Maryland Soybean Board Invests in Production Research

The Maryland Soybean Board is pleased to announce that it has awarded 13 research project grants totaling an investment of $156,753 for 2021 production research. The farmer-led board selected projects that would provide growers with the most current information to protect their crops and the environment.

“Through the funding of these projects, we aim to fulfill our mission of increasing the profitability of Maryland soybean farmers,” said Maryland Soybean Board Research Chair Josh Appenzeller. “The projects selected for funding address local issues that will positively impact farmer’s operations.”

The Maryland Soybean Board will be hosting a research field day on August 11, 2021, at the Wye Research & Education Center in Queenstown, to provide farmers with an opportunity to see checkoff-funded research in action. More details on this event are forthcoming.

Soybean research projects receiving funding for 2021 are:

  • Field Evaluation of Resistance Sources for Management of Soybean Cyst Nematode, Alyssa Koehler, University of Delaware, $6,180
  • Efficacy of Herbicides, Timing, and Tank Mixes on Novel Herbicide Tolerant Traits in MD Soybean Systems, Benjamin Beale, University of Maryland Extension, $7,371
  • Fertilizing Cover Crops: Do You Have to Put Some In to Get More Out?, Ray Weil, University of Maryland, $21,344
  • Phosphorus Runoff from No-Till Soils – Do Cover Crops Make it Better or Worse?, Ray Weil, University of Maryland, $17,337
  • Planting Green – Extending the Growing Season to Get More Payback from Cover Crops, Ray Weil, University of Maryland, $21,130
  • Evaluating Drone for Cover Crop Seeding and Pesticide Applications, Andrew Kness, University of Maryland Extension, $3,474
  • Evaluation of Growth-Promoting Products for Soybean Production in Maryland, Andrew Kness, University of Maryland Extension, $4,795
  • Soybean Fungicide Efficacy, Profitability, and Pest Resistance Over Time, Andrew Kness, University of Maryland Extension, $13,098
  • Salt Tolerance in Soybean, Naveen Kumar Dixit, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, $19,363
  • Evaluating Earlier Planting Dates for Increased Soybean Yields, Nicole Fiorellino, University of Maryland Extension, $9,767
  • University of Maryland Soybean Variety Trials – Check Varieties, Nicole Fiorellino, University of Maryland Extension, $11,391
  • Evaluating Soybean Variety Performance and Response to Deer Grazing, Luke Macauley, University of Maryland Extension, $8,258
  • Strategies for Controlling Herbicide Resistant Common Ragweed in Maryland, Sarah Hirsh, University of Maryland Extension, $13,245

In Maryland, farmers grow about half a million acres of soybeans, producing more than 20 million bushels of beans each year. With a value of nearly $200 million to the state’s economy, soybeans are one of Maryland’s top crops.

About Maryland Soybean Board: The Maryland Soybean Board is funded by the national soybean checkoff program, which assesses one-half of one percent of the net market value of soybeans at the first point of sale. The board consists of ten volunteer farmer-directors and directs funds for research, marketing and education programs to benefit the Maryland soybean industry.

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For More Information:
Danielle Bauer Farace, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
443-812-4526 | danielle@mdsoy.com

Maryland Soybean Board Seeking Soybean Promotion Projects

The Maryland Soybean Board is now accepting applications for projects that promote soybeans or its many byproducts. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal by July 14.

Projects should be for their upcoming fiscal year, beginning October 1, 2021 and should focus on soybean use and promotion. Priority areas identified by the Maryland Soybean Board include animal agriculture, consumer education, emerging markets, and farmer engagement, however potential projects are not limited to these topics.

“There are constant innovations being made in the soybean industry,” states Evan Staley, chair of the board’s Promotion and Communications Committee. “We look forward to bringing new opportunities to Maryland soybean farmers and sharing the work of farmers within our communities.”

Applications will be reviewed by the farmer-led board and will be selected based on the greatest impact to soybean farming in Maryland. Applications can be found here (Word) (PDF).

About Maryland Soybean Board: The Maryland Soybean Board is funded by the national soybean checkoff program, which assesses one-half of one percent of the net market value of soybeans at the first point of sale. The board consists of ten volunteer farmer-directors and directs funds for research, marketing and education programs to benefit the Maryland soybean industry.

