55632 BTB49 Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY

THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR GROWTH

08 | Lessons 11 | A nalyzing consumers' 12 | Finding the right 18 | The challenges
learned from a perceptions of ag sustainable methods of weed control
sustainable farmer technology for your farm technology

SUSTAINABILITY 04
SETS US APART.
IMPROVEMENT AHEAD OF THE CURVE
KEEPS US AHEAD.
Commitment to sustainability increases
demand for U.S. soy and profitability for
U.S. soybean farmers.

BEYOND THE BEAN STAFF

11 | SMART Sustainability Publisher Neil Caskey
In consumers’ minds, sustainability and technology
go together. Editor Karen Pfautsch

12 | Different Cause. Same Effect. Editorial Director Nancy Hallahan
Though sustainability motives and techniques vary,
the results are the same.

14 | In Good Company Deb Dugan
Corporate sustainability reports guide producers Amy Erlandson
to sustainability goals. Nancy Hallahan
Robin Miller
16 | It Takes a Village Staff Writers Evan Powell
Looking beyond your farm gates for sustainable solutions. Kelsey Ruthman
Gracie Weinzierl
17 | Big Data Can Make a Big Difference Laura Wolf
How to turn farm data into more sustainable soybeans.

18 | Controlling Weeds With Care ICON LEGEND: Each story in Beyond the Bean is labeled
With Dicamba, managing weeds carefully has never
been more important. with the specific strategic goal(s) it supports to grow
the value of U.S. soy.

PLUS SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE VALUE MEAL
PRODUCTION
Farm Feature
8
Guest Column
9 OIL INDUSTRIAL SUSTAINABILITY FOOD EXPORTS
5 Questions USES

State & Main SEND YOUR COMMENTS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES TO:

10 [email protected]

or write to United Soybean Board

19 914 Spruce St.

St. Louis, MO, 63102

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EXTRA

FROM BUZZWORD FROM
TO BENEFIT THE
The language of CHAIR
business is full of do just that. As wonderful my dad instilled in me
clichés that should be as that is, the standards the importance of being sustainability is more
retired. But with this and preferences of our a steward of the land. than a buzzword. It’s
issue’s focus on customers are constantly “Leave this land better a customer expectation
sustainability, I’ll offer evolving. Because the than you found it,” he that we’re able to
two that will remain, dare customer is always right, would say. Our land is our deliver on better than
I say, sustainable. we must also strive legacy and, perhaps, our any of our competitors.
to evolve. Adopting greatest contribution to I hope you enjoy reading
The first enduring innovative digital farming the future. Taking care of more in this issue about
cliché in business is tools that enable on-farm it is good for business and what your checkoff is
“the customer is always sustainability is one way good for the generation doing to ensure that it
right.” In our world, to facilitate that. that follows us. As a remains that way.
customers are right to farm owner and a
expect that their food, “It’s a win-win” is the grandfather, that’s a Best wishes for a
feed, fiber and fuel be other business cliché that win-win in my book. prosperous 2017
sourced by sustainable never goes out of style. growing season.
suppliers. And with Sustainability is good At the end of the
demand for sustainably for business. That’s the day (sorry, I couldn’t help John Motter
sourced products growing first win for us. With the myself), it’s important USB Chair
exponentially around majority of U.S. soybeans to understand that Ohio soybean farmer
the globe, it’s our grown in a sustainable
responsibility to step manner, according to the FENCEPOST
forward and seize this U.S. Soybean Sustainability
opportunity. Assurance Protocol, we’re
perfectly positioned to
The good news is the capture more share of
sustainability of the U.S. this growing market.
soybean crop already
gives us a great advantage The land is the other
over the competition to part of the win-win
proposition. Growing up,

HOW ARE YOU PURSUING SUSTAINABILITY
ON YOUR FARM?

Keith Morton Rob Sharkey Mike Thede
Falkner, Mississippi Bradford, Illinois Palmer, Nebraska

For many years, we’ve That one’s easy This year, we planted cover
used methods that - I’m installing crops behind all of our
proved both profitable terraces on highly soybean fields, and we’re
and beneficial to the environment, like erodible ground. I’ve worked hard adding some higher efficiency nitrogen for
no-till, grid soil sampling, variable-rate to improve the soil on my farm, corn to prevent it from leaching into the en-
nutrient application, and scouting for and I don’t want it going anywhere. vironment. We’re also putting in buffer strips
pests and disease. I plan to add cover It’s good for my neighbors and for along some of the waterways on our farm to
crops to further reduce erosion, suppress my farm to keep soil and nutrients reduce runoff, and we’re looking at investing
weeds and build organic matter - all of where they can be used. in renewable energy by putting up a solar farm
which will hopefully increase yields. on one quarter-section of ground.

