The only Eastern Corn Belt based Seed Company with 4 National and 20 State Winners in the NCGA Yield Contest since 2008.
REGIONAL GENETICS
Corn and soybean genetics developed, tested and bred exclusively for the Eastern Corn Belt’s unique growing conditions and soil types.
REGIONAL TESTING
Extensive corn and soybean replicated testing program in the Eastern Corn Belt tested at 106 testing locations.
REASONABLE PRICING
A fair, honest and reasonable price the first time.
SOYBEAN UNIT PACKAGING
The only seed company selling soybeans in 150,000 seeds/unit.
“Our Seed Consultants’ Seedsman takes the time to understand our soils, our conservation and our management practices. SCI provides us with the best regionally tested corn and soybean varieties for our farm.”
– Beam Springs, Inc. of Xenia, Ohio
Perspective
Bret Davis
Ohio Soybean Association Chairman Delaware County soybean farmer
A Letter From the Chairman
It’s pretty amazing what a year or even a month can do for our crops. In parts of Ohio, we’ve gotten more rain than needed with some fields in standing water. The rain makes me reflect back to 2011 when we saw one of the worst floods in years. Although we are not that bad, as farmers we know how to plan accordingly, despite Mother Nature’s tendencies. At the beginning of July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its weekly crop progress report and showed that 80% of Ohio soybeans rated good or excellent. While we still have a ways to go, this is certainly a good start.
The weather has been on our minds lately, and so has the farm bill. As I write this, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a version of the 2013 Farm Bill that excludes the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) alongside the American Soybean Association remains proactive and will keep you updated on progress following the August recess.
With fall approaching, I want to remind you that Farm Science Review will take place September 17-19 in London, Ohio. OSA, along with the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC), will have a presence and several OSA board members will be on site to discuss the benefits of joining OSA. As a reminder, checkoff dollars cannot be used for legislative activities, therefore, your OSA membership provides a voice at both the state and federal levels on legislative priority issues important to the soybean industry. As in the past, OSA and OSC will be located at 441 Friday Avenue. We hope to see you and your family out there.
As I wrap-up my chairman’s column, I want to remind you of the positive impact soybeans have made in the last year. Soystats, a publication of ASA, was recently released and serves as a statistical resource for information about the U.S. soybean industry. The report showed in 2012 Ohio yielded 45 Bushels/ Acre and produced 206.1 million bushels. In addition, the total value of the U.S. soybean crop was more than $43 billion while the U.S. exported 1.345 billion bushels of soybeans. For more information, go to www.soystats.com. As we move into another harvest season, let’s continue to be proud of our work and implement the best management practices so we can increase those numbers in the coming years.
Thank you and have a safe summer and fall season.
SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
President
Jerry Bambauer, Auglaize County
Chairman
Bret Davis, Delaware County
Vice President
Tom Price, Putnam County
Treasurer
Jeff Roehm, Highland County
Secretary
Mike Heffelfinger, Van Wert County
Trustees
Allen Armstrong, Clark County
John Buck, Marion County
Amy Sigg Davis, Warren County
Dave Dotterer, Wayne County
Adam Graham, Logan County
James Heimerl, Licking County
Todd Hesterman, Henry County
Rob Joslin, Shelby County
Ed Lamalie, Sandusky County
Chad McIlvaine, Ross County
Scott Metzger, Ross County
Lane Osswald, Preble County
Bruce Simmons, Medina County
Bob Slicker, Stark County
Jeff Sollars, Fayette County
Industry Affiliates
Kathy Alvarez, Bunge N.A.
Bill Tom, Cargill, Inc.
American Soybean Association Board
Representatives
Bret Davis
Rob Joslin
Jeff Sollars
Staff Credits
Adam Ward – Publisher
Jennifer Coleman – Editor
Katie Bauer – Staff Writer
Judy Brent – Production Manager
Dale Hahn – Designer
Ohio Soybean News is published six times a year by the Ohio Soybean Association, 918 Proprietors Rd., Suite A, Worthington, OH 43085 Phone: 614-476-3100. For address corrections contact Ohio Soybean News at 918 Proprietors Road, Suite A, Worthington, Ohio 43085. Web address: www.soyohio.org E-mail: cdeboard@soyohio.org
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For Advertising Information Call: Tom Shearing
Advertising Sales Manager Phone: 585-476-2426
This message brought to you by Ohio soybean farmers and their checkoff.
OSA Looks for Cooperation and Bipartisanship as Farm Bill Moves to Conference
With a vote of 216-208, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a version of the 2013 Farm Bill that excludes the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).
“After recently spending a day in Washington, D.C. and fighting for movement of the 2013 Farm Bill on behalf of Ohio farmers, OSA is pleased to see the farm bill make it to conference,” said Jerry Bambauer, Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) president and soybean farmer from Auglaize County. “However, we are extremely concerned about the ability to get a version of the bill from conference that will pass both the House and Senate.”
“OSA, along with the American Soybean Association (ASA) and many other agricultural organizations, opposed the division of the farm provisions from SNAP. We believe it could slow
GOING WHOLE HOG:
Aand possibly prevent passage of the bill.”
“OSA and ASA are also opposed to the replacement of permanent law by the legislation resulting from this process as it moves forward. Additionally, we will continue to oppose provisions still included in the bill that distort planting intentions due to target prices as these will become even more difficult to change if made permanent.”
“We have worked for almost three years now to make your voice heard and will continue to do so at this critical point. This is an unprecedented situation for the farm bill and more important than ever to keep your priorities in front of our legislators. We ask the House and Senate to craft a conference bill that will pass both chambers and be signed by the President as soon as possible.” u
How to satisfy animal ag’s big appetite for Ohio soybeans. synthetic amino acids and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Last year, the average protein content of soybeans grown here in Ohio was 35.1 percent. Opportunities exist to push that number higher.
nimal ag consumes nearly 98 percent of U.S. soy meal. Soy meal is an efficient protein source for animal feed, particularly for poultry and swine, but U.S. soybean farmers need to continually improve the quality of their meal to compete with other ingredients and meet the needs of poultry and livestock farmers.
