Ohio agriculture may be diverse, but to move into the next decade, agriculture as a whole needs to stand together. Additionally, it is important for Ohio soybean farmers to understand the importance of livestock, the number one consumer of soybean meal. That “work together” message seemed to be the focus of this year’s Ohio Livestock Coalition annual meeting and industry symposium. Featured speakers addressed different topics, but all had one message: Agriculture must stand together to succeed.
Avian Influenza Preparedness Ensures Continuity of Poultry and Soy Industries
Page 14
Ohio’s poultry industry is an important part of the state’s economy, with a production value of more than $510 million. The success of the state’s poultry industry also directly affects other facets of Ohio’s agriculture industry, including soybean producers.
Ohio Transit Fleets Lead the Way with Soy Biodiesel
Page 16
Commuters all across Ohio are enjoying breaths of clean air thanks to Ohio soybeans and the soybean checkoff. Three of the state’s major transit bus systems are using soy biodiesel, and in doing so, are helping to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil.
Soybeans Help Protect Asphalt
Page 19
Soybeans are probably not the first thing someone thinks of when driving down an asphalt road. But thanks to soybeans and the soybean checkoff, it really could be the “miracle bean,” protecting the roads of Ohio and elsewhere.
ABOUT THE COVER
The Ohio Soybean Association in cooperation with the Ohio Corn Growers Association, Clean Fuels Ohio, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and the Ohio Department of Agriculture have worked diligently to pass Ohio’s first ever biofuels legislation. On July 6, Governor Taft signed House Bill 245 into law which will bring more soy biodiesel and E85 ethanol retail stations to Ohio. It will also help in establishing terminal blending facilities for soy biodiesel as well as set requirements for State of Ohio fleets to use alternative fuels.
This is an Ohio cow. Every year she and others like her eat 3,629,700 bushels of Ohio soybeans. This generates $18.7 million of revenue for Ohio soybean farmers. Support your profits by supporting Ohio livestock and poultry producers.
This message brought to you by Ohio soybean farmers and their checkoff.
The reasons for switching to soy biodiesel are stacking up. It’s the fuel made from U.S. soybeans, so it reduces our dependence on foreign oil. And a federal and state tax incentive makes biodiesel even more affordable. Renewable soy biodiesel reduces emissions and increases fuel lubricity. So choose the fuel that’s good for our country, your engine and the environment. Choose soy biodiesel. Pump it and watch our prosperity grow.
OUTLOOK
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Ohio Soybean Association
4625 Morse Road, Ste. 101 Columbus, Ohio 43230
614-476-3100
614-476-9576 fax 1-888-SoyOhio (769-6446)
No Longer Looking Back
Ihated to row cultivate. As a teenager growing up on our Ohio farm, that was the one chore I dreaded. Many of you remember. Progress was slow because you always had to look back to make sure dirt was not covering young plants. Thirty acres was a good cultivating day in the summer sun. Moving slowly and looking back was not a good job for an active teen.
Later I realized row cultivation parallels agriculture. Farm operators must look back to see they have been doing a proper job; however, progress depends on looking forward. For example, many operations look at financials ratios to know where their operation has been, but this does not give pro forma expectations of the future.
Our industry is maturing and more time must be spent looking forward. United States agriculture in this century has world wide competition, which is improving. Too much time spent looking backward to when we did not have significant competition slows our ability to identify opportunities.
Opportunities develop and successful operators must identify them early. Grains and oilseed markets likely might offer unexpected opportunities after harvest for specific varieties. Forward looking producers will segregate varieties in storage facilities for later premium markets. To understand what might be required, learn the ISO standard – a similar verification process will be put in place by fast moving
farm operations. Planting dates, operator signatures, seed lot numbers, harvest dates and storage bins will all aid in earning additional premiums.
Fast moving operations will identify non-traditional crop mixes. They will refuse to look backward to only corn/soybean rotation, thinking the government will just make up financial shortfalls. Farm programs are changing and future operators will adapt crop practices accordingly. It is not hard to imagine a major shift to a new energy crop like switchgrass, most likely encouraged with government incentives. Future-looking operators will respond.
In the 1980’s I quit row cultivating. In 1990 our operation became 100 percent no-till as a cost savings endeavor. In this decade of $70 per barrel oil and a Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewarding conservation, I am pleased that I hated looking backward while cultivating. The future is bright for those who look forward and embrace change because farming matters
Robinson W. Joslin
Ohio Soybean Association Chairman Shelby County Soybean Farmer
President
Jeff Sollars, Fayette County
Chairman
Rob Joslin, Shelby County
Vice President Membership
Mark Watkins, Hardin County
Vice President Programs
Joe Sheaffer, Wyandot County Secretary
Dave Dotterer, Wayne County
Treasurer
Jeff Wuebker, Darke County Trustees
Bill Agle, Clark County
Brett Davis, Delaware County
Dave Dotterer, Wayne County
Mike Heffelfinger, Van Wert County
Kevin Homan, Henry County
Ed Lamalie, Sandusky County
Lyle McKanna, Putnam County
Clark Myers, Mahoning County
Dale Shawk, Crawford County
Bruce Simmons, Medina County
Bob Slicker, Stark County
Joe Steiner, Warren County
AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS
Rob Joslin, Shelby County
Joe Steiner, Warren County
Mark Watkins, Hardin County
Industry Affiliates
Kathy Alvarez, Bunge NA
Jim Beuerlein, The Ohio State University
Andrea Guckes, Cargill Inc.