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SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY SUSTAINABILITY
PRODUCTION

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY INCREASES DEMAND FOR
U.S. SOY AND PROFITABILITY FOR U.S. SOYBEAN FARMERS. By Kelsey Ruthman

Sustainability may be a While it’s true that something that was never a
word you’re hearing there’s no “one-size- Halloween costume.
more and more these days, fits-all” version of
but that doesn’t mean it’s sustainability across This can be an
a new concept. Farmers operations and climates, overwhelming concept to
have been incorporating the other truths about think about, but it’s also
sustainable practices into sustainability are that it’s very exciting. Our world
their operations for years. achievable, worthwhile is evolving every day, and
How else would multi- and here to stay. every day, new opportunities
generational farms exist to improve our ways of living
and stay profitable today? The changing world present themselves to us.
of sustainability
“You could make an The majority of today’s Without advancements in
argument that any operation grade-school students will new technology, we wouldn’t
in existence for more than eventually work in jobs be able to produce nearly
a generation or two is that haven’t even been double the amount of crops
sustainable,” comments invented yet. per acre than was possible 40
Chad Lee, Ph.D., an years ago.
extension agronomist at That means for every
the University of Kentucky. little boy or girl who dreams But with new
of becoming a farmer, opportunities come new
“THESE FARMS MUST BE firefighter or football player, challenges. For instance,
DOING SOMETHING there are at least three more growing more soybeans
SUCCESSFULLY TO REMAIN kids who will grow up to be on less land presents new
PROFITABLE.” demands to remain efficient
and profitable.
Chad Lee, Ph.D., University of Kentucky

For U.S. soybean farmers, “These farms must be doing Chad Lee, an extension agronomist at the University of Kentucky,
staying ahead of the curve something successfully to believes sustainability is the key to keeping U.S. farms profitable
means staying ahead of remain profitable.” long term.
foreign competition.
Even so, the word
“sustainable,” and its
many variations, conjures up
different ideas and emotions
among farmers, and not
all of them are positive.
“Recently, the term
sustainability has made
many farmers nervous,”
says Lee.

Some believe sustainability
requires drastic change.
Some think it will take major
investments. And others see
sustainability as a fad that’s
here today but will be gone
tomorrow.

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An answer to help manage Launched two years As more companies demand green chemistry in their products, soy
these demands is one job ago with funding from the offers a green alternative to petroleum at a stable, competitive price.
that was not yet invented soy checkoff, this program
several years ago: a includes training modules, on sustainability.” is a testament to the future
sustainability-certified performance standards for Field to Market is a great of sustainability.
crop adviser. certification and an exam
to show that the CCA meets example of organizations “Companies are demand-
“Creating an opportunity performance indicators. Once doing just that. ing green chemistry now,”
for certified crop advisers certified, the CCA can work says Greg Gibson, president of
(CCAs) to specialize in together with the farmer to An alliance of the supply Synalloy Chemicals, a chemical
sustainability began as a help identify ways he or and value chains, Field to producer and toll manufac-
response to the consumer, she can incorporate more Market’s goal is to meet the turer. “In our business, we
the public and the food sustainability practices. demand for sustainably grown see exceptional growth of
companies,” says Luther commodities. McDonald’s, soy as a key raw material in
Smith, director of Meeting the growing General Mills, Kellogg’s and products like lubricants and
professional development demand of sustainability Walmart are just a few major polyols. And with soy’s stable,
and business relations for Incorporating on-farm brands that are members of competitive price, replacing
the American Society of sustainability practices this alliance, showing their petroleum with soy gives our
Agronomy, the Soil Science will become increasingly dedication to continuous customers the benefit of
Society of America and the important in the future. sustainability improvement. offering green chemistry
Crop Science Society of
America. “These groups “We’re on the front-end This level of involvement
have made their demands of this wave,” says Smith
of becoming more of the CCA sustainability
sustainable very public. certification program.

“COMPANIES ARE DEMANDING GREEN CHEMISTRY.”

Greg Gibson, president, Synalloy Chemicals

So we came together to “It’s going to keep growing
develop a specialty to help as major companies
focus on these needs.” come together to focus

Lowering water usage through sustainable practices, like irrigation, is a simple
way to profit from sustainability and increase the longevity of your operation.

