January 24, 2012
Contact Brad Parker
parker@kansassoybeans.org
Kansas Soybean Commission Schedules Feb. 11 Meeting
The Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC) will conduct a regular meeting Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Overland Park. It will begin at 7 a.m.
The commissioners will discuss current and future research projects, market-development activities, educational programs, and administrative items. To suggest additional discussion topics or to obtain a complete agenda, the location of the meeting room or instructions for calling into the meeting, contact KSC Administrator Kenlon Johannes at johannes@kansassoybeans.org or 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923).
The Kansas Soybean Commission, headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean farmers.
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January 23, 2012
Contact Brad Parker
parker@kansassoybeans.org
Kansas Soybean Expo Explores ‘Growing Opportunities’
Soybean enthusiasts gathered Jan. 11 in Topeka for the Kansas Soybean Expo, themed “Kansas Soybeans: Growing Opportunities.” The Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC) and Kansas Soybean Association (KSA) co-sponsor the annual event, which they conduct in conjunction with the Topeka Farm Show at the Kansas Expocentre.
“We had a great turnout, and I’m really happy with how things went,” said KSA Second Vice President Raylen Phelon, Melvern, who chaired the Expo planning committee. “I think a little bit of approaching cold weather helped us because people were willing to spend some time inside to learn about their industry – as far as some things they could do differently and some things they’re doing right – and about policy.”
The opening session featured a “Soybean Update” moderated by Gary Kilgore, Chanute, a Kansas State University (K-State) emeritus professor of agronomy. The presenters were Dave Mengel, Ph.D., a K-State professor of soil fertility and nutrient management, from Manhattan; Bill Schapaugh, Ph.D., a K-State professor, soybean breeder and interim head of the agronomy department, also from Manhattan; and Phil Stahlman, Ph.D., a weed scientist at the K-State Agricultural Research Center in Hays. Mengel shared the latest information about phosphorus and potassium fertilization, Schapaugh explained the yield improvement in soybeans, and Stahlman discussed glyphosate resistance.
The audience also heard policy updates from Ray Gaesser, an American Soybean Association vice president from Corning, Iowa, and Tom Verry, director of outreach and development for the National Biodiesel Board in Jefferson City, Mo.
Loren Kruse, the editor-in-chief of Successful Farming magazine and Agriculture.com from Des Moines, Iowa, presented the keynote address, “12 Attributes I Admire Most in Successful Farmers.” He said successful farmers use decimal points; honestly know themselves; are open-minded and flexible; accept the reality that learning takes forever; take a long, tall view; and make successful mistakes. He continued that they deliberately seek and build friendships away from home; remember who threw them the ball; have fun; grow by storm; choose to be really good at what they do; and brand themselves with a good reputation.
Following his address, Kruse presented his speaking fee to the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Gordon Hibbard of Manhattan, the foundation’s president, was on hand to accept the donation.
The “Voice of the Wildcats,” Wyatt Thompson, director of sportscasting and public relations for K-State Athletics, Manhattan, was the master of ceremonies at the luncheon, where Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Dale Rodman, Topeka, offered a few comments.
The featured speaker during the luncheon was Rep. Tim Huelskamp, Fowler. He delineated some of the key issues that will be part of the upcoming farm-bill debate, including the need for a good crop-insurance program. He said he was glad a farm bill did not come from the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and he was looking forward to a normal debate that includes input from farmers and ranchers.
To kick off the awards and recognitions, KSA President Charles Atkinson, Great Bend, congratulated and thanked KSA District 6 Director Peggy Bellar, Howard, for being the association’s top recruiter. He then presented Stahlman (Manhattan) with the Kansas Soybean Meritorious Service Award.
Retiring KSA District 5 Director John Peterson, Haddam; retiring KSA Chairman Craig Gigstad, Valley Falls; and retiring United Soybean Board Director John Wray, Ottawa, received tokens of thanks for their service to the industry.
Next, KSA First Vice President Terry Reschke, Hiawatha, presented the Friend of Soy award to Kansas Soybean Administrative Assistant Mary Lou Dillman, Topeka. Her nearly 15-year tenure with the association and commission has included not only administrative duties but also youth-education presentations, primarily to third- and fourth-grade classes across the state, earning her the “Soybean Lady” moniker.
