

OHIO SOYBEAN NEWS



OHIO SOYBEAN NEWS
OSA Policy Priorities for 2025

Addressing Key Challenges in Biofuel Markets Consider the River Less Traveled
SoyWord Search
The competition aims to inspire the next wave of sustainable design by introducing future designers to the versatility and eco-friendliness of soy products.
More on page 16...
Ohio Winners Shine in NEXTILE: The Soy in Textiles Design Challenge
Airable Research Lab’s Soy-Based Leather Conditioner Sets a New Standard for Sustainable Leather Care
Interview with Stacie McCracken: From OSCF Scholarship to Agricultural Marketing Innovator
Teacher Leader Shows Students Agriculture’s Tech-Driven Future Battle
or Soybean?




A LETTER FROM THE President
Rusty Goebel
Ohio Soybean Association President Williams County Farmer


The world is run by those who show up.
With the start of a new General Assembly and Congress, the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) has already shown up on behalf of Ohio farmers, launching our advocacy efforts for 2025. In February, our farmer leaders took a trip to the Statehouse to meet with legislators and lay out our policy priorities for the upcoming year. You can see photos from our trip on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X. For new legislators, it was a chance to introduce ourselves, our organization and our industry. For legislators we have worked with before, we reiterated the issues that matter to us, which you can read more about on page 7.
In March, our organization will be headed to the annual Commodity Classic, where farmer delegates from states across the country will mold the policy priorities of the American Soybean Association (ASA) for the upcoming year. This grassroots method of developing policy is integral to our mission. Ultimately, we want to do right by our fellow farmers and promote policies that will protect our industry. If you have a local issue that you need help addressing, I encourage you to reach out to us. We are here to help you and make sure your concerns are addressed.
Later in March, we’re headed to Washington, D.C. to talk with Congressional leaders. In addition to two new U.S. Senators, we will also need to educate two new representatives on the importance of the soybean industry to Ohio and what they can do to help our industry flourish. Finally, I want to extend a congratulations to our newly elected OSA Executive Committee. Patrick Knouff (Chairman – Shelby County), Bennett Musselman (Vice President – Pickaway County) and I will all retain our same positions as last year. Trish Cunningham (Delaware County) will move into a new role as secretary and Dustin Converse (Union County) will be our new treasurer. I look forward to working with all our board members on a successful policy year.
President
Rusty Goebel, Williams County
Vice President
Bennett Musselman, Pickaway County
Treasurer
Dustin Converse, Union County
Secretary
Trish Cunningham, Union County
Chairman
Patrick Knouff, Shelby County
Trustees
David Clark, Warren County
Dave Green, Crawford County
Justin Esselburn, Ashland County
Jeff Magyar, Ashtabula County
Scott Metzger, Ross County
Jeremy Price, Putnam County
Ryan Rhoades, Marion County
Andy Stickel, Wood County
Bob Suver, Clark County
Adam Vonderhaar, 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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For Advertising Sales Contact: Kristin Flowers - (614) 323-9320 kristin@ohioagnet.com
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
WISHH leverages partnerships for U.S. Soy to help meet the protein needs of 8 billion consumers



Ohio Soybean Association Sets 2025 Policy Priorities

The Ohio Soybean Association’s (OSA) Board of Trustees met in December to approve its 2025 policy priorities, reaffirming its mission to advocate for Ohio soybean farmers through member engagement and influence on policy, regulation, and legislation. In 2025, OSA aims to address key challenges in the agricultural sector, broaden market opportunities, enhance the bioeconomy, and secure fair budget allocations for the farming community. These priorities, presented to the 136th General Assembly at OSA’s annual legislative day in February, will shape OSA’s advocacy efforts throughout the year.
RENEWABLE FUEL PRODUCTION AND THE BIOECONOMY
The transportation sector’s demand for renewable fuels—biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel—is growing rapidly. With most production currently located west of the Mississippi River, Ohio has an opportunity to become a hub for renewable fuel production, bringing significant economic benefits to the state. OSA is committed to ensuring farmers capitalize on this demand by promoting soybeans as critical feedstocks and positioning Ohio as an ideal location for production facilities. Additionally, OSA will advocate for policies that support the manufacturing of soy-based products, fostering innovation and economic growth.
BUDGET PRIORITIES
ADDITIONAL OSA PRIORITIES
OSA emphasizes the importance of 4H and FFA programs in developing future leaders and supports policies promoting a strong animal agriculture industry. Additionally, OSA is prioritizing farmland preservation to combat the projected loss of over 500,000 acres by 2040. Through farmland preservation easements and Agricultural Security Areas, OSA seeks to ensure Ohio’s productive farmland continues to supply abundant, affordable food for generations to come.
At OSA’s February 12 legislative day, discussions with lawmakers centered on the upcoming two-year state budget, set to be approved by June 30, 2025. OSA outlined five key budget priorities:



Safeguarding the agricultural sales tax exemption, maintaining current agricultural use valuation (CAUV), and protecting small farms from excessive business taxes like the commercial activity tax.
Advocating for funding to improve rural roads, bridges, rail, and ports essential for agricultural trade.
Ensuring adequate state resources to streamline processes for moving commodities to market efficiently.


Supporting continued investments in best management practices (BMPs) to enhance water quality.
Advocating for robust funding for Ohio’s land-grant institutions to support agricultural education and research.
READ THE FULL POLICY PRIORITIES HERE:





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Food inflation could more than double—forcing American consumers to pay even more at the grocery store.
That’s why the Modern Ag Alliance advocates for access to essential crop protection tools, so Ohio farmers can continue affordably feeding America.















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ADDRESSING KEY CHALLENGES IN BIOFUEL MARKETS IN BIOFUEL MARKETS
ADDRESSING KEY CHALLENGES
Biodiesel and renewable diesel have dramatically increased the value of soybeans over the last several years. The volume of soybean oil used to make biomass-based diesel (BBD) has grown from nothing in the early 2000s to around 13 billion pounds a year today.
The ongoing development of advanced biofuels can make an even bigger impact in the future. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), for example, can also be made from soy oil. Research has shown that locating a SAF production facility in Ohio could add billions to the state’s economy, improve basis for farmers and increase Ohio farm income by as much as $14 million a year.
Despite all this promise, the industry faces a growing number of headwinds that the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) is working to address. OSA is working with policymakers and industry partners at the state and federal levels to solve these three key issues.
The Renewable Fuel Standard is Shortchanging Soy Oil
For many years the amount of biofuel blended into the domestic fuel supply was set in a federal law known as Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Starting in 2023, the RFS no longer provided targeted blending levels called the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO), but rath-
er left the authority to set the blending volume requirements to the US EPA.
When the EPA set the biomass-based diesel RVO for 2023 through 2025, they did not base the volume requirements on the biofuel industry’s production

capacity. As a result, the RFS volume requirement is significantly lower than actual production capacity which has undercut the value of producing these fuels and threatens the demand for soybean oil.
Soybean Oil is Penalized in Carbon Intensity Rating Models
In addition to the RFS, tax credits and state-level low carbon fuel standards have also been established over the years to incentivize the creation of a domestic biofuel market. However, there are several factors that create competitive disadvantages for fuels made from soy oil compared to other fuels.
At the federal level, a new tax credit known as 45Z will incentivize domestic production of many different biofuels. The credit is awarded on a sliding scale based on the fuel’s carbon
intensity. However, this new policy has shortcomings.
First, the tax credit exists for just three years. The industry needs longer term certainty to make the huge capital investments needed. Fuels made with foreign imported feedstocks can also generate the same credit as fuels made with domestic feedstocks, allowing cheap imports to undercut soybean oil. The methods used to calculate carbon intensity also unfairly penalize soy oil by assuming using soy
triggers land use changes such as deforestation. There are also inconsistent methods for determining the total carbon emitted to create different types of fuels.
California’s low carbon fuel standard has also driven demand in recent years. However, that program is undergoing changes. In addition to using unfair carbon intensity measurements for soy, the board governing that program recently moved to arbitrarily cap the amount of soybean oil that can be used.