Katy Poth, Ohio Department of Agriculture
Don Ralph, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
Staff Credits
John Lumpe and Kirk Leeds....Publisher
Ann Clinton Millsap....Editor
Jamie Mossbarger....Editorial Manager
Shelby J. Ostrander....Art Director
Gary Usovsky....Art Director
Kelly Mescher....Staff Writer
David Larson....Sales Director
The Ohio Soybean Review is published four times a year by the Ohio Soybean Association in partnership with the Iowa Soybean Association. For address corrections contact the Ohio Soybean Review 4554 NW 114th Street
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This is an Ohio soy biodiesel pump.
If every Ohio farmer filled up with B20 at one of these, it would use 14,286,000 bushels of Ohio soybeans. This would generate $73.6 million of revenue for Ohio soybean farmers. Support your profits by pumping soy biodiesel.
OOHIO’S FIRST EVER BIOFUELS LEGISLATION BECOMES LAW
OHIO’S FIRST EVER BECOMES
by Jamie Mossbarger
hio’s availability of soy biodiesel and E85 ethanol (E85) will soon increase after Governor Bob Taft recently signed the state’s first ever biofuels legislation into law. Championed by State Representative Steve Reinhard (R-Bucyrus), House Bill 245 (HB245) is expected to bring more soy biodiesel and E85 to fueling stations across the state, as well as make these biofuels more widely available at bulk fuel facilities. All of this will happen while increasing the demand for Ohio soybeans and corn and strengthening the bottom line of Ohio farmers.
“Through a cooperative effort with the Ohio Corn Growers Association, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Clean Fuels Ohio and the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) has worked diligently for more than a year to get this bill through the legislative process,” says John Lumpe, OSA executive director.
Major provisions of HB 245 include establishing the Alternative Fuel Transportation Grant Program and requirements for State of Ohio vehicle fleets to use and purchase vehicles capable of using soy biodiesel or ethanol.
“Through the $1 million grant program, all businesses, non profit organizations, school systems or local governments are eligible to apply for grants that would be used to pay for up to 50 percent of the purchase and installation costs of alternative fuel refueling facilities and for no more than 50 percent of the incremental fuel cost,” says Lumpe.
Under this same program, grants will also be made available for the purchase and installation of alternative fuel distribution facilities and terminals. It will also pay the costs of educational and promotional materials and activities
Governor Bob Taft is shown signing HB Bill 245, Ohio’s first ever biofuels legislation.
intended for prospective alternative fuel consumers, fuel marketers and others in order to increase the availability and use of soy biodiesel and E85.
Preferences will be given to entities with publicly accessible refueling facilities, those who have secured funding from other sources, including private or federal grants and entities that have committed to utilizing the purchased or installed facilities or terminals for the greatest number of years. Those purchasing or installing facilities or terminals for both soy biodiesel and ethanol will also be given preference.
HB 245 also requires the Department of Administrative Services to ensure that all new motor vehicles purchased by the state are capable of using alternative fuels.
“Increasing the availability of alternative fuels is a win-win situation, not only for us as farmers because it will increase the demand for our product, but it is good for the environment, economy and will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” says Jeff Sollars, OSA president and Fayette County soybean farmer. “I commend the work of all involved in making this legislation reality and thank Representative Reinhard for his dedication to the agriculture industry.”
Soy biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that is made
Governor Bob Taft is shown using a new E85 retail fuel pump that will appear at Kroger fuel stations across the state. With the enactment of HB 245, both retail locations for soy biodiesel and E85 are expected to increase.
from soybean oil. It can be used in any diesel engine with no modifications and can be blended with conventional diesel to produce a soy biodiesel blend. Soy biodiesel significantly cuts harmful emissions, promotes greater energy independence and boosts our economy. Ohio is home to two soy biodiesel production facilities and currently has more than 150 soy biodiesel distributors and over 50 retail locations. Visit www.soybiodiesel.org to find a list of Ohio retail locations and distributors.
E85 is the term for motor fuel blends of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. Besides its superior performance characteristics, ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline; it is a completely renewable, domestic, environmentally friendly fuel that enhances the nation’s economy and energy independence.
OSA REWARDED FOR MEETING 2006 MEMBERSHIP GOAL
by Jamie Mossbarger
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) met its membership goal again this year with 2,104 members. This is the ninth straight year that Ohio has hit its mark.
