There were many corporate, government and organization types at the World Food Prize symposium last week in Des Moines - but there were lots of real farmers as well, from all over the world. The opportunity for farmers from different countries to network with each other is very valuable, especially for sharing ideas to increase productivity.
Laura Foell is a producer from Schaller, Iowa who is a member of the United Soybean Board. This year was the third time she has been to the World Food Prize events and she enjoys the ability to interact with farmers from other countries. Earlier this year she went to Africa with some other “Women in Soy” to help other women farmers in that country. “Because 80 percent of the agriculture is done by women,” she says. “We went out to the villages where women are actually being entrepreneurs and selling products and we’re hoping to get soy as a textured protein into their selling so they can add that to their diets.”
“We had women who had HIV tell us that putting soy in their diet helped them maintain their weight or even gain weight,” she added. And she says that soybeans can not only be used for food and feed, but for fuel and even fiber as well.
Listen to my interview with Laura here:
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See photos of the World Food Prize event here.
The role of soybeans in helping to feed a growing world population was emphasized at the World Food Prize events in Des Moines this past week by the prominent presence of soybean industry groups like the United Soybean Board.
I spoke with USB CEO John Becherer (pictured here on the right with World Food Prize Foundation president Ambassador Ken Quinn) about the mood at the WFP this year and the increased emphasis on biotechnology, even among countries that have been resistant to using the technology in the past. “I think that the last year with real or perceived shortages of wheat and rice on a global basis really was a shock to the system and I think it changed some people’s attitudes about biotech and the need for using every tool in the toolbox to be able to feed people not only now, but the expected eight and a half billion people that we might see by the year 2030.”
Becherer says the role of soybeans is important. “As you look at soybeans, 20 percent of the product is oil and that goes to multiple uses, but 80 percent is meal,” Becherer said. “Most of that is fed to animals, really providing the protein that people need.”
“We’re doing everything we can working with checkoff funds that farmers pay to increase yields, improve digestibility, and working on quality parameters that make it a better product,” he added.
Listen to an interview with John here:
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You can also download the audio with this link: John Becherer at World Food Prize (mp3)
See photos of the World Food Prize event here.
Several soybean groups - including the United Soybean Board, Iowa Soybean Association, Soy Foods Council, WISHH, and World Soy Foundation - jointly sponsored the luncheon today at the World Food Prize symposium. There was a record crowd of more than 750 in attendance, including over 100 students participating in the WFP Youth Institute.
Appropriately, the event today is held on World Food Day, and the World Soy Foundation was able to announce a new donation by Silk soy milk, a WhiteWave Foods brand, according to foundation director Jim Hershey. “Silk WhiteWave - one of the major processors of soy dairy products here in the US - has committed $75,000 over three years to the World Soy Foundation to continue its work in Ghana which is building its own school feeding program.”
Hershey says the project will feed 200-300 children per day for a school year, and he encourages other individuals and companies to join the efforts of the foundation - you can find out more at worldsoyfoundation.org.
I talked to Jim about the foundation, as well as the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Program, which he also directs - and about how producing soy biodiesel also produces protein to feed the world.
Listen to that interview here:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 6 or above) is required to play this audio clip. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
You can also download the audio with this link: Jim Hershey at World Food Prize (mp3)
See photos of the World Food Prize event here.
I am preparing to head up to Des Moines today to cover the 2008 World Food Prize festivities and Borlaug Dialogue. I have never been to this event, but I am looking forward to it.
The 2008 World Food Prize laureates are Bob Dole and George McGovern, who are being honored for their work in establishing the McGovern-Dole international school-feeding program which has provided meals to feed more than 22 million children in 41 countries.
One of the highlights of the event will be Thursday’s luncheon with the esteemed Dr. Norman Borlaug, Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of the World Food Prize.
I will also be seeing Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer again, who will be speaking at the event on Friday morning. Official coverage starts tomorrow with the 2008 Borlaug Dialogue Opening Ceremony, although I will probably have a post or two up before then.
Secretary of agriculture Ed Schafer recently announced 19 appointments to the United Soybean Board (USB). Twelve of these directors are returning to serve an additional term, with seven new members coming on board. Each of these appointees represents soybean farmers from their state or region.
Returning members will use their experience and knowledge of the checkoff to better position the industry for success while new members will bring forward fresh ideas to achieve maximum value for each soybean farmer’s checkoff dollar. The board members will work to better the soy industry from the ground up by using checkoff funding to research better seed varieties and production processes along with finding new markets and uses for their product.