Most of the demand for BBD is on the west coast so it is understandable that most of the production in the US is west of the Mississippi. That is changing with demand growing in
transportation sectors like rail, trucking, marine shipping and aviation. States are now competing to bring biofuel production to their states. Ohio would be a strategic location with its
proximity to east coast markets and superior transportation networks. Yet, if the Buckeye state wants to compete, there is a need to create state-level incentives.
Ohio Lacks Biomass-Based Diesel Production
River Less Traveled
Soybean farmers visit the Port of Mobile to connect and explore the United States’ robust transportation system.
By Todd Hesterman, Henry County Farmer and OSC board member
As soybean farmers, we rely on a healthy and efficient transportation system to stay competitive in the international marketplace. I am honored to serve in my second term on the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC), an organization whose mission is to ensure a reliable transportation network for our soybeans. This past November, I and other U.S. soybean farmers traveled to Mobile, Alabama for STC’s annual meeting to explore another Gulf port that can be accessed via barge.
Yeah, I know! At the cross rivers in Paducah, Kentucky, a soybean barge can either travel further west and ride the Mississippi River System to New Orleans or peel east to travel down the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to the Port of Mobile. Connecting the two named rivers, the Tenn-Tom consists of 10 lock and dam systems with 8-barge capacity, serves 23 states, and links to 4,500 miles of navigable waterways. The waterway currently has an average depth of 9 feet, but they are investing in dredging projects to increase traffic, much like the Mississippi.
As a barge finishes its trip down the waterway, it dumps into the Port of Mobile which is making strides to
become a competitive port in the Gulf region. The port is currently investing in a dredging project to deepen their harbors from 45 feet to 50 feet, to service the Panamax ships arriving from the Panama Canal, by the end of 2025. According to our hosts, the Port of Mobile is the fastest growing container terminal in the U.S. with plans to expand from 650,000 container capacity to 1 million container capacity. Additionally, five of six Class I railroads service to Mobile, offering diverse routes to move cargo.
The Port mostly services metals, consumer goods and other industrial products, but agricultural products could soon be part of its future as an alternative option for shipping down to the Gulf region. In recent years, we have faced low water levels on the Mississippi River and with checkoff-funded support, projects have started to deepen the route , but we must keep our options open to stay competitive – the Tenn-Tom Waterway is something Midwest shippers can consider.
As I mentioned, on behalf of Ohio’s farmers, I served on the STC board of directors from 2016–2018 and have been elected to serve again with Wyandot County farmer Tyler

Miller for the next 3 years. Apart from reconnecting with old faces, it was great to see the involvement STC has had in creating a reliable transportation system for our soybeans.
The STC supported dredging of the lower Mississippi River to 50-foot depth to combat low water levels, contributed to soybean meal export projects in the Great Lakes region and shared cost- effective alternatives for county bridges with road engineers.
The soybean checkoff supports these projects where they can to invest in a sustainable future for soybean farmers.

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SEARCH SOY SOY
Can you find all the everyday products that are made from soybeans?
B F B I O D I E S E L T Q Z I
C H W U J O O Q L I D J B F N
M C L Z T U X D V E I L R D K
P E L D F D W I X Q Q S H T O
Q Z R E T L J F C A R S A I C
R U G L A I O P S H C K N R R
Y K H W Z N W O Q Q O B I E A
S H O E S D E C R G M X M S Y
P D H U R O S R U I H S A T O A R X I J G L Y S D N I L Z N I S O Y S A U C E I M G F S S
N A F A I N Y A I Y J X E R R T B W Z Z T O X K M B B E H U
L M C A N D L E S V R X D C J C S B P C D O R O O F M A X X
OHIO WINNERS SHINE IN
NEXTILE: NEXTILE: The Soy in
Textiles Design Challenge
The Ohio Soybean Council, in partnership with the United Soybean Board, is proud to announce the winners and runners-up from the Ohio chapter of the NEXTILE: The Soy in Textiles Design Challenge. In this national competition, now in its second year, 21 colleges and universities across the United States challenged their design students to create groundbreaking, sustainable innovations using soybased materials.

