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MSMC STRATEGIC PLAN

Explore the strategic efforts put in place by MSMC

Through strategic investments in research, education, and market development, MSMC ensures that Missouri soybeans remain competitive and sustainable for generations to come.

About the Strategic Plan

The MSMC Strategic Plan is designed to drive innovation, sustainability, and profitability for Missouri soybean farmers. Through targeted investments in research, market development, and education, MSMC enhances soybean production, expands local and global demand, and connects consumers to agriculture. By prioritizing biodiesel adoption, transportation improvements, and premium market opportunities, MSMC ensures a strong future for Missouri-grown soybeans.

Featured Materials

Checkout the latest information about the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council’s strategic plan efforts.

Strategic Plan One-Pager

Q1/2 Project Reporting

Q3 Project Reporting

Demand Growth

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council is dedicated to expanding opportunities for soybean farmers by driving demand and increasing the value of Missouri-grown soybeans. By fostering market preference, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and supporting commercialization efforts like SOYLEIC, we aim to create sustainable growth and economic benefits for farmers across the state.

man holding a gas pump next to a john deere machine

Add More Value to the Soybean within the State

Enhancing the profitability of Missouri soybeans through value-added initiatives and market expansion.

Create Preference for Missouri Soybeans in the Market

Positioning Missouri soybeans as the top choice for buyers through strategic promotion and branding.
grain barge

Build Transportation and Infrastructure Abilities to Move Soybeans and Soy Products

Strengthening transportation networks to ensure efficient movement of soybeans and soy products.

Commercialization of SOYLEIC for Partners and End Users

Expanding market opportunities for high-oleic soybeans through partnerships and innovation.

Innovative Research

Innovation is at the heart of Missouri’s soybean industry. Our commitment to research ensures that farmers have access to cutting-edge agronomic advancements, fundamental scientific insights, and a robust breeding program. By investing in these areas, we seek to improve soybean quality, yield, and sustainability, securing a prosperous future for Missouri soybean growers.

Fund Relevant Agronomic Research for Missouri Soybean Farmers

Funding cutting-edge studies to improve yield, sustainability, and farm profitability.

Invest in Fundamental/Basic Research to Better Understand the Soybean and How to Improve It

Advancing scientific understanding of soybeans to enhance productivity and resilience.

Maintain Robust Breeding Program

Developing superior soybean varieties to meet the evolving needs of farmers and industry.

Proactive Education

Educating and engaging stakeholders is key to strengthening Missouri’s soybean industry. Through transparent communication, leadership development, and strategic consumer outreach, we empower farmers with knowledge and resources while fostering connections that enhance public understanding of the industry’s impact.

Focusing on Engaging and Communicating with Farmers

Strengthening connections through direct communication and support initiatives.

Maintain Transparent Organization

Maintaining openness to build trust and ensure accountability.

Cultivate Current and Future Leaders

Cultivating the next generation of soybean industry leaders.

Make Strategic Investments in Consumer Outreach

Investing in public awareness efforts to highlight the benefits of Missouri soybeans.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

MSMC is a farmer-led organization that utilizes soybean checkoff dollars to fund research, marketing, and education initiatives. Our goal is to create opportunities that drive demand, increase profitability, and advance innovation in the soybean industry.

The soybean checkoff is a national program where soybean farmers contribute a portion of their sales to fund research, market development, and promotional activities. This collective investment allows farmers to gain access to new technologies, expand markets, and improve soybean sustainability.

Why is the Checkoff Beneficial?
  • Funds cutting-edge research to improve soybean yields and sustainability
  • Expands local and global market opportunities for Missouri soybeans
  • Supports biodiesel development and demand
  • Enhances consumer education about soy’s role in everyday products

The MSMC Strategic Plan is designed to support Missouri soybean farmers by increasing the value of soybeans, expanding market opportunities, investing in research, and improving transportation infrastructure. It outlines clear goals, strategies, and actions to ensure long-term success for soybean producers in Missouri.

Farmers can provide input through MSMC’s annual surveys, attending regional meetings, engaging with field staff, and participating in board discussions. MSMC encourages farmers to voice their priorities to ensure the strategic plan remains farmer-driven and relevant.

MSMC works to increase demand for Missouri soybeans, fund research that improves yields and sustainability, and provide education and outreach to farmers. The council also supports initiatives to improve transportation, expand biodiesel markets, and create new revenue streams through specialty soybean programs.

Demand Questions

The council is working to expand in-state soybean processing facilities, promote biodiesel adoption, and increase the use of soybean meal in animal feed. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders and exporters, MSMC aims to create new opportunities for Missouri-grown soybeans.

The council is working to expand in-state soybean processing facilities, promote biodiesel adoption, and increase the use of soybean meal in animal feed. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders and exporters, MSMC aims to create new opportunities for Missouri-grown soybeans.

Yes! MSMC is identifying programs that offer premiums for soybeans based on sustainability practices, carbon intensity scores, and other quality factors. They are also working with processors to establish identity-preserved (IP) programs that could lead to higher prices for farmers.

MSMC promotes B20 and higher biodiesel blends as the preferred fuel for diesel engines across the state. The council is developing an economic analysis tool to showcase the benefits of biodiesel and assist partners in decision-making.

