Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council’s new strategic plan furthers its commitment to serving soybean farmers through demand growth, innovative research and proactive education.
Led by Missouri soybean farmers working for Missouri soybean farmers, the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) seeks to empower growers throughout the state by prioritizing efforts that move the needle in the soybean industry and support farmers’ bottom line. Whether it’s increasing demand, advancing research or educating consumers and stakeholders, MSMC’s new strategic plan seeks to provide a roadmap for checkoff dollars spent throughout the state.
“As MSMC board members, we wanted to make sure we were still following the current barometer within the soybean market and focusing on the issues and struggles our fellow farmers are facing today,” says MSMC Chairman Mark Lehenbauer. “It’s important to re-evaluate and update. The strategic plan is just as essential as MSMC’s mission and vision in directing our focus and purpose.”
Each of the 13 MSMC farmer leaders bring a unique perspective to the board. Just as each region throughout the state experiences its own highs and lows, board members experience the same. The board’s diversity allows for well-rounded thoughts on how to best support growers in Missouri from the northwest corner to the bootheel.
MSMC’s strategic plan is guided by six core values held by soybean farmers across the state: integrity and honesty, leadership, teamwork, achievement, transparency and family.
This roadmap is separated into objectives focused on demand, research or education.
“These focus areas keep the MSMC board laser focused on our fellow soybean farmers’ priorities and keep continuity over time so that as board members change, we stay headed in the right direction,” Lehenbauer explains.
Demand
Demand priorities start with efforts to add value to the soybean within the state of Missouri through expanding in-state crush, increasing animal and aquaculture feed inclusion rates, supporting biodiesel and more. Continuing the preference for Missouri soy in the market is also top of mind to be pursued through future trade missions and increased opportunities for on-farm premiums through conservation, sustainability, carbon intensity and Identity-Preserved programs.
MSMC continues to seek increased support for transportation and infrastructure abilities to move soybeans and soy products throughout the state and beyond. This priority is fueled by the power of partnership including the Soy Transportation Coalition and the Coalition to Protect the Missouri River.
Commercialization of SOYLEIC® for both partners and end users also remains a priority with an emphasis on increasing utilization. For example, research is currently underway with dairy cows, poultry and hogs. Initial results using SOYLEIC® meal in feed rations are promising thanks to its fatty acid profile.
Research
Strategic research objectives prioritize agronomic research for Missouri soybean farmers across all regions of the state and the dissemination of findings to these farmers. Research will focus on better understanding the soybean and how to improve it as well as pest control and other efforts outlined by MSMC’s annual farmer-driven research survey. These efforts are further supported through partnerships such as that with the Soybean Research Information Network.
Missouri Soybeans’ Farm for Soy Innovation continues to maintain a robust breeding program as well. The 285-acre research farm supports Missouri soybean research and is home to the Northern Missouri breeding program. The team there continues to conduct extensive field trials to test varieties specifically developed for Missouri soils and growing conditions.
Education
Education priorities focus on cultivating leaders and engaging with consumers and farmers alike. Regional field staff programs, in-person farmer events and continued checkoff transparency allow Missouri soybean growers to stay up to date on MSMC’s strategic objectives.