From vibrant textiles to sturdy threads, students brought their visions to life using soybeans as their primary material. The competition aims to inspire the next wave of sustainable design by introducing future designers to the versatility and eco-friendliness of soy products. The Ohio schools represented in this year’s competition, Kent State University and The Ohio State University, showcased innovative projects that highlight the potential of soy-based textiles.
THE CHALLENGE: REDEFINING TEXTILES WITH SOY
The NEXTILE competition provides each participant or team with a design kit, including six sustainable, soy-based materials such as soy silk, soy cashmere, organic pigment, and soy wax. Using at least three of these materials, students were tasked with developing original and functional products, from intricate designs to eco-friendly dyes and fabrics. Judging criteria included creativity, functionality, sustainability, and the potential for real-world application. The judging panel featured experts from the design and textile industries, alongside soy farmers from across the country. Bill Bayliss, Chairman of the Ohio Soybean Council and United Soybean Board representative judged students at the state level competition.
“It’s amazing to see how these talented students combine their creativity and technical expertise to find innovative uses for soybeans,” Bayliss said. “Their designs are truly impressive, and their dedication to creating sustainable solutions with soy is inspiring. I’m excited to see the impact these competitors will have and the innovations they’ll bring to the industry.”

OHIO WINNERS AND THEIR DESIGNS
The Ohio competition produced innovative designs that stood out for their creativity and practicality. Winners received $500 scholarships, while runners-up earned $250 scholarships. The school winners now advance to the national competition, where their designs will compete against other top entries from across the country.
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY WINNER:
Team: Maya Settimi, Jaden Levy, Deligh Jacks — Stencil Soy Satchel Runner-Up Team: Emma Cook, Nicole Farmer, Blaire Tannehill, Sydney Hull - Soy Western Shoulder Bag




THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
WINNER:
Arantxa Lituma Hernandez — Soy
Andean Textile
Runner-Up: Alex Tremblay — Soy
Tidepool Dress
Soybeans have long been a staple of product innovation. Henry Ford, an early pioneer in soy-based materials, incorporated soy into paints, plastics, and textiles for automobile design.
Today, soy is a key ingredient in over 1,000 products across industries — from tires and biofuels to firefighting foam and synthetic turf. Its role in sustainable textiles is gaining momentum as consumers and businesses alike seek eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials.
NEXTILE continues this tradition by putting sustainable soy-based materials in the hands of the next generation of designers, encouraging them to explore the vast possibilities of soy in textiles and beyond.
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Soybean farmers and industry leaders remain committed to innovation and sustainability. From improving food security to combating climate change, U.S. Soy plays a critical role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Competitions like NEXTILE empower young minds to contribute to these solu-
tions through sustainable design.
“We’re thrilled to see Ohio students leading the way in sustainable innovation,” said Kirk Merritt, Executive Director of the Ohio Soybean Council. “Their designs demonstrate that soy-based materials are not just viable but can lead the charge in creating a more sustainable future.”

To learn more about NEXTILE, participating schools, and the future of soy-based sustainable innovation, visit www.ussoy.org/nextile.






Airable Research Lab’s SoyBased Leather Conditioner Sets a New Standard for Sustainable Leather Care
Airable Research Lab has developed a revolutionary soy-based Leather Conditioner Paste, offering a sustainable and effective solution for leather care. Based in Delaware, OH, Airable is a business line of the Ohio Soybean Council and is funded by seven soybean state checkoff organizations, dedicated to creating new soy-based industrial and consumer products driving demand for Ohio-grown soybeans through innovative research and product development.
Made from 100% bio-based ingredients, this paste wax revitalizes and protects leather without relying on petroleum-derived ingredients. It softens leather, prevents cracking, reduces moisture loss, smooths small scratch es, and enhances the surface’s luster. The easy-to-apply formula penetrates deep into the leather, moisturizing and rejuvenating it. Meanwhile, the soy wax provides a glossy, water-repel lent finish that protects against water damage.
“Many modern leather conditioners rely on petroleum ingredients, but we saw an opportunity to create something better,” said Barry McGraw, Founder and Chief Laboratory Officer at Airable Research Lab. “By using soybean oil, we’ve developed a product that’s not only eco-friendly but also highly effective.”
The conditioner was rigorously tested at the University of Cincinnati’s Leather Research Laboratory, where it was evaluated on boots, shoes, vegetable-tanned leather, and treated leather swatches. Early-stage results show that Airable’s formula performs comparably to high-end commercial products used in premium leather applications
KEY BENEFITS OF AIRABLE’S LEATHER CONDITIONER PASTE WAX

INCLUDE:
• 100% bio-based, renewable carbon
• Non-tacky, non-greasy residue
• Easy to apply and buff for a glossy finish
• Free of petroleum-derived ingredients
• Water-resistant
• Natural odor
The eco-friendly leather conditioner is now available for purchase under the Woodsman’s Leather Ritual by Buckin’ brand on Buckin’ Billy Ray’s site. Be sure to watch for it under the Craftsman, DGP and Jenny from the Shop brands as well. By harnessing the power of Ohio-grown soybeans, Airable has created a product that’s both better for the planet and superior in performance.



