Iowa Soybean Association assists soybean producers

CRAWFORDSVILLE — Counties south of U.S. 20 and East of I-35 benefit from the expertise of Senior Field Services Program Manager Anthony Martin from the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) research Center for Farming Innovation.

Martin is in his 10th year working directly with farmers and contractors to set up on-farm replicated strip trials for both soybean and corn.

“…to increase productivity, profitability and sustainability,” he said. “All of the information we collect, projects we work, is unbiased and freely available on our website.”

Martin works to better soybean production in the area through field scouting, data collection, project management, meetings, and field day presentations.

“I have a lot of different roles, moving pieces that I need to cover, so, I can’t say there is a normal day,” Martin said

“I’ve always been interested in agriculture, research, and technology,” Martin said. “This role has definitely hits on these areas. Technology continues to be a driver in agriculture and has opened up some very interesting projects for us.”

According to Martin, one of the projects includes Foliar applying products with drones, this year.

For Martin, one of the most rewarding parts of this job is getting to know the farmers he works with and seeing how the ISA’s work can impact their farms.

“When we find a practice or product that works for the farmer, and they effectively incorporate that into their operation, it is definitely rewarding,” he said.

ISA is partially funded by the Soy Checkoff, grants and outside corporate sponsorships.

“For the farmers, the ‘cost’ is usually going to be time,” Martin said. “For most of our projects, we are providing the product directly to the farmer or compensating them to source the product directly.”

“Depending on the project, there are additional payments and services to the farmer in the form of time/implementation compensation, or sometimes having the application and work lined up directly through an outside provider,” he said. “Growers also receive year-end reports for their specific field, imagery, and scouting/sampling information that may have been collected from their location for the project.”

According to Martin, a goal is to implement reduced tillage and cover crop practices.

“We have several former participants that worked with us in these areas that have adopted those across their entire farming operation,” he said.

Martin is most excited about what consumers may not know about soybeans such as all the research going into soybeans that has the potential to open up additional markets for farmers.

While most consumers are aware that soybeans are utilized in the food industry, Martin believes many would be surprised to find the multitude of other ways soybeans are utilized.

According to Martin, soybeans are used in asphalt, biodiesel, jet fuel, and many other products.

Soybean use in asphalt are were highlighted this week at the nation’s largest outdoor farm event, the Farm Progress Show.

The ISA, Iowa State University and the Farm Progress Show, announced the completion of a large-scale, soy-based asphalt project this year.

A 42,560 square foot asphalt base showcases the versatility of soybeans and research advancements toward their use.

According to Robb Ewoldt, ISA president and soybean farmer from Davenport, “Soy’s incorporation in asphalt enhances the product’s durability and longevity and reduces maintenance costs. It also increases demand for soybean oil, improves the product’s environmental footprint.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com