Kilgore then announced the district and overall winners in the Kansas Soybean Yield and Quality Contests. Michael Oltjen, Robinson, won the quality contest with a protein and oil value of $11.91 per bushel. Ron Ohlde, Palmer, was the yield contest’s overall dryland winner with 86.1 bushels per acre. Richard Seck, Hutchinson, won the irrigated contest with 88.1 bushels per acre. Complete results and all of the award photos are available via the “Producer Information” tab of the KSC website (www.kansassoybeans.org).
Josh Falk, Robinson, who represented Kansas with his wife, Sarah, in the 2011 DuPont Young Leaders program, introduced Brice and Allison Bunck, Everest, as the 2012 young leaders.
Atkinson (Great Bend) then presided over the KSA Annual Meeting, which included the approval of policy resolutions and the Board of Directors elections. The voting members present re-elected Roger Draeger, Galena, as the District 4 director, and they elected Gary Robbins, Emmett, as the District 5 director. Teresa Brandenburg, Alton, won the contest for an at-large position.
The afternoon session focused on planning for the future as Darrell Holaday, Frankfort, a grain broker with Advanced Market Concepts and Country Futures, presented “Bubble or Boom!!” He said the current challenges were price, slow exports, rationing in the poultry industry, strong domestic demand for corn and the effects of ethanol. He noted overall long-term growth in soybean demand remains strong, yield capability is beginning to grow, South American production still is growing (via increasing yields rather than acreage), and China is the dominant player in the market.
Following a reception for Expo attendees, the KSA Board met to elect officers for 2012, and it re-elected last year’s team: Atkinson (Great Bend), president; Reschke (Hiawatha), first vice president; Phelon (Melvern), second vice president; Dave Slead, Lebo, secretary; and Robbins (Emmett), treasurer.
The Kansas Soybean Commission, headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean farmers.
The Kansas Soybean Association, also headquartered in Topeka, is the voice and advocate for soybean farmers on local, state, national and international issues of importance. Founded in 1973, its advocacy efforts are made possible through the voluntary memberships of more than 400 farmers. It also is the primary contractor to the Kansas Soybean Commission.
Expo photos are available at http://bit.ly/kssoyexpo12 and http://bit.ly/11kssoycontests.
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November 28, 2011
Contact Brad Parker
parker@kansassoybeans.org
Kansas Soybean Hires New Operations Director
The Kansas Soybean staff now includes a director of operations. In the new position, Adam O’Trimble is responsible for the fiscal, contractual, financial and administrative programs of the Kansas Soybean Association and Kansas Soybean Commission.
“We are delighted to welcome Adam to our staff,” said Kenlon Johannes, the association’s CEO and the commission’s administrator. “He will be a tremendous help in taking our programs to the next level in terms of efficiency and accountability.”
O’Trimble grew up near Perry, Kan., northeast of Topeka. He received his bachelor’s degree from Baker University, Baldwin City, Kan., where he studied accounting.
Before joining Kansas Soybean, O’Trimble was a customer service representative in policy accounting for Aviva Life and Annuity Co. in Topeka. As an undergraduate, he interned for Rep. Lynn Jenkins in Washington, D.C., and was a student assistant in the university president’s office.
“I’m very happy to have this opportunity. I think my new position as director of operations is a very good fit for me,” O’Trimble said. “It’s close to home and my family, and it’s very much in line with my interests. It combines accounting, business, agriculture, politics and more, and I’m anxious to see how my knowledge and skills might serve Kansas soybean farmers.”
The Kansas Soybean Commission, headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean farmers.
The Kansas Soybean Association, also headquartered in Topeka, is the voice and advocate for soybean farmers on local, state, national and international issues of importance. Founded in 1973, its advocacy efforts are made possible through the voluntary memberships of more than 400 farmers. It also is the primary contractor to the Kansas Soybean Commission.
Graphic: O’Trimble Photo
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November 23, 2011
Contact Brad Parker
parker@kansassoybeans.org
Farmers to Gather in Topeka for Kansas Soybean Expo
Soybean farmers will gather Jan. 11, 2012, in Topeka for the Kansas Soybean Expo, themed “Kansas Soybeans: Growing Opportunities.” The Kansas Soybean Commission and Kansas Soybean Association (KSA) co-sponsor the annual event, which they conduct in conjunction with the Topeka Farm Show. It is at the Capital Plaza Hotel’s Maner Conference Center at the Kansas Expocentre. Registration and exhibits open at 8:30 a.m., with the program scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
The opening session will feature a “Soybean Update” moderated by Gary Kilgore, a Kansas State University (K-State) emeritus professor of agronomy. The panelists will be Dave Mengel, Ph.D., a K-State professor of soil fertility and nutrient management; Bill Schapaugh, Ph.D., a K-State professor, soybean breeder and interim head of the agronomy department; and Phil Stahlman, Ph.D., a weed scientist at the K-State Agricultural Research Center in Hays. Mengel will share the latest information about phosphorus and potassium fertilization, Schapaugh will address what is behind the yield improvement in soybeans, and Stahlman will discuss glyphosate resistance.