Interview with Stacie McCracken
From OSCF Scholarship to Agricultural Marketing Innovator
Stacie McCracken, a three-time Ohio Soybean Council Foundation (OSCF) scholarship recipient, has crafted a dynamic career in agricultural communications and marketing. We caught up with Stacie to explore her professional journey, insights on the soybean industry, and the lasting impact of the OSCF scholarship.

What years did you receive your OSCF scholarship, and what did you study?

“I received the OSCF scholarship in 2012, 2013, and 2014. I studied agricultural communication at Ohio State University.”

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

“After graduation, I worked for Ohio Corn & Wheat as their communication manager for a few years before founding McCracken, an agricultural marketing agency. Our agency is dedicated to helping agricultural clients connect with farmers and ranchers through strategic marketing and communications. Today, McCracken offers a wide range of services, including strategy, creative development, media buying, and email marketing. We help agribusinesses achieve their goals through effective communication. What began as a one-person operation supporting a handful of clients has grown into a remote team serving clients on three continents. My husband Derek and I live in Fort Loramie, Ohio, with our four children—Sawyer, Faye, Blair, and Damian.”


What inspired you to apply for the OSCF scholarship?
“Growing up on a grain farm, soybeans played a vital role in our livelihood. The soybean industry impacts many areas of daily life, from providing protein for livestock and supporting the global food supply to being a key ingredient in products like cooking oil and biofuels. The Ohio Soybean Council also gave me my first experience in a marketing agency through a college internship, which inspired me to start McCracken.
Initially, I applied for the OSCF scholarship for financial assistance, but the scholarship ended up offering so much more. The relationships I formed with industry professionals through the scholarship have supported me as I continue to grow McCracken into the agency it is today.”

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

“Garner as many real-world work experiences as you can. These opportunities will help you figure out what you want to do—and sometimes, more importantly, what you don’t want to do. Step out of your


comfort zone by trying something in an adjacent field, working in a different state, or studying abroad. These experiences and the relationships you build will shape your perspective and open doors you may never have considered.”



Teacher Leader Shows Students Agriculture’s FUTURE Tech-Driven Tech-Driven FUTURE

The Ohio Soybean Council recognized Leah LaCrosse as the 2024 GrowNextGen Teacher Leader of the Year at their December industry dinner. LaCrosse, an eighth-grade science teacher at McCormick Middle School in Huron, transforms science education through agriculture.
“LaCrosse has demonstrated leadership by training and providing support to her fellow teachers; adding value to GrowNextGen with curriculum and ideas; and promoting the program in her classroom, online, and with other colleagues,” said OSC Chairman of the Communications and Education Committee, Todd
Hesterman. “She challenges her students to make connections between the classroom and the real world.”
“Students don’t know how much technology exists in agriculture. They don’t know what they don’t know until they’ve got their hands on it,” LaCrosse explains. Her students write code and analyze real agricultural data, learning engineering principles and scientific inquiry through realworld farming challenges.
“Science is all about patterns,”
LaCrosse tells her students. “Having the raw data, asking them to sort and asking, ‘Do you notice any patterns?’ is doing science. There are very few organizations that take our standards and give us the data related to them.”
Through GrowNextGen’s STEMfocused curriculum, LaCrosse integrates farming technology into daily science lessons. Students explore heredity and natural selection through the Chickenology program, while creating apps and ebooks that
“When students receive legitimate data, they invest in the questions and outcomes,”
“I’m in such a small community, but I can send students to a soybean farm somewhere else in Ohio.”
showcase Ohio agriculture based on virtual farm exploration.
“When students receive legitimate data, they invest in the questions and outcomes,” notes LaCrosse.
Virtual field trips funded by Ohio soybean growers connect students with industry leaders. “I’m in such a small community, but I can send students to a soybean farm somewhere else in Ohio.”
As a teacher leader, LaCrosse presents at local, state, and national conferences. “It validates teachers, our role, and our power
with the future,” she shares. Her work demonstrates how agricultural education transforms traditional science teaching while preparing students for future careers.
“The benefit comes from seeing what’s outside your community,” LaCrosse reflects. Through her innovative teaching and advocacy, students discover modern agricultural careers while

mastering essential science skills.
“Ultimately, our students are benefiting from the connection between teachers and growers.”