The 12 returning board members are James D. Wilson, Alabama; H. Todd Allen, Arkansas; James L. Stillman, Iowa; Roy P. Bardole, Iowa; John W. Wray, Kansas; George H. Martin, Kentucky; Eugene L. Lowe, III, Maryland; R. Alan Moore, Michigan; Jason S. Bean, Missouri; Cecil B. Eaddy, South Carolina; Gerald G. Caldwell, Tennessee; and Thomas Rotello, Sr., Texas.
New board members include Dwain L. Ford, Illinois; Michael A. Beard, Indiana; Scott G. Singlestad, Minnesota; James D. Sneed, Mississippi; Mike G. Korth, Nebraska; Daniel J. Corcoran, Ohio; and Robert J. Metz, South Dakota. Two alternates were also appointed and they are Michael A. Dee, Alabama, and Henry V. Elliott, Jr., South Carolina.
The appointees will begin their three-year terms in December.
Welcome Lisa O’Brien to the United Soybean Board as the new Executive Director.
In her new role, O’Brien will be responsible for day-to-day administration of all contracts related to the soybean checkoff, as well as outreach with directors, Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSBs), contractors and staff. O’Brien’s responsibilities will commence March 1, 2008.
“I’m excited about being selected as USB’s new executive director,” says O’Brien. “Coming from a non-for-profit organization, I was drawn to USB because of the time and effort farmers give to benefit the overall industry. Also, it’s an unprecedented time to be in agriculture, particularly as you look at the new innovations and technologies that are emerging.”
O’Brien has spent the past fifteen years of her career in managerial positions. She was recently employed as executive director of the world renowned Susan G. Komen for the Cure St. Louis Affiliate.
She also served as executive director for Clayton Chamber of Commerce (Clayton, Mo.) as well as a business manager for Marsh, a Videojet Company, which retails coding and marketing equipment supplies.
Sitting on a soybean seat is what farmers may be doing soon.
Farmers could soon bring in the harvest using equipment made with their own crops, thanks to collaboration between Ford and John Deere, the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment. The two companies have agreed that Deere will further develop and manufacture Ford’s soy-based flexible foam for seating materials in tractors, riding mowers and other equipment.
Ford first introduced soy-based polyol to the auto industry in the seat backs and seat cushions of the 2008 Ford Mustang. The 2008 Ford F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator now also feature this eco-friendly technology, with the next application coming on the 2009 Ford Escape. Meanwhile, Deere has used soy-based products for body panels on some farm equipment. Ford will work with John Deere and its seat supplier, Sears Manufacturing Company, to bring this greener alternative to traditional seat foam to fields and even backyards nationwide.
Ford is working closely with the United Soybean Board to bring soy foam to the automotive market. The company is using 2.2 million pounds of soy foam in the 2008 Mustang alone. Just based on that application, this green alternative is on track to deliver a carbon dioxide reduction of 605,000 pounds annually.
With more than 3 billion bushels of soy harvested in the U.S. each year, at a 20 percent soy foam inclusion rate, Ford could potentially use up to 844,000 bushels of soy throughout its product lineup annually.
Thanks to Ford and Lear Corporation for the image.
In an effort to continue to increase U.S. soybean farmer profitability through international exports, the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) announced director appointments to its board at a recent meeting. The United Soybean Board (USB) appointed seven soybean checkoff farmer-leaders to the 19-member board, which was created in 2005 to strengthen relationships with foreign buyers and increase exports of U.S. soy.
These appointments come at a time when the U.S. soybean industry is coming off a record-breaking year. Figures recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture show U.S. soybean exports grew to an all-time high of 1.1 billion bushels.
“USSEC is partially funded through the soybean checkoff, and it is imperative that we wisely invest farmer dollars to meet the needs of soy buyers around the world,” says Mark Pietz, USSEC Chairman and a soybean farmer from Lakefield, Minn. “We are excited to have a great mix of experience from our new and returning board members, and I look forward to serving with them to create export opportunities in the year ahead.”
The following soybean checkoff farmer-leaders have been appointed to serve on the USSEC board of directors for the 2008 fiscal year: Greg Anderson from Newman Grove, Neb.; Ike Boudreaux from Lebeau, La.; Phil Bradshaw from Griggsville, Ill.; Ken Dalenberg from Mansfield, Ill.; Secretary Terry Ecker from Elmo, Mo.; Eric Niemann from Nortonville, Kan.; and Chairman Mark Pietz.
It’s always good to review how things are going and after 11 years it’s probably about time. However, I’m sure this can be an interesting time if you’re Osborn & Barr Communications.
Osborn & Barr Communications (O&B) today announced it will fully participate in a United Soybean Board (USB) periodic review of its communications contract. The USB decision to commence this review was reached during a regularly scheduled USB Board Meeting held this week.