U.S. soy has lost some animal-feed market share to alternative feed sources, such as canola meal,
It’s critical for soybean farmers to support their biggest customers, including by growing the best soybeans they can.
quality protein source with an excellent balance of amino acids.
If soybean farmers do not continuously improve soybean quality, U.S. soy meal could lose its animal-feed market share to alternative feed sources.
What can you do?
Simple: Ask your seed dealer which seed varieties will produce higherquality soy meal. These better beans will protect your current profits and preserve your place in markets for years to come.
What happens if U.S. soy meal quality doesn’t improve?
Perdue Farms’ Randy Mitchell recently called properly processed soy meal the “gold standard” for poultry diets. Mitchell points to soy meal’s ability to cost-effectively deliver critical amino acids.
To learn more about why soybean farmers should support their biggest customers beyond the elevator, visit www.BeyondTheElevator.com
The 2012 Quality of the United States Soybean Crop study shows that optimal animal performance occurs when feed contains a high-
Applicants Sought for 2014 ASA/DuPont Young Leader Program
The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont Pioneer are seeking applicants for the 2014 Young Leader Program. Now in its historic 30th year, the ASA DuPont Young Leader program is recognized throughout agriculture for its tradition of identifying and cultivating farmer leaders who are shaping not only the U.S. soybean industry but all of agriculture.
Jeff and Caitlyn Heimerl of Pataskala, Ohio were chosen as the Ohio representatives in last year’s ASA/DuPont Young Leader program.
“Leadership has always been the center of our lives as Jeff and I were both actively involved in FFA. We truly feel that is our responsibility as agriculturalists to promote what we do in a positive light and the Young Leaders program was a great opportunity to continue that,” said Caitlyn.
A challenging and educational two-part training program, the 2014 class of ASA/DuPont Young Leaders will meet for the
first time at Pioneer’s headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, Nov. 1922, 2013. The program will continue Feb. 25-March 1, 2014 in San Antonio, with training held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.
Graduates of the ASA/DuPont Young Leader Program frequently assume leadership positions in soybean industry organizations while applying the training principles to achieve greater success in their business and other volunteer endeavors.
The ASA/DuPont Young Leader program offers the opportunity for participants to strengthen and build upon their natural leadership skills, meet and learn from other young leaders from around the country and expand their agricultural knowledge.
The two-phase program is as follows:
Phase I: November 19 – 22, 2013
DuPont Pioneer Headquarters, Johnston, IA
Phase II: February 25 – March 1, 2014
San Antonio, Texas
(held in conjunction with Commodity Classic) Application deadline is October 1, 2013. Interested applicants should go to www.SoyGrowers.com
The Importance of Early-season Field Scouting for Common Soybean Diseases
Early-Season field scouting can help identify emergence issues, weed outbreaks, damaging insects and detrimental diseases. Continually monitoring performance throughout the growing season is just as important as variety selection and planting date. Anne Dorrance, professor, Soybean Pathology with The Ohio State University, recommends farmers scout their fields regularly.
“They should be scouting their fields about every two weeks, if they can. If they know their varieties, they should be able to target their scouting.” Keep in mind the increased
Take a Walk
number of herbicide resistant weeds while scouting the fields in early to mid-June. As July approaches, Dorrance reminds farmers to be on the lookout for Frog Eye Leaf Spot and especially to be aware of the susceptible varieties. With cooler than normal temperatures in the south, Soybean Rust is on the radar of researchers and agronomists. Dorrance and other researchers will be keeping an eye on the progress of the disease, and encourage you to stay up to date on all of the latest information during the growing season.
Managed by the Ohio Soybean Council and soybean checkoff, the Soybean Rewards Program helps Ohio soybean farmers increase productivity, yield and profitability by providing information and research related to premium opportunities, new varieties, disease and pest management and conservation practices.
USSEC Hosts U.S. Soybean Marketing Training in Taiwan, High Oleic Soybeans are Introduced
By Lisa Pine, U.S. Soybean Export Council
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) conducted U.S. soybean marketing training at the Tien Lai Resort in New Taipei, Taiwan from June 6-7. The objective of this seminar was to service U.S. soybean importers and to create a preference for U.S. soy. There were 91 total participants consisting of executives, sales representatives of soybean oil and products, staff from sales support departments and purchasing supervisors from five individual crushers and twelve soybean oil marketers in Taiwan. USSEC Taiwan Director Anthony Thang, together with Han-Yeh Wang, Chairman of Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers’ Association (TVOA), and Agricultural Sec-
tion Chief Jeffrey Hesse of the American Institute in Taiwan, spoke about the total quality and intrinsic value of U.S. soybeans. Three training topics aimed at improving marketing skills of soy oil promotion in the HRI sector were presented and included: The Strategy of Effective Communications; Marketing of Commodities – Segmentation & Competitive Perspective; and Current Development of High Oleic Soybeans in the U.S. – Functionality of High Oleic Soybean Oil. Dr. Mieko Kasai of Japan, Senior Manager of DuPont-Pioneer / Asia Pacific Region, presented information on high oleic soybeans and answered questions regarding its development in U.S. soybean production in the upcoming years. u
Don’t Forget to Enter the 2013 Soybean Yield and Quality Contest
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) is now accepting entrees for the state’s fourth Soybean Yield and Quality Contest for the 2013 growing season.
What do I need to know about the contest? Developed to promote the importance of oil and protein, the quality contest is optional to enter. However, a farmer must enter the soybean yield contest in order to enter the soybean quality contest. This contest is based on the overall highest percentage of oil and protein content in the state. Entrants in the quality contest must submit a two-pound sample of soybeans for testing.
Entrants can choose to enter one or more of four categories that include:
• conventional tillage
• no-till
• non-GMO soybeans - conventional tillage
• non-GMO soybeans - no-till
Who can enter? Ohio soybean farmers who grow at least ten acres of soybeans and are current OSA members (those who are not members may join when entering the contest).
