All Articles
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Making Bacon: 50 years of the U.S. Meat Export Federation
Beans make bacon. It’s a known and loved fact among Kansas Soybean Commissioners, who often recite “soybeans are my favorite protein’s favorite protein.” As pork exports grow, more Kansas soybean production finds itself on tables around the world in the value-added form of American pork. That’s why KSC invests in meat exports, increasing domestic usage…
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Influencing the Influencers
KSC engages health professionals to combat misinformation in food and farming. “I am so proud to be a Kansan and I want to support my farmers,” says Jennifer, a dietetics master’s student from K-State. “I want my clients to feel that same way. This tour gave me a great sense of pride in our local…
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Export Diversification Strategy Pays Off
Story by Erin Worrel, U.S. Soybean Export Council Communications Manager. The U.S. Soybean Export Council has increased its emphasis on global market diversification as the competitive focus for U.S. Soy exports. That was fully displayed during Soy Connext 2026. USSEC’s annual global conference gathers U.S. Soy customers, exporters, farmers, supply chain members and industry experts.…
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Commission Celebrates New Era of Land-Grant Research
Four years after the Kansas Soybean Commission pledged its largest-ever checkoff investment to Kansas State University’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative, KSC celebrated the opening of the new Agronomy Innovation Center. It’s a significant upgrade to the University’s agronomic research spaces, increasing its impact for farmers for years to come. “It was a real joy for me…
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Farmers for Soil Health Offers Updated Payments
Cover crops are a known way to improve soil health and long-term profitability, but the potential for yield drag keeps many farmers from trying them out. Farmers for Soil Health seeks to accelerate the adoption of cover crops by offering an incentive – and this year, that incentive grew. FSH, supported by the soybean checkoff,…
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Soybean Summer Science Institute
In June, 15 teachers took part in a 3-week-long immersive professional development that trained them to use inquiry-based learning in their classrooms. This August, they’ll head back to school with new skills and fresh lesson plans — and soybeans. The Soybean Summer Science Institute trains teachers in inquiry-based learning, which teaches students to ask questions…
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Export Logistics: Complex and Crucial
Story by Carissa Dalquest, Kansas Soybean Summer Intern It’s easy to underestimate the complexity and scale of commodity production, trade and transportation in our global supply chain. Even as an agricultural economics graduate with plenty of exposure to the industry, the first few weeks of my internship with Kansas Soybean were spent learning and breaking…
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SoyFoam™ Coming to Firefighters Near You
Soy-based firefighting foam developed to replace PFAS makes its way to Kansas. “What did you know, and when did you know it?” John Paul Jones, retired Kansas City fire chief, quoted this line as he discussed health and environmental issues surrounding firefighting foam containing PFAS – or “forever chemicals” – which are known carcinogens that…
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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,…
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Farm Bill Takes Step Forward, Farmers Need Security
Two years and two extensions later, the 2018 Farm Bill is still not renewed and is set to expire on September 30, 2026. However, farmers are optimistic as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 – also known as the 2026 Farm Bill – passed out of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture…
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Biofuels Policy Outcomes Mean Business
Soybean Farmers can expect to benefit from a secure domestic market this year. 2026 has been a year of extremes for biodiesel: plants shuttered by uncertainty have roared to life with recent policy actions. For the first time, the industry has a finalized Renewable Fuel Standard, a tax credit and reallocated small refinery exemptions in…
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Kansas Farmers Host Luncheon, Discuss Policy Priorities
Each year, farmer-leaders on the Kansas Soybean Association board host legislators and staff for a lunch at the Capitol in Topeka. Over 200 individuals came through the line and talked about water issues, biodiesel production incentives, label regulations and more with the four board members hailing from Doniphan, Jefferson, Labette and Osage County, respectively. “This…
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New Fuel Terminal Promises New Impact for Farmers
On May 7, the Kansas Soybean Commission attended a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Blue River Valley fuel terminal, which was retrofitted with blending capabilities for biofuels. With an 800,000 gallon biodiesel storage tank on site, the facility expects to go through 50,000 to 75,000 gallons of biodiesel per month. Fuel terminals store and…
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Farmers, Industry Celebrate Success in Salina
The Kansas Soybean Association and Kansas Soybean Commission hosted the second annual Kansas Soybean Celebration on January 30 in Salina. This event brought together farmers, industry partners and ag leaders for a night recognizing the people who keep Kansas soybean farming thriving. “This has become my favorite event of the year as I’m able to…
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Yield Contest is More Than Records and Prizes
Two repeat champions discuss what the competition means for their operation. After a whirlwind growing season, uncertainty loomed large for many Kansas soybean farmers in 2025. Weather challenges, rising input costs, and market volatility left questions about yields unanswered well into harvest. But when combines finally rolled through the fields, that uncertainty faded into perspective.…
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Kansas Farmers Directly Impact, Host International Markets