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without raising costs.” profit you need to stay in the major impact,” offers Lee. THE U.S. SOYBEAN
Brands like Unilever and business.” “Becoming more diligent with SUSTAINABILITY
scouting and spraying fungicide ASSURANCE
The Coca-Cola Company are And staying in business based on disease risk also PROTOCOL (SSAP)
just two examples of compa- should be one of your improves sustainability.”
nies committed to making the main priorities. Customers of U.S. soy are
sustainability switch. Both Sustainability innovation growing more concerned
brands pledged to purchase “Your job is to sustain starts on your farm about the sustainability of the
100 percent of their product your livelihood and your There’s no question that products they buy. The U.S.
ingredients from sustainable family,” says Bill Lapp, U.S. soybean farmers are soy family introduced the U.S.
sources by 2017 and 2020, president of Advanced sustainable. In fact, most Soybean Sustainability
respectively. Economic Solutions, a U.S. soybean producers Assurance Protocol to
consulting firm specializing participate in certified and demonstrate the sustainability
“YOUR JOB IS TO SUSTAIN in risk management in ag- audited voluntary sustain- of U.S. soy to international and
YOUR LIVELIHOOD AND riculture. “You accomplish ability and conservation domestic customers. The U.S.
YOUR FAMILY.” that through the longevity practices, according to the Soybean Export Council
of your farm.” U.S. Sustainability Assurance (USSEC), together with
Bill Lapp, president, Advanced Protocol. There’s also no members of the U.S. soy family,
Economic Solutions But while most U.S. question that U.S. soybean developed the SSAP in
soybeans are grown in a farmers are innovative; so 2013 to help U.S. farmers
Commitments like sustainable manner, because how we farm sustainably demonstrate their commitment
these impact U.S. farmers end users have options, will continue to progress to sustainability and
by increasing demand for continuous improvement and change. continuous improvement.
sustainable soy. is a must.
“Just think about what With third-party certification,
And while increased “I believe sustainability will advancements in technology the SSAP verifies that U.S. soy
demand affects the long-term eventually become the stan- allow us to do now,” is sustainably produced and
profitability of U.S. soybean dard everyone works toward,” says Stoel. “Precision aims to meet growing
farmers, increasing on- says Smith. “Companies will equipment lets us apply consumer demand for
farm sustainability efforts soon be able to become even products exactly where we environmentally, socially
can also have a more more selective about where need them. This not only and economically produced
immediate return. they source ingredients.” maximizes the effectiveness commodities. The methodolo-
of those products but also gies for measuring sustainable
“Reducing water use Staying competitive in helps lower our environmental performance are thorough and
and fuel consumption are this changing landscape will impact. To me, that’s been a transparent, based on U.S.
two ways farmers can require increased commit- very important step.” Department of Agriculture
improve their environmen- ments to sustainability from (USDA) data.
tal sustainability,” says U.S. soybean farmers. What But it will take
Smith. “But these are also it won’t require are massive implementation of these
ways farmers can improve overhauls to production innovations – like precision
their financial sustainability. practices. agriculture and new seed
A CCA who specializes in
sustainability can identify Lee points out that many
these cost-saving practices of the practices farmers are
to reduce expenses while also already instinctively doing to
helping the farmer
document the practices “DON’T RESIST CHANGE; IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE
so he can market his EMBRACE INNOVATIONS TO CONTINUE IMPROVING."
sustainability down the road.”
Gene Stoel, Minnesota checkoff farmer-leader
Together, these factors
make it so farmers can’t make their operations run technologies – to improve
afford not to be sustainable. smoothly also make them your farm’s sustainability.
sustainable. That’s why farmer adoption
Profiting from sustainability of new technology is one of
“If you’re not sustainable, “I would argue that the checkoff’s primary goals.
you’re not going to be around ensuring a high yield makes
very long,” says Gene Stoel, a farmer sustainable,” says “Don’t resist change,”
a soy checkoff farmer-leader Lee. “Precision ag, soil tests, advises Stoel. “It’s important
from Minnesota. “Sustain- superior weed control. These that we embrace innovations
ability means doing a little are all sustainable practices.” to continue improving. I
bit of everything to make the know that just because I do
Of course, there is always something a certain way, it
room for growth. doesn’t mean there’s not a
better way out there.”
“Reduced tillage or no-till
is a practice that can have a

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FARM FEATURE

SUSTAINABLE STATE OF MIND Keeping sustainability practices
in the family is key to keeping
LESSONS LEARNED FROM A FARMER WHO WAS your operation on top.
SUSTAINABLE BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

By Amy Erlandson Water Warriors using water efficiently is to
With the farm located at the head improve our soil health, as well as
For North Carolina soybean farmer of three major watersheds, the the general public’s water supply.”
Jimmy Thomas, sustainability is Neuse, Roanoke and Tar-Pamlico,
defined not as a set of practices, but the family’s main focus has always The Thomases also use a variety
as a way of life. been on water. of structures, including terraces,
grass waterways, field borders and
Thomas and his family live on a “A lot of people talk about water filter strips, on the farm to direct
seventh-generation row crop farm. quality, and while that is important water flow and filter runoff.
Thomas inherited farming practices in our operation, our real focus is on
from his ancestors, who instilled in water utilization, making sure we Land Learners
him a love for the land and a “doing have access to every drop of water To be truly sustainable, Thomas
things the right way” farming that we can and using it to its fullest believes you should use every resource
mentality. And for the Thomases, ability,” Thomas says. the land provides. Whether it’s
farming the “right way” means planting cover crops in the off-
protecting the land through The extremely dense topsoils season or double-cropping soybeans
sustainable agriculture. and limited amounts of rainfall in with wheat, there is almost always
North Carolina make it difficult for something growing in his fields,
“On our farm, sustainability soil to store moisture. These soil even on the land not suitable
has always been an attitude,” conditions make the Thomas for row crops.
Thomas says. “It’s like that old
country western song that says ‘we “BEING SUSTAINABLE ISN’T A Nearly 40 percent of his land
were country when country wasn’t SINGLE PRACTICE. IT’S ABOUT cannot produce grain, but it’s carefully
cool.’ Well, we were sustainable BEING PROACTIVE AND REALIZING managed in a forestry program. He’s
before sustainability was cool.” EVERYTHING THAT IS AVAILABLE TO also invited companies to consider
YOU AS A RESOURCE.” using waste from his 250-sow
According to Thomas, if you’ve operation as an economical way to
ever seen the definition of a true Jimmy Thomas, North Carolina soybean farmer generate electricity.
family farm, his could be the cover
photo. Along with his brother, family’s “never-till” mentality “Being sustainable isn’t one
Timmy, and father, Pete, they’ve crucial, as their 100 percent no-till single practice,” he says. “It’s
chosen to continue their family’s grain operation allows the soil to about being proactive and realizing
farming tradition of making hold moisture and causes less runoff everything that is available to you as
sustainability a priority. into the local watersheds. a resource, then creating a strategy
that will work best for you.”
“We work collectively to gain “If we can keep the water in the
efficiency, but we’re just a group soil, then we can increase potential For the Thomas family’s
of family members who’ve chosen everywhere,” he says. “Our goal of full sustainability story, visit
to work together toward a common unitedsoybean.org.
goal of producing crops in a
sustainable manner,” he says.

