WISHH leverages partnerships for U.S. Soy to help meet the protein needs of 8 billion consumers
A LETTER FROM THE President
Rusty Goebel
Ohio Soybean Association President
Williams County Farmer
hen facing a car fire burning over 15,000 degrees, who do firefighters turn to? They turn to soybean farmers.
With help from the soybean checkoff, Cross Plains Solutions developed SoyFoam, a firefighting foam made from soy flour. Cross Plains Solutions estimates the current applications of SoyFoam have the potential to use the protein from 12 million bushels of soybeans, and more potential applications of this technology are already in the works. Not only does this new product help farmers by moving the meal pile, it also benefits firefighters by eliminating concerns around PFAS.
PFAS are forever chemicals often included in traditional firefighting foams that have been linked to certain cancers, thyroid dysfunction, changes in cholesterol, and a small reduction in birth weight. Since SoyFoam is made from soy flour, it eliminates PFAS, keeping those who protect us safer on the job.
At the end of March, the Ohio Soybean Association and Ohio Soybean Council worked together to show off SoyFoam to farmers, firefighters, and legislators at the Harrison Township Fire Department in Ashville, OH (Pickaway County). For the checkoff, it was an opportunity to build market demand for a new soy-based product. For the association, the demonstration highlighted the value of SoyFoam for our communities as we work to get a cost share program for SoyFoam in Ohio’s biennial operating budget.
I’m especially proud of the work our checkoff has done to develop Soy Foam when I think about the farmers who work as volunteer firefighters and will directly benefit from this foam. We’re making our communities safer and stronger, and enabling them to make the switch.
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.
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: Kristin Flowers - (614) 323-9320 kristin@ohioagnet.com
Williams County Farmer
Ohio Soybean Association President
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
ASA Honors Gunnar Lynum with Pinnacle Award, ASA’s Highest Honor
The American Soybean Association (ASA) honored Gunnar Lynum, president and CEO of SMD Products Company Inc., with its top Pinnacle Award at the Commodity Classic trade show in Denver. This prestigious award recognizes his lifetime of leadership and contributions to the soybean industry.
For nearly six decades, Gunnar has been instrumental in market development, commercialization, and expanding opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers. His career began in research and development at Swift and Company, where he worked on soy food products for space travel before leading market development for Swift products.
In 1982, ASA appointed Gunnar
as Japan country director, where he pioneered the direct shipment of U.S. soybeans to Japanese customers, revolutionizing food-grade soybean exports. Later, as ASA’s vice president of domestic marketing, he helped develop branding initiatives such as soy ink and the SoySeal certification. Gunnar went on to establish Strategic Market Development and later founded SMD Products Company, where he has successfully advanced the use of bio-lubricants. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with the Ohio Soybean Association and Ohio Soybean Council to promote new uses for soybeans and build export markets. Congratulations to Gunnar Lynum on his remarkable achievements and well-deserved recognition!
Supporting Ohio Agriculture and Soybean Producers
Ohio Farm Bureau and Nationwide have a rich history of supporting Ohio's agricultural community. Our partnership remains strong, reflecting our dedication to the farmers who sustain us. We're especially proud to support Ohio's soybean producers, helping to secure a bright future for agriculture in our state.
OSA Announces Scholarship Winners
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025-2026 scholarship program. Designed to support students pursuing careers that will shape the future of the soybean industry, the OSA Scholarship Program reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders. As the membership and policy voice for Ohio soybean farmers, OSA
established this scholarship to encourage students passionate about advocating for the future of soybeans.
This year’s recipients are Morgan Anderson and Ruth Beery each awarded a $1,000 scholarship for their dedication to agriculture and related fields.
“We are excited to support these talented students who are not only committed to their academic success but also passionate about contributing
Morgan Anderson
to the future of the soybean industry,” said Rusty Goebel, Williams County farmer and President of the Ohio Soybean Association. “These scholarships help cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and growth in our industry.”
The OSA Scholarship Program is an essential initiative in developing future agricultural professionals and ensuring the continued success of Ohio’s soybean industry.
Ruth Beery
of Frankfort, Ohio, is a junior at Wilmington College majoring in animal science and biology.
of Amanda, Ohio, is a junior at Ohio University studying Journalism: News & Information.
OHIO NEED YOUR (AND YOUR VOTE) FARMERS SUPPORT
For generations, the farmers you represent have worked, studied, retooled, innovated, and done their best for the land—and the communities you serve benefit from their expertise.
