OHIO SOYBEAN COUNCIL 2024 INVESTOR REPORT
Ohio Soybean Farmers,
As I prepared to write this letter, I revisited the words my predecessor shared with you last year. I noted the sentiment that “the pace of change has never been so fast, and change will never be this slow again.”
This was certainly true of 2024, as we navigated significant challenges that tested our resilience as farmers. Not only adapting to, but growing from change is a testament to our perseverance and pride in producing high-quality Ohio soybeans.
And we couldn’t do it alone. We had help. And perhaps 2024 — more than previous years — reinforced the Ohio Soybean Council’s (OSC) purpose of being partners and problem-solvers.
Throughout the last year, OSC prioritized global collaboration and market diversification across every aspect of the organization — guided by our goal of investing in your future.
We strengthened our partnership with researchers at The Ohio State University (OSU) who continued to find smarter, safer and more sustainable methods to protect soybeans from disease and drought. We brought together local and international stakeholders on our farms and in our fields to promote Ohio-grown beans. We also expanded our research capabilities at Airable Research Lab, laying the foundation for new commercial product launches. We empowered growers to make sound decisions on their farms with the help of Ohio Field Leader, a program that breaks down research and makes it usable.
The advocacy efforts by our sister organization, the Ohio Soybean Association, amplified your voice and influenced meaningful change for state and national policies that protected and broadened opportunities in valuable soybean markets.
We all know that change is constant. OSC will continue working for you to ensure meaningful change that will support our state and farmers for generations to come.
Thank you for your support of the Ohio Soybean Council and the soybean checkoff.
Sincerely,
Bill Bayliss Chairman, Logan County
YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE
The checkoff pays back dividends for us on the farm. It affects my day-to-day decisions.”
Nathan Eckel Owner, Eckel Farms, Wood County
OHIO SOYBEAN COUNCIL 2024 INVESTOR REPORT
Year Ended September 30, 2024
Assessment Receipts from First Purchasers
$18,551,239
LESS
Assessment Receipts to the United Soybean Board
$8,444,190
Assessment receipts remitted to other states
$1,220,745
Net assessment receipts
$8,886,304
Investment income
$69,245
Grants
$38,087
Total additions to the fund balance
$8,993,636
Administrative disbursements
$891,850
Total deductions from the fund balance
$9,687,715
Net decrease in cash investments
$694,079
Beginning cash investments
$11,599,195
Ending cash investments
$10,905,116
Total program disbursements
$8,795,865 Demand $2,500,306 Research $3,373,825
Communication & Education $2,921,734
RESEARCHING PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
The Ohio Soybean Council’s work with OSU researchers focuses on finding solutions to the biggest challenges facing state soybean farmers today and into the future.
In 2024, your checkoff supported research projects focused on improving yield, combating diseases and pests, and providing valuable climate information to Ohio’s soybean farmers. Research outcomes help you make the most of your soybean crop even when weather conditions and commodity markets are unstable.
The following is a snapshot of some of the new and ongoing collaborative research your checkoff made possible in 2024.
Science for Success
RESEARCHER
Dr. Laura Lindsey
Soybean & Small Grains Agronomist, OSU with 25 other collaborators around the U.S.
SUMMARY
The Science for Success partnership brings together 26 Extension specialists from land-grant institutions across the country, representing more than 90% of U.S. soybean acres. These specialists contribute their own state-gleaned knowledge and research results to the program. As demands of the soybean industry change, the Science for Success team collaboratively uses proven research combined with historic results to adapt Best Management Practices (BMPs) to future challenges. Funding for this effort is provided by the United Soybean Board, Ohio Soybean Council, and USDA.
HIGHLIGHTS
1. Sulfur and nitrogen application — Common sources of sulfur were evaluated at 19 locations to identify where yield responses were most likely to occur. Studies at 25% of the locations found a significant difference in yields. However, no treatment consistently increased yields. No discernible differences were found in grain protein, oil, or amino acid concentrations. Analysis is ongoing to understand site characteristics associated with fertilizer responses.
2. Foliar fertilizer application — Research from 16 states concluded that applying foliar fertilizers in early pod development does not impact soybean yields. Using data from this study to make management decisions can save farmers $4-22 per acre.
