Soybean Farmers Tackle Spring Planting With Soy Checkoff Support, Navigating Market Shifts

ST. LOUIS (June 2, 2025)— As spring breathes new life into the fields, soybean farmers across the U.S. kick off another growing season. This crucial time lays the foundation for a successful crop, with many farmers carefully evaluating market conditions. According to the USDA’s Grains and Oilseeds Outlook, soybean acreage may be reduced due to lower prices tied to global supply. Still, spring planting remains a strategic process that requires informed decision-making, and the Soy Checkoff is helping farmers stay ahead with the tools and resources to thrive in this changing landscape.

“Spring planting is about more than putting seed in the ground,” said Robert Petter, Arkansas farmer and United Soybean Board Director who leads the Health & Nutrition Supply work group. “It’s about using tools like data and technology to make smart decisions that will impact yields, soil health and profitability for months to come.”

To support farmers, the checkoff invests in cutting-edge research, practical tools, and strategic partnerships that promote sustainable production, enhance input efficiency, and maximize profit potential. Experts anticipate that even with reduced soybean acreage, improved crop yields could produce similar overall soybean production levels. The May USDA WASDE report predicts U.S. Soy at 82.7 million harvested acres and average yields at  52.5 bushels per acre.

A key initiative funded by the Soy Checkoff, “Better Together,” amplifies these investments through effective cross-disciplinary outreach and collaboration. This initiative delivers unbiased, research-based information to enhance U.S. soybean production. Some of these resources for farmers include:

• Crop Protection Network: Delivers timely information to help farmers make informed decisions about soybeans and other crops, and provides important crop protection information across the ag sector.
• GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds) and Take Action: Provides strategies to manage herbicide resistance and encourages the adoption of management practices that help preserve current and future herbicide technologies.
• Science for Success: Amplifies access to timely, data-driven best management practices so farmers can better manage agronomic sustainability.
• Soybean Research and Information Network: Serves as a centralized hub for the latest on-farm production research findings to help farmers enhance the productivity and sustainability of soybean farming.

As planting progresses, weather conditions, soil temperatures and field readiness continue to shape decisions. The Soy Checkoff remains committed to making sure farmers have the tools, insights and resources they need to navigate spring’s uncertainties and unlock long-term value on every acre.

“Every seed planted is part of a bigger story, one that feeds the world, supports our economies and drives innovation in agriculture,” said Carla Schultz, Michigan farmer and Chair of the United Soybean Board’s Communication & Education Committee. “By sharing educational strategies and providing access to cutting-edge research, we empower farmers to achieve greater success and contribute to a more sustainable future, even during shifting market dynamics.”

For more information on Better Together and these resources to grow a more resilient soybean, visit unitedsoybean.org/better-together-overview.

About United Soybean Board: United Soybean Board’s 77 volunteer farmer-leaders work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their Soy Checkoff investments. These volunteers create value by investing in research, education and promotion with the vision to deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day across the three priority areas of Infrastructure & Connectivity, Health & Nutrition, and Innovation & Technology. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the Soy Checkoff.

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