Chairman, Illinois Soybean Association

Have you thrown out new year’s resolutions, or are you still at it?  I think we can all benefit from assessing where we are and where we should be. Sometimes, we just need to tweak our business.

The soybean business is no different.  This issue is full of stories about tinkering with what we have, and looking for ways to make what we have better.  For starters, registration is still underway for the 2010 Yield Challenge.  Many farmers are busy considering whether they will participate, and formulating strategies for how they will seek to increase their soybean yields.  You can read more about seed selection as a strategy as you consider your participation.

Illinois Extension soybean specialist, Vince Davis, advises not getting overly emotional about what you saw in 2008 or 2009.  He considers both years to be similar anomalies that created odd data sets.  Seed selection decisions should not be based solely on problems like white mold, aphids or sudden death syndrome (SDS).   Read more to find out what he does recommend.

Griggsville farmer, Phil Bradshaw, is tinkering with the soybean business this year as well.  Phil is a long-time soybean supporter who has served Illinois farmers on many levels.  As the new chairman of the United Soybean Board (USB), Phil plans to focus on technology and transportation, and make sure our children and grandchildren have a future in the industry.  As he puts it, “If U.S. soybean farmers are not profitable, we cannot be sustainable.”

The Soybean Transportation Coalition is likewise identifying ways to improve our soybean movement options.  As soybean demand grows, so will the need to make sure that Illinois soybeans are transported as efficiently and competitively as possible.  Demand for freight movement is expected to increase by 75 percent over the next 25 years.  You can learn more about STC’s activities and the pros and cons of our major freight modes in the pages ahead.

As we move toward spring and another growing season, I hope you will take time to take stock in tweaking your own operation and offer suggestions on how the Illinois Soybean Association can do the same.  Together, we can continue to fine-tune our organization and continue to enhance Illinois soybean production profitability.  Contact me anytime.

-Ron Moore