Battle for the Belt
RESEARCHER
Dr. Laura Lindsey
Soybean & Small Grains Agronomist, OSU
SUMMARY
Although farmers are keenly aware of the importance of corn and soybean planting dates, weather is a severely limiting factor. Many planting date studies have been conducted across the U.S., but none included both corn and soybeans.
HIGHLIGHTS
1. 65 YouTube Videos and 15 YouTube Shorts, with 6+ hours of content related to corn vs. soybean planting dates and other management implications (slugs, bean leaf beetle, frost damage, drought, etc.). Videos were captured over a two-year period (2023-2024).
2. A 2024 webinar had nearly 100 participants, representing 400,000 acres of corn and soybean production. 73% of respondents noted they were ‘somewhat likely’ to change their soybean planting dates as a result of the webinar. 47% of the survey respondents said they were ‘somewhat likely’ to change their corn planting dates. Based on our field results and estimated changes in planting date as a result of the webinar, the economic value of this project is estimated at $94 million in Ohio.
Insect Pests
RESEARCHERS
Dr. Kelley Tilmon
State Extension Specialist: Field Crop Entomology, OSU
Dr. Andy Michel
Professor, Department of Entomology, OSU
SUMMARY
In the past three years the OSU entomology team has worked on projects to assess agronomic performance of insect-resistant varieties, monitor stink bug and slug populations and other insects, monitor for insecticide resistance, and develop new scouting tools. All OSC-funded projects contain a tangible extension deliverable.
HIGHLIGHTS
1. Field Guide to Stink Bugs of Ohio Soybeans: A flip book containing identification, biology, and scouting/management information.
2. Soybean Defoliation Quick-Card: A two-sided postcard on how to assess defoliation and when to treat for defoliating insects.
3. Soybean Defoliation Keychain Guide: A 3-D printed set of three soybean leaves with different defoliation levels, to help farmers more accurately assess defoliation for better scouting decisions. Results show that using this tool improves accuracy by 35%.
4. Common Bees of Ohio Soybeans: Monitoring has found an amazing 49 species of native bees in Ohio soybeans, showing that soybean farmers play a crucial part in maintaining environmental health.
5. Common Caterpillars of Ohio Soybeans: A quick-ID card featuring the most common defoliating caterpillars along with management guidance.
6. Soybean Gall Midge Alert Card: A quick reference card to help farmers detect an emerging pest that may reach Ohio. The card has proven effective — one county extension educator used it to identify larvae in soybean that looked like gall midge and alerted researchers immediately. While the larvae turned out to be another, non-problematic midge species, the card served its purpose by aiding early detection.
Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN)
RESEARCHER
Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora
Assistant Professor, Soybean Pathology and Nematology, OSU
SUMMARY
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) stands as the most damaging and yield-limiting pathogen for soybeans in Ohio and throughout North America. This stealthy nematode can reduce yields by 30% or more, often without any visible signs of its presence until the damage is severe. By proactively testing fields for SCN, you can detect its presence early and implement management strategies that prevent irreversible harm.
HIGHLIGHTS
1. Between 2018 and 2024, the OSU Soybean Pathology and Nematology Lab has processed over 2,000 free soil samples from Ohio growers to detect SCN.
2. OSC will continue offering free testing for up to two soil samples per grower in 2025. This initiative aims at assisting farmers in identifying their nematode populations accurately so they can adopt appropriate management practices to control SCN.
3. Alarmingly, over 85% of the tested Ohio SCN populations can reproduce on PI 88788 (SCN Type 2), at rates of 30 to 60% compared to susceptible soybeans. This poses a substantial challenge because more than 90% of SCN-resistant soybean varieties rely on PI 88788 for resistance. Monitoring and testing of SCN provides information that identifies best strategies for farmers to control SCN in their fields.
Local Weather and Climate Data
RESEARCHER
Dr. Aaron Wilson
Assistant Professor – Ag Weather and Climate Field Specialist, OSU State Climatologist – State Climate Office of Ohio
SUMMARY
This effort is enhancing local weather and climate data availability to assist Ohio soybean farmers. By upgrading OSU’s Ag Weather System and increasing near real-time weather and soil observations, this project is improving our understanding of how weather and climate impact soybean production. Funding was sought to secure a Data Network Technician to work alongside OSU Extension’s Ag Weather and Climate Field Specialist and State Climatologist, Aaron Wilson. This improved weather network will help analyze the relationship between local weather conditions and planting delays, address disease issues like white mold, and develop enhanced crop models to improve timing and production.