Ohio farmers trust the science and know glyphosate can be used safely. The litigation industry, on the other hand, relies on discredited science in the courtroom to threaten the go-to crop protection tools farmers depend on every day. Experts estimate that without glyphosate to ensure our food supply, inflation at the checkout line will double.
More than 90 organizations in the Modern Ag Alliance are standing up for farmers to sustain the work of feeding America. Will you help us keep glyphosate available to them?
OSA ANNUAL State Legislative Day OSA ANNUAL State Legislative Day
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) recently hosted its State Legislative Day, allowing board members to meet with state lawmakers and advocate for policies supporting Ohio’s soybean industry. With agriculture playing a vital role in the state’s economy, discussions focused on renewable fuels, the bioeconomy, and state budget priorities—key issues impacting soybean farmers and the broader agricultural sector. OSA Board
Members met with 9 State Senators and 15 State Representatives to discuss these priorities.
OSA’s top priority is expanding renewable fuels, including renewable
diesel, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Ohio’s soybean farmers provide a domestic, sustainable feedstock for these fuels, creating new markets for soybeans. OSA members urged legislators to support policies encouraging greater in-state renewable fuel production to drive economic growth, create jobs, and ensure a sustainable future for Ohio soybean farms.
OSA also emphasized the importance of growing Ohio’s bioeconomy, which includes biobased products using soy as an ingredient. Increased state investment in research and market development drives innovation, opens
new economic opportunities, and positions Ohio as a leader. One example board members discussed with lawmakers includes supporting incentives for PFAS-free firefighting foam, such as SoyFoam, which offers a sustainable firefighting solution while benefiting soybean farmers.
Finally, OSA highlighted its state budget priorities, ensuring strong funding for agricultural research, H2Ohio programs, and infrastructure improvements. Investments in agricultural research programs and extension provide farmers with cutting-edge insights on improving yields, soil health, and sustainability.
OSA MEETS WITH REP. TIM BARHORST
OSA MEETS WITH REP. ROY KLOPFENSTEIN
OSA MEETS WITH SENATOR KYLE KOEHLER
OSA Federal Legislative Visits OSA Federal Legislative Visits
OSA board leadership and ASA directors also took to the Hill in Washington D.C. to discuss policy priorities. OSA met with the offices of 10 U.S. Representatives and both U.S. Senators from Ohio, focusing on trade, renewable fuels, science-based decision-making, tax priorities, and the importance of passing a robust 5-year Farm Bill this year.
Trade remains a top priority for Ohio’s soybean farmers, as nearly 60% of U.S. soybeans are exported. OSA discussed with lawmakers the importance of funding for market development programs in the Farm Bill, such as the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program. Board leaders also stressed the need for a legislative framework allowing U.S. soy to enter new international markets. Maintaining a competitive global market is essential for supporting farm income.
OSA also emphasized increasing renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Biodiesel, made from soybean oil, provides a sustainable, domestic energy source reducing reliance on foreign oil while creating economic opportunities. Increasing RVOs ensures continued demand for biodiesel and renewable fuels, benefiting soybean growers and rural economies. OSA also called for improvements to carbon intensity (CI) and indirect land use change (ILUC) scoring for soy feedstocks.
On tax policy, OSA board leaders advocated for the 199A Small Business Tax Deduction and the Estate Tax Exemption, both expiring under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) this year.
Lastly, OSA urged lawmakers to pass a comprehensive Farm Bill supporting strong crop insurance, farm safety net protections, market development funding, and agricultural research investments. With rising input costs and market uncertainty, a well-structured Farm Bill is essential for supporting farm sustainability and ensuring a reliable food supply.
These visits reinforced the importance of farmer voices in shaping agriculture policy. OSA will continue working with lawmakers to ensure Ohio’s soybean farmers remain competitive and have the resources needed to succeed in an evolving agricultural landscape.
OSA MEETS WITH REP. MAX MILLER’S OFFICE
OSA MEETS WITH REP. JIM JORDAN’S OFFICE
Ohio Soybean Leaders Explore Opportunities for U.S. Soy in Ghana
Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) board member and Darke County farmer Chad Warner, along with OSC staff member Madison Corbi, traveled to Ghana in February as part of the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH). The mission provided key insights into Ghana’s expanding poultry and aquaculture industries, highlighting opportunities for U.S. soy to play a larger role in meeting the country’s growing demand for high-quality feed.
