Board of Directors Election
South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

Soybean farmers in District 4:
(Brookings, Deuel, Hamlin, Kingsbury & Miner counties)

Vote for your next representative on the South Dakota soybean checkoff board of directors. To vote, stop in at one of the FSA county offices listed below, or request a ballot by phone from one of the FSA offices.

Candidates for Election:

• Craig Converse, farmer from Brookings
• Ron Gorder, farmer from Estelline
• Todd Jongeling, farmer from Estelline

View the candidates’ complete biographies.

FSA offices are open for voting 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May 15 to June 14. Ballots must be postmarked by June 14, and returned to the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Only soybean farmers in the District 4 counties of Brookings, Deuel, Hamlin, Kingsbury and Miner can vote in the election. For more information, visit our Director Election webpage.

Brookings County FSA Office
205 6th St.
Brookings
605.692.8003

Deuel County FSA Office
222 4th Ave. S
Clear Lake
605.874.8225

Hamlin County FSA Office 
301 Marsh St.
Hayti
605.783.3642

Kingsbury County FSA Office
202 Joliet Ave. SE
De Smet
605.854.9123

Miner County FSA Office
601 W. Farmer Ave.
Howard
605.772.5642

The federal Renewable Fuel Standard will require the use of 1.28 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2013, 28 percent more than in 2012. This requirement bodes well for U.S. soybean farmers whose soy oil remains the primary feedstock for U.S. biodiesel manufacturing. But it’s also good news for U.S. poultry and livestock farmers, who will benefit from every gallon of biodiesel produced, according to the Economic Impacts of Biodiesel Production, a soy-checkoff-funded study. Here are two ways animal farmers gain from biodiesel production:

1. Lower relative meal prices
As more soy oil is processed for biodiesel production, more soy meal is available for livestock feed.

“Demand for biodiesel creates demand for soy oil, which, in turn, lowers the cost of soy meal and the price of rations for our poultry and livestock farmers,” says Lewis Bainbridge, USB secretary and a soybean farmer from Ethan, S.D.

The study found biodiesel’s demand for soy oil has lowered feed prices by as much as $48 per ton.

2. Increased animal carcass value

In 2011, biodiesel producers utilized 1.29 billion pounds of animal fats, which contributed to nearly 30 percent of the total production. Growth in biodiesel production has led to increased animal carcass value and higher value per head harvested for poultry and livestock farmers. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, increased demand for animal fats has generated an additional $16.79 on beef value per head.

“All soybean farmers should ask for and use biodiesel,” says Bainbridge. “It supports animal farmers, it decreases our dependence on foreign oil and it’s homegrown and renewable – we can make more with every new crop.

South Dakota soybean farmers are encouraged to apply for this year’s See For Yourself mission, June 24 to 27. The checkoff will cover all travel expenses. The See For Yourself trip will highlight the Port of Tacoma, Tacoma Export Marketing Company (TEMCO), Port of Grays Harbor (PGH), the AGP facility, Port of Longview and the Imperium Renewables biodiesel plant.

“The facilities the group will visit all play an essential role in the export process. The See For Yourself program is really an opportunity for farmers to witness what happens with their soybeans beyond the elevator,” said Sarah Even, SDSRPC communications director.

South Dakota farmers Mark Mueller, Phil Smit, Joel Foxley, Pat Scheier & Darin Rogness tour the Port of Tacoma in Washington. The famers participated in the 2012 International Marketing "See For Yourself" program.

Last spring, six South Dakota farmers traveled to Grays Harbor, Wash., to take part in the 2012 See For Yourself International Marketing mission sponsored by the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (SDSRPC). With more than 60 percent of South Dakota’s soybean crop exported overseas, it is key for farmers to understand the export process.

Joel Foxley, a soybean farmer from Platte, S.D., was one of the participants on the trip. “Exports are so important to our operation. Without exports we would not have the market we have. It is imperative for everyone to be aware of how much is moving across our country and into Asia. Until you see it firsthand, you have no idea.”

According to Foxley, participating in the program was an eye-opening experience, and he would definitely encourage his fellow farmers to apply this year. “The biggest thing I took out of the trip is finding out how complex the logistics are to move and time everything from trains to ships. It was such a huge eye-opener. The elevators always tell you they get penalized if things don’t go as planned, but it is such a huge impact. I would love to go again, and everyone should take the time to apply.”