HIGHLIGHTS
1. Participation in regional climate workshops resulted in expanding knowledge of the needs of soybean farmers regarding data needed to maximize yield potential and gain a better understanding of how to approach climate network expansion and instrumentation enhancement in Ohio.
2. Research and planning are leading to an improved Agricultural Weather System that will bolster soybean research and education efforts across the state.
3. Three new Ohio weather stations are fully completed. Six more will be installed between March and July 2025.
EXPANDING CAPABILITIES AND PRIORITIZING PARTNERSHIPS
As consumers seek sustainable, economical alternatives to traditional products, the appeal of soy-based innovations gained global momentum in 2024. So too did the opportunity for Airable Research Lab to grow its physical lab footprint and product development partnerships.
Growing Research, Building Demand
Airable Research lab provides a range of synthesis, formulation, and analytical capabilities.
In 2024, checkoff dollars allowed Airable Research Lab to expand its capabilities by adding a scale-up lab within our current location where we can produce up to 30 liters of material for commercial field trials. The expansion increased Airable’s lab space by more than 30% and has allowed us to accelerate commercialization of soy-based products. By the end of 2024, the lab had contributed to the commercialization of 12 new soy-based products in less than three years.
BUSHELS OF SOYBEAN DEMAND
DEWALT® Bar & Chain Oil
Ohio soybean checkoff dollars supported the development, and April 2024 launch, of the first bar and chain oil in North America to hold a USDA biopreferred label. A multi-year partnership between Airable Research Lab and Houstonbased Dynamic Green Products® (DGP) culminated with the 2024 commercial launch of the soy-based oil for chainsaws, sold under the Stanley Black & Decker, Inc./DEWALT label.
Roof Maxx®
A USDA-certified biopreferred 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. Between April and September 2024, Roof Maxx treated nearly 15,000 homes with 300,000 gallons of soy-based treatment.
Seven state soybean checkoff boards — Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio — contributed funding for Airable Research Lab in 2024.
Leather Conditioner
In 2024, Airable Research Lab formulated a soy-based leather conditioner paste for all leather applications.
With many of today’s premium leather conditioners containing petroleum-derived ingredients, this eco-friendly choice is an oil and wax blend with polymerized soybean oil. Collaborating with DGP, the product debuted at the Paul Bunyan Show hosted by the Ohio Forestry Association in Lore City, Ohio.
Industry Collaborations
In addition, checkoff dollars supported collaboration with LFS Chemistry, a company specializing in bio-based chemistries for the oil and gas industry, helping develop Lubrisoy™ , a 93% biobased lubricant intended for oil and gas drilling applications. Expected to hit the market soon, LFS projects sales of up to 12,000 gallons per month.
Airable also assisted LFS in creating a non-phosphorusbased scale inhibitor to prevent scale buildup in equipment. This environmentally-friendly product, injected directly into the ground, offers oil companies a greener alternative. Currently in field trials, the scale inhibitor is projected to reach sales of 44,000 pounds per month at full commercialization.
2024, the DEWALT® Biodegradable Bar & Chain Oil and Roof Maxx® products created over 100,000 bushels of soybean demand.
BUILDING NEW MARKET MOMENTUM
Every year, Ohio exports about half of its stategrown soybeans — underscoring the importance of fostering new international partnerships and strengthening existing ones.
As global demand increases, so too do the opportunities to strategically invest checkoff dollars that further highlight the quality and versatility of Ohio soybeans. In 2024, OSC prioritized market diversification with international and domestic efforts that planted new seeds of global potential.
Building mutually beneficial relationships was a priority in 2024, whether hosting buyers from abroad to showcase Ohio’s growing soybean footprint in the animal feed market or expanding educational campaigns at the local level.
Soybean
quality and sustainability efforts by our farmers are two key touch points when talking to international buyers.”
Madison Corbi OSC Demand & Market Development Manager
OHIO SOYBEAN
Soy Innovation Center
Aquaculture is a fast-growing global industry, and soybeans provide an affordable, protein-rich feed source for aquatic species. In 2024, OSC representatives traveled to Greece to engage with professionals from the Aegean Sea aquaculture industry as part of the Europe Soy Innovation Center.