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GUEST COLUMN

A SIP OF SUSTAINABILITY

IOWA IS MAKING CONSERVATION AND WATER QUALITY A PRIORITY.

By Sean McMahon, executive director, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance

Like other Midwestern “NO MATTER WHERE FARMERS LIVE, WE CAN ALL Resources Conservation
states where a majority DO MORE TO ADOPT CONSERVATION PRACTICES Service, that is focused on
of the land is devoted to AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY.” eight watersheds. With
agriculture, Iowa is working nearly 50 partners and $48
to improve water quality soil erosion by adopting on this model by bringing million to work with over
and overall agricultural conservation practices like together additional urban the next five years, we’re
sustainability. Because of the terraces, grass waterways, and rural partners and aiming to keep at least
collaborative nature of Iowa buffers, no till and strip till. environmental and 900,000 pounds of nitrate
farmers and farm groups, By 2010, farmers had made agricultural organizations to and 16,000 pounds of
we have a unique story to steady progress, reducing identify cost-effective ways phosphorus out of Iowa’s
share, as well as a lot to erosion by 2.5 tons per acre. to improve water quality waterways. Iowa is also
learn from other states. As a result, Iowa’s waterways while keeping nutrients on working on attracting
have seen a significant the land where they are best additional private sector
In 2013, stakeholders and steady decrease in suited for producing food, investments while
provided input on a phosphorus – declining fuel and fiber. harnessing market-based
science-based Iowa at an average rate of 2.3 solutions and economic
Nutrient Reduction Strategy percent per year over the Iowa is the home to one drivers to improve water
that defined a path forward last two decades. of the largest public-private quality. As IDALS
for urban and rural entities to partnerships in the nation Secretary Bill Northey is
improve water quality. One Steps in the right direction to improve water quality. fond of saying, Iowa’s
year later, three of Iowa’s For more than 15 years, IAWA and the Iowa Depart- nutrient reduction
leading agricultural ISA has excelled at rallying ment of Agriculture and strategy is “voluntary, but
associations – the Iowa public-private partnerships Land Stewardship (IDALS) not optional.” No matter
Soybean Association (ISA), focused on improving are co-leading a project, where farmers live, we
Iowa Corn Growers environmental performance funded in part by can all do more to adopt
Association and Iowa Pork hand-in-hand with farm the U.S. Department of conservation practices and
Producers Association – productivity. IAWA builds Agriculture Natural improve water quality. We
established the Iowa still have a long way to go,
Agriculture Water Alliance but we are pointed in the
(IAWA) to work alongside right direction and are
farmers to reach the making excellent progress.
ambitious goals of reducing
nitrogen and phosphorus For more information,
losses by 45 percent, in visit iowaagwateralliance.com
alignment with 11 other states and follow us on Twitter.
in the Mississippi and Ohio
River Basins. According to Sean McMahon works with key
the best available science, partners to champion farmer
if we’re able to reduce the engagement and adoption of
amount of excess nitrogen conservation practices that
and phosphorus entering the improve water quality. Sean
Gulf of Mexico, we will be has more than 20 years of
able to shrink the size of the experience in conservation and
hypoxic zone, an area in the agriculture, including leading
ocean that lacks oxygen, by diverse coalitions dedicated
two-thirds. to improving water quali-
ty and directing The Nature
In recent decades, Conservancy’s North America
farmers across the nation Agriculture Program.
heeded the call to reduce

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5 QUESTIONS

MONITORING THE METHOD

5 QUESTIONS FOR A SMITHFIELD FOODS AGRONOMIST.

Photo Credit: Richard Barlow Photography

By Gracie Weinzierl

Sustainability has many different interpretations, but when it comes down to it, it’s about looking toward the
future while meeting the needs of your customers and your farm. Rachel Grantham, Smithfield Foods
agronomist, shares what soybean farmers need to do to continue to be competitive.

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR RACHEL GRANTHAM, AGRONOMIST, SMITHFIELD AGRONOMICS.

W hat are Smithfield’s sustainability goals? H ow does Smithfield monitor the sustainability of the
feed grains they buy?
O ur goal is to engage 75 percent of our grain-
sourcing regions’ acres in practices that improve We work both internally and with external advisers,
their productivity, profitability and sustainability including the Environmental Defense Fund and local
by 2018. Smithfield has also released a Greenhouse land-grant universities, to determine the best
Gas Emission Reduction goal. method to monitor the sustainability of the feed
grains that we buy.
How does Smithfield depend on their suppliers
(like soybean farmers) to help them reach these goals? We record and monitor our growers’ tillage practices,
fertilizer applications, seeding rates and in-season
We are fostering positive relationships with our grain production practices from year to year to optimize
growers and provide information and consulting the inputs they use. We also offer an online,
assistance. Through our network, we also offer tools weather-based nitrogen monitoring tool and a
and technologies that may not be affordable or feasible sensor system that varies nitrogen applications
without our assistance. We rely on suppliers, like our in-field in real time to help growers monitor the
soybean growers, to help us reach our goal, as they are a changes to nitrogen applications on their operations.
foundational piece of our pork production supply chain.
Why does sustainability matter to Smithfield’s customers?
W hy is Smithfield concerned about the production
methods of the feed grains they produce? Sustainability is a path of continual improvement,
rather than a destination. It is a path both consumers
W hen we have confidence in the quality of our grain and other industry members alike are urging
ingredients, it translates into better quality feed, companies to take. By embarking on a sustainability
producing better quality pork. When we can help journey, companies are improving their environmental
growers with their production methods, and thus impact, product quality and consumer relationships.
improve grain yield and quality, we can improve the
profitability and efficiency of their operations.