American Soybean Association (ASA) Special Assistant and Director of Industry and Public Relations, Neil Caskey, presented OSA board of directors with a check for $13,203 on behalf of ASA during OSA’s June board meeting. “Congratulations to Ohio once again for a job well done. Your hard work paid off....literally,” Caskey says.
OSA Vice-President of Membership Mark Watkins says, “I am very proud of the work and commitment our board members give to recruitment each year. Without their support and dedication
Each year, states that meet or exceed their membership goal receive a rebate check from the American Soybean Association (ASA). During the June board meeting, ASA representative Neil Caskey presented the Ohio Soybean Association board of directors with a rebate check in the amount of $13,203.
our success of meeting goals each year would not be possible.”
Watkins led the way with 233 recruits, making him the top ASA recruiter in both Ohio and across the country.
• Ag Venture
• Asgrow / Dekalb
• Beck’s Hybrid
• Campbell Seed
• Cargill
• Croplan Genetics
• Crows
• Farm Credit Services
• Fastline
• Garst
• Golden Harvest
• JD Equipment
• LG Seed
• Martin Bros. Seeds
• Ohio Soybean Council
• Ohio’s Country Journal
• Powell Seeds
• Rupp Seed
• Schlessman Seed Company
• Seed Consultants
• Settlemyer Seed Company
• Tractor Supply Company
• Vigoro
Ohio Soybean Farmers
Continue Leadership Responsibilities for OSA
by Jamie Mossbarger
During the June Board of Trustees meeting of the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA), the 200607 officers were elected. These executive committee positions include the offices of president, vice president of membership, vice president of programs, treasurer, secretary and chairman.
Jeff Sollars, Fayette County soybean farmer, was elected to his second term as president. Sollars and his family operate Sollars Farms near Washington Court House, Ohio. In addition to being a member of OSA, he is a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Corn Growers Association and serves as a representative on the Fayette County Agriculture Committee.
“I am honored to serve my second term as OSA president and am looking forward to another year of legislative activities and advocating on behalf of Ohio’s soybean farmers on issues important to the soybean industry,” says Sollars. “I am confident in the abilities of the other officers as well as the entire board of directors and anticipate another successful year for OSA.”
A soybean farmer and livestock producer from Hardin County, Mark Watkins was elected to his second term as vice president of membership. Watkins,
in partnership with his brother, operates Watkins Farm near Kenton, Ohio. He is a past Hardin County Farm Bureau president, member of the Ohio Pork Producers Council, OSA and the Ohio Corn Growers Association. Watkins recently led OSA’s efforts in meeting its membership goal and he will be recognized as the top national recruiter during the 2007 Commodity Classic.
Wyandot County soybean farmer Joe Sheaffer was elected vice-president of programs. This will be his second year serving in this position. Sheaffer is responsible for implementation of OSA’s corporate relations activities and producer education programs. He operates a corn, soybean and wheat operation near Harpster, Ohio and is a member of OSA, Ohio Corn Growers Association and Wyandot County Farm Bureau.
Jeff Wuebker, Darke County soybean farmer, was elected to his second term as treasurer. He is the co-owner/operator of Wuebker Farms, LLC near Versailles, Ohio and is a certified crop consultant. In cooperation with his brother, they operate a custom baling and straw sales business as well as a seed dealership for Beck’s Superior Hybrids. His family also manages a 550 contract sow operation, produces over 11,000 weanling pigs a year and feeds out 60 holstein steers a year.
Shelby County soybean farmer, Rob Joslin, was re-elected OSA Chairman. Joslin
was elected to this position after serving two years as president. He operates W.R. Joslin & Son, Inc. near Sidney, Ohio and also serves as OSA’s representative on the board of directors for the American Soybean Association.
The newest member of the OSA officer team is Dave Dotterer, elected to serve as secretary. He is a Wayne County soybean farmer and resides near Sterling, Ohio. He is the past president of the Wayne County Farm Bureau and is a member of the Smithville Apostolic Christian Church.
The Ohio Soybean Association is governed by a 23-member volunteer farmer board dedicated to education and promotion, as well as to uniting producer interest through support of legislative activities beneficial to the Ohio soybean industry.
Better manage your crops, livestock and marketplace transactions through Ag Answers.
Updated twice weekly, Ag Answers is your electronic source for research-based, objective information, advice and strategies provided by Ohio State and Purdue Extension specialists.
Be sure to visit us at Ohio State University’s Farm Science Review, Sept. 19-21 at Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, and participate in our drawing for a cool prize.
http://www.aganswers.net
Dave Dotterer (right) was elected secretary and is the newest member of the OSA executive committee. He is pictured with OSA President Jeff Sollars (left).
Agriculture Needs to Stick Together
by Susie Taylor
American Farm Bureau Federation trade economist Megan Provost told members of the Ohio Livestock Coalition that one of the best ways to increase exports of feed grains is to feed the grains to livestock and export the meat.
Ohio agriculture may be diverse, but to move into the next decade, agriculture as a whole needs to stand together. Additionally, it is important for Ohio soybean farmers to understand the importance of livestock, the number one consumer of soybean meal.