While in Greece, Auglaize County farmer and OSC board member Jerry Bambauer presented an overview of his farm operation, including sustainable practices he’s implemented.
More than 40 aquaculture professionals from Greece, Turkey, and Croatia attended the training program for midto high-tier employees in industries that are customers in the soybean supply chain.
Trade Team Visits
Soybean checkoff dollars supported OSC hosting major international buyers of foodgrade soybeans for soy milk and tofu. Buyers from the Korea Soy Food Masters Team, Japan Soy Food Team, and Greater China Soy Food Team visited over the summer and fall months. Their visits included meeting with Ohio specialty exporters, farmers, plant researchers, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA).
These exchanges helped establish global connections and solidify farmer-buyer relationships that will be increasingly important to the sustainable growth of Ohio’s soybean economy.
Buyers were especially interested in Ohio’s non-GMO soybean production and visited Black Family Farms in Franklin County. They viewed crop progress and talked with David Black, an OSC board member, about his commitment to quality and sustainability on his operation. Ohio farmers also learned more about growing international interest in the domestic soybean market, what buyers want, and how to meet growing demand.
57
Number of international soybean buyers who visited Ohio in 2024 through the annual Trade Team Visit program.
17,000+
Students reached worldwide during FY24 through Soy Excellence Center outreach.
The average Ohio soybean contains an optimal composition of 36% protein and 19% oil while maintaining ideal color.
Source: United Soybean Board
EU Sustainability Team
For the first time, the Trade Team Visit program organized a group of 19 individuals from various European countries to visit several Ohio soybean farmers in the state’s north-central region. The European group learned about sustainable practices being adopted by the host farmers and broader conservation efforts taking shape throughout the state’s ag landscape. As the European Union aims to reduce carbon emissions throughout its supply chains, visitors also connected with OSU researchers who shared recent and ongoing research focused on soil health improvement and methane mitigation.
Korea Soy Food Masters Team
On September 23-27, 2024, specialty soybean growers and exporters in Ohio hosted 14 attendees from the Korea Soy Food Masters program. In its third year, the checkoff-funded initiative annually welcomes visitors from South Korea to provide a holistic view of the soybean supply chain.
The international team also visited with OSU faculty to learn about U.S. farm economics, plant breeding, and domestic food innovation. In June 2024, OSC board member and Darke County farmer Chad Warner traveled to Korea and presented more than 100 Korea Soy Food Masters participants with an award on behalf of Ohio soybean farmers.
Ohio Poultry Association
OSC collaborated with the Ohio Poultry Association to create an animation series showing consumers and social media users how Ohio egg and soybean farmers are protecting the environment and being responsible operators. The 2024 digital campaign resulted in more than 700,000 online impressions and reached nearly 460,000 viewers.
U.S. Meat Export Federation
A strategic objective in Japan is to expand the presence of U.S.-raised pork on retail shelves, targeting regional retailers to displace competitor products with high-quality, chilled domestic pork. To increase indirect exports of domestic soybean meal, OSC continued its partnership with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to grow market demand for U.S. pork in Japan.
Optimize with Soy
OSC formally launched our Optimize with Soy campaign to promote the domestic use of Ohio soybean meal in livestock diets as a “total value package.” The new initiative engages with industry stakeholders like livestock farmers, animal nutritionists, livestock groups, and feed millers to promote the protein value of soybean meal.
$89.7M*
The market value of pork exports to the Ohio soybean industry.
$6.3M*
Bushels of Ohio soybeans consumed due to pork exports
13%*
Value pork exports contributed to every bushel of soybeans.
*Source: OSC (2023 totals)
30M
Bushels of Ohio soybeans fed to pigs, chickens, cattle, and other livestock and poultry every year.
World Initiative for Soy in Human Health
The World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) works on three continents and in over 28 developing and emerging countries with longterm, robust population growth projections and high global rankings on protein deficiency and food insecurity. They connect with entrepreneurs and businesses across global market systems to ensure successful market development, drive trade and improve food security.
OSC began working with WISHH on a special project in East Africa to engage with the aquaculture industry around Lake Victoria. The project is in the early stages of development, but is off to a good start with in-country staff hired.