“USB is mandated by the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, under which it operates, to annually evaluate its programs and program contractors,” stated Eric Niemann, USB chairman and Kansas soybean farmer. “Our responsibility as USB directors appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture requires us to periodically request additional marketplace information that will enable the board to decide how best to achieve its goals and strategic priorities. This request is a normal course of doing business and reflects our fiduciary responsibility to ensure we are receiving the greatest value for our investment.”
Niemann clarified that USB has not requested additional marketplace information or issued a request for proposal involving any of its primary contractors for more than 11 years. O&B has provided strategic and tactical communications support for USB since 1995.
This review will include an open request for proposals from qualified companies. Further details of the periodic review process will be announced by USB as they are developed. O&B will continue its role as a primary USB contractor, fulfilling all its current and any future assignments throughout USB’s 2007 fiscal year.
Since animal agriculture represents the biggest market for soybeans, the United Soybean Board is making sure there’s a good online resource for the industry. I assume this is part of their animal ag initiative.
Visit www.animalag.org to find the most up-to-date information about the economic, environmental and rural impact of U.S. animal agriculture. This site is a complete source of state-specific data that offers valuable facts for addressing key animal agriculture issues.
Search www.animalag.org to find a variety of case studies, the truth about common myths and other useful tools. Learn how to build awareness and support of animal agriculture and the benefits it provides communities.
It’s nice to produce a ZimmCast from the office for a change. This week’s program has a little information on our current AgWired Survey and . . .
I also include an interview with Jacqueline Garmier, President, Renewable Lubricants. She was one of the exhibitors at last week’s Dept. of Defense Biobased Products event I worked at on behalf of the United Soybean Board.
I’m interested to know of your ideas for interviews for upcoming programs. Who would you like me to interview? What would you like me to ask them? Send me your suggestions and I’ll try to get it done.
Listen to this week’s program: 
ZimmCast 85 (11 min MP3)
The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar. You can also subscribe in iTunes.
The United Soybean Board was the driving force behind this week’s biobased products event at the Pentagon. A couple of soybean growers were on hand to help out with their display. Pictured here are Tom Brown (l) who is a member of the USB and Dale Profit who is a member of the Ohio Soybean Council.
I got to interview each of these gentlemen while I was there. I asked them about what they had on display and why products made from soybeans are a good choice for governmental purchasing agents.
You can listen to my interview with Tom here: Tom Brown Interview (2 min MP3)
You can listen to my interview with Dale here: Dale Profit Interview (3 min MP3)
You can hear all the audio I recorded at the event here and see a selection of the pictures I too here.
One of the companies exhibiting at today’s biobased event at the Pentagon is Advanced Image Resources.
These are the bio-toner people. They’ve even got a patent on their environmentally friendly toner which is made from both corn and soybeans. They had samples from an HP printer on hand to show how well it works.
I spoke with Tom Gandolfi who describes the product and the benefits it offers to customers.
You can listen to my interview here: Tom Ganfolfi Interview (3 min MP3)
It seems like I run into Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, everywhere these days. Today it was in the Pentagon at the Dept. of Defense, biobased products event that was put together with a lot of work by the United Soybean Board.
After his remarks (which you can hear on the USB site) I got to ask the Secretary a couple questions about promoting biobased products made from agricultural commodities. He says the market potential is in the billions just with our own government and that USDA is working to create awareness in all departments besides just the Dept. of Defense.
You can listen to my interview here: Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns Interview (3 min MP3)
These were the speakers this morning at the Pentagon for the “Biobased Products - Enhancing DOD’s Mission; Protecting the Environment” event opening session. Pictured (l-r) are: Dep. Sec. of Defense, Gordon England; Sec. of Agriculture, Mike Johanns; Senator Richard Lugar; Representative Marcy Kaptur and Senator Thomas Harkin.
Each of them talked about how important it is to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, not only for fuel needs but for any products that depend on oil for their production. The Dept. of Defense is required by law now to give preference to biobased products when doing procurement and the companies displaying here today are showing what they have to offer.
DOD representatives will have all afternoon and tomorrow morning to see products and talk with company reps. I had to exit the Pentagon to upload the speeches and images of the speakers for the United Soybean Board which has a website location for them to appear by about 2pm this afternoon. That’s been done and I’ll be heading back inside shortly to do some exhibitor interviews.
Do you know an excellent soybean grower? One who’s demonstrated outstanding achievements? Now’s the time to nominate them for the United Soybean Boards annual awards. Let’s flood them with nominations and make it really hard to pick one!!
The United Soybean Board (USB) currently seeks nominations for its annual 2005 Outstanding Achievement Award and 2005 Excellence in International Marketing Award. These awards recognize outstanding individuals who have made a strong contribution for the benefit of soybeans, soybean farmers and the soybean checkoff.