That “work together” message seemed to be the focus of this year’s Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC) annual meeting and industry symposium. Featured speakers addressed different topics, but all had one message: Agriculture must stand together to succeed.
Keynote speaker Rick Malir, founder of the Columbus restaurant chain City Barbeque says production agriculture faces some of the same issues his restaurants face. “The rules and regulations are getting crazy for you in production agriculture. The same is true for the restaurant business.”
A Definite Threat
The animal rights movement has shifted from decrying the use of animals in
medical research to an all-out war on animal agriculture, according to Kay Johnson, executive vice president for the Animal Agriculture Alliance, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
“People with an interest in the welfare of animals have to rethink how they do things,” she says. Even though the industry is not seeing an impact from the animal rights groups on a consumer level, there is definitely an impact from retailers “who are fearful that consumers will change their behaviors.”
Farmers need to be available to the public and must speak up about acceptable animal husbandry practices. “If you don’t tell your story, the other side will,” she says.
Farmers Unite
Farmers in South Dakota decided the best way to respond to attacks on their business was to band together. That’s when Ag United was formed in 2004.
Wayne Smith, a member of Ag United’s board of directors, introduced the group to members of the OLC, which includes the Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio Soybean Association. He said the group’s primary activities are to educate the public about the value of agricultural and livestock production in South Dakota; provide assistance to farm families going through South Dakota’s
livestock permitting process and respond to activities and attacks on production agriculture from anti-livestock groups.
A New Look at Trade
The greatest potential to increase the agricultural export market lies primarily with countries in Asia and Africa, according to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Megan Provost.
“As countries move into the middle class, (their citizens) increase the quality and quantity of their diet,” Provost says; this means they can afford to eat more red meat. And the potential for the U.S. livestock industry to take advantage of those markets is great. The potential for grain producers is just as great, she says.
Even though those countries will probably not buy as much U.S. grain, that grain can be fed to livestock, which the consumers in those growing countries will buy.
“By exporting red meat, grain producers get a better return on their dollar than just selling the grain,” Provost says. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, every pound of U.S. pork that is exported uses 1.5 pounds of U.S. soybeans, and a 1 percent increase in U.S. beef and pork exports sends more than 2 million bushels of corn and soybeans overseas.
But to take advantage of those increase market opportunities, world trade needs to be equalized. Talks with World Trade Organization countries and bilateral agreements are necessary. And the U.S. must continue to fight unfair sanitary and phytosanitary challenges to American agricultural products by other countries, Provost says.
Susie Taylor is a freelance writer for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
Soybean Rust Resources Available to Soybean Farmers
by Candace Pollock
Aplethora of soybean rust resources are available to Ohio soybean farmers in the event that soybean rust were to make an appearance in the state this season.
Nationally, the Soybean Rust Information Web site (http://www.sbrusa. net) is a useful resource tool. Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the site monitors the occurrence and movement of soybean rust throughout the country. The real-time data is based on nationwide sentinel plots, set up to be the first line of defense in identifying the disease and alerting farmers of its presence.
“This Web site is very good for us because we can monitor the movement of soybean rust as it’s found based on the data coming from the sentinel plots around the United States,” says Anne Dorrance, an Ohio State University Extension plant pathologist with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and the state’s leading researcher on soybean rust. “If we can find the first infections, based on these plots, this will give us plenty of lead time to get on our fungicide applications if they are needed. And timing right now is the most important key to their efficacy and the best use of a grower’s money.”
The Web site, which is updated from weekly evaluations of the sentinel plots, consists mainly of a U.S. map. Areas that are scouted, but where no rust is found, are marked in green. Scouted areas with confirmed soybean rust sightings are marked in red.
Ohio State University Extension Educators will be monitoring 45 soybean sentinel plots this year throughout the state for the presence of the disease. These plots were made available through funding from the Ohio Soybean Council and the soybean checkoff. Additionally, the sites will also be used to scout for
soybean aphids. “Just like for soybean rust, the identification of soybean aphids in the sentinel plots is designed to help growers plan their insecticide treatments,” says Dorrance.
Effectively controlling soybean rust hinges on proper, timely fungicide applications. The fungicide manual, “Using Foliar Fungicides to Manage Soybean Rust,” is being updated this year to help growers plan their application strategy.
The 60-page booklet is a multi-state, multi-organizational effort that covers such topics as a soybean rust overview, making fungicide decisions, fungicide basics,
application basics, aerial application tips, bee toxicity and an overview of similar diseases. These booklets are available in most county extension offices throughout the Midwest. They can also be obtained by e-mailing pubs@ag.osu.edu.
Free soybean rust ID cards, both in English and Spanish, are available for growers. “Identifying Soybean Rust,” funded through United Soybean Board checkoff dollars and federal grants, outlines soybean rust symptoms and differences to similar-looking foliar diseases, such as bacterial blight, bacterial pustule, downy mildew, Frogeye leaf spot and brown spot.
