THE FIELD

The Soy Checkoff Check-In

AgriTalk – August 1, 2024

In the latest Soy Checkoff Check-in, USB CEO Lucas Lentsch discusses the critical investments farmers have made in developing soy-based innovations. From turf to tires to sneakers to chainsaw lubricants, sustainable soy has already replaced petroleum in thousands of products, with more on the horizon.

Key Initiatives

INFRASTRUCTURE & CONNECTIVITY

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Checkoff Invests in Grays Harbor Expansion

This week, USB Farmer Leaders, alongside STC and several QSSBs, presented $1.3 million to the Port of Grays Harbor in support of its T4 expansion project. As the largest soymeal exporter on the West Coast, the port currently exports 3 million metric tons of soybeans annually. Once complete in 2026, it’s expected to double its capacity to 6 million metric tons, benefiting many farmers west of the Mississippi River.

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“ChartDemand

Growing Success With Soy-Based Lubricants

Soy-based bar and chain lubricant is making waves as a soybean checkoff success story, with strong sales at Home Depot and more! This biodegradable product, sold under DeWalt, Craftsman, and Black & Decker, emerged from a three-year collaboration among DGP, U.S. soybean farmers, and Airable Research Lab. See why everyone is excited about this sustainable option.

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INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

“Screenshot Supply

Farmers for Soil Health Holds Training, Launches Marketplace

It’s been a big month for Farmers for Soil Health. The marketplace officially launched on July 24, and the organization hosted 48 professionals from 12 states and Washington, D.C., at partner education meetings in Kentucky. The two-day session included program and cover crop overviews, hands-on learning activities, and a tutorial on how to facilitate a field day.

 

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Firefighters Can See SoyFoam in Action at Farm to Fire 2

The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, Cross Plains Solutions and USB have partnered to give firefighters across the country a chance to see SoyFoam™ TF 1122 in action. Farm to Fire 2 will be held Aug. 15-16 in
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with a mix of education, demonstrations and networking.

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HEALTH & NUTRITION

“Farmers Supply

Soybean Planting Playbook To Help Optimize Decisions

North Carolina State is developing a playbook to help farmers make planting decisions based on their unique circumstances. The tool combines five years of research with computer science and artificial intelligence to help farmers select the right maturities, seeding rates, and planting dates to optimize success in each field.

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EXPORTS

COMMUNICATION & EDUCATION

“USSEC

USSEC’s Learning Mission Demonstrates U.S. Soy Investments in Colombia

QSSB staff and leadership from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota recently traveled to Bogotá, engaging with the country’s third-largest feed mill team to hear about their use of the Sustainable U.S. Soy label and the value of U.S. Soy to their business. Participants also attended the Americas Cooperators Conference, a premier industry event for building relationships and developing business opportunities.

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“Groundbreaking

“Tofu Diaries” Campaign Connects With Consumer Audiences

U.S. Soy engaged six influencer partners to promote the ease, versatility, and nutritional goodness of cooking with tofu — in seasonal dishes and everyday meals, and to meet specific dietary preferences. The “Tofu Diaries” campaign features registered dietitians and food/lifestyle creators who will share three waves of content over the summer, targeting Savvy Substituters and broader consumer audiences.

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USB STAFF UPDATES

Here is a list of new hires in the month of July:

  • Amber James, Manager, HR
  • Andrew Wagner, Manager, IT
  • Kristen Heinz, Manager, Compliance
  • Molly Thomas, Assistant, Contract Compliance
  • Dilip Nakhasi, Program Manager, Food
  • Darren Moody, Director, Marketing, Food

No longer with USB in the month of July:

  • Kimberly Dunn, Project Coordinator
  • Nakia Wise, Staff Accountant

MEDIA COVERAGE

Featured Campaign: GroundBreaking Documentary
Total stories: 221
Media Impressions: 480,618+

  • Media Coverage
    • 14 original articles, generating nearly 500,000 impressions, including coverage in Brownfield, Farms.com, Morning Ag Clips, Detroit Business Journal and more.
    • Anticipated additional coverage from Forbes, Midwest Farm Report, Cromwell Ag Network and more.
  • Owned Social
    • 16 total posts pre- and post-premiere, with a total of 7,903 impressions, 453 engagements and an average 5.7% engagement rate.
  • QSSB Engagement
    • 24 total posts from QSSBs in Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
    • 165 total engagements across posts, which continue to roll in as promotion of the documentary continues.

Top Media Hits

  1. United Soybean Board is committed to innovation, Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network
  2. USB Recommends Four Methods To Celebrate National Soil Day, AgriMarketing
  3. United Soybean Board Announces Management Team, Farms.com
  4. Soy Innovation Challenge Winner Offers Most Sustainable Ingredient Allowing Cattle to Digest 30% More Soy Protein, Hoard’s Dairyman
  5. International soy markets: Seeing is believing, Farm Progress

Past Monthly Management Reports