Transportation Go!
Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) hosted its 2024 Transportation Go! conference in Toledo, Ohio, on March 13-14, 2024. OSC sponsored what is viewed as the premier conference for soybean and grain transportation and trade issues in the Midwest.
The event provided in-depth discussions on the global supply chain and how it affects the vital movement of agricultural products domestically and worldwide. More than 120 growers, port authorities, shippers, and suppliers gathered, including several Ohio soybean farmers and OSC vice chairman and Wood County farmer Nathan Eckel, who presented opening statements for the conference.
International marketing efforts conducted on behalf of the U.S. Soy industry have resulted in a return on investment of $18 per $1 invested.
Soy Excellence Centers
During the last five years, outreach generated by Soy Excellence Centers has reached 28,500 students worldwide, establishing the global digital platform as the foremost utilized tool provided by USSEC. Utilizing the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) funding awarded in 2019, USSEC created the Soy Excellence Centers to help diversify markets, develop relationships, and help build workforce capacity in emerging markets worldwide.
Reached 28,500 students worldwide
Source: The U.S. Soybean Export Council 750 attendees from 62 countries
Soy Connext
This year’s U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Soy Connext event in San Francisco on August 19-21, 2024, attracted more than 750 attendees from 62 countries. A proven environment for growing global partnerships and harvesting progressive ideas, OSC supported the conference as a platinum sponsor. In addition, four Ohio farmers and four Ohio identity preserved exporters attended the event.
BROADENING GENERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Your checkoff dollars continued to connect K-12 classrooms with hands-on ag science experience and diverse career opportunities through the GrowNextGen program. For over a decade, the program has provided free STEM resources for Ohio teachers, including eLearning courses, virtual field trips, and student research projects to inspire the next generation of ag innovators.
Ohio high school students can explore and pursue professional paths into ag research, agronomy, logistics, finance, and marketing through online courses consistent with state science requirements. In 2024, eLearning course participation more than doubled over the previous year, with 17,364 students taking advantage of classes this year.
17,364
Participants in eLearning courses in 2024, more than double the total (8,316) from 2023.
720
Teachers who attended 2024 workshops or educator conferences on ag biotechnology, bioproducts, water quality, food science, drones, soil health, and poultry life cycle and production.
60
Pre-service (college students) teachers from OSU and Wright State University (WSU) who attended sessions in 2024.
517
Students reached by 2024 ag entrepreneurship activities funded by a $55,000 grant from the Battelle Foundation to the Ohio Soybean Council Foundation.
3,000
field trip
the 2023-2024 school year.
Virtual Field Trips
More than 3,000 students attended five virtual field trips throughout the 2023-2024 school year. Those unable to participate in the live events could watch on-demand recordings. The educational events taught students about how different pieces of farm equipment are used in the field and the stages of the growing season for soybeans and other crops.
Virtual assemblies for elementary students — another aspect of the GrowNextGen initiative — reached 23 schools and more than 6,500 students during the 2023-2024 school year.
HIGHLIGHTS
Elementary school planting and harvest trips at Adele Flynn’s farm in Wellington (Lorain County).
Middle and high school planting trip to Andy Stickel’s farm near Bowling Green (Wood County).
Aquaculture trip to Freshwater Farms of Ohio in Urbana (Champaign County).
Middle and high school harvest trip to Chad Warner’s farm in Greenville (Darke County).
Virtual
attendees in
Soy Nutrition Institute Global
Furthering its commitment to cutting-edge research that broadens the horizons of soybean benefits, OSC became an active member of the Soy Nutrition Institute Global (SNI). Formed in 2004 through the United Soybean Board, SNI provides a collaborative forum to review and share information on soy nutrition and research. Your checkoff support helped OSC invest in new initiatives that can broaden the health benefits of soy.
Food Grade Soybeans
On average, about 10% of Ohio’s soybean crop is food-grade. This small but critical total could benefit from scientific research into soy foods and positive health impacts. OSC assisted in funding a new 2024 SNI study into the benefits of soy-based foods in reducing wrinkles.
Liver Disease Symptoms
OSC also supported two new SNI initiatives looking into how ingesting the fatty acids in soy can minimize the symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. OSU is hosting one research project for adults, while the other is through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Soy Has a Secret
Growing public awareness about the versatility and value of soybeans is an important part of market development. Your checkoff helped launch a new consumer campaign — Soy Has a Secret — to promote soybeans’ diverse benefits and uses.