If you are interested, please submit an online application by April 26.  If you would like additional information about the program, contact Sarah Even at seven@sdsoybean.org or 605.330.9942.

(L to R) David Iverson, Astoria farmer; Ricardo Pous, Interpreter; Andres Begnis, Argentina Guide; Stan Hanson, Garretson farmer; Monica McCranie, Claremont farmer; Bob Metz, West Browns Valley farmer; Jeremy Freking, SD Soybean Executive Director; Matt Bainbridge, Ethan farmer; Paul Casper, Lake Preston farmer

Argentina is the third largest producer of soybeans in the world, and is the leading exporter of soybean meal and soybean oil. What makes Argentina unique is that they export very few whole soybeans. They have built up their crushing facilities in their main soybean production area near Rosario. The South Dakota group was able to visit one crushing plant called T6 in the Rosario area. T6 is a joint venture between Bunge and AGD (a processing business). T6 is responsible for about 20% of the total soybean crushing capacity in the Rosario area, processing around 20,000 metric tons per day. The plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can process 1,800 trucks per day through their facilities. The EU is their primary market for soybean meal. In addition to the crushing facilities, T6 also operates a biodiesel plant. Europe was their primary market for biodiesel, but they have had issues importing biodiesel with the EU’s new Renewable Energy Directive (RED), much like the U.S. has experienced.

Biodiesel tank at the T6 facility near Rosario, Argentina.

While traveling across the Argentine countryside and visiting farms, you felt like you could have been driving across the midwest. Argentina boasts flat farm ground, rich soils and mild temperatures that make for ideal growing conditions. However, there were a couple noticeable differences. Because of their climate, the most productive farms are able to double crop. It was very strange for us to see soybeans ready for harvest, alongside green soybeans in the peak of their growing season!

Mike McCranie, farmer from Claremont, S.D., highlights the differences in soybeans between adjacent fields.

Also, unlike the U.S. where we have a variety of crops during the growing season (soybeans, corn, wheat, alfalfa, etc.), we saw field after field of soybeans in Argentina. Argentina has about 74 million acres of ag production, with soybeans accounting for 2/3 of that production. In our meeting with ACSOJA, the soybean association in Argentina, we learned why farmers are growing so many acres of soybeans. According to ACSOJA, soybeans are more profitable for farmers because the export market already exists, and soybean exports are not subject to government authorization like other crops, such as corn and wheat. Each year, the government will grant a limited number of export permits for corn and wheat. By doing this, supply in Argentina increases, and the price drops. Because of this uncertainty, farmers in Argentina do not know year-to-year whether they will have a market for their corn or wheat crops. As you can imagine, without regular crop rotations, soil health and quality may begin to suffer.

Argentina countryside

South Dakota soybean farmers met with the soybean association in Argentina, called ACSOJA. The group discussed issues impacting farmers in Argentina.

SDSRPC Chairman, David Iverson on the Bom Futuro Farm.

Here’s a run down of some interesting farm facts:

• The farm primarily plants soybeans as their first crop, with corn and cotton as their main second crops. In addition to the traditional crops, they also raise 50,000 head of cattle and a good amount of eucalyptus trees.
• The Bom Futuro farm owns about 50% of the land they farm, and leases the other 50%. At maximum capacity, they have facilities to store about 7 million bushels of grain.
• Soybean harvest for the first crop at Bom Futuro is currently about 80% complete. Harvest was already completed in the area we visited, so we were unable to see harvest on their farm. However, they said their soybean yield was averaging about 53 bushels per acre. They had been hoping for about 55-56 bushels per acre.
• While the warm, wet climate lends to excellent growing conditions, it’s also a haven for disease and insect pressures. In Brazil, the average farm will spray soybeans about 7 times per growing season! They apply roundup before planting, two herbicide applications, 3 insecticide & fungicide applications, as well as paraquat at the end of the growing season.
• The Bom Futuro farm operates with zero crop insurance. This is typical for most large farms in Brazil. The government does offer some small insurance programs, but the programs would apply to smaller farmers, and wouldn’t make sense for large farms. The Bom Futuro farm has very stable production, with many locations spread throughout Mato Grosso so this helps mitigate their risks.

• In Portugese, “Bom Futuro” means “good future,” and they are doing their best to ensure it. Sustainability was a focus we heard about on their farm. The farm has implemented no-till, and with two growing seasons there is never a field left unplanted. This is very important to reduce runoff and soil loss from their heavy rains. Their sustainability focus also includes maintaining almost 400,000 acres of woodland preserve. The farm is legally required to have about 35% of their land in preserve in the Mato Grosso region. However, if you were in the Amazon, this percentage would be much higher around 80%.