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For information, contact:

Danielle Bauer Farace
Maryland Soybean Board
Executive Director
443-812-4526

danielle@mdsoy.com

 

Earth Day Celebrations Continue Year-Round for Maryland Soybean Farmers

As many around the globe celebrated Earth Day on April 22nd, Maryland soybean farmers went on with business as usual. That is because for them, every day is Earth Day. Maryland farmers are leading the nation in implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to restore our earth. Emerging science has shown an achievable path for agriculture to become carbon negative. But to reach that achievement, collaboration, partnerships and investment are needed.

The Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) is pleased to be included in the over thirty companies, boards, and NGOs who have signed on to the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action (USFRA) Decade of Ag initiative, endorsing a shared vision for sustainable food systems. In the next decade, MSB pledges to continue working with USFRA and other organizations and leaders from across the food and agriculture value chain to accelerate bold actions, including:

  • Restoring our environment through agriculture that regenerates natural resources,
  • Revitalizing our collective appreciation for agriculture,
  • Investing in the next generation of agricultural systems, and
  • Strengthening the social and economic fabric of America through agriculture.

“We bring momentum to these outcomes from our investment of soybean checkoff dollars in research, market development, and education,” stated MSB Chair Belinda Burrier of Union Bridge. “We look forward to being part of this group of pioneers and encourage others to follow suit.”

In Maryland, farmers grow about a half a million acres of soybeans, producing more than 20 million bushels of beans each year. With a value of $173 million to the state’s economy, soybeans are one of Maryland’s top crops.

The checkoff program is funded by farmers through an assessment of one-half of one percent of the net market value of their soybeans at the first point of sale. One-half of the checkoff funds stay in Maryland for programs; the other half is sent to the United Soybean Board.

For more information on the Maryland Soybean Board, visit www.mdsoy.com.

# # #

Danielle Bauer Farace, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
Office: 443.812.4526
danielle@mdsoy.com

Five Tips for MidAtlantic Motorists to Stay Safe this Growing Season

The proactive safety campaign offers tips, advice and warnings that could save lives.

Each year, spring brings an increased number of tractors and other farm equipment to roadways across the state. It also brings a higher number of accidents that can often be preventable. The Maryland and Delaware Soybean Boards, with support from the United Soybean Board, continues to broaden and reinforce the importance of the “Find Me Driving” safety initiative for consumer motorists as farmers begin their planting season.

“The timing of the Find Me Driving safety campaign is perfect as we anticipate the celebration of National Ag Week, and National Ag Day on March 23, highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Food Brings Everyone to the Table,’” said Belinda Burrier, Maryland Soybean Board chair and USB executive committee member. “These two events remind consumers about the importance of what farmers do to feed the world, and the growing need to share the road with all farmers who are legally allowed to be there.”

The www.FindMeDriving.com website offers driving tips to help motorists be more aware and react appropriately when encountering SMVs — whether those vehicles are construction, service or farm related.

The Find Me Driving website offers a list of driving tips to help motorists be more aware and react appropriately when encountering SMVs — whether those vehicles are construction, service or farm related. Even the campaign’s mascot, SAM, patterned after the high-reflective triangular emblem mounted on slow-moving equipment, is an acronym for “Slow down, Assess your surroundings and Move with caution.”

Five tips to keep in mind when encountering a SMV include the following:

  1. Slow down when you see a SMV sign. This is a warning that the slow moving vehicle is traveling under 25 mph.
  2. Increase your following distance. If you are driving 55 mph and come upon a SMV that is moving 25 mph, it only takes 8 seconds to close a gap the length of a football field between you and the tractor.
  3. Watch for turn signals and/or decreasing speed indicating a turn. Large wide equipment, including tractors pulling planters, often move to the right just before making a left turn so do not assume it will turn right or is letting you pass.
  4. Don’t assume that the farmer can immediately move aside. Roadway shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, and this can cause equipment to tip.
  5. Pass with caution. Proceed only if you can clearly see ahead of you and the SMV, and that there are no double lines, intersections, curves or hills that block view of oncoming traffic.

“We also ask for drivers to be patient during this busy planting season,” said Cory Atkins, chair of the Delaware Soybean Board and USB director. “Even if you have to slow down to 20 mph and follow a tractor for two miles, it’s like waiting for two stoplights.”

Motorists are encouraged to use the online campaign resources that include flyers, posters, additional safety tips and these videos.

  • Farm Safety Video (Video)
  • Online Course – Chapter 7: Slow Moving Vehicles — (Video)
  • Slow Moving Vehicle Sign PSA — (Video)

“These helpful resources are available for everyone to learn what to look for on rural roads and how to safely navigate roads in our region,” concluded Burrier. “As farm planting season ramps up, drivers need to be reminded to increase awareness to help prevent accidents.”

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