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SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY
PRODUCTION

SMART FARMING

IN CONSUMERS’ MINDS, SUSTAINABILITY
AND TECHNOLOGY GO TOGETHER.

Recent technological advances,
such as mobile devices, help
farmers boost and track their
sustainable efforts.

By Nancy Hallahan (55 percent) and increased It is critical to show social media and with a
efficiency (49 percent) our customers how the 360-video experience. In
It’s an undeniable fact: with the use of advanced technology used on farms turn, your soy checkoff
we love technology. From technology on farms and and ranches directly benefits will continue sharing
smart phones to fitness ranches. From GPS people and the planet alike agriculture’s story to feed
trackers to DVRs, technology technology and precision in order to sustain demand and food companies.
has become ingrained in our techniques, to animal for our products.
daily lives. nutrition trackers and indoor You can support this
housing monitoring, these USFRA is helping to effort by sharing your story,
But are consumers methods can help farmers fill this information gap including the technology
equally accepting of boost sustainable practices. by showcasing farmers’ tools you use to be more
technology in agriculture? sustainability practices and sustainable, when you speak
The U.S. Farmers and Unbeknownst to many use of technology through the with those who don’t often
Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) consumers or even have the opportunity to
conducts an annual survey food companies, SMART Farm platform. speak with farmers.
to capture such consumer advances in This concept brings
perceptions, because this agricultural agriculture’s Together, we can
audience ultimately impacts technology story, featur- show our customers how
food companies’ marketing now allow ing real U.S. technology allows farmers
decisions. This year’s survey farmers to farmers, to be more sustainable while
found that technology grow more to consumers continuously improving the
in agriculture is food on less and end users food supply.
perceived positively. land and use at trade show
pinpoint accuracy events (like For more information
Approximately half of when applying fertilizer, on SMART Farm, visit
Consumer Food Connectors, water and pesticides. the Consumer fooddialogues.com.
which are top influencers in Electronics Show and
shaping food conversations, Sustainable Brands), on
associate increased yields

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SUSTAINABLE
PRODUCTION

PETER BAKKEN

Rock County, Minnesota

DIFFERENT CAUSE. SAME EFFECT.

THOUGH SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES VARY, THE RESULTS BENEFIT ALL.

By Evan Powell Sustainable from the start “OUR SUSTAINABLE wildlife,” he says.
“I feel like we are all PRACTICES MAY DIFFER, Although Atkins sees the
When it comes to sustainable in our own BUT OUR REASON FOR
sustainability, there way,” says Atkins. “People DOING THEM IS THE SAME.” benefits of being a no-till
is no “one size fits all.” have been farming since the farmer, he knows it isn’t
Farmers across the nation beginning of mankind. That Cory Atkins, Delaware soybean farmer a fit for all farms.
are implementing sustain- would not be the case if we
able practices that work for weren’t sustainable.” covered 800 acres by “Farmers have to find the
their personal operations myself. From an economic right sustainability practices
– what works for a farmer in Atkins, the 2016 sustainability perspective, for their specific region and
the Midwest may not work Conservation Legacy North- it works for me.” operation,” he says. “Our
for one in the East Coast. east Region winner, has a sustainable practices may
“never-till” mindset. He Atkins took advantage differ, but our reason for
Soybean farmers Cory no-tills 100 percent of his of incentives offered by doing them is the same.”
Atkins, from Seaford, grain crops and tries to grow the Natural Resource
Delaware, and Peter Bakken, cover crops on every acre of Conservation Service for Sustainability is always
from Rock County, Minne- his farm. “For me, no-till planting cover crops. changing, and Atkins is
sota, may live hundreds of was a no brainer,” he says. ready to change with it.
miles apart, but they share “I didn’t need the equipment. “Through these
the same goal: to produce I didn’t need the manpower. I cover crops, we have reduced “In my area, solar energy
high-quality, sustainable soy. nutrient loss and soil erosion is becoming more popular,
as well as added benefits for and I expect more people to
start adding panels to their

SUSTAINABILITY SETS US APART.

IMPROVEMENT KEEPS
US AHEAD.

And practices like reduced tillage make us sustainable.
See ways to be more sustainable and find local
resources at unitedsoybean.org/sustainability.

12 | Learn more at unitedsoybean.org

CORY ATKINS

Seaford, Delaware

farm,” he says. “Technology sure our business will “I LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY “Consumers are going to
is going to play a large role continue to function. It’s FROM THREE PERSPECTIVES demand more sustainability
in sustainability moving leaving things better than the – PRODUCTION, ECONOMIC from us, and it will be our
forward, whether it be way we found them.” AND ENVIRONMENTAL.” jobs, as producers, to not only
auto-steer or variable meet these demands, but to
rate planting.” Like Atkins, Bakken Peter Bakken, Minnesota help consumers understand
incorporates no-till soybean farmer what we are doing on our
Three points of view whenever possible. “Some farm to meet them,” he says.
Being from Minnesota, years, we have weather is beneficial in minimizing
Bakken’s farm is, in some issues, so no-till doesn’t nutrient runoff. “One year, There may be more than
ways, very different from always work,” he says. my area was hit with 13 inches 1,300 miles that separate
Atkins’ farm. However, like “Where we do have no-till of rain, and my fields retained these two farmers, but their
Atkins, Bakken is working to soybeans, we have seen a all but six-tenths of an inch,” passion for a sustainable
improve his sustainability. considerable advantage in he recalls. “That’s a clear future is remarkably similar.
moisture retention and illustration of the benefits to
“I look at sustainability soil erosion.” no-tilling.” “I’m not farming for 20
from three different perspec- years ago, but for 20 years
tives – production, economic Through participation in Bakken says transparency from now,” says Atkins.
and environmental,” he says. a Discovery Farm Minnesota will play a larger role as “There’s always something
“It’s using what we have project, Bakken proved consumers demand more more you can do.”
to produce more. It’s making his no-till fields’ high sustainable ingredients.
water-holding capacity which

SUSTAINABILITY SETS US APART.

