Dr. Andy Michel offered some great tips for managing pests in 2015: 1.  COLD WEATHER: The cold weather last winter did not necessarily knock out all soybean insects. Some, like soybean aphids, are quite capable of surviving outdoors as eggs or even indoors, like the brown marmorated stink bug. 2.  SLUGS: Not technically insects, they are one of the most devastating early-season pests. A rainy spring will favor slug development. 3.  EARLY-SEASON BEAN LEAF BEETLE:… Read More

“BPA Free.” Health conscious consumers considered it a victory when the simple phrase began popping up on packaging as they believed it was a change for the better. Recent studies show the effort behind the movement may have raised awareness, but the Bisphenol A (BPA) replacements may not be any safer. Information surrounding the consumer concerns and the opportunity to develop a new product to meet a market demand led to a project for the… Read More

Cultivating a successful crop while relying so heavily on the whims of the weather is an amazing feat in itself. Unfortunately weather is only one of the variables faced by soybean farmers who plant millions of seeds in the ground each spring in hopes there will be no interference in the growing season. In the late summer months, Ohio farmers need to be watching for tiny uninvited visitors who enjoy munching on their growing plants. Read More

The sustainability of U.S. soy is an important factor for consumers both at home and abroad. In fact, conservation practices and sustainable measures are key to soy’s marketability and the livelihood of the farmers who grow it. In addition, protecting water is important, and a variety of farm-management techniques, including conservation tillage, nutrient management and technology improvements in seed and equipment, can improve water quality and conserve water use. Managing water has economic benefits,… Read More

By Matt Reese, guest writer, Ohio’s Country Journal Though it may seem counterproductive for one researcher to breed soybeans and another researcher to kill them, it is exactly this unique synergy of efforts that is taking place to benefit the profitability of Ohio soybean growers. “I am a soybean breeder and geneticist so I aim to develop cultivars with a good profile of disease resistance as well as good yield and good quality traits. A… Read More