During their mission, Warner and Corbi joined farmer leaders and industry representatives in touring agribusinesses and engaging with Ghanaian stakeholders. One stop was Flosell Farms, a WISHH partner in aquaculture that relies on highquality feed, including U.S. soy, for its operations. The delegation witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding between WISHH, Flosell Farms, and the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana.
These agreements aim to drive aquaculture growth through workforce development initiatives like the Training Program for Young Practitioners (TPYP), which provides hands-on experience for young professionals entering the industry. The Chamber will also assist with job placement for trained interns, ensuring sector growth and higher demand for U.S. soy.
The team also visited some of Ghana’s leading poultry operations, including Akate Farms, the country’s secondlargest layer farm, and FMB Farms, which has expanded its production capacity by nearly 2,500 percent in just five years. FMB leadership expressed interest in importing and distributing U.S. soy, citing its superior quality and nutritional benefits for poultry feed. However, challenges such as shipping times, tariffs, and contract terms remain obstacles to increasing imports.
“Ghana presents a significant opportunity for U.S. soy, particularly in animal nutrition,” Warner noted.
“With the rapid expansion of the poultry and aquaculture industries, it’s essential to strengthen these relationships to support their growth while creating new export opportunities for American farmers.”
The delegation also met with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) in Ghana to discuss economic conditions, trade
regulations, and potential pathways for U.S. soy imports. They also engaged with feed millers and agribusiness leaders to identify key areas where U.S. soy can help meet the country’s rising protein demand.
As Ghana’s agricultural sector continues to grow, partnerships like WISHH are crucial in connecting Ohio and U.S. soybean farmers with new international markets. By fostering collaboration and addressing trade barriers, Ohio soybean growers are helping ensure that high-quality U.S. soy remains a preferred ingredient in global food and feed production.
By: Alyssa Essman, Assistant Professor & Weed Science Extension Specialist
The Ohio State University
WEED MANAGEMENT Considerations in
As the 2025 growing season approaches, effective weed management remains crucial for maintaining crop yields and controlling herbicide-resistant species. With evolving regulations, new product guidelines, and persistent weed challenges, staying informed is more
Waterhemp
In 2024, waterhemp was the most common weed in the preharvest soybean survey. It is troublesome due to immense seed production, fast growth rate, a prolonged emergence window, high genetic diversity, and a growing herbicide-resistance profile. Managing this weed requires late-season scouting, identification, and removal, along with a diverse and comprehensive weed management and herbicide program.
Herbicide Resistance
Herbicide-resistance in weeds remains one of the greatest threats to crop production. Several waterhemp populations show decreased tolerance to many effective herbicides. To manage and prevent herbicide-resistant populations, growers should prioritize diverse weed management strategies, including comprehensive herbicide programs and proper product selection and application rates.
important than ever. Below, Alyssa Essman, Assistant Professor & Weed Science Extension Specialist at The Ohio State University, outlines the top five weed management considerations to help growers navigate the upcoming season.
Herbicide Label Application
Compliance
Growers across the state received letters this winter from chemical companies reminding them about technology use agreements for traited soybeans and associated herbicide products. Compliance with herbicide labels is critical for the continued use of herbicides and new weed management technology.
Dicamba
In early 2024, registration was vacated for the three dicamba products labeled for overthe-top application in dicamba-resistant (DR) soybeans: Xtendimax (Bayer), Engenia (BASF), and Tavium (Syngenta). The EPA then issued an existing stocks order allowing application of previously purchased products until June 30, 2024, in Ohio. Currently, no dicamba products are labeled for over-the-top application in DR soybeans for the 2025 season.
The EPA and the ESA Herbicide Strategy
In August 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final Herbicide Strategy under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to mitigate herbicide drift, runoff, and erosion. Herbicides will undergo changes as part of the registration review process. The first product under these guidelines, BASF’s Liberty Ultra, was released in October 2024. To ensure compliance, herbicide users must review the label and check the EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two website for local application parameters. Mitigation strategies can be found on the EPA’s Mitigation Menu 1 2 3 4 5
U.S. Soy Farmers Experience Checkoff’s Global Impact Firsthand
Stretching from Nebraska to North Carolina and Ohio to Mississippi, 10 U.S. farmers who have started careers in production agriculture recently journeyed to Honduras and Guatemala. As part of the United Soybean Board’s See for Yourself mission, the group experienced an in-depth look at the soy checkoff’s investments in international market growth. With about 60% of the U.S. soybean crop exported, in addition to value-added poultry and meat products traveling overseas, these next-generation U.S. farmers experienced the global impact of U.S. soybeans.