Why should I enter? Entrants will be eligible for several prizes. An overall state yield winner will be awarded along with category prizes for the top placing entrants. Awards will also be given to the top placing entrants in the quality contest based on the percentages of oil and protein.
How much? The entry fee is $100 and entrants may submit multiple entries in the contest.
The following companies will pay the entry fee for contestants that enter their varieties: Asgrow, Beck’s Hybrids, CROPLAN, DKG Seeds, LG Seeds, Powell Seeds, R Farm Seeds, Rupp Seeds, Schlessman Seed Company, Seed Consultants, Stewart Seeds, Stine Seed Company and Wellman Seeds.
What is the deadline? All entry forms and entry fees must be received by August 31, 2013. The entry form along with a complete listing of contest rules can be downloaded at www.soyohio.org/yieldcontest.
OSA would like to thank Asgrow, Beck’s Hybrids, CROPLAN, DKG Seeds, LG Seeds, Ohio AgNet, Ohio’s Country Journal, Ohio Soybean Council, Powell Seeds, R Farm Seeds, Rupp Seeds, Schlessman Seed Company, Seed Consultants, Stewart Seeds, Stine Seed Company, Wellman Seeds and Monsanto for sponsoring the 2013 contest.
Legislative Update: Ohio Income Tax
By Adam Ward
The Ohio Statehouse was a very busy place in late June. Typically, things get very interesting during the last couple of weeks, and this year was no exception. Two and a half weeks before July 1st the leadership of the Ohio House and Senate unveiled sweeping changes to the Ohio tax code that include a phased in reduction of the Ohio income tax, a 50% small business tax cut, elimination of the 12.5% property tax rollbacks for new and replacement levies, an increase of the Commercial Activities Tax (CAT), and a .25% state sales tax increase.
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) applauded the efforts to decrease the Ohio income tax and the reduction of the small business tax credit. Despite these positive steps, the CAT increase is very alarming for Ohio’s farm
OSA leadership is continuing to work to make significant changes to these new taxes on Ohio farmers.
families. The proposed CAT change would have reduced the current $1 million exemption (requires a $150 payment) to $500,000. OSA advocated with other Ohio agricultural groups to keep the exemption at the current level. The conference committee ultimately kept the $1 million exemption, but increased the fee for farmers grossing more than $1 million on the farm. Going forward, farms grossing between $1-2 million will have to pay an $800 fee plus the .26% rate of taxable gross receipts over $1 million. Farms grossing between $2 million and $4 million will have to pay $2,100 plus the .26% rate of taxable gross receipts over $1 million. Finally, farms grossing over $4 million will have to pay $2,600 plus the .26% rate of taxable gross receipts over $1 million.
OSA leadership is continuing to work to make significant changes to these new taxes on Ohio farmers. u
Unleash T Series to unlock potential.
Jeff Adams of Champaign County Named Beck’s Young Farm Leader
By Katie Bauer
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) and Beck’s Hybrids are pleased to announce that Jeff Adams of Urbana, Ohio was chosen as the first of three 2013 Beck’s Young Farm Leaders.
OSA and Beck’s Hybrids believe building a grassroots network of young agricultural leaders is important to the continued success of the soybean industry and all of Ohio agriculture. As a result, OSA and Beck’s Hybrids created a program that identifies those who are the agricultural leaders of tomorrow.
“We are excited to name Jeff as one of the 2013 Beck’s Young Farm Leaders,” said Jerry Bambauer, OSA president and soybean farmer from Auglaize County. “Jeff has built a foundation for farming success and will continue to be a leader for the agriculture industry.”
Jeff, a third generation farmer, grew up in Union County and managed a swine operation. In 1997, Jeff sold the hogs and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Crop Science at The Ohio State University.
After graduating in 2001, he went to work on the family farm where he continues to grow 2,000 acres of seed soybeans, as well as 1,500 acres of corn utilized primarily for ethanol production. Jeff farms with his father, mother, uncle, aunt and wife.
“By working with seed companies we are always looking for better ways to make quality seeds that we would want if we were buying it on the other end,” he said.
Jeff received the FFA National Swine Entrepreneur award in 1997 and is currently a member of OSA, First Christian Church and Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. In addition, he is also involved with the Champaign Premium Grain Growers.
After 13 years of farming, there are a few priorities that Jeff believes are vital to the continued success of the entire agricultural industry. One of those is the next generation.
“With the growth of my family, it has become clear that
Jeff Adams, Beck’s Young Farm Leader, his wife, Brittany, and son, Maverick, on their Union County farm.
in order for my children and grandchildren to live a successful farm life, the agriculture industry as a whole is going to require more advocates to keep it viable,” Jeff said. “As more generations move off the farm, more people lose perspective of what it takes to grow their food. I want to become involved and help make sure that my children and other children can earn a living feeding the world.”
Another important part of maintaining success for all farmers is not just being supportive of industry advances, but taking part in them.
He is showing that commitment through his participation in a yield and quality study being conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University funded by the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff. Through two trials on nine locations, soybean researchers will determine which agronomic practices contribute to an increase in soybean yield.
While maximizing yield is always a priority for farmers, ensuring that product makes it to international markets is just as important.
“We need to figure out how to get 100 bushel soybeans and continue to expand our export markets,” Jeff said. “I also believe while export markets are important, continued research over the years for new uses for soybeans is vital to the continued success of the industry we love and support.”
Besides keeping busy with their 10 month old son, Jeff and his family run a minimum till operation with most of their soybean acreage being no-till. From a marketing standpoint, Jeff’s father Mike handles most of the transactions while Jeff handles most of the input buying.