Identifying Soybean Rust is a pocket guide for soybean farmers that outlines soybean rust symptoms and differences to similar-looking foliar diseases.
Candace Pollock is the associate editor for The Ohio State University’s Department of Communication and Technology within the College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
Meet the Team OSU Researchers Put Checkoff Dollars to Good Use
by Candace Pollock
Soybeans are big business in Ohio. Growers generate over $1 billion a year, and production ranks 6th in the nation. With so much at stake, the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and Ohio State University’s (OSU) soybean research team actively work together to keep the industry viable.
From Extension efforts to effectively manage soybean rust, to the development of disease resistance and to the release of new varieties, OSU’s soybean research team plays a key role in being on the
cutting edge of soybean research, thanks to funding from OSC and the soybean checkoff.
Meet the team and their contributions to one of Ohio’s top-ranked field crops.
Pierce Paul
Pierce Paul is the newest member of the soybean research team. Located at OSU’s Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster, Ohio, Paul picked up where plant pathologist Pat Lipps left off after he retired.
Pierce Paul is the newest member of the OSU soybean research team and is shown talking to a group of agronomists. He assists fellow plant pathologists in soybean management and production outreach efforts.
Paul’s general research interest is epidemiology and integrated management of plant diseases, with an emphasis on understanding the basic biology and ecology of plant pathogens and the use of this information to develop disease management tools for practical application.
“Basic research has to be an ongoing process if we are to understand the effects of changing weather patterns, shifts in pathogen populations, genetic manipulation of crops, and changes in cropping practices on the appearance of new and resurging existing plant disease,” says Paul.
Paul holds an OARDC research appointment in wheat and corn diseases, but also makes use of his partial Ohio State University Extension appointment to assist fellow plant pathologists in soybean management and production outreach efforts.
Anne Dorrance
Anne Dorrance, an OARDC plant pathologist, is the state’s leading soybean rust expert.
Her research interests include the study of soybean root and stem fungal pathogens, with special emphasis on Phytophthora sojae – a disease that costs Ohio more than $120 million a year – and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Dorrance
BACKGROUND PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD/SOYBEAN CHECKOFF
Anne Dorrance, an OARDC plant pathologist and the state’s leading soybean rust expert, is shown examining a soybean leaf for soybean rust while scouting a field.
has been instrumental in identifying full resistance and partial resistance genes to Phytophthora.
In addition, Dorrance is part of a team that is exploring variety resistance to insect feeding as a means of managing bean pod mottle virus. As part of her OSU Extension appointment, Dorrance strives to identify the best integrated health management practices for soybeans, specifically integrating those systems into no-till and reduced-tillage fields.
Jim Beuerlein
Jim Beuerlein is an OSU Extension agronomist, located in Columbus, Ohio. His main research emphasis is reducing soybean production costs and increasing yields through the use of balanced management systems. Beuerlein also supervises the Ohio Soybean Performance Trials – tests conducted
Jim Beuerlein is an OSU Extension agronomist. His research focuses on reducing soybean production costs and increasing yields through the use of balanced management systems.
on soybean varieties each year to assist growers in selecting the best varieties for their production systems that offer the most resistance to insects and diseases and produce the highest yields.
Beuerlein also helps conduct soybean inoculation trials and leads research in small grain production systems.
Beuerlein, who has worked at Ohio State since 1981, also holds a partial OARDC research appointment.
Dennis Mills
Dennis Mills is based at OARDC. With both an OSU Extension and OARDC research appointment, Mills assists the soybean research team with Extension Educator training and teaching modules and tools, as well as consults with growers and agribusinesses on soybean production management.
Mills led the way last year in the establishment and management of Ohio’s 45 sentinel plots, part of a national effort as the first line of defense in the identification of soybean rust.
In addition to research plot management and evaluation and coordinating on-farm studies, Mills helps manage the Ohio Field Crop Disease Web site from a health management standpoint. “To expand communication of crop health and crop management to the grower level is of high importance,” says Mills.
Based at OARDC, Dennis Mills is shown inspecting a soybean sentinel plot. Last year he led the way in the establishment and management of Ohio’s 45 sentinel plots.
Rouf Mian
Rouf Mian joined OARDC in 2004 as a U.S. Department of AgricultureARS research molecular geneticist and an adjunct faculty member of Ohio State’s Department of Horticulture and Crop Science.
Mian leads the Soybean Breeding and Molecular Genetics Program of USDAARS at OARDC in Wooster. His research focus is solely on the improvement of the soybean crop. Major research projects include: identification and development of aphid resistant soybean germplasm and cultivars, development of highyielding cultivars resistant to soybean cyst nematode and Phytophthora root and stem rot and development of highprotein, high-oil, and high-yield cultivars for industrial and food uses.
Mian has released two germplasms with race-specific resistance to Phytophthora sojae, developed a highyielding cultivar with soybean cyst nematode resistance, and developed a high-protein, high-yield cultivar in southern Ohio. Recently, he has identified two soybean plant introductions with resistance to soybean aphid.