For Clark County farmer Andrew Armstrong, the mission provided valuable insight into how his checkoff dollars support international markets. “Attending See for Yourself allowed me to see a small fraction of what’s happening in the global market that directly affects the domestic market,” said Armstrong, who farms in South Charleston, Ohio. “I know what my checkoff dollars do on a surface level when our soybeans leave the truck,
but I wanted to know more. I want to be an informed consumer, and we want the same for our consumers.”
During the mission from Feb. 1-9, Armstrong and the group met with Guatemala’s Minister of Agriculture Maynor Estrada and visited the country’s largest port, Terminal De Granos Del Pacifico, which handles more than 50 million bushels per year and imports 80 percent of the country’s food and livestock products. In Honduras, where U.S. soybean meal is a critical component of the livestock industry, Armstrong saw firsthand how U.S. soy supports food production in the region. The group also visited feed manufacturers, egg producers, and food companies using soy protein.
The participants learned about USSEC’s partnership with El Zamorano University in Honduras, which hosts the Soy Excellence Center and has trained more than 5,000 professionals across 13 countries in poultry, swine, dairy, aquaculture, and feed milling. The mission also included discussions with soy checkoff partners, including
the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), and the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH). A highlight included WISHH’s Food Security Dialogue, where participants engaged with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on trade and agrifood challenges.
For more on See for Yourself and a recap of the mission, visit unitedsoybean.org/see-for-yourself-2025.
AT GUATEMALA’S LARGEST PORT, TERMINAL DE GRANOS DEL PACIFICO, SEE FOR YOURSELF PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): ANDREW ARMSTRONG (OH), GENTRY CLARK (MS), CODY CLIFT (KY), ELIZABETH PFAFF (IN), CALE BUHR (NE), JONATHAN GRIFFEL (IL), APRIL BOWAR (SD), LUKE BELLAR (KS), LANDON MOORE (NC) AND JENNA MAHER (MI).
In the last five years, soy checkoff investments have generated a 4.5-to-1 ROI in export market development and an 18% increase in U.S. soybean exports.1 Investing $400,000 for infrastructure research, analysis and design at the Port of Gray’s Harbor helped to expand the facility and increase capacity for the export of soybean meal.
Nigeria Resumes U.S. Soy Imports
After a gap of six years, U.S. soybeans are back in Nigeria. This achievement reflects the continuous efforts and support of the U.S. Soy farmers and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria faces rising demand for protein-a need U.S. Soy is positioned to fulfill. While Nigeria grows soybeans domestically, local supply is unable to meet the current and future demand. In the 2023-24 marketing year, Nigeria’s local production was about 1 million metric tons however, about a third of this locally produced crop was exported in favor of foreign currency earnings. This created a need for imports to meet local demand. Responding to the industry’s needs, Nigeria resumed imports and U.S. soybeans made their way to Nigeria’s shores in January 2025. Nigeria’s animal nutritionists are optimistic about the inclusion of U.S. Soy in feed formulations for various animal feeds. The timely supply of U.S. Soybeans to Nigeria’s
market has also brought relief to the heightened demand shortage.
Commenting on the recent U.S. Soy imports by his organization, Mr. Rajeev Kumar, Managing Director, Golden Oil Limited added, “As a business partner of USSEC, we are excited to have achieved this milestone together for U.S. Soy!”
To date, Nigeria has imported 61,000 metric tons (2.2 million bushels) of U.S. soybeans in the 2024-2025 marketing year. These imports will help boost Nigeria’s poultry industry by providing sustainable sourced high-quality feed ingredients.
Kevin Roepke, USSEC’s Regional Director for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa commented, “It’s great to see the recovery begin to unfold. When importers wanted to return to the market, their first and last phone call was to the U.S., which speaks volumes about the trust U.S. Soy has built over the years.”
