Expo delivers diverse speaker lineup
Kansas Soybean farmers continue learning to improve their operations
The Kansas Soybean Expo kicked off Jan. 11 with the much-anticipated economic panel featuring three experts in the industry. Mac Marshall, Vice President of Market Intelligence for the United Soybean Board, began the panel discussion with commentary on the explosion of crush facility announcements in the Midwest and what that means for soybean crush capacity and the industry. Over one dozen new crush facilities have been announced in the Midwest in recent years and several existing plants have announced plans to expand current facilities.
He also covered the impacts of the Avian influenza on soybean meal markets.
Scott Gerlt, Chief Economist for the American Soybean Association, took the microphone next to discuss industry concern with the Renewable Volume Obligations for biofuels released by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Matt Herman, Senior Director of Renewable Products Marketing for the Iowa Soybean Association, talked about opportunities in renewable products that use soybean by-products. One such item is a bioplastic made with a low-quality gasoline that is created in the production of sustainable aviation fuel.
C. Willi Myles left the crowd in stitches sharing his life story of growing up in the projects in Alabama and moving to the frigid north to play college football at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. He reminisced on adventures ice fishing and more.
Kansas State University President Richard Linton telecast his luncheon address to attendees to provide an overview of the College of Agriculture’s innovation centers. In October 2022, the Kansas Soybean Commission committed its largest-ever investment of $4 million over five years to construct the new facilities on campus and boost the land-grant university’s ability to collaborate with industry.
The afternoon brought everyone back together for Jeremy Goodwin’s presentation on weather. Goodwin is the Chief Meteorologist for Channel 13 in Topeka and spoke about tornado ratings and coverage, as well as the drought conditions in Kansas during the 2022 growing season.
Sarah Lancaster, Assistant Professor with K-State Agronomy, concluded the day informing attendees about weed science research conducted at the university. Lancaster specializes in herbicide-resistant weed and biological control methods and discussed workarounds for growers to use if herbicide product supply becomes a challenge in the 2023 growing season. She also advised growers on considerations to make in the event of continued environmental stresses and herbicide label changes in the coming year.
Over 200 attendees gathered at the Maner Conference Center in Topeka for the event. Expo is a project of the Kansas Soybean Association with funding from the Kansas Soybean Commission.