Avian Influenza Preparedness Ensures
Continuity of Poultry and Soy Industries
Ohio Department of Agriculture microbiologist Kristi Ott extracts RNA from a sample to test for highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds.
(Photo courtesy of Ohio Department of Agriculture, S. Showalter)
by Jim Chakeres
Ohio’s poultry industry is an important part of the state’s economy, with a production value of more than $510 million. The success of the state’s poultry industry also directly affects other facets of Ohio’s agriculture industry, including soybean producers.
Poultry producers use approximately 90.7 million bushels of soybeans as soybean-meal each year. That equates to 55 percent of the state’s soybean crop. Both industries are dependent upon the other, which is why the current concern about the potential of an avian influenza (avian flu) outbreak is so relevant to Ohio’s soybean producers.
Clearly if the disease was to come to Ohio, numerous industries would be affected, not only those directly impacted, like the poultry industry, but also allied groups like grocers, restaurants and grain farmers.
Is avian flu a threat to Ohio? Could it be in the future? Ohio’s poultry producers are well prepared both in prevention and emergency planning. Egg, chicken and turkey producers will utilize biosecurity measures already in place and will follow a comprehensive emergency containment plan, should any kind of disease outbreak occur.
To date, Ohio has had no reports of the strains of avian flu that are more harmful to humans, and the U.S. has had no incidences of transmission of avian flu to humans. To continue protection against a possible outbreak, Ohio poultry producers have significant preventative measures in place, including biosecurity and disease prevention, surveillance programs and containment procedures. The industry also is working to educate Ohioans about food safety.
Biosecurity and Disease Prevention
A key aspect to preventing avian flu in Ohio is to keep the disease from entering the state altogether. Ohio does not import chickens from Asian countries
and any incoming poultry is strictly regulated, allowing for the refusal of poultry imports from quarantined farms. The state also requires all imported poultry to have a certificate of veterinary inspection to make sure they are disease free.
Within the state, most of Ohio’s egg producers use conventional cage systems to prevent domestic poultry from having direct contact with free-flying birds. Most meat chickens and turkeys are raised inside buildings preventing contact with outside birds. Other biosecurity guidelines employed include restricting access to poultry facilities to essential personnel only; prohibiting employees from keeping or handling wild birds;
“Ohio has a long history of planning and preventing avian disease...”
prohibiting employees from visiting more than one poultry barn in a multihouse complex on a given day; and using protective gear, such as biosecurity suits and shoe covers at all times.
Surveillance Programs
Ohio poultry producers recently expanded the surveillance system that tests poultry flocks for avian flu. The testing, which is an enhanced version of what has already been conducted for nearly 20 years, mandates the reporting of all strains of avian flu. It also expands requirements for the diagnosis of unexplained avian disease. All commercial flocks of meat chicken and turkey are tested for the presence of avian flu and every flock of egg laying chickens is tested for the disease at least once each year.
Containment Procedures
Although Ohio’s poultry producers continue to pursue extensive biosecurity and surveillance programs to ensure avian flu does not enter the state, they have also
created emergency containment plans to quickly contain any possible disease contamination. Ohio has a long history of planning and preventing avian disease – the Ohio Emergency Poultry Disease Plan was adopted in 1999 to prevent, control and eradicate emergency poultry diseases, including avian flu.
Through biosecurity guidelines already in place, if an outbreak were to occur, many of Ohio’s flocks would already be protected from the disease. Direct contact with the waste of wild birds and waterfowl is cited as one of the major sources of avian flu; this contact is avoided by keeping Ohio’s flocks safely confined. If needed, Ohio is committed to manage a disease outbreak by following international guidelines for the destruction and disposal of infected birds.
Food Safety
Poultry producers have also responded to food safety concerns. U.S. eggs undergo a very stringent washing and sanitizing process prior to delivery. This process destroys any virus particles present on the shell surface. While there is no firm evidence that AI can be transmitted through food, food safety through proper handling and cooking is still a priority. All eggs and poultry products should be cooked thoroughly and at the recommended temperatures to reduce the risk of food-borne illness and destroy any virus particles.
It is important to the poultry and soy industries that consumers are armed with good, factual information about the disease. Resources are available for Ohioans to learn more about the poultry industry’s response to the AI threat. Several Web sites are available, including www.ohiopoultry.org and www.avianinfluenzainfo.com
Ohio’s poultry producers stand firm in their commitment to delivering the safest food for consumers, ensuring the safety of the state’s poultry flocks and protecting the livelihoods of poultry producers and our allies in the soybean industry. For more information, contact the Ohio Poultry Association at (614) 882-6111.
Jim Chakeres is the Executive Vice President of the Ohio Poultry Association.
OHIO Transit Fleets
Lead the Way with Soy Biodiesel
by Jamie Mossbarger
Commuters all across Ohio are enjoying breaths of clean air thanks to Ohio soybeans and the soybean checkoff. Three of the state’s major transit bus systems are using soy biodiesel, and in doing so, are helping to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil.