“One of the key attributes that all commodity organizations like OSA have is the grassroots nature of its leadership,” said Bruce Kettler, director of public relations at Beck’s Hybrids. “As farms grow larger and as the average age of the farming population increases it’s critical to make sure that young farmers are learning about the importance of their industry. We congratulate Jeff on his selection and look forward to recognizing more Beck’s Young Farm Leaders in the coming quarters.” u
Interested in Being a Beck’s Young Farm Leader?
Fourth quarter applications are due Nov. 1, 2013.
At the end of the year, one of the Beck’s Young Farm Leaders will be selected as the 2013 Beck’s Young Farm Leader of the Year and receive a trip for two to the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
To learn more and apply, visit www.soyohio.org/becksyoungfarmleader.
Ohio Farming Tradition
Established in Harpster, Ohio in 1857, the Herring family’s farming operation has undergone many transitions over the years. The family originally focused on growing tomatoes for Campbell’s Soup but now focuses on corn and soybeans. However, one element that has not changed is that the farm remains a family run operation. Today, there are three Herring generations working side by side. Although Dave Herring remains involved with the farming operation, he has handed the reigns to his sons Phil and Jim, with Dave’s grandson Keith also involved in day to day operations.
Farming Best Practices
The Herring family utilizes 50-50 crop rotation with 15” row spacing, and employs vertical tillage and no till practices on their soybean acres. They count on Asgrow® soybeans for excellent yield potential year after year. Product placement is the key; the family relies on their local Asgrow brand soybean dealer for information, as well as the yield monitor going through their fields during harvest to determine which Asgrow products to plant in the current season. They also credit using a fungicide and manganese to help push the potential for higher yielding soybeans. “We take our time and make sure to do it right; patience is key. We try and keep the end result in mind, which may equal higher profits at the end of the season,” says Phil Herring.
2012 Ohio Soybean Yield & Quality Contest Winners
The Herring family’s hard work and diligence in 2012 paid off, resulting in a first place finish in the no-till category of the 2012 Ohio Soybean Association’s yield contest. Their AG3431 brand entry yielded an astounding 94.03 bushel/acre.
Their favorite part of farming is looking forward to the harvest season. Spring can be stressful, but harvest is the culmination of the year’s labor. We hope to see more award winning yield results from the Herring family and Asgrow soybeans in 2013!
Visit www.soyohio.org/yieldcontest for more information, an application form, and a full list of contest prizes.
Become an Asgrow® Yield Chaser when you enter the 2013 Ohio Soybean Yield and Quality Contest! To make entering as simple as possible, Asgrow will pay for your contest entry fee and your Ohio Soybean Association membership fee or renewal when your contest entry is submitted.
It’s easy — just complete the Ohio Soybean Yield and Quality Contest entry form and submit it before their final postmark deadline of August 31, 2013!
For full contest rules and other information, go to www.soyohio.org/yieldcontest.
Win up to $10,000 and a trip for two to the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas!
3 National Award
will
a trip for 2 to the 2014 Commodity Classic, a Commemorative Award, plus:
• 1st Prize: $10,000 Cash Prize
• 2nd Prize: $7,500 Cash Prize
• 3rd Prize: $5,000 Cash Prize
For full contest rules and other information, go to www.DEKALB.com/Yield Chaser.
(Left to right) Jim, Phil, and Keith Herring
Late Season Insects
By Ron Hammond and Andy Michel, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University
Although farmers usually try to have their soybeans planted by mid to late May, there are many reasons why fields are often planted later. Some reasons include, weather conditions, double cropping or relay intercropping soybeans and replanting. These later plantings often stay green well into September, exposing themselves to injury by late season insect pests. Some insects will feed directly on pods and/or seeds, causing much more damage than defoliating insects will. We calculate that losing only 1-2 seeds per plant will cost growers an economic loss because of the high price of soybeans and the relatively low cost of making an insecticide application. Based on observations over the past few years, Ohio farmers are losing yield and thus money to insect feeding in late maturing soybeans. There are two insects, or group of insects, usually causing these losses.
Bean Leaf Beetle
The bean leaf beetle (BLB) overwinters in the adult stage and resumes activity in the spring, going to earlier planted fields as the crop emerges. If a soybean field is planted late, the first generation will usually not become established in the field and the probability of early season BLB injury is minimal. However, the likelihood of the field staying green in September enhances the likelihood of having a high second BLB generation, possibly resulting in damage to pods and seeds (Fig. 1). Fields planted later serve as a trap crop for the last generation adults migrating from other fields that were planted early and are maturing. Pod feeding also enables infection of the developing soybean seeds by micro-organisms leading to moldy soybeans that may exhibit incomplete development, stick to the pod and are lost during harvest, or appear in the final harvest causing dockage at the time of sale. Thus, pod feeding can result in both
Figure 1. The bean leaf beetle overwinters in the adult stage and resumes activity in the spring.
a yield loss, as well as a loss in seed quality. Treatment to prevent pod feeding is based on the level of insect injury observed on the pods. Evaluation of pod injury should be based on inspection of all pods on 10 randomly selected plants. On each plant sampled, count the number of total pods and the number of pods exhibiting pod scar injury, and then determine the percent pod injury based on the 10 plants inspected. It is important to estimate percent pod injury on inspection of the entire plant. Treatment is justified if the percent pod injury is approaching 10-15%, and BLB adults are still present and still active. More information can be found at http:// ohioline.osu.edu/ent-fact/pdf/0023.pdf .
Stink Bugs
In Ohio, there are three species that make up a complex of stink bug pests of soybeans. They are the green stink bug, the red shouldered stink bug, and a recent invader into the state, the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). Most of the injury occurs during the second half of the growing season when significant feeding takes place on pods and developing seed. Stink bugs injure the plant by puncturing plant tissues with their piercing and sucking mouthparts, and then extracting plant fluids, preferring and mainly feeding on young, tender pods and developing seed. The principal damage comes from deformation and abortion of seeds, and predis-
position of the puncture sites to colonization by pathogenic organisms. Seeds will become shriveled, deformed, undersized, and even be aborted (Fig. 2). Often, stink bug feeding will result in delayed leaf maturity and foliage retention. Stink bug damaged seed can result in lower market value and even prevent the sale of seed, a special concern for seed producers and food grade soybeans.