Research Questions

MSMC funds a variety of research projects aimed at enhancing soybean production and marketability. Specific projects include:

  • Delta Center Soybean Breeding Program: Developing and licensing high-yielding Group IV soybean varieties.
  • North Missouri Soybean Breeding Program: Creating commercially competitive conventional and herbicide-resistant soybean varieties.
  • Soy Excellence Center Program: Supporting workforce training and capacity building to diversify demand for U.S. soy exports.
  • Promoting Exports to Mexico and Latin America: Enhancing the export of U.S. soybean meal and soybeans to these regions by increasing product availability and logistical awareness.

MSMC collaborates with the University of Missouri and other research partners to conduct trials, develop new soybean varieties, and improve disease and pest resistance. The council also ensures farmer-driven research priorities are addressed.

SOYLEIC is a non-GMO, high-oleic soybean variety that provides a healthier oil option while maintaining strong yield potential. MSMC is expanding its production by educating farmers and end-users and working with partners to increase its commercialization.

Research Questions

The Center for Soy Innovation is a facility dedicated to showcasing and advancing Missouri’s soybean industry. It serves as a hub for research, education, and business development. The center offers tours and interactive exhibits to educate consumers about soybeans’ role in agriculture and everyday products, fostering a stronger connection between consumers and the agricultural community.

The council provides dedicated field staff to assist farmers with conservation programs, carbon market opportunities, and environmental stewardship initiatives. MSMC is also expanding in-person farmer events to provide hands-on education.

MSMC partners with organizations like Mizzou Athletics, the Missouri State Fair, and national soy food programs to educate consumers on the benefits of soy in food, fuel, and other everyday products.

The council actively engages with Missouri FFA and 4-H programs, offers leadership development opportunities, and explores ways to involve college students in the soybean industry.

Commitment to the Farmer

Read more about the commitment that Missouri Soybeans continues to make to the farmers.

Mastering Soybean Scouting
April 29, 2025
CATEGORY: MOSOY

Mastering Soybean Scouting

If you grow soybeans in Missouri, you know insect pests can eat into profits long before you notice visible damage…

Evaluating the Effect of Nematode-Protectant Seed Treatments for Soybean Cyst Nematode Management
April 7, 2025
CATEGORY: SRIN

Evaluating the Effect of Nematode-Protectant Seed Treatments for Soybean Cyst Nematode Management

In this article, you’ll find details on: Field trials in multiple locations and over multiple years compared the effect of…

Rotating for Resilience: Missouri’s Playbook for SCN Management
March 31, 2025
CATEGORY: MOSOY

Rotating for Resilience: Missouri’s Playbook for SCN Management

After 30 years of using the same resistance source, SCN is adapting. Learn how Missouri’s research and rotation strategy are…

Soybean Breeder, Feng Lin, examines soybeans in greenhouse.
March 3, 2025
CATEGORY: MOSOY

Breeding Better Beans

Tackling SCN, RKN, Phytophthora and Stink Bugs in Missouri Soybeans Missouri soybean farmers face increasing pressure from pests and diseases,…

Soybean Success Begins in the Soil
January 30, 2025
CATEGORY: MOSOY

Soybean Success Begins in the Soil

As the 2025 growing season approaches, Missouri soybean farmers have a prime opportunity to optimize their yields by focusing on…

U.S. Soybeans, Poultry Forge Partnership Over Poultry Exports
March 25, 2024
CATEGORY: SRIN

U.S. Soybeans, Poultry Forge Partnership Over Poultry Exports

By Sarah Hill U.S. poultry and other types of products are flying off store shelves in the Philippines, one of…

Farmer Loads Sprayer with Herbicide
March 25, 2024
CATEGORY: MOSOY

Herbicide Carryover Concerns for Soybean in 2024

by Kevin Bradley, State Extension Weed Scientist, University of Missouri Last spring/early summer, I probably received more calls and complaints…

Optimizing Soybean Planting: Challenges and Strategies
March 19, 2024
CATEGORY: MOSOY

Optimizing Soybean Planting: Challenges and Strategies

by Andre FB Reis, State Soybean Specialist, University of Missouri The winter is not officially gone but temperatures over 60°F…

Soybeans: Powering the Circular Economy
March 4, 2024
CATEGORY: SRIN

Soybeans: Powering the Circular Economy

By Sarah Hill In the agriculture industry, it’s often said that growers produce food, fiber and fuel. Soybean growers should…

Novel Discovery Could Fortify Farmers’ Defenses Against SCN
February 25, 2024
CATEGORY: SRIN

Novel Discovery Could Fortify Farmers’ Defenses Against SCN

From The SCN Coalition Researchers have discovered a new and unexpected way to prevent soybean cyst nematode from attacking soybeans…

Missouri’s 2023 Drought: A Climate and Agricultural Perspective
January 31, 2024
CATEGORY: MOSOY

Missouri’s 2023 Drought: A Climate and Agricultural Perspective

by Zack Leasor, State Climate Extension Specialist & Assistant Professor, University of Missouri Drought is common in Missouri, and the…

soybean cyst nematode nodes
January 15, 2024
CATEGORY: SRIN

Researchers Continue to Strengthen and Refine Soybean SCN Resistance

By Carol Brown For decades, farmers have been trying to overcome soybean cyst nematode, or SCN, in their fields. There…