Research Portfolio for Fiscal Year 2027

June marks the end of fiscal year 2026, making way for a new round of checkoff-funded research, outreach and market development. In the project portfolio for FY2027, a few key themes emerged that demonstrated the commissioners’ priorities going into the next growing year. These were a continued research focus on major pests and environmental challenges, leveraging new technologies and funding streams, and maintaining and growing markets for Kansas soybeans.

Research to protect yield from pests and Mother Nature remains a priority, seeking actionable results for farmers to use. This year’s research shows a primary focus on Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome and Soybean Cyst Nematode, as well as drought tolerance and irrigation management. Other insect and weed pests are targeted as well.

Cutting-edge technologies and alternative funding streams are creative solutions that add value to checkoff funding.  The 2027 research portfolio is full of projects testing new methods for solving persistent problems, or collaborating with other organizations and research teams to multiply funding or produce complementary results. Highlights include using gene editing to develop pest resistance and working to predict insect pest outbreaks with data analytics and modeling.

The importance of diverse markets for soybeans grows more important with each passing year. KSC addresses that challenge through partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Soybean Export Council, which works to build and maintain international trade relationships, or Clean Fuels Alliance America, which supports the biodiesel market and creates domestic opportunities to process and sell soybeans.

To reach out with questions or to recommend projects and focus areas to fund in the next fiscal year, contact the office at info@kansassoybeans.org.