The layered outreach initiative will also highlight the increasing appeal of soy-based food and products that are a nutrient-rich source of plant-based protein and an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based products.
INVESTING IN COLLABORATIVE OUTREACH
Initial aspects of the campaign highlighted the health benefits of soy for athletes. This included signage in the Jerome Schottenstein Center for OSU home basketball games and two billboard advertisements for OSU football games near the Columbus campus.
The redesign of the new Ohio Soybean website — SoyOhio.org — launched in September 2024.
Ohio Field Leader Program
A cornerstone of OSC’s outreach efforts, the Ohio Field Leader (OFL) program continued to connect farmers with timely agronomic solutions and advice. In 2024, new articles, videos, and podcast episodes helped keep state soybean farmers informed on the latest plant research and technology during a challenging year.
Produced in conjunction with Ohio’s Country Journal, the program features online articles, OFL Roadshow videos, and podcasts hosted by Dusty Sonnenberg, Henry County farmer and CCA. All OFL content can be found under the Ohio Field Leader tab at ocj.com.
SOME OF THE FEATURED COVERAGE FROM 2024 INCLUDED
50th Podcast Episode
Celebrating a milestone podcast episode, Stark County farmer Matt Spillman shared some of the unique challenges and opportunities of cash grain and livestock farming on his multigenerational family operation. Farming with his uncle and brothers, they discussed everything from the 2024 growing season to John Deere tractor-pulling trophies to deer wall mounts.
Roadshow Review
Night for Young Professionals
This OSC-supported professional development event for college students was available on three campuses in 2024. Students from OSU’s Main Campus and Wooster Campus, as well as students at Wilmington College were eligible to attend. The evening offered attendees face-to-face networking opportunities with ag industry professionals, as well as career counseling, resume review, and internship opportunities.
Usable News
Among the dozens of online OFL articles published through Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net, they highlighted some of the year’s most timely topics to help soybean farmers successfully navigate the growing season. From tips on reducing crop protection costs to transitioning into a profitable no-till operation, in-depth coverage gave farmers tips and techniques to take to the field.
The mobile video series made monthly stops at different farms from April-November in 2024.
Nathan Eckel and his brother, Nolan, discussed their diversified grain and livestock operation and changing farming practices as suburban sprawl creeps closer to the operation.
At Shady Lawn Farms, Jeff McKanna and Robert Gray discussed their corn, soybean, and tomato operations and their future plans for double-crop soybeans.
Ohio Field Leader is truly a cornerstone of OSC. Being able to provide a resource where farmers can hear and learn about what’s happening in Ohio soybean production is what the checkoff is all about.”
Julia Brown OSC Director of Communications
GROWING THE FUTURE
Scholarship Program
Since 2008, Ohio Soybean Council Foundation (OSCF) has awarded annual scholarships to promote and develop the next generation of Ohio college and university students pursuing careers in agriculture or a related field of study.
Checkoff dollars support an ongoing commitment to offering and expanding programs that inspire the future leaders of Ohio’s soybean industry.
Total scholarships awarded by the OSCF since 2008 to students studying agriculture or a related field at Ohio colleges or universities. $ 640,000
Total Scholarships Awarded in 2024 $ 46,500
Undergraduate Scholarships $ 3,000
Chloe Anderson of Kenton, OH, is a sophomore at OSU studying agriscience education.
Dylan Bambauer of New Bremen, OH, is a sophomore at the University of Dayton studying mechanical engineering.
Jacob Lansing of Midland, OH, is a junior at OSU studying animal sciences and biosciences.
Nicholas Mazurowski of Delta, OH, is a junior at Ohio University studying chemical engineering.
Adam Meyer of Cygnet, OH, is a freshman at OSU studying agribusiness and applied economics.
Bryce Schott of Fredericktown, OH, is a junior at OSU studying agricultural engineering.
Ashley Tate of Shreve, OH, is a junior at OSU studying agricultural communications.
Bhima Vijayendran Scholarship $ 5,000
Clint Johnson of Urbana, OH, is a junior at OWU studying chemistry and mathematics.