IMPROVEMENT KEEPS
US AHEAD.

And practices like adding a cover crop to rotations make
us sustainable. See ways to be more sustainable and find
local resources at unitedsoybean.org/sustainability.

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SUSTAINABILITY

IN GOOD COMPANY

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS GUIDE PRODUCERS TO SUSTAINABILITY GOALS.

By: Deb Dugan

American Bakers Association. ADM. Milkhouse Candles. Walmart. These days, everyone from butchers and
bakers to candlestick makers - and the retailers who sell them - are committing to sustainability. However,
definitions of sustainability and expectations vary.

Corporate sustainability reports by supply chain members are making it possible to define expectations at
every link. These enable farmers to understand what customers want, focus on continuous improvement and
deliver what is expected from meal and oil to grow demand for U.S. soybeans.

MANY CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS ARE MADE PUBLIC – HERE ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM A FEW:

American Bakers Association members developed a Sustainability Scorecard that
enables members to calculate sustainability of production practices, landfill waste,
total energy use and water usage. These benchmarks help members identify where
they can become more sustainable, and provide an opportunity to compare and
demonstrate production advantages of U.S. soy to stimulate demand.
Source: Nourishenrichsustain.org

ADM recently partnered with Unilever, the World Wildlife Fund, the United Soybean
Board, the Iowa Soybean Association and Field to Market to ensure the soybean oil
used in Unilever’s Hellmann’s Mayonnaise brand is sustainably sourced. Growers
enrolled in the program analyze how their management practices impact operational
efficiency and natural resources, and report findings that satisfy Unilever sustainability
requirements, which builds and sustains demand for their crops.
Source: adm.com/en-US/responsibility/2015Report

In 2015, BASF conducted sustainability assessments for 95.4
percent of its portfolio to measure the potential environmental
impact of each product. Results are used to prioritize product
development. These benchmarks provide an opportunity to
demonstrate the environmental benefits of biobased
ingredients like soy. Source: BASF.com

Resource and energy efficiency are important sustainability
goals for Bayer. The company is developing new technologies
that are more climate friendly and they say it helps reduce
emissions through marketing the use of products that enable
farmers to deliver higher yields with state-of-the-art crop
protection, new cultivation methods and seeds with
stress-tolerant traits. Source: bayer.com/en/resource-and-energy-efficiency.aspx

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CONNECTED BY CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP

By Robin Miller
The U.S. Sustainability Alliance (USSA) is a USDA-supported program, composed of 20
organizations, to promote the sustainability of U.S. agriculture, fisheries and forestry in
major markets in the European Union (EU). The objective is to minimize potential market
access issues and to counter misconceptions of U.S. food production.

Current programs include:
• Workshops and meetings with those at the forefront of the sustainability issue – the U.K., Germany,

France and the Netherlands, as well as Brussels-based EU institutions.
• E xhibitions and speaking events to reinforce members’ sustainability messages.

Soy checkoff dollars are used to manage and support USSA through the U.S. Soybean Export Council.
For more information, visit: thesustainabilityalliance.us/.

Bunge believes all agricultural value chains should be environmentally sustainable.
They created business policies to eliminate deforestation, employed test methods that
incorporate carbon and biodiversity protections, and they are enhancing the traceability
and transparency of key supply chains over time. Sustainable farming practices of U.S.
soybean farmers position them as a preferred supplier. Source: bunge.com/citizenship/sustainable.html

Sustainably grown soybeans meet the standards of Milkhouse Candles, who replace
paraffin with soy wax to make cleaner burning candles. The manufacturer also values
the stable, high-quality feedstock supply made possible by sustainable farming
practices of U.S. soybean farmers. Source: Milkhousecandles.com

Walmart collaborated with 15 large suppliers, representing 30 percent
of their food and beverage sales in North America, to provide farmers
with data and tools for use in developing plans to optimize fertilizer
and tilling practices in soy crop rotations. Walmart’s pilot optimization
program includes 2.5 million acres, which they say has the potential to
reduce greenhouse gas by 2.3 million metric tons. Source: http://corporate.walmart.
com/global-responsibility/environment-sustainability/sustainability-index-leaders-shop

In 2015, a survey of more than 1,300 global brands indicated
American consumers prefer brands that are committed to
sustainability. Consumer preference research consistently
concludes that most Americans (roughly 55-68 percent) are
concerned about the environment and would consider a green
product over a non-green product, provided it performs as
well and does not cost appreciably more. Source: Nielsen

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SUSTAINABLE SUSTAINABILITY
PRODUCTION

IT TAKES A VILLAGE
LOOKING BEYOND YOUR FARM GATES FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS.