Which Crop Should Be Given Planting Priority-Corn or Soybean?
Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, and Taylor Dill Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University
Planting date strongly influences both corn and soybean yield, with daily expected reductions in yield when the crops are planted after the end of April. Although farmers are keenly aware of the importance of corn and soybean planting date, weather is a key limiting factor. Since 1995, only about half the days in May have been suitable for fieldwork in Ohio. Because all of this, farmers are often forced to plant earlier or later than ideal and ponder which crop to plant first. This integrated research and Extension project aims to answer, “What should farmers plant first - corn or soybean?” (Figure 1).
To address these questions, we conducted a two-year experiment in Wood County, Wayne County, and Clark County, Ohio. Treatments included five planting dates, ranging from the end of March through late June (Table 1, below). Corn and soybean were planted on the same dates in adjacent fields.

WHAT CROP SHOULD FARMERS PLANT FIRST?
Prioritizing corn or soybean planting depends on the year, calendar date, anticipated environmental stressors,
and location. Generally, corn and soybean yields are maximized with earlier planting dates. However, there are exceptions to this ‘rule of thumb.’ For example, in 2023, there were cold and wet conditions followed by a monthlong drought period. Corn yield was low for the first three planting dates, ranging from 150 to 200 bushels per acre then increased to approximately 250 bushels per acre for the last two planting dates (Figure 2). Even though soybean experienced the same weather conditions, yields were the highest for the first three planting dates then declined for the last two planting dates. In 2024, corn and soybean yield response to planting date followed a more common pattern where yield of both crops was greatest for the early planting dates.
FIGURE 1

KEY TAKE-AWAYS
✓ In Wood County and Clark County, corn and soybean yields tended to be greatest with earlier planting dates if planting conditions were adequate. If planting conditions were poor (as well as conditions soon after planting), soybean yield was maintained while corn yield declined.
✓ In Wayne County, corn and soybean yield tended to be greatest for slightly later planting dates (late April through mid-May), which may be associated with a higher level of disease, slugs, and insects in early planted fields (Figure 3).
✓ Soybean yield was more stable across planting dates compared to corn. If planting is delayed due to wet weather, soybean yield will be impacted less compared to corn.
✓ Early planting may result in reduced plant populations. In 2024 when soybeans were planted on March 25, plant population averaged 42,000 plants per acre due to a freeze event the end of April. Although plant population was low, yields were maintained because the remaining soybean plants produced numerous branches. If plant populations are reduced, weeds can become extremely competitive. Make sure you have a good weed control program!

For more information about this project, check out our 2023 and 2024 project video playlists at the Ohio State Agronomy YouTube channel - https:// www.youtube.com/@OSUAgronomicCrops. This project will be repeated during the 2025 growing season with more newsletter articles and YouTube videos beginning in April!
✓ Early planting will likely result in early soybean flowering. In 2024 when soybeans were planted on March 25, plants entered the R1 stage (initial flowering) on May 28, about three to four weeks ahead of ‘normal.’ Early flowering occurred due to the early planting date coupled with higher temperatures. Many herbicides become off-label at flowering, so make sure to stage soybean regularly if planting early.

Research and Extension efforts associated with this project have been funded by Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Corn and Wheat, North Central Extension Risk Management Education, and CFAES Internal Grants Program.
Opposite page:
Table 1. Corn and soybean planting dates in 2023 and 2024 at three locations in Ohio.
Figure 1. The ‘Battle for the Belt’ project includes applied field research and
Extension programming.
Above:
Figure 2. Corn and soybean yield across five planting dates in 2023 and 2024 at the Western Agricultural Research Station in Clark County.
To left:
Figure 3. Seed corn maggot in early-planted soybean, Wooster 2023.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 2















No matter what generation farmer you are, the next one is always the most important.










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.