Next, representatives from the American Soybean Association, National Oilseed Processors Association and National Biodiesel Board will provide policy updates.
Following the morning break, Loren Kruse, editor-in-chief of Successful Farming magazine and Agriculture.com, will present the keynote address, “12 Attributes I Admire Most in Successful Farmers.”
Kruse joined Successful Farming in 1976 as senior farm management editor, was promoted to managing editor in 1982 and to his present position in 1988. He previously was Extension 4-H editor then agricultural science editor at Oklahoma State University (OSU). He holds a master’s degree in rural adult education from OSU and two bachelor’s degrees (technical journalism and agricultural economics) from K-State, which honored him as the 2007 College of Agriculture distinguished alumnus and a 1993 Alumni Fellow. He serves on advisory councils for the College of Agriculture and the School of Journalism at K-State. He has co-authored two Successful Farming books, Charting for Profit and Hedging for Profit.
Wyatt Thompson, director of sportscasting and public relations for K-State Athletics and the “Voice of the Wildcats,” will be the master of ceremonies at the luncheon, where Rep. Tim Huelskamp is the invited speaker. During the luncheon, KSA will present awards and recognitions, including its DuPont Young Leader and the winners in the Kansas Soybean Yield and Quality Contests.
KSA President Charles Atkinson, Great Bend, then will preside over the organization’s annual meeting, which will include the approval of policy resolutions and the board of directors elections.
The afternoon session will focus on planning for the future when Darrell Holaday, a grain broker with Advanced Market Concepts and Country Futures, presents “Bubble or Boom!!”
For a complete program and the registration form or to request more information, visit www.kansassoybeans.org on the Web or call 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923). The registration fees are $15 for KSA members ($20 with a spouse) and $20 for other guests, with a $5 discount for anyone who registers by Dec. 31.
The Kansas Soybean Commission, headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean farmers.
The Kansas Soybean Association, also headquartered in Topeka, is the voice and advocate for soybean farmers on local, state, national and international issues of importance. Founded in 1973, its advocacy efforts are made possible through the voluntary memberships of more than 400 farmers. It also is the primary contractor to the Kansas Soybean Commission.
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September 28, 2011
Contact Brad Parker
parker@kansassoybeans.org
Kansas Soybean Yield, Quality Contests Offer Expanded Opportunities
Bragging rights are not the only thing on the line in the annual Kansas Soybean Yield and Quality Contests this fall. Thanks to the Kansas Soybean Commission, the highest dryland and irrigated yields in the state each will receive a $1,000 award; and in each district, first place will win $300, second will earn $200, and third will receive $100. No-Till on the Plains will supply additional awards for the no-till districts.
Managed by the Kansas Soybean Association (KSA), the contests are open to anyone involved in farming, but there is a limit of only one entry per field. Farmers may enter multiple categories – conventional or no-till, dryland or irrigated. All entries must be entered in the same district, however.
New this year, KSA has created a south-central contest district and divided the former “big west” into southwest and northwest districts. Additionally, farmers now may enter the quality contest without entering the yield contest.
A complete set of rules is available on the Kansas Soybean website (www.kansassoybeans.org), from the Kansas Soybean office (877-KS-SOYBEAN) and in county Extension offices statewide.
K-State Research and Extension also is a contest sponsor. Gary Kilgore, an emeritus professor of agronomy, coordinates the project.
The Kansas Soybean Commission (www.kansassoybeans.org), headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean farmers.
Graphic: Contest-Districts Map
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August 11, 2011
Contact Brad Parker
parker@kansassoybeans.org
Soybean Farmers, K-State Equally Proud of New AstroTurf Surface
Most people would not consider playing football on a soybean field. The Kansas State Wildcats will be doing just that, in a manner of speaking, when they take to Wagner Field in Bill Snyder Family Stadium this fall.
K-State recently installed AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H in its football stadium. The new synthetic surface includes a soy-based backing that was developed with funding from the national soybean checkoff. K-State is the first Football Bowl Subdivision school to use the new backing, which replaces traditional petroleum-based polymers with bio-based ones derived from soybean oil.