By Robin Miller significant long-term profits. That’s why it is
important to look beyond the farm gates to identify
Whether it’s determining which cover crop to plant, new, profit-boosting ideas. The soy checkoff does this
the method that works best to improve water by partnering with innovative organizations, such as:
quality or how to use on-farm data to prove your
sustainability, the right innovation can often deliver

CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION CENTER

Provides guidance for farmers’ production and conservation decisions by promoting a systems approach to
conservation and advocating for innovative technologies. Projects include:

• Training professionals who advise farmers • Fostering collaboration around topics relevant to
conservation in agriculture
• Hosting conservation in action tours to highlight
conservation innovation and successes • Providing information and education on new and
emerging technologies in conservation agriculture
• D emonstrating productive and profitable conservation
systems that work together in a watershed to protect For more information, visit ctic.org
soil health and water quality

FIELD TO MARKET

Stakeholders from across the agricultural supply chain join together to drive continuous improvement in
commodity crop production. That collaboration leads programs including:

• A national report analyzing environmental impact of • A member-driven program to drive continuous
U.S. soybeans, corn, cotton, wheat, barley, peanuts, improvements in sustainable outcomes by
sugar beets, rice and potatoes benchmarking current sustainability, promoting
continuous improvement and enabling supply
• A free, online calculator that allows farmers to confidentially chain sustainability claims
explore the relationship between their management practices
and key environmental outcomes, and benchmark For details, visit fieldtomarket.org
themselves against state and national averages

SOIL HEALTH PARTNERSHIP

With more than 65 farm sites enrolled in nine midwestern states, the Soil Health Partnership is the leader in
field-scale testing and measuring of management practices that improve soil health, such as:

• G rowing cover crops to prevent erosion and nutrient losses The goal is to measure the economic and environmental
• Implementing conservation tillage, like no-till or strip-till benefits of these practices.

• Using advanced, science-based nutrient management tech- Learn more at soilhealthpartnership.org
niques to reduce nutrient loss

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SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY
PRODUCTION

BIG DATA. BIG DIFFERENCE.

HOW TO TURN FARM DATA INTO MORE
SUSTAINABLE SOYBEANS.

By Laura Wolf and analyzing data on our farm allows
us to be more efficient, which means
You’re already collecting lots of we’re saving money while reducing
data about your farm. Now, it’s our impact.”
time to put it to good use. End-use
customers are asking for products A new approach to data
made with sustainable ingredients, Climb into any cab on the farm and
and they want evidence to back up you’ll find monitors measuring
those claims. Meeting customer anything from manure application to
expectations means analyzing your varieties harvested. Beard analyzes
data to be more sustainable, which in the data to determine how to make
turn can increase your profitability. the most of their acres.

In Frankfort, Indiana, David “We set yield goals for each
Beard and his family are doing section, and we compare those to
just that. Investments in drone our results,” he says. “To evaluate
technology, nutrient mapping and our success, we set goals based on
many other data-capturing tools historical performance and factor in
allow the Beard family to better data from the variables we control.”
serve end-use customers. And
David says it’s worth the effort. The Beards consult with an
agronomist and monitor their
“It’s all about finding a balance progress all season. “Traditional
between maximizing your farmland’s thinking would be to make sure you
potential and being environmentally put at least enough nutrients out
responsible,” Beard says. “Collecting to meet yield goals, but we take a
different approach,” Beard says.
Farm data offers farmers the chance to “We apply manure for a base level
instantaneously prove their sustainability of nutrients, then fill in the gaps.
claims and strategically improve their In fact, we only apply nutrients
sustainability efforts in the future. needed for a specific percentage
of our yield goal for a field. After
that, our scouting program helps us
get our crops the right amount of
nutrients at the right time.”

The family takes a similar
approach to weed and pest
management, scouting fields for
weed breakouts and pest issues.
Sprayers don’t hit the fields unless
an economic threshold has been met.
Says Beard, “Our customers expect
us to be sustainable, and it makes
financial sense to be responsible
with the tools we have, too.”

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SUSTAINABLE
PRODUCTION

CONTROLLING WEEDS WITH CARE

WITH DICAMBA, MANAGING WEEDS CAREFULLY HAS NEVER
BEEN MORE IMPORTANT.

By Gracie Weinzierl DO:

Dicamba is the talk of the (herbicide) town right • Do only use approved dicamba formulations on
now, with a variety of new herbicide-tolerant traits tolerant crops. Recently approved formulations
coming to the market and recent approvals for include DuPont’s FeXapan™ with VaporGrip™
over-the-top application. technology, BASF’s Eugenia™, and Monsanto’s
XtendiMax™ with VaporGrip™ technology.
Dicamba offers soil residual activity, up to 14 days
of control for small-seeded broadleaf weeds. And • Do read and follow the label instructions. Adhere
soybeans with tolerance to the herbicide offer extended to wind speed, buffer restrictions, boom height,
application flexibility to before, at and after planting, weather conditions and application rates.
in addition to control of weeds that have developed
resistance to other modes of action. • Do only use approved nozzles.
But dicamba also presents some new challenges to • Do thoroughly clean equipment. Avoid all contact
farmers looking for different options for weed control.
“Dicamba has some label restrictions I’ve never seen with all non-Roundup Ready® 2 Xtend crops.
before, so you need to really look at the label carefully • Do use dicamba as part of a diversified weed
and don’t assume anything,” says Aaron Hager, Ph.D.,
associate professor of weed science at the University of management plan with multiple modes of action.
Illinois. “Reading label instructions on herbicides has Tank mix partners have recently been approved for
always been very important, regardless of the product.” Eugenia™, FeXapan™ and XtendiMax™.
For example, some label restrictions on dicamba
products include both minimum and maximum wind DO NOT:
speeds and if rain is expected within 24 hours you
cannot apply, says Hager. The label also requires buffers • Do not use any other dicamba formulation other
that may be confusing. than Eugenia™, FeXapan™ or XtendiMax™ on
“If farmers are spraying downwind, there has to be Roundup Ready® 2 Xtend crops.
a 110-foot-buffer where you cannot apply dicamba,”
says Hager. “You may not know where that buffer • Do not tank mix with unapproved partners.
will be until you pull into that field, it all depends on • Do not ignore the pesticide label. If you have
wind direction.”
In addition, there is a maximum boom height, meaning questions, consult your local crop adviser.
the boom cannot be more than 24 inches above the canopy.
Dicamba is another tool farmers can use for weed For more information on herbicide resistance and sustainable weed
control, but it must be used with care. While following control, please visit TakeActionOnWeeds.com
label instructions has always been important, ensuring
that all herbicide options remain as effective as possible
make attention to the details and label instructions even
more critical today.