The size of the fields on Bom Futuro farm was staggering! You could look out and the fields would stretch on as far as the eye could see!

It's hard to believe it, but this shed housed at least 15 combines! This does not include the machinery that was in the fields or at other farm locations. Of course, our farmers had to lend their personal expertise to the Bom Futuro farmers on which color truly works the best.

We appreciate the hospitality of the Bom Futuro farm! They were very kind and generous, and helped make for an amazing learning experience.

Our adventure started off early this morning with a 4-hour bus ride to the Girassol do Prata Farm. The first portion of the bus ride was on the new Highway 163. The amount of traffic on this road was unbelievable! You have never seen so many grain trucks back-to-back on a two-lane highway before. The locals find it hard to estimate the time to travel even short distances on the highway because of the traffic. Other than the highway, we spent a majority of our time traveling on dirt roads. Most of the dirt roads have numerous potholes, ruts and it feels as if you were continually driving over a washboard. Heavy rains will  sometimes wash out sections of the road or make it very difficult to drive heavy equipment.

The roads often looked like this:

Dirt Road in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Once we arrived at the farm, we had the opportunity to witness soybean harvest. The Girassol do Prata Farm is a diversified farming operation with four separate farm locations throughout Brazil. The farm we visited is about 35,000 acres. Here are some key takeaways from the farm visit:

• The Brazilians are able to easily double-crop due to the warm, rainy climate. Here, their primary crop is soybeans. For their second crop they will often plant corn or cotton. On the Girassol do Prata Farm, they raise sorghum and eucalyptus trees in addition to soybeans, corn and cotton. This particular farm has also integrated a pasture rotation for their 5,000 head of cattle.
• The Girassol do Prata Farm primarily raises soybeans for their seed business. They plant Groups 7-9 in this area.
  

  In addition to raising cattle and crops, the farm also runs their own seed business.

• The Mato Grosso region has been blessed with an excellent crop this year. The soybean field we visited is yielding about 55-57 bushels per acre.

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  Soybean harvest on the Girassol do Prata Farm in Mato Grosso, Brazil.

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  Stan Hanson (Garretson) & Monica McCranie (Claremont) examine soybeans on our farm tour in Brazil. In general, their soybeans were smaller, and had only about 2 beans per pod.

Stan Hanson rides along on the combine for soybean harvest.

• Their average annual rainfall is around 65 inches! On Wednesday, the field we were in received about 1.5 inches of rain…. and they were still able to continue harvest today (Thursday.) They can do this because of the very hot weather and their soil type. They even received about another inch of rain while we were there.
  

  It's been awhile since we've seen rain...

... and the after affects of the rain.

• They experience a lot of the same issues we do. From fertilizer to insects, we were able to relate to many of their problems and share experiences.
  

  The South Dakota Soybean Group with managers from the Girassol do Prata Farm.

We are very thankful for the hospitality of our farm hosts, and for the wonderful learning opportunities we have had so far. We also have a lot to look forward to, as we are visiting the largest soybean farm in the world tomorrow. (155,000 acres of just soybeans!)

The group traveled to Southern Brazil on Monday. We have been headquartered in the city of Manaus for the past couple of days. Manaus is in the Brazilian State of Amazonas. It is very hot and humid here, and the city is surrounded by jungle.

Today, the group had the opportunity to travel across the Amazonas state to the Andre Maggi Group’s port facilities located on the Amazon River. The Maggi Group is a diversified business that has operations throughout Brazil, including farming, elevators, power generation and exports.

The port we visited has the capabilities to load Panamax ships that are destined for the Atlantic Ocean. With most of their customers in Europe, only about 1/3 of the Port’s business involves biotech soybeans.

The Maggi Group Port on the Amazon River. The Port exports soybeans through the Amazon to the Atlantic, mostly destined for Europe.

The road for a soybean shipped out of the Maggi Port begins in the Mato Grosso Region. (Our group will travel there in the next few days.) From harvest in the fields of Mato Grosso, the soybeans are trucked about 600 miles across country where they are loaded on barges. The barges travel another 700 miles by river to the Port. The Port will then offload the barges and store the soybeans until shipment.