“Soybean farmers are proud of K-State’s new surface with the soy-based backing,” said Bob Haselwood, a soybean farmer from Berryton who chairs both the Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC) and the new-uses program for the United Soybean Board (USB). “It is a high-profile illustration of our commitment to help develop new uses and new demand for U.S. soy through the checkoff we pay each time we sell beans.”
To celebrate the partnership among K-State, AstroTurf and the soybean checkoff, KSC and USB are co-sponsoring the Wildcats’ second home game of the season, when they will line up against Kent State. The Sept. 17 event will include a tailgate promotion and pregame ball presentation. The first 5,000 fans to visit the Kansas Soybean tent near the southwest corner of the stadium before, during or after the game can take home a sample of the innovative playing surface.
The new AstroTurf system provides several benefits for the Wildcat football program. Chief among them are player performance and safety. Durability is another important characteristic.
“We can’t wait for the team to get to play on this new AstroTurf surface,” said Bryan Peeples, president of AstroTurf. “This state-of-the-art field and the program at Kansas State are going to be a great combination.”
Through KSC and USB, the checkoff provides soybean farmers with an effective, efficient, self-directed program on both the state and national levels. First purchasers – typically grain elevators – assist KSC in collecting 0.5 percent of the net market value when farmers sell their soybeans. KSC sends half of its collections to USB for national and international projects and directs investments of the remaining checkoff funds at the state level.
The Kansas Soybean Commission (www.kansassoybeans.org), headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean farmers.
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July 21, 2011
Contact Brad Parker
parker@kansassoybeans.org
Kansas Soybean Commission to Meet, Elect Officers
The Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC) has scheduled a meeting for Aug. 31 at the Country Cabin Hunting Preserve near Hiawatha. It will begin at 8 a.m. The commissioners will conduct their annual officer elections and discuss current and future research, market development, education programs, and other items related to administering the state’s soybean checkoff. Interested parties can obtain a complete agenda, location of the meeting room and instructions for calling into the meeting by contacting KSC Administrator Kenlon Johannes at johannes@kansassoybeans.org or 877-KS-SOYBEAN (577-6923).
The Kansas Soybean Commission (www.kansassoybeans.org), headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean farmers.
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April 13, 2011
Contact Charlene Patton
info@kansassoybeans.org
Soy for Health
Heart health, breast cancer, prostate cancer, osteoporosis, menopause and allergies are just some of the reasons “why” to include soyfoods in a healthy diet. Nutrition researchers have recommended two to three servings of soyfoods each day.
Soyfoods provide protein, are rich in vitamins (such as folate and potassium) and are a good source of phytochemicals. Some soyfoods are also good sources of fiber.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a heart-health claim for soy protein based on its ability to lower cholesterol. Eleven other countries, including the United Kingdom, have approved similar claims. The American Heart Association has recognized soyfoods for their role in an overall heart-healthy diet, emphasizing their low saturated-fat content.
For more information about including soy in your diet and to receive a free copy of the 2011 Soyfoods Guide, contact the Kansas Soybean Commission, 1000 SW Red Oaks Place, Topeka, KS 66615-1241, or call 1-800-328-7390. Visit www.kanassoybeans.org on the Web for more recipes and information.
The Kansas Soybean Commission (www.kansassoybeans.org), headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean producers.
Recipe: Greek Salad With Tangy Lemon Dressing
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April 7, 2011
Contact Brad Parker parker@kansassoybeans.org
Kansas Soybean Farmers Encourage Everyone to Mark National Soyfoods Month
During April, National Soyfoods Month, Kansas soybean farmers encourage their neighbors to explore new ways to incorporate healthy soyfoods into their families’ balanced diets alongside soy-fed beef, pork, poultry and dairy products.
“Soyfoods are a convenient, nutritious choice,” said Charlene Patton, a Topeka-based home economist who serves as the consumer-media specialist for the Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC). “Soy is the only plant-based complete protein, and it is cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.”
Soyfoods are easy to prepare and simple to incorporate into your favorite dishes, making them a healthy selection for busy families year-round, Patton added. She has posted about 250 soyfoods recipes at www.kansassoybeans.org on the Web. They include appetizers, snack foods, beverages, breads, children’s recipes, desserts, holiday recipes, entrees, salads and more.
Other recipes, lunchbox ideas and help finding soyfoods in your local grocery store are available at www.soyfoodsmonth.org on the Web.