Developing a futureready workforce
A key pivotal program that helped build trust and position U.S. Soy as a trusted partner in Nigeria was USSEC’s Soy Excellence Center (SEC) program. With 3.5 million Nigerians entering the labor force annually, SEC Nigeria empowers tomorrow’s leaders with the skills needed to sustainably meet the rising demand for protein. SEC’s industry skills-focused offerings and continuing education communities provide Nigeria’s early- to mid-career professionals access to expert-led knowledge sharing spanning critical sectors like poultry, swine, aquaculture, dairy, and feed milling. Allowing our ‘Tomorrow Solvers’ to optimize production, improve efficiency, lower costs, and boost economic growth. Through the end of fiscal year 2024, SEC Nigeria has had over 3,500 participants since its inception in the market in 2020.
ABOVE: U.S. Soy leadership and key stakeholders from Nigeria’s soy value chain gathered in Lagos for USSEC South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa’s annual Nigeria: Now conference. Discussions centered on protein security, focusing on availability, demand, access, and utilization of soy.
LEFT: A panel of U.S. Soy farmers and stakeholders provided insights on using innovation to solve global nutrition security at the Nigeria: Now program in June 2024. Participants included (from left) Kaleb Little, Kansas Soybean Association CEO; Mark Read, Soy Excellence Center Vice Chair, Illinois Soybean Association director and farmer; Anne Meis, Soy Excellence Center Secretary, Nebraska Soybean Board Vice Chair and farmer; Lance Rezac, USSEC Chair, USB director and Kansas farmer; David Williams, Soy Excellence Center Global Advisory Panel member and Michigan farmer. Bill Bayliss, USB director and Ohio farmer; and Randy Miller, USSEC and ASA director, and Iowa farmer. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria holds great potential for U.S. Soy.
After Six Year Pause
USSEC continues to conduct technical trainings locally and internationally for Nigerian stakeholders to increase their understanding of soybeans and the benefits of U.S. Soy.
The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff are proud supporters of the SEC programming around the world. OSC Chairman and Logan County farmer, Bill Bayliss serves on the Global Advisory Panel for the SECs and has visited Nigeria twice to meet with regional staff.
“There is a growing need for protein around the world and especially in places like Nigeria where population continues to boom. The SEC program educates employees how to increase efficiency in their workplace. The relationships US Soy farmers are building with these companies will create opportunities for generations to come,” says Bayliss.
Shifting gears from food to nutrition security
With a rising Nigeria set to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050 , USSEC remains committed to increasing protein consumption in Nigeria through its Right to Protein (RTP) campaign. RTP
educates the general public about their right to adequate and sustainable protein for overall health and wellbeing.
Building trust and strengthening relationships
USSEC actively fosters relationships in Nigeria’s industry with various initiatives including hosting trade team missions to the U.S., sponsoring industry events and organizing its annual Nigeria: Now conference. These platforms provide Nigeria’s stakeholders an opportunity to gain insights about sustainable growing practices, the benefits of the U.S. Soy’s nutrient bundle and innovations in critical industries.
Together, USSEC and Nigeria are working to develop robust supply chains, empower Nigeria’s young workforce, and nourish a rising Nigeria.
After six years, U.S. soybeans returned to Nigeria, with 65,100 metric tons (MT) imported. This is an important stride forward in one of U.S. Soy’s key emerging regions. Upon offloading from the vessel, the soybeans were bagged and loaded onto trucks for transport within Nigeria.
Preparing the Next Generation of Agriculturalists
By Kellie Claflin, Ph.D Assistant Professor,Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership
Encouraging youth to pursue agricultural careers is essential to ensuring a qualified workforce.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s 2020-2025 Employment Outlook Report estimates 59,400 annual job openings in agriculture, with 40 percent going unfilled. Through education and workforce development initiatives, the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and the soybean checkoff program are working to bridge this gap and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
GrowNextGen (GNG), created in 2013 by the Ohio Soybean Council in partnership with EducationProjects, addresses this need. Over 15,000 teachers have attended workshops and accessed agricultural, science-based lessons to introduce students to career opportunities. These resources connect the classroom to real-world agricultural challenges and highlight diverse career paths in the industry.
“For the Ohio Soybean Council, fostering a new generation
of agriculturalists is key. Our partnership with GrowNextGen plays a crucial role in introducing students to careers in agriculture. By providing hands-on experiences and innovative lessons, we are enhancing students’ knowledge and sparking their passion for the industry,” said Tom Fontana, Research and Education Director, Ohio Soybean Council.