The green stink bug is the largest of stink bugs found in soybeans. Adults are green with black bands on the antennae. Red-shouldered stink bugs are smaller but also green, usually with a red-pink stripe across the protonum which is basically its “shoulder”. Brown marmorated stink bugs are speckled brown-gray with a white band on its antennae, and will perhaps become a greater concern in the future. Brown marmorated nymphs, often quite numerous in late August and September, are darkish in color with a white band on its antennae and also a strong white band on its legs. The underside of the nymph is characteristically white. Pictures of stink bugs can be found at http://entomology.osu.edu/ag/.
By August, periodic sampling for stink bugs should be ongoing. Scouting for stink bugs should be done by walking into the field at least 100 ft from the field’s edge. Field edges often have higher than normal populations of stink bugs. Sampling should be taken as sets of 10 sweeps at 3 to 5 locations in a field. Both adults and
nymphs should be counted together. Experience suggests that the BMSB is difficult to sample using sweep nets, so you might need to walk slowly through the soybeans and attempt to count the bugs directly on the plants. Because of the direct injury stink bugs cause to soybean seeds, thresholds are much lower than many insects. Insecticide treatments should be considered when an average of 4 or more adults or nymphs of all species are collected per 10 sweeps in regular soybeans. When grown for seed or food grade soybeans, we suggest lowering the threshold to only 2 adult or nymphs per sample. For BMSB, control is suggested if you see 1-2 per row ft through at least the R4 stage.
Management for Late Season Insects
When the decision to make a rescue treatment is made to prevent pod and seed injury to later maturing soybeans, there are numerous foliar insecticides to use for BLB and stink bug control. Most if not all the insecticides will work well for both insects. However, growers should be aware of pre-harvest intervals for many of the insecticides, which range from 14 days to 60 days. The time period left before anticipated harvesting of a field might dictate the insecticide chosen. See Bulletin 545 for all insecticides labeled on soybeans (http://entomology.osu.edu/ag/545/ soy545.pdf).u
Figure 2. A stink bug damaged seed can result in lower market value and even prevent the sale of seed.
Investing Checkoff Dollars
Bioproduct Spotlight: Home Edition
By Katie Bauer
The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff continue to support the research and development of new products and materials made from soybeans. Soybeans alone account for an increasing number of bioproducts, and today you’ll find soy-based bioproducts in everything from ink toner, paint and cleaning products to carpet, insulation and seat foam. Here are a few bioproducts that you can utilize in your own home:
TimberSoy™ Bio-Based Natural Wood Stain
A professional grade eco-friendly natural wood stain made from soy ester resin technology that preserves wood surfaces and creates a beautiful, rich natural look. Unlike conventional wood stain ingredients that uses paint film technology, soy ester is a natural by-product that actually penetrates into growth rings and continues to spread and seal throughout the wood all year around. This natural process achieves enhanced wood protection and beautiful natural colorization.
Learn more at: www.ecosafetyproducts.com
La-Z Boy Furniture
La-Z Boy launched a line of Eco-Comfort products
which include the use of soy-based foam. The soy material has replaced a portion of the poly foam that is generally made using petroleum based products. This line also includes a selection of fabrics which have been certified to be friendly to the environment.
Learn more at at: www.la-z-boy.com
Harmony® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint
Harmony® Interior Acrylic Latex paint is a zero VOC formula that helps reduce common indoor odors from your pets, cooking and smoke to help rooms stay fresher, longer. Harmony contains new technology that helps promote better indoor air quality by reducing VOC levels from potential sources like carpet, cabinets and fabrics. It also gives your walls a washable, durable finish.
Learn more at: www.sherwin-williams.com u
OSC to Sponsor International Biotechnology Symposium
Fortunately, U.S. and international biotechnology companies will have dozens of new transgenic events that increase crop yields and quality ready for registration by 2015. Unfortunately, the world is lacking a synchronized, science-based system for securing approval of this new technology. Regulatory roadblocks and divergent approval systems are slowing the biotechnology-driven yield advances needed to feed our growing world.
The Illinois Soybean Association along with leading U.S. agricultural organizations, including the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff and biotechnology providers, will host the International Biotechnology Symposium on Aug. 26 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign, Ill. the day before the 2013 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill. The Symposium will bring together biotechnology regulators, international trade experts and farmers from around the world to discuss ways to streamline regulatory and trade approvals for farmer use of biotech seed and the worldwide trade of soybeans, corn and other crops grown with biotechnology.
Attendees will hear from presenters and panelists from around the world regarding current systems, challenges, progress made and what individuals and organizations can do to help this process. The agenda includes discussions by an international biotech panel, who will review the current pipeline and process; an international regulatory panel and an international farmer panel, who will cover the importance of technology from a production standpoint. Keynote speakers who will address the economic impacts of delayed approvals and the affects biotechnology has on world development and global food security include Dr. Bob Thompson and Dr. Nicholas Kalaitzandonakes.
Visit www.biotechnologysymposium.com for registration and a full agenda.
Recent research from the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance showed 72 percent of consumers say they know little to nothing about farming. With this gap between families and the families who grow their food, the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff is implementing a program to educate middle and high school teachers and students about modern agriculture and the role Ohio soybean farmers play in providing a safe, healthy food supply.
A group of teachers from the Columbus City School district learn about the benefits of biotechnology. Teachers represented from all parts of Ohio will be going through curriculum development in areas of bioproducts, bioenergy, water quality and biotechnology.
alone, 1,139,478 students logged in and there were 352,759 active portfolio accounts.
The project will involve a specific group of science teachers, namely 8-12th grade in areas of Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Agriscience/FFA and Informational Education. Teachers involved will undergo professional development training specifically designed and implemented for each subject area. Teachers will also go through curriculum development in key areas including bioproducts, bioenergy, water quality and biotechnology. In addition, classroom kits of materials will be available to support soybean bioproduct and bioenergy curriculum.