On our visit, we also learned that sustainability is a focus for the  Maggi Group and their supply chain. Their organization was the first organization in Brazil to be certified in the ISO 14000 program. The ISO 14000 program provides tools for organizations looking to identify and control their environmental impact. The Maggi Group has also signed an agreement with the government stating they will not source any soybeans from the Amazonas State. Very few soybeans are currently grown there, and they do not wish to encourage development that could lead to deforestation.

SD farmer-leaders & port officials prepare to tour the Maggi Group Port.

A barge of soybeans from the Mato Grosso region in Brazil are offloaded at the Port. It will take about 1.5 hours to unload a full barge. With 73,000 bushels on one barge, this picture represents a little over $1 million USD worth of soybeans!

Of course we couldn't come to Brazil without sharing some love for our SDSU Jackrabbits. The port officials are very excited about their new South Dakota souvenirs!

Stay tuned to the Scoop on Soybean blog for updates from South America!

From soydiesel to American’s First Advanced Biofuel, Biodiesel has experienced a number of successes over the last 20 years. At the National Biodiesel Conference last week, we had the opportunity to look back and see just how far the industry has come. Thanks in a large part to investments from the soybean checkoff, the biodiesel industry has grown from a small, fledgling industry to an industry that is producing over 1 billion gallons of fuel per year.

The video below showcases some of the major highlights from the last 20 years, and will definitely leave you feeling excited about our growth:

While it’s important to reflect on our past, it’s also essential to maintain the momentum and focus on what’s to come. We are kicking off 2013 with a reinstatement of the biodiesel tax credit, as well as an increase in the Advanced Fuel* Requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Both of these accomplishments are significant wins for the industry, but biodiesel’s biggest ongoing challenges are the efforts of the petroleum industry to end the RFS. Members of the petroleum industry continue to fight the RFS, misrepresenting biodiesel and other renewable fuels along the way. As farmers and community leaders, it’s critical to remain engaged to support and strengthen, what science has proven, that biodiesel is the most sustainable fuel on the planet.

*Biodiesel is the first and only domestic fuel produced on a commercial scale nationwide to meet the EPA’s standards as an Advanced Biofuel – meaning it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent compared with petroleum diesel.  The industry has exceeded the RFS production requirements for two consecutive years, and in 2012 it produced nearly 1.1 billion gallons of fuel, with plants in nearly every state in the country supporting more than 64,000 jobs.

For more information, on biodiesel visit www.biodiesel.org.

Learn more about biodiesel in relation to soybean meal. 

Learn About Soybean Best Management Practices and Strategies for Increasing Yields

South Dakota Soybean invites farmers to attend one of the regional Soybean Success Seminars this month. These educational seminars will focus on management practices to help farmers increase soybean yields and quality. South Dakota Soybean has analyzed three years of Yield Contest data, and agronomists will present best management practices and trends at the seminars.

“I would like to encourage all soybean farmers to come out to one of our regional meetings. The Soybean Success Seminars are an excellent opportunity to learn what’s working for other farmers throughout the state, and how you can implement new practices in your own operation,” said Paul Casper, soybean farmer from Lake Preston and president of the South Dakota Soybean Association.

South Dakota Soybean will host seminars in the following locations:

Aberdeen
January 29
10 a.m. to Noon
Best Western Ramkota Hotel

Watertown
January 29
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Watertown Events Center

Mitchell
January 30
10 a.m. to Noon
Highland Conference Center

Sioux Falls
January 31
10 a.m. to Noon
Best Western Ramkota Hotel

Yankton
January 31
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Best Western Kelly Inn

Seminars are open to all soybean farmers, and are free to attend. Registration is not required. Each seminar will conclude with a free, hot meal for attendees.

Seminar Agenda:

Best Management Practices
South Dakota Soybean has compiled three years of agronomic data through the Soybean Yield & Quality Contest. Learn what South Dakota’s top soybean farmers are doing to increase yields.

Quality Focus
Growing better soybeans involves more than just increasing yields. Bean quality plays a key role when it comes to increasing the value of your soybean crop.

Soybean Industry Update
Get the latest on key industry highlights, including what’s happening with the soybean checkoff and the South Dakota Soybean Association.

Q&A Session
Agronomists, industry leaders and yield contest participants will be on hand to answer questions and discuss best practices.

For more information, visit www.sdsoybean.org or call the South Dakota Soybean Office at 605.330.9942.

The Soybean Success Seminars are managed by the South Dakota Soybean Association, and sponsored by the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.