For the past two years, our research team—including master’s student Hayley Milliron, consultant Melinda Lloyd, Michigan State University faculty member Aaron McKim, and me, a faculty member in agriscience education at Ohio State University— has evaluated GrowNextGen’s impact on student career interest, knowledge, and perceptions.
Our research, which surveyed 200 students, found that while GrowNextGen lessons on soil and biodiesel increased agricultural knowledge and positive perceptions, career interest did not significantly rise after one lesson. However, engaging in agricultural experiences was one of the strongest predictors of
career interest, reinforcing the need to engage students early and repeatedly. Focus groups identified that students rely on various influences to shape career interests, including school, skills, family, experiences, and media. One student shared that a YouTube video about an engineering-related video game sparked their interest, while another credited welding with their father as inspiration.
The Ohio soybean checkoff continues to invest in programs like GrowNextGen to increase agricultural literacy and career awareness. These efforts extend beyond the classroom by offering hands-on learning experiences, professional development for educators, and digital resources that reach students across Ohio.
We are excited about the future of this research and the opportunity to identify predictors of agricultural career interest. This work will help GrowNextGen and others increase opportunities that engage youth and prepare them for successful careers in agriculture.
WE HELP MAKE SURE YOURS HAS A FUTURE.
Every farm here was built on generations of hard work. That’s why the Ohio Soybean Council is always hard at work making sure the next generation to operate your farm has every opportunity to make it a better one. Whether we’re driving innovation, expanding markets or educating classrooms — we’re investing in what matters most: creating a solid foundation for the next generation to operate your farm.
OHIO FIELD LEADE� by the numbers
Ohio Field Leader, created by the Ohio Soybean Council, delivers the latest agronomic research, technology trends, and water quality practices to Ohio farmers. Through articles, podcasts, newsletters, and in-field visits, it provides essential information to keep growers informed and connected. Here’s a look at the 2024 impact, by the numbers. Farmers can access Ohio Field Leader content at OCJ.com/ohio-field-leader
OFL e-NEWSLETTERS
12 newsletters sent (1 per month)
Reaching approximately 1,200 recipients monthly Keeping the Ohio ag community informed and connected
OFL PODCASTS
53 total episodes produced 12 new episodes in 2024
5,628 all-time downloads
1,266 downloads in 2024
Featuring expert insights and farmer stories from the field
OFL ARTICLES
156 published in 2024 (at least 3 per week) Delivering timely, in depth coverage on Ohio agriculture
From Detection to Protection: Navigating the SCN Spread
Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN), often called the “invisible yield robber,” remains the leading cause of soybean yield loss nationwide, often causing significant damage without aboveground symptoms. A recent publication revealed SCN is spreading further, with detections in over 30 additional counties. Among these are Athens and Gallia counties in Ohio, marking the first time SCN has been reported there. This underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and proactive management to help farmers mitigate SCN’s impacts and protect yields.
Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora, an OSU Extension Soybean Pathologist and Nematologist, collaborates with farmers to detect and manage SCN. He also co-leads the SCN Coalition, a partnership of university scientists, grower organizations, and industry stakeholders. “Dr. Greg Tylka, a nematologist at Iowa State University, systematically updates and publishes
the ‘Known Distribution of SCN in the United States and Canada’ about every three years,” said Lopez-Nicora. “This report, available on the SCN Coalition’s website, is essential for tracking SCN’s spread and informing management strategies.”
“When contacted by Tylka in 2024, we shared records of positive tests in Athens and Gallia counties,” Lopez-Nicora said. This was significant, as SCN had not been detected there before. In Athens County, farmers submitted two samples, both testing positive with egg counts of 40 and 160 per 100 cc of soil. In Gallia County, growers submitted four samples, with two testing positive at 40 and 280 eggs per 100 cc of soil.
Farmers play a crucial role in identifying SCN by submitting soil samples. The Ohio Soybean Council funds two free samples per farm. “We appreciate growers’ efforts in sampling their fields,” said Lopez-Nicora. About 60% of samples detect SCN, with
most Ohio fields showing low-level populations.
SCN management strategies include crop rotation with non-host plants like corn and wheat and using different resistant soybean varieties. To assist growers, the SCN Coalition offers the SCN Profit Checker tool. “It is a calculator with a statistical model and algorithm,” Lopez-Nicora explained. “The tool uses SCN egg counts, the female index on PI 88788 (the most common source of resistance), soil type, and pH to estimate potential yield loss and economic impact.”
“You cannot simply say low, moderate, or high SCN levels because many factors influence damage severity,” said Lopez-Nicora. By staying vigilant and using available resources, growers can effectively mitigate SCN’s impact. This involves early detection through soil testing, crop rotation with nonhost crops, and using SCN-resistant soybean varieties, potentially combined with seed treatments.
SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE JUVENILES
Ohio Soybean Council Foundation
Awards $47,000 in Scholarships
The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation (OSCF) is pleased to announce the scholarship recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year.
This is the 18th year for the OSCF Scholarship Program, which was created to encourage undergraduate students to pursue degrees in various fields that support the future of the soybean industry, including agriculture, business, communication, economics, education, science, and technology, as well as to support ongoing graduate-level research. Since 2008, the OSCF Scholarship Program has awarded over $680,000 in scholarship funds to students studying agriculture or a related field at Ohio colleges or universities.
Undergraduate scholarships of $3,000 each were awarded to Chloe Anderson, Ruth Beery, Hannah Chaffee, William Harrison, Sarah Hoak, Anna Meyer, Reagan Saunders, and Gracie Sprague. The annual $5,000 Bhima Vijayendran Scholarship, named in honor of a Battelle research scientist who made significant contributions to the soybean industry and passed away earlier this year, was awarded to Dylan Bambauer. The Robinson W. Joslin Scholarship, an annual $3,000 award created to honor a long-time leader in the soybean industry both in Ohio and nationally, was awarded to Kaylynn Wilhelm.
Graduate scholarships of $2,500 were awarded to Veeramani Karuppu-
Undergraduate Winners
chamy, Lucas Dias Mendonca, Joseph Nwosu, and Brenda Antonella Medina Privatt. A graduate scholarship of $5,000 was awarded to Talia Collier.
“I’m honored to serve on the scholarship selection committee for the first time this year, and I am truly impressed by the caliber of these recipients,” said Jeff McKanna, Hancock County soybean farmer and scholarship selection committee member.
“These students are the future of our industry, and I’m confident they will make meaningful contributions to its growth and success.”
of Kenton, OH, is a junior at The Ohio State University studying agriscience education.
Chloe Anderson
of New Bremen, OH, is a junior at the University of Dayton studying mechanical engineering
Dylan Bambauer
of Frankfort, OH, is a junior at Wilmington College studying animal science and biology.
Ruth Beery
of Republic, OH, is a freshman at The Ohio State University studying agribusiness and applied economics.
Hannah Chaffee
of Wayne, OH, is a sophomore at The Ohio State University studying agricultural systems management.
William Harrison
of Shelby, OH, is a sophomore at The Ohio State University studying sustainable agriculture.
Sarah Hoak
Graduate Winners
Talia Collier
is pursuing a PhD in plant pathology at The Ohio State University. Collier’s research focuses on developing sustainable, peptidebased solutions to combat White Mold Disease in soybeans.
Veeramani Karuppuchamy
is pursuing a PhD in food science and technology at The Ohio State University. Karuppchamy’s research focuses on utilizing byproducts from the soybean and brewery industries to enhance sustainability and develop high-fiber, protein-rich foods.
Lucas Dias Mendonca
is pursuing a master’s degree in agronomy at The Ohio State University. Mendonca’s research aims to evaluate various weed control programs that minimize weed competition while maximizing soybean yield in ultra-early planting situations.
is pursuing a PhD in polymer engineering at The University of Akron. Nwosu’s research focuses on utilizing soybean oil derivatives to develop high-performance thermosets, composites, and UV-curable coatings.
is pursuing a master’s degree in horticulture and crop science at The Ohio State University. Medina Privatt’s research is centered on developing soy-based granular fertilizers for homeowners and lawncare operators.
Brenda Antonella Medina Privatt
Joseph Nwosu
of Cygnet, OH, is a sophomore at The Ohio State University studying agricultural communication.
Anna Meyer
of Bellbrook, OH, is a sophomore at The Ohio State University studying animal science –biosciences pre-vet
Reagan Saunders
of Genoa, OH, is a sophomore at The Ohio State University ATI studying agriscience education
Gracie Sprague
of Enon, OH, is a junior at The Ohio State University studying agriscience education
Kaylynn Wilhelm