For 25 years, the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health has worked on behalf of U.S. soybean farmers to build demand in new and developing markets around the world. By pairing technical expertise with strategic partnerships, WISHH works in both food and feed sectors into long-term trade for U.S. soy. “The…
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Newest Commissioner Emphasizes Outreach
Anna Unruh has been appointed Commissioner for District 6 following the retirement of Dennis Gruenbacher, Andale, from the Kansas Soybean Commission board. Unruh, who grew up on a dairy farm in Missouri, grows soybeans, corn and wheat on County Line Farms in Harvey County. She met her husband Jason after moving to Kansas for a…
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Farm to Fork: Building trust with future dietitians
Story by Jancey Hall, director of programs and outreach The buzz of a room with constant conversation – curious questions, thoughtful answers, laughter, and connections – you can feel the rapport building over shared values and visions. That’s my sweet spot and where I always want to be. The Farm to Fork socials held by…
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Emerging Leaders Academy Class 9, Phase 2
Story by Jancey Hall, Director of Programs and Outreach Always in pursuit of elevating the voice of Kansas soybean farmers, the Kansas Soybean Association and Commission created an outreach and training program designed to immerse participants in all stages of the soybean industry. Class 9 of the Emerging Leaders Academy is in full swing, and…
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Soy’s Key Nutrients
Written by Chelsey Amer, MS, RDN, CDN. Key Takeaways: Soy is one of the most nutrient-dense plant foods you can consume. Different from other legumes, soy has higher protein and fat content while containing fewer carbohydrates.1 In the U.S., most soy is used in processed food products such as tofu, tempeh, soybean oil, soymilk and…
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Friends of Soy: Building Kansas Crush Capacity
Bartlett; a Savage Company, and Scoular honored for bringing opportunities to Kansas soybean farmers. In fall 2024, two new soybean processing plants came online, nearly doubling crush capacity in Kansas. Just over a year later, Kansas Soybean honored Scoular and Bartlett; a Savage Company, as Friends of Soy for increasing market opportunities and profit potential…
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Kansas Legislature has Agriculture on the Agenda
Written by Shahira Stafford, legislative consultant. The 2026 Kansas Legislative Session began on January 12 with a packed agenda that could impact the state’s soybean producers and broader agricultural community. With a shortened session calendar, lawmakers are moving quickly on several key issues, holding hearings on major proposals as early as January 13. Property Tax…
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Elk County Farmer Leads at Local, State Level
Ben Bellar, fourth generation farmer in Elk county, participated in the American Soybean Association’s Soybean Leadership Academy January 7-9. This academy is designed to engage and build effective leaders for the future through hands-on learning and realistic leadership skills applicable to farmers. Academy Brings Value A two-and-a half day packed agenda provided attendees with networking…
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Investing in Research: Kansas Soybean welcomes Dr. Kraig Roozeboom
Following Ed Anderson’s retirement, KSC taps cropping systems expert to lead research program. The Kansas Soybean Commission is excited to welcome Dr. Kraig Roozeboom into the role of research consultant. Roozeboom is an Iowa native who retired from Kansas State University in August of 2025, having held research, teaching and extension roles there since 1990.…
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Trade Mission to Turkey and Egypt: CEO’s notes
People do business with people they trust. It doesn’t matter if it’s a farmer in Colby buying fertilizer or a poultry producer in Cairo buying soybean meal. Price matters. Quality matters. Logistics matters. But most important of all, trust matters. That was the objective of eight Kansas farmers who recently visited Turkey and Egypt on…
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Ernie Minton celebrated for driving landmark innovation effort
Former dean honored for leadership behind KSU’s $210 million Agriculture Innovation Initiative. The sounds of construction rattle through campus as work continues on the ambitious Western Star Global Grain and Food Center, the centerpiece of Kansas State University’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative. Ernie Minton, who recently stepped down as Eldon Gideon dean of the College of…
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A Seat at the Table: the Kansas Soybean Etiquette Dinner
On January 26, the Kansas Soybean Commission and the Kansas State University College of Agriculture partnered to host an Etiquette Dinner designed to prepare students for professional success. Aligned with KSC’s mission to support soybean farmers through promotion, education, and advocacy, the dinner focused on equipping students with practical skills they will need as future…
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Exploring Egypt: the Soybean Checkoff at Work
Story by Austin Heiniger, Fairview, KS In January, I had the opportunity to go on a trade mission to Egypt as part of the United Soybean Board’s See for Yourself Tour. I’d like to lay a bit of a foundation before sharing details. Let’s start with the What, the Who, and the Why of this…
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Dr. William Schapaugh honored for 47 years
Kansas State University’s first soybean breeder retires after decades of public service in research. Nearly 50 years ago, Dr. William Schapaugh accepted a job as Kansas State University’s first soybean breeder. He has long partnered with the Kansas Soybean Commission, carrying out decades of checkoff-funded research to drive progress in soybean genetics. At the annual…
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Shared Values, Stronger Truths: Ag Immersion Tour 2025
Story by Jancey Hall, Director of Programs and Outreach I live for a warm fuzzy moment. The excited, squealy ‘aww’ when a baby pig comes out, the joy at seeing calves frolicking, the amazement of being in a combine for the first time and witnessing its power and complexity, and the delight in finding the…