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THIRTY-ONE QUALIFIED STATE SOYBEAN BOARDS INVEST CHECKOFF DOLLARS TO BENEFIT SOYBEAN FARMERS STATE & MAIN
IN THEIR STATES. IF YOU DON’T SEE YOUR STATE BELOW, LOOK FOR IT IN A FUTURE ISSUE OF BEYOND THE BEAN.

LOCATE OPPORTUNITIES TO BOOST SUSTAINABILITY

The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board created a The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council
video series dedicated to Arkansas soybean farmers. (MSMC) is helping Missouri farmers compare
The “Field to Film: Featured Research” series on-farm management decisions and practices in a
educates farmers about checkoff investments in research and low-cost, low-risk setting. The Strip Trial Program uses
shares valuable information that farmers can use to increase on-farm and field-scale research to provide farmers with data
sustainability on their farm. Watch the full video series at they can use to guide decisions and evaluate best management
themiraclebean.com. practices through trials on their farms. Learn more about the
program and how MSMC and its partners are working to
More than 30 percent of the tillable farm ground in protect and improve Missouri farmers’ bottom lines at
Delaware is irrigated. For this reason, the Delaware mosoy.org/check-off-at-work/research/.
Soybean Board is investing checkoff funds to support research
conducted by Dr. Cory Whaley at the University of Delaware to The New Jersey Soybean Board hosted its sixth annual
determine the optimal irrigation strategy for both full-season soybean producers meeting earlier this month at the
and double-crop soybeans. For more information, visit Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown. More than 80
desoybeans.org. farmers attended the meeting to hear about important soybean
marketing, grower and usage topics. The event also featured
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) invests the Pesticide Update and other key takeaways to help farmers
checkoff funds to promote voluntary adoption of protect their crops in the next growing season. For more
best-management practices through the Try One information, visit njsoybean.org.
Thing campaign. ISA also collaborates with industry
and non-governmental groups to bridge the gap between Through South Carolina Soybean Board efforts to
farmers and the supply chain and support other local improve long-term sustainability, South Carolina
watershed efforts with in-kind strategic communications. soybean farmers are practicing conservation tillage, scouting
For more information, visit ilsoy.org. fields regularly and taking advantage of GPS technology when
spraying. In addition, farmers are using remotely accessible
The Maryland Soybean Board is working to enhance solar-powered probes to detect soil moisture and are actively
water quality and improve profit potential for taking soil samples to develop prescription applications. For
Maryland soybean farmers by investing in research with more information, visit scsoybeans.org.
the University of Maryland to recapture nitrogen left deep
within the soil. Dr. Ray Weil is using special cover crop The Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board
blends to reach more than four feet beneath the soil to (TSPB) has invested $1.4 million in research
bring nutrients back to the surface for the next crop to use. to increase soybean production in Tennessee and make
For more information, visit mdsoy.com. soybeans a more viable, sustainable crop for Tennessee
farmers. TSPB continuously works to ensure increased
Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee’s stewardship for the next generation of farmers. For more
commitment to sustainability is visible in their information, visit tnsoybeans.org.
on-farm research efforts, which include
prescription foliar fertilizer and potassium The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB)
thiosulfate starter fertilizer trials. These projects evaluate invests heavily in trend-setting research to
the efficacy and efficiency of fertilizer nutrients to support sustainable production. WSMB also uses
minimize negative environmental impacts. Visit social media to communicate best practices to farmers and
michigansoybean.org for more information. educate policymakers and citizens about the value of soy.
WSMB supports farmers in real time, sharing critical
In collaboration with Mississippi State University information about smarter nutrient application, responsible
Extension, the Mississippi Soybean Promotion pesticide use and environmentally sensible ways to prevent
Board (MSPB) has created a one-stop shop for all crop damage and grow yield. For more information, visit
things soybean production. The MSPB website, Badgerbean.com.
mssoy.org, contains information and links to
resources on important sustainable production topics Get more stories at unitedsoybean.org/subscribe | 19
such as weed control, irrigation efficiency, soil fertility,
insects, diseases and variety selection.

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SUSTAINABILITY SETS US APART.
IMPROVEMENT KEEPS US AHEAD.

And practices like using technology or precision farming make
us sustainable. See ways to be more sustainable and find local
resources at unitedsoybean.org/sustainability.