The program kicked off this past winter with over 60 Ohio teachers, students and industry affiliates who came together during a Stakeholder Leadership Summit and established five Educator Networks in each of the target areas.
Partnership with Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Career Information System
The program will also help promote modern agriculture related careers to students through a partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) by posting five current, agriscience career-focused videos on the OCIS website. OCIS is an inter-active website which is maintained by the Ohio Department of Education and accessed by over 1.3 million Ohio high school students each year as part of their college major and career planning. Last year
OSC Education Portal
OSC will also host an education portal site for agriscience and bioscience education materials for all types of science teachers. The portal will house new material along with current material such as information from getbiotechsmart.com, a United Soybean Board (USB) sponsored education site which focuses on biotechnology. Teachers can use this existing site for background information, relevant curriculum and interactive elearning courses to support several areas in agriscience and modern agriculture.
The portal will also include the five career-focused videos to further increase student’s awareness about careers in agriculture. Intended for students in grades 8-12, these videos will also be available on multiple sites including the Ohio Soybean Farmers website (www.ohiosoybeanfarmers.org) and is expected to launch in the fall of 2013.
Lastly, in all 802 Ohio high schools and career centers, quarterly communications will be distributed to highlight new materials and provide testimonials from teachers who are using them.
“OSC is excited to support a project that focuses on educating those who influence Ohio’s youth-educators in Ohio’s schools, with relevant curriculum, videos and training in modern agriculture and related careers,” said David Black, OSC board member and soybean farmer from Franklin County.u
Ensuring Aquaculture Catches On
By Steven Hart, Ph.D., Soy Aquaculture Alliance Executive Director
The Soy Aquaculture Alliance (SAA) is a new membership organization focused on coordinating soy-based aquaculture research and growing the U.S. domestic aquaculture industry. Changes in the global economy, primarily the growing middle class in China and the rest of Asia, are leading to less seafood availability for Americans. One example of this has been the steady decline of shrimp imports to the U.S. over the last 18 months. 2012 saw the largest decline of shrimp imports in almost two decades.
The U.S. is currently importing more than 90% of its seafood, and a lot of those products have historically come from China and Southeast Asia. As the global seafood market shifts toward Asia, seafood will become less available for Americans. This provides an excellent oppor-
tunity to grow domestic aquaculture production, and the sales of soy-based feeds domestically.
SAA’s mission
SAA’S mission is driven by its board of directors, comprised of members from the soy, aquaculture and seafood industries. Since SAA’s formation in October 2011, the board has focused on two primary goals: collaboration among members of the core industries to focus on growing the domestic aquaculture industry and facilitating essential soy-based aquaculture research. “Soybeans are already the number one protein source used in aquaculture feeds in the world today at more than 10 million metric tonnes,” said Duane Dahlman, Chair of SAA. “The U.S. soybean industry sees sustainable aquaculture development as an exciting mar-
ket, especially given the fact that global fish meal production is at its maximum.”
To promote collaboration and connect the supply and demand sides of its mission, SAA is bringing together engaged soy, aquaculture and seafood stakeholders and guiding them in collaborations designed to enhance their own businesses, as well as benefit their industries.
In regards to research, SAA has collaborated with the top researchers in the aquaculture field to develop a list of the most critical factors limiting the amount of soybean inclusion in aquaculture feeds. As a result, last year SAA released its first request for research proposals, which culminated in one-year funding for five research initiatives in three key areas:
• Variations in taurine requirements across fish species
• Genetic improvements in fish that
can lead to better utilization of dietary soy proteins
• Impact of feed on quantity and quality of waste
Funding for these projects was provided by the United Soybean Board (USB) and several Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSB).
SAA Membership
SAA membership is open to public and private organizations in the soybean, aquaculture and seafood industries. Current members include the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff, along with 10 other QSSBs supporting SAA through national soybean checkoff program funds, as well as the American Soybean Asso-
ciation, Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems, Bell Aquaculture and Aquaculture Enterprises. USB provided funding and guidance to help launch SAA and currently acts as an affiliate while providing funding for projects. Bill Bayliss, OSC board member and soybean farmer from Logan county serves as OSC’s SAA representative.
The Future
“The U.S. soybean industry provides a sustainable, plant based feed to the aquaculture industry and the aquaculture industry will continue to develop,” said Bayliss.
Currently, roughly 50 percent of global seafood is farm-raised. It’s estimated the global aquaculture sector will need
By The Numbers
an additional $50 billion in investment by 2021 if fish farmers are to meet the world’s projected seafood demand.
SAA plans to meet this challenge head on. “We’ll continue to collaborate to frame key issues in aquaculture and spread the soy aquaculture message,” Dahlman said. “We’ll expand our clearinghouse of ideas, research and connections, bringing together diverse partners to sponsor targeted research into the most pressing aquaculture issues today—like sustainability, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, waste, palatability and nutritional value—and make research results accessible for all stakeholders’ benefit,” Dahlman added.
For more information about SAA, visit www.soyaquaalliance.com.u
Record Year for Meat and Poultry Exports
Bolsters Demand for U.S. Soybeans
Despite challenging issues, such as the struggling global economy and trade barriers, U.S. poultry and livestock farmers enjoyed a record year for meat exports, which helps keep domestic demand for U.S. soybeans strong. U.S. poultry, egg and pork shipments exceeded previous highs for value and volume set in 2011. International beef sales dipped slightly in volume but broke the previous value record. Growing U.S. meat and poultry exports reinforce demand for U.S. soybeans since soybean meal constitutes a significant portion of animal feeds. Domestic animal agriculture uses about 98 percent of the domestic supply of U.S. soybean meal, making it the U.S. soy industry’s No. 1 customer.
