is a desirable new technology. This compostable and recyclable product aims to reduce phosphorus losses from agricultural soils that impair surface water quality. Modified soy-based hulls trap reactive phosphorus while reducing sediment loss. In testing, the material reduced leachate reactive phosphorus by 87 percent, surface runoff by 70 percent, and total average sediment loss by 60 percent. This product continues to be tested and researched further, but there are hopes to partner with a company to get this product branded and commercially available soon.
These soy-based rubber tire composites are both environmentally-friendly and a higher quality product.
Currently, there are no other U.S. producers or marketers of vodka made out of soybeans. But soon, through a project funded by Ohio checkoff dollars, one could exist. Soy vodka could share 1 percent of the vodka market which is equivalent to revenues of over $5 million. Research is still being conducted on this project, but there are hopes for a commercial company collaboration soon.
Although these projects are not yet commercially available, the Ohio Soybean Council continues to research and improve each project to stay a leader in advancing technologies to provide additional market outlets for soy growers. u