“While National Soyfoods Month primarily is about consuming soy oil and protein in whole soybeans or soy-based foods, it also is a great opportunity to tell people that animal agriculture is the largest ‘processor’ of soybeans. In fact, poultry and livestock consume 98 percent of the soybean meal in this country,” Patton said. “That is why the soybean checkoff encourages consumer choices toward a balanced diet, funds research to improve both soyfoods and soybean meal, and supports programs in animal agriculture.”
The Kansas Soybean Commission (www.kansassoybeans.org), headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean producers.
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April 5, 2011
Contact Brad Parker
parker@kansassoybeans.org
Kansas Soybean Adds Communications Director
The Kansas Soybean Association staff now includes a director of communications. In the newly created position, Brad Parker will produce, manage and implement all of the organization’s communications and outreach programs.
Often through checkoff-funded contracts with the Kansas Soybean Commission, those activities include producer communications, media and industry relations, and industrial products advertising. Other association projects – such as member, corporate and government relations – are entirely funded with membership dues and sponsorship dollars.
“We are happy to welcome Brad to our team,” said Kenlon Johannes, the association’s CEO. “His background and experience will be excellent additions to Kansas Soybean.”
A past state officer of the Kansas FFA Association and an American FFA Degree recipient, Parker grew up on a dairy, beef and diversified-crop farm near Plainville. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, where he studied agricultural journalism and agribusiness.
Before joining KSA, Parker served as the director of communications for the North American Limousin Foundation in Centennial, Colo. His other professional experiences are with the Nebraska Cattlemen, Lincoln, Neb., and Angus Productions, Saint Joseph, Mo.
“I am excited to be part of Kansas agriculture again,” Parker said. “There are a lot of great things happening in the soybean industry, and I look forward to working with our staff, producers and other partners to share that information.”
The Kansas Soybean Association (www.kansassoybeans.org), headquartered in Topeka, is the voice and advocate for soybean farmers on local, state, national and international issues of importance. Founded in 1973, its advocacy efforts are made possible through the voluntary memberships of more than 500 farmers. It also is the primary contractor to the Kansas Soybean Commission, the soybean checkoff, whose mission is improving the profitability of Kansas’s soybean producers.
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March 11, 2011
Contact Brad Parker
parker@kansassoybeans.org
Commission Seeks Candidates to Represent Kansas on United Soybean Board
The Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC) is seeking qualified candidates to serve as one of its representatives to the United Soybean Board (USB). Any Kansas-resident soybean farmer is eligible. KSC will nominate at least two individuals for the available position, and the U.S. secretary of agriculture will appoint one of the candidates to USB. KSC intends to select its nominees in April.
The individual appointed to USB will serve a three-year term beginning in December. That person will be eligible to serve up to two additional USB terms.
“Serving on the United Soybean Board is a worthwhile endeavor,” said Bob Haselwood, a soybean farmer from Berryton who is chairman of KSC and a USB director. “The national soybean checkoff is such an effective, efficient force in promotion, research and consumer information because it is farmer-driven. We encourage any soybean farmer interested in the success of the U.S. soybean industry to apply.”
Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and be able to devote the time to attend six to 10 USB meetings and other events each year. USB directors are volunteers and are reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses. They do not receive a per diem or salary.
Legislation creating the national soybean checkoff and authorizing USB was part of the 1990 farm bill. Since Sept. 1, 1991, farmers nationwide have contributed 0.5 percent of the price per bushel of soybeans to fund state and national promotion and research activities. USB administers half of the collected checkoff funds, and KSC retains the other half and allocates those funds for research, market-development and educational projects to benefit Kansas soybean farmers.
For more information about USB, visit www.unitedsoybean.org on the Web.
Interested applicants must complete and return a confidential application form to the KSC office by April 8. To request the form, contact KSC at info@kansassoybeans.org or 1-800- 328-7390.
The position is open to all individuals without regard to their legally protected statuses. As the names of interested individuals are received, KSC does its best to ensure they reflect the diversity of those its programs serve. KSC also does its best to ensure that its nominees reflect diversity in scope of enterprise, experience, methods of production and distribution, marketing tactics, and other distinguishing factors.
The Kansas Soybean Commission (www.kansassoybeans.org), headquartered in Topeka, includes nine volunteer farmer-commissioners who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all Kansas soybean farmers. KSC invests checkoff funds in research, consumer information, market development, industry relations and producer communications to improve the profitability of Kansas soybean producers.
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