2024 State Science Day Award Winners
Through a collaboration between the OSCF and the Ohio Academy of Science (OAS), the annual science fair awards recognize soybean innovation across the state.
The State Science Day awards honor students in grades 5-12 for projects that showcase the versatility of soybeans.
1st Place
Alaina Bell Grade 11
Bloom Carroll High School
Project: How does peptide D4E1 affect the survival rate of soybean cyst nematodes?
Graduate Scholarships
Scott Brooks is pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering at Ohio University.
Taylor Dill is pursuing a PhD in agronomy at OSU.
Richard Gonzalez Aquino is pursuing a master’s degree in plant pathology at OSU.
Angel Haller is pursuing a PhD in entomology at OSU.
$ 2,500
David Merckle is pursuing a PhD in translational biomedical science at Ohio University.
Prabath Sananayaka Mudianselage is pursuing a PhD in horticulture at OSU.
Maria Sholola is pursuing a PhD in food science at OSU.
Robinson W. Joslin Scholarship $ 3,000
Sarah Hoak of Shelby, OH, is a freshman at OSU studying sustainable agriculture.
2nd Place
Grace Whitmore Grade 12
Global Impact STEM Academy
Project: The nutritional viability and protein absorbance of insect and plant sources for malnutrition.
3rd Place
Elise Hess Grade 10 Global Impact STEM Academy
Project: Precision agriculture: Evaluating soil moisture with RGB, multispectral, and thermal UAV sensors.
ADVOCATING FOR ACTIONABLE CHANGE
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) actively advocates for Ohio soybean farmers by promoting timely, impactful policy and legislation.
Understanding the annual production and profitability pressures that our soybean growers navigate, OSA engaged state and national lawmakers in 2024 to forge collaborative working relationships, both in the office and from the field.
On four occasions throughout 2024, OSA President Rusty Goebel (Williams County) provided testimony to committees of the state legislature.
OSA organized a legislative advocacy day on Capitol Square in Columbus, two fly-ins to Washington, D.C., and numerous on-farm or in-district meeting opportunities between farmers and policymakers.
Countless messages were sent to members of Congress and the General Assembly in response to action alerts issued on key legislative priorities.
OHIO SOYBEAN COUNCIL
Backing Biofuels
With the biofuel landscape continuing to develop, OSA supported lawmakers who led efforts to promote the use of Ohio-grown feedstocks in biofuels.
Congressman Max Miller introduced the Farm to Fly Act to promote sustainable aviation fuel production.
Senator Sherrod Brown and Representative Marcy Kaptur introduced legislation to protect domestic feedstocks used for biofuel production and provide long-term predictability for the industry. The bill would extend a new production tax credit to 10 years for advanced biofuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. The bill would also prevent foreign producers from accessing the credits, including imports of foreign-used cooking oil.
Grain Grading
To ensure grain grading at Ohio grain elevators remains fair and accurate, OSA worked to prevent a legislative proposal from moving forward that would have removed assurances that grain graders are highly qualified and follow these important quality control procedures.
The Ohio House passed House Bill 238, which will eliminate the Grain Commodity Tester certificate issued by the ODA. OSA raised
Hometown Tours
In 2024, OSA hosted four hometown tours throughout Ohio, which featured panel discussions with policymakers, including ODA Director Brian Baldridge and numerous state legislators.
TOUR STOPS INCLUDED
Cargill® Ag in Sidney, Ohio
Airable Research Lab in Delaware, Ohio
Bridgewater Dairy LLC in Montpelier, Ohio
Beck’s Hybrids in London, Ohio
Each visit provided a unique opportunity for farmers to tour operations and gather agronomic insights, farm business management practices, and policy updates.
concerns about the complete elimination of quality assurance measures for commodity testers.
As a result, members of the House State and Local Government Committee amended language into HB 238 that requires testers to complete training based on USDA grain inspection standards every five years and for ODA to maintain records of all individuals who have completed the training.
Crop Protection
One of OSA’s primary efforts in 2024 was fighting against unworkable regulations on critical crop protection tools used by soybean growers. These regulations would significantly hamper their ability to effectively apply herbicides and insecticides to control invasive weeds and pests.
As a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final revision of its herbicide strategy — designed to protect species listed as threatened or endangered — provides more clarity, includes more options for growers, and reduces the burden on applicators.