Mississippi Soybean Farmers Focus Efforts on Improving Soybean Production

$2.4 million in checkoff-funded projects to address irrigation, weeds and more  

CANTON (Apr. 2, 2014) - Clearly demonstrating their top priority of maximizing Mississippi soybean farmers’ profitability, farmer-leaders of the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board (MSPB) recently invested more than 80 percent of their budget in helping farmers address some of the most common production issues.

“MSPB members take great pride in funding a strong soybean research program that will have the maximum effect on the bottom line of Mississippi soybean farmers,” says Jan de Regt, MSPB chairman. “There are many common, recurring issues that farmers face, and we’re helping farmers manage them.”

Due to declining aquifer levels, for instance, MSPB funds research to find more efficient irrigation practices. Additionally, MSPB will fund research on managing diseases and controlling herbicide-resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth and marestail, which cause major yield losses.

Soybean farmers rely on soybean research conducted at the university and extension levels, and the board approved funding to help ensure qualified soybean scientists continue to be trained. The $2,433,000 MSPB invested in research includes support for graduate research assistantships and fellowships at Mississippi State University. It also includes funding of the Ed Hester Soybean Doctoral Fellowship in memory of the former Benoit, Miss., soybean farmer and past president of the Mississippi Soybean Association.

“Ed was an innovative producer and supporter of new technology,” says Larry Heatherly, MSPB research and technology transfer coordinator. “I could call him at any time and discuss how we could direct our efforts to solving production problems that soybean farmers faced. I am proud to be associated with the MSPB during the time that they honor his memory.” Students can apply for the Ed Hester Soybean Doctoral Fellowship on the MSPB website at www.mssoy.org.

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MSPB is made up of 12 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soy checkoff on behalf of all Mississippi soybean farmers. These volunteers work to increase soybean farmer profitability by investing checkoff dollars in ongoing public research and extension programs that address Mississippi production challenges, thereby driving the adoption of best management practices developed through research and ensuring the sustainability of Mississippi soybean production.