Poultry and hogs remain the biggest users of U.S. soybean meal. According to the most recent statistics, poultry consume roughly 12.9 million metric tons annually. That’s the meal from 601 million bushels of soybeans. And hogs account for 6.8 million metric tons of U.S. soybean meal, or the meal from 318 million bushels of soybeans. To support U.S. soy meal’s largest customer, the soybean checkoff partners with organizations like the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and USA Poultry and Egg Export Council to market U.S. meat and poultry abroad.
A recent checkoff and USMEF effort helped increase consumption of pork back ribs in Japan from zero to 4.5 million pounds over the last three years. The U.S. meat and
poultry export figures for 2012 include: Pork exports nearly reached 2.3 million metric tons, valued at over $6.3 billion. Broiler meat exports, excluding chicken paws, reached 3.3 million metric tons, valued at nearly $4.2 billion. Beef exports reached 1.1 million metric tons, valued at $5.5 billion. Turkey exports reached 361,597 metric tons, valued at $678 million. Chicken paw exports reached 363,974 metric tons, valued at $450.1 million. Egg exports, table eggs and processed egg products in shell equivalents reached 274.1 million dozen, valued at $263.7 million. u
Ohio Impact:
Ohio’s hog production has grown over the past decade, reaching almost 1.1 billion pounds in 2011. Broiler production has also increased, up almost 77% to 375 million pounds. Milk production has grown 20% since 2001, to 5.1 billion pounds. Turkey production is up 15%. This expansion in animal agriculture has led to an increase of $1.8 billion in economic output, $330 million in household wages, 12,300 jobs, and $83 million in income tax revenue.
Information provided by the United Soybean Board
Use Proper Weed Management Now and Avoid Problems Later
Soybean Checkoff Encourages
Farmers to Take Action against HerbicideResistant Weeds
Across Ohio, weeds are attempting to make their home in soybean farmer’s fields. Weeds that were once easily managed by herbicides such as glyphosate are showing resistance, calling for farmers to implement more diverse and stringent control methods.
Even if farmers have not experienced this problem in their fields yet, proper management of marestail, giant ragweed, common ragweed, waterhemp, Palmer amaranth and other herbicide-resistant species is important to avoiding these challenges.
According to a recent checkofffunded survey, 53 percent of farmers felt that herbicide resistance was a moderate or severe problem on neighboring farms, while only 35 percent thought of it as a problem on their own farm. Weed seeds however, do not know boundaries, and what once was a neighbor’s problem, can soon spread. Herbicideresistance is rapidly moving across the entire U.S. soybean-producing region.
Mark Loux, Ph.D., horticulture and crop science professor at The Ohio State University, recommends the following practices to effectively manage for weeds:
• Recognize the different biology of weeds. Not all weeds fit into one type of management program.
• Ensure that weeds don’t limit your yield potential by implementing control early in the growing season.
• Add diversity to herbicide applications, including using different herbicides and sites-of-action.
• Focus on the amount of seed returned to the soil. In some cases, weeds left standing can produce enough seeds to create thousands of additional plants.
According to Loux, diversification in weed management is the key. “We are wearing out the effective tools and any new tools coming can also lose effectiveness,” he says.
Implementing a weed-management plan can help farmers combat weeds. For help developing a weed-management plan specific to your farm, contact your local extension agent or crop advisor to discuss recommendations.
In collaboration with a team of extension weed scientists from 15 universities, including The Ohio State University, the soybean checkoff is leading the Take Action effort to help farmers in Ohio and across the country manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Take Action aims to increase farmers’ awareness of the effects that these weeds can have on yields, as well as recommend management strategies. Take Action is supported by BASF, Bayer, DuPont, Dow, Monsanto and Syngenta. u
Facts about Herbicide-Resistant Weeds in Ohio:
Marestail (Horseweed)
• Seeds can germinate as soon as they fall off of a mature plant.
• Plants emerge from late March through June and late summer into fall.
• Competes with soybeans throughout the growing season and reduces crop yield.
• Glyphosate-resistant populations in Ohio were first reported in areas where the following production practices are common:
n soybeans grown in the same field for consecutive years n use of only glyphosate for weed control
n little or no tillage
Giant Ragweed
• A single plant can produce up to 5,100 seeds, which germinate from late March through July. Giant ragweed is one of the first summer annuals to emerge in the spring and is often present before crops are planted.
• Plant height often reaches one to five feet taller than the crop with which it is competing, but can reach up to 17 feet tall.
• Soybean yield losses as high as to 50 percent can occur with season-long interference.
• Giant ragweed biotypes in Ohio have developed resistance to glyphosate, while some have been identified with resistance to ALS inhibitor as well. Glyphosate resistance has developed in continuous Roundup Ready soybean fields in response to repeated exclusive use of the herbicide. Resistant plants are not completely immune to glyphosate, but resistance appears to be the cause of poor control in some fields.
• Has the capability to produce at least 100,000 seeds when in competition with a crop, and upward of a half-million seeds with no competition. The small seeds are easily transported through grain, seed, or by equipment.
• Grows aggressively at a rate of two to three inches per day in ideal conditions.
• Creates yield losses of 17-79 percent in soybeans when allowed to compete throughout the growing season.
• Resistant to multiple herbicide modes of action, including ALS inhibitors, triazines, HPPD-inhibitors, dinitroanilines and glyphosate, with a large majority of southern populations being glyphosate- and ALS-inhibitor-resistant
Source: The Ohio State University
Palmer Amaranth
* Waterhemp in west central Ohio and common ragweed in northwest Ohio have also been identified with resistance to glyphosate and ALS inhibitors.
Photo credit: James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org
Photo credit: James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org
Photo credit: Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Farmers Face Rising Land Prices
By Alissa Armstrong
Along with the rest of the country, Ohio is in the midst of a dramatic upward trend in land prices. According to data from Farmers National Company, average values for high quality cropland are up 20 percent nationally from 2012. The Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents Survey results showed bare cropland values in western Ohio are expected to increase from 6.8 percent to 15.4 percent in 2013, depending on the region and land class. Cash rents are expected to increase from 7.8 percent to 10.7 percent depending on the region and land class.
Ohio is a rather unique state, as much of the rural landscape is accessible to a sizable urban population. Beyond the usual determinants of land prices, profitability and interest rates, Dr. Carl Zulauf, Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at The Ohio State University, cites three additional factors that are impacting land prices specifically in Ohio—urbanization, growth of local food movements, and hydraulic fracturing.
HIGH QUALITY LAND VALUES BY STATE
Urbanization has slowed recently, but it is still a factor affecting land prices, as people continue to move to the country and suburban borders expand. The increased popularity of local food movements has created additional demand for smaller tracts of farmland and encourages “new” people to enter the market. Ohio has also seen an increase in natural gas and oil production with hydraulic fracturing finding its way into the backyard of Ohio agriculture, notably in Eastern Ohio.
Over recent years, conventional farming has experienced a period of prosperity that has driven up returns for farmers. As a result, farmers desire to purchase more land.
Although outside investors have become more prominent in the farmland market, farmers still purchase a majority of the farmland. Dr. Zulauf says Ohio will continue to be a core production state and farmers will likely remain key buyers of farmland.
LAND VALUES BY STATE
Amy Sigg Davis, Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) board member and soybean farmer from Warren County has been a real estate broker for the past 35 years specializing in farmland for much of that time. She believes big developers are stepping away from the land market. “It is still not cheap,” commented Davis. “However, farmers have good relationships with banks and have the ability to borrow for land purchases, even when developers are struggling.”
Gradually, developers will re-enter the market, but for now, farmers are active, viable land buyers and have the most opportunity in the land market.
Ultimately, purchasing land is a long-term, strategic investment.
“Farmers need to stay informed and educated on all key factors that are driving land prices, including profitability and interest rates,” commented Barry Ward, assistant Extension professor, leader Production Business Management for The Ohio State University.
A factor that farmers need to keep on their radar is ability of U.S. soybean yield trends to keep pace with those in South America. Now that Brazilian yields have caught up to U.S. yields, the question becomes, will yields stay similar in both countries or will one country gain an advantage?
“I think U.S. soybean producers need to think strategically about this trend in comparative soybean yields and what it means for the U.S. soybean sector and future yield research,” commented Dr. Zulauf. He believes a declining competitive advantage for U.S. crops will ultimately reduce the relative advantage of U.S. farmland causing a decline in land values.
Programs like the Ohio soybean checkoff are in place to support various soybean research projects including a current project looking at ways to increase yield.
“Keeping American soybean producers’ competitive edge is a priority for the soybean checkoff,” said Dan Corcoran, OSC board member and soybean farmer from Pike County who also serves on the United Soybean Board. u
India Predicted to Become the World’s Most Populated Country
By Jennifer Coleman
With over half of all soybeans grown in Ohio and the U.S. going to international markets, it’s important that farmers be aware of which markets their products are going to and the long-term trends. Why?
“Every international market is different with different needs, wants and regulations,” said Kirk Merritt, Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) executive director. “In order to successfully meet the demands of our customers overseas, we need to understand them.”
Most people know that China is currently importing more U.S. soybeans than all other international markets combined. OSC and the soybean checkoff have been working for many years to develop and maintain important industry relationships in China in an effort to build the good reputation that Ohio has for growing high quality, high protein soybeans.
However, OSC farmer leaders understand that maintaining relationships in current markets is a part of a much bigger picture and have kept a close eye on the developing markets. This includes India.
According to the U.S. Soybean Export
Council, Indian imports of edible oil are on the rise. In 2011-2012, India imported a record 10.19 million tons of vegetable oil. With India’s population growing at such a rapid rate (1.4 billion people by 2025), it is predicted that India will become the world’s most populated nation.
In 2010, OSC sent two farmer leaders to India to meet with industry officials and learn more about the future of India’s soybean demand.
Ohio State ATI’s new renewable energy program offers students two areas of specialization: Wind & Solar and Bioenergy.
Currently, India uses more soy for human consumption than livestock feed. However, the country’s aquaculture industry is expected to boom, along with its desire for soy-based dal. Dal is a food staple in India and is traditionally made using lentils.
India is going to be a big, big player in soybean demand within the next ten years
“What we heard from everyone we talked with is that India is going to be a big, big player in soybean demand within in the next ten years,” said Keith Roberts, OSC chair of the international marketing committee who traveled to India.
“The Indian population is growing and they’re becoming wealthier. And we know from past experience in other markets that as they have more disposable income, they are going to be spending that on better food, including protein.”
“Making dal from soybeans increases its protein content,” said Roberts. “This is just one example of why we have to learn all we can about these fast growing markets and their eating habits. The future that soybeans, specifically U.S. and Ohio soybeans, have in India is very exciting and I’m looking forward to see it play out.”
In the meantime, OSC and the soybean checkoff will keep a close eye on the Indian market, government and consumer trends. This knowledge will only help the industry and farmers make long-term plans for their farms and the soybeans they grow. u
India Sets Zero Tariff on Oil Meal Imports Signaling Willingness to Open Up Trade
By Lisa Pine, U.S. Soybean Export Council
The Government of India announced May 22 that it is suspending tariffs on oil meals, including soymeal and oil cakes. Though not currently a significant market for U.S. soy, USSEC CEO Jim Sutter believes this is a welcome sign of market development potential for U.S. soy exports to the soy-producing country.
With national elections scheduled for next year, the political environment in India is influencing policies on food safety, food security, and international trade. According to the World Food Programme, India incorporates 25 percent of the world’s hungry
and poor population, where more than 70 percent of children are malnourished and about 10 million or more people die of chronic hunger or hunger-related diseases every year. India’s government has struggled to address its food security crisis, but is now showing more urgency to pass legislation and to explore policies to curb food prices and improve the quality of life of India citizens.
USSEC staff and industry advisors believe the time is right for policy reforms and USSEC has shifted its focus in India toward preparing for future Indian soy import needs rather strictly promoting soy utilization.