For more than a decade, the soybean checkoff has supported research and promotion of soy biodiesel, and now more than ever, the renewable fuel is available to consumers statewide. The
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), Cincinnati METRO and the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) have taken the lead and are supporting Ohio soybean farmers by using soy biodiesel in their buses.
Since December of 2005, COTA has used soy biodiesel, but due to testing procedures, it wasn’t until May that the public and even COTA’s drivers knew they were using the renewable fuel. According to Don Makarius, director of vehicle maintenance and engineering for COTA, he took a hard look at adding soy biodiesel to COTA’s fuel system after Hurricane Katrina elevated fuel costs last
During the summer months, COTA buses run on a B90 blend – the highest blend ever used by transit fleet.
year, leading him to soy biodiesel. Since then, he has never looked back.
In May, COTA’s buses ran on a B50 (50 percent soy biodiesel and 50 percent No. 2 diesel) blend of soy biodiesel and during the summer months, has increased to a B90 blend – the highest blend ever used by a transit fleet.
Using soy biodiesel is “really a unique thing,” says Makarius. “We have become a leader in the field by choice and didn’t really realize it at the time.”
Each year COTA consumes approximately 2 million gallons of fuel, and now two-thirds of the fuel consumed will be soy biodiesel and the other one-
Cincinnati Metro is one of the largest users of soy biodiesel in the nation. This “bean” bus transports commuters everyday while carrying the “From the Farm to the Fuel Tank” message throughout the streets of Cincinnati.
third regular diesel. Currently, all 234 of COTA’s buses run on soy biodiesel and since making the switch, COTA is expected to save $400,000 a year in fuel costs. Part of the financial advantage comes from COTA having its certified blender’s license, which grants COTA the savings of one dollar per gallon from the federal tax credit made available at the blender level.
“This is a win-win situation for COTA, our transportation customers, tax payers and farmers,” says Bill Lhota, president and CEO of COTA.
About 100 miles south in Cincinnati, more than 22 million bus passengers have Cincinnati Metro to thank for helping clean up the air by using soy biodiesel. All 390 of Metro’s buses currently run on a B75 blend of soy biodiesel.
According to Sallie Hilvers, chief communications officer for Metro, “virgin soybean oil is wonderful,” she says. “Our maintenance department likes it because it keeps engines cleaner and helps efficiency of how engines perform. The public loves that we are using soy biodiesel and the fact that it is supporting our farmers.”
In 2005, METRO obtained its blender’s license, which put itself in readiness to make the switch when the time was right.
“We like to be innovative and soy biodiesel is a good choice,” says Hilvers.
Both COTA and METRO are supplied with soy biodiesel from Peter Cremer in Cincinnati, Ohio’s largest soy biodiesel production facility and the first company in the nation to become BQ9000 certified; a high level accreditation program for producing soy biodiesel that meets the highest specifications of quality.
Traveling north to Toledo, TARTA is on the cutting edge of becoming the next major transit bus fleet to use soy biodiesel. Working cooperatively with the University of Toledo, TARTA is currently in testing stages with soy biodiesel.
“This is the most significant thing TARTA has done since its founding in 1971,” says Stephen Atkinson, director of marketing for TARTA. “It truly benefits consumers and the farming community.”
Utilizing $1.5 million made possible through a federal grant, TARTA is taking part in a three year study investigating the impact of using soy biodiesel. The Intermodal Transportation Institute at the University of Toledo is conducting the study, which started in March and compares the use of soy biodiesel to regular diesel focusing on differences in
emissions, engine performance, engine wear and operating costs.
Forty-eight TARTA buses and a number of City of Toledo Division of Streets, Bridges & Harbor diesel powered vehicles are taking part in the study.
According to Mark Vonderembse, director of the University of Toledo’s Intermodel Transportation Institute, one goal of the study is to use it as a stepping stone and eventually reduce long term costs by using soy biodiesel.
“TARTA has clearly been the visionary and leader in making this happen,” says Vonderembse. “They are very forward thinking and have been great in working with us.”
Just as these transit fleets have recognized the benefits of using soy biodiesel, diesel users all across the state and nation have been in-tune to the advantages of using soy biodiesel. Today, it is the fastest growing alternative fuel in America, close to 600 major fleets use soy biodiesel nationwide. Soy biodiesel is a cleaner burning fuel that can be used in any diesel engine with no modifications. Ohio currently has over 150 soy biodiesel suppliers and over 40 retail locations. To find an Ohio distributor or retail location near you, visit www.soybiodiesel.org
The Toledo Area Transit Authority in cooperation with the University of Toledo’s Intermodal Transportation Institute is conducting a study using soy biodiesel that focuses on differences in emissions, engine performance, engine wear and operating costs.
Soybean Rewards Program
Identifies Growing Opportunities for Farmers
by Phillip Farmer
Maintaining competitiveness for Ohio soybean farmers is a goal of the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and the soybean checkoff, and now more than ever, soybean farmers must continue to stay informed and educated about the soybean varieties they plant in order to maximize yield and profit.