The USB Outstanding Achievement Award is the highest award recognition bestowed by USB. This is given to an individual, organization or group that has made an outstanding positive impact on the soybean industry and the soybean checkoff.
The USB Excellence Award is a rotating award that recognizes outstanding achievement in five categories: communications, domestic marketing, international marketing, new uses and production research. One excellence award recipient will be recognized annually. This year USB will present an award for Excellence in International Marketing.
Nominations must be received by December 16, 2005, for consideration. Nominations received after December 16 or by telephone will not be accepted. Supporting nominations and co-signatures also may be attached and are strongly encouraged. All nominations must be submitted on the attached nomination form and mailed, e-mailed or faxed to:
USB Awards Program
c/o Osborn & Barr Communications, Attn.: Karen Pfautsch
One North Brentwood, 8th Floor
St. Louis, MO 63105
fax: 314/726-6350
The awards will be presented at Commodity Classic next year.
This week I’m off to World Dairy Expo and will be blogging it here and even more frequently on World Dairy Diary. So the ZimmCast this week features an interview with one of World Dairy Diary and that’s Qualisoy. I interviewed Kent Gronlie, a North Dakota soybean grower. He’s on the Qualisoy board and is also Domestic Marketing Committe chairman for the United Soybean Board. Kent talks about what Qualisoy is all about and how why they decided to get involved in World Dairy Expo this year.
You can listen to this week’s ZimmCast with Kent here: 
The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar.
Another ag organization. You’ve got your USB, your ASA and now you’ve got your USSEC! Not much information sent out about this yet. I’m betting we’ll hear more. Wonder what agency they’ll work with. Anyone know?
Soybean Checkoff Farmer-Leaders Witness Historic Signing of New International Marketing Entity
ST. PAUL, Minn. (July 18, 2005) – Soybean checkoff farmer-leaders witnessed a monumental occasion at the recent United Soybean Board (USB) meeting. Leaders of USB and the American Soybean Association (ASA) signed a contract establishing the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
USSEC co-chairmen Mark Pietz, USB vice chair of International Marketing and a soybean farmer from Lakefield, Minn., and Neal Bredehoeft, ASA Chairman and a soybean farmer from Alma, Mo., signed the contract for USSEC, which will become the international marketing implementation arm of the soybean checkoff. USSEC will establish a unified and coordinated international marketing program to build demand and brand for U.S. soybeans and products.
For more information contact Chris Toebben.
Here’s a picture I’d really like to see. Max Armstrong and Al Pell co-hosting an event! I think they would make a good pair. What I’d like to have seen in this release is some information about what was discussed at the town hall meeting. Was it all just peachy keen fun or was there a little controversy? What kind of questions were asked. The release says “frankly discussing” which I take as code for some blunt talk.
ST. LOUIS (June 9, 2005) – As an ongoing commitment to protecting their number one customer, the United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff united producers from various sectors of the agricultural industry today by sponsoring a town hall forum entitled Livestock and Soybean Producers: Partners in U.S. Agriculture. The setting was the Cattle Barn on the Iowa State Fairgrounds at the World Pork Expo and featured livestock and crop producers frankly discussing issues that affect the viability and profitability of all those within agriculture. Teaming up for the first time, agricultural broadcasters Max Armstrong and Al Pell hosted the event.
“The town hall forum is an excellent way for livestock and crop producers to discuss issues that affect the profitability of both businesses,” says USB Board Member Terry Ecker, a soybean producer from Elmo, Mo. “Both sectors of agriculture need each other, so we need to work together.”
The town hall forum is another step for the soybean checkoff to support the needs of livestock producers, since they are the number one customer of U.S. soybean meal. In fact, U.S. livestock consumes 94 percent of domestic soybean meal. In addition to the town hall forum, USB has made supporting livestock producers a priority with its Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI), which has made great strides over the past year.
The release didn’t come with any contact information but I assume you could contact the United Soybean Board office for more information.
The United Soybean Board has created a nifty little e-newsletter for media types which contains just a few short stories.
Stories in the latest issue include:
Supreme Court Rules Favorably for Beef Checkoff
Biodiesel Making Friends in High Places
Soy Biodiesel Joins the Yacht Club
Soybean Checkoff Rises to Fight the Aphid Challenge
Each story is short and contains suggestions for individuals to interview about each subject. I like how simple it is. You can scan it in just a few seconds to see if you’re interested and you know who to contact for more. Pretty good idea if you ask me.
Contact Chris Toebben or Tyler Kelley at Osborn & Barr Communications, 888-235-4332, for more information.
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