Many soybean farmers know that not all soybeans are the same. And today more and more special varieties are on the market, often tagged with a special premium if selected and grown by soybean farmers, which can make for a challenging task when selecting varieties to plant each year. To help identify what programs are available, OSC has developed a new rewards program for Ohio soybean farmers.
The Soybean Rewards Program (SRP) has been created to identify and build awareness of existing opportunities to grow, market and sell soybeans as well as make soybean farmers aware of premium opportunities for growing certain varieties if specific criteria are met. Ohio farmers face continuing competition with the high-protein soybeans grown in Brazil and other soybean producing countries. In addition, demand is rising for specialty soybeans to meet the needs of the various end-user markets.
Through a new Web site, www. soybeanrewards.org, OSC’s goal is to promote these opportunities across the state to farmers to build awareness of these specialty contracts. Current examples include soybean varieties that contain low linolenic acid, high protein content, high oil content or food gradespecific and non-GMO soybeans.
Visit www.soybeanrewards.org to learn more about the Soybean Rewards Program, coordinated by the Ohio Soybean Council and the soybean checkoff.
“Soybean farmers are encouraged to visit www.soybeanrewards.org to learn about opportunities offered through the Soybean Rewards Program,” says OSC Executive Director John Lumpe. “This site will serve as a central location to find all contract opportunities.”
To help increase the value of Ohio soybeans, the SRP program has been established to work with processors, seed dealers and farmer dealers to identify value added opportunities. The objective will be to identify four to five contract opportunities in 2006, and build the program to 15-20 programs by the close of 2007.
In addition, elevators and processors throughout the state are being assisted with a comprehensive marketing campaign that will run throughout the SRP program.
OSC and the soybean checkoff are working in partnership with Bunge located in Marion and Bellevue, and ADM located in Fostoria. Bunge, in conjunction with Pioneer HiBred International, Inc., is currently partnering on the low linolenic program. ADM has committed to testing every load that arrives at their facility. In 2005 83.4 percent of the soybeans tested at Bunge qualified for premiums.
“OSC wants to help facilitate local soybean producers with contract options that could help them compete in the global market,” says Lumpe. “This rewards program is designed to also help them identify other varieties of soybean products to produce in Ohio.”
Phillip Farmer is the program coordinator for the Ohio Soybean Rewards Program.
Soybeans Help Protect Asphalt
by Jamie Mossbarger
Soybeans are probably not the first thing someone thinks of when driving down an asphalt road. But thanks to soybeans and the soybean checkoff, it really could be the “miracle bean” protecting the roads of Ohio and elsewhere.
BioSpan Technologies, a St Louis based company, has developed RePlay, a specialty product made from soybean oil that is used to restore aging asphalt roads. Locally, Asphalt Systems of Ohio, located in Sidney, has been testing RePlay for several years and is impressed with its remarkable results.
“RePlay worked really well and we are able to seal a lot faster and before water is able to penetrate.”
Bill Knasel Franklin Township trustee.
RePlay is a clear product applied to asphalts as a preventative, extending the life of the road and ultimately reducing resurfacing costs.
“Historically, asphalt roads have had a tendency to start cracking and breaking down within months of being laid,” says Michael Freisthler, president of Asphalt Systems, Inc. “RePlay has proven to help asphalt resist this aging process as well as reverse the oxidation of older pavements. It should extend the life of roads 4-5 years and permeability testing on core samples of
The difference between untreated (left) and treated (right) roads clearly demonstrates the effect an application of RePlay, an agricultural oil road treatment, has on asphalt. The product is available through ASI, 2323 Campbell Road, Sidney, Ohio 45365. For more information on how this soybean derivative can help asphalt surfaces, call ASI at (800) 729-8094.
treated roads shows that RePlay reduces the water entering the pavement by 98 percent.”
Soybean oil makes up nearly 40 percent of RePlay and, in addition to extending the life of the road; it also helps seal small cracks in asphalt.
Freisthler said that using the soybean derivative “can save 25-30 percent in long term costs” for roads and he has “seen some cracks actually narrow where vehicle traffic goes over them” as a result of using RePlay.
Township trustees from Franklin Township in Shelby County have applied RePlay to several township roads and are pleased with the results.
“RePlay worked really well and we are able to seal a lot faster and before water is able to penetrate,” says Bill Knasel Franklin Township trustee.
“It also lasts longer and is clear so the roads are able to be lined before it is applied.”
Another advantage of RePlay is that once applied to the road, it cures within 30 minutes, reducing the time motorists would have to refrain from driving on the surface.
“By being a farming community, we are using something farmers produce, and in the long run, saving money,” says Knasel.
This is an Ohio
This is an Ohio pig. Every year he and others like him eat 7,952,400 bushels of Ohio soybeans. This generates $39.1 million of revenue for Ohio soybean farmers. Support your profits by supporting Ohio livestock and poultry producers.
This message brought to you by Ohio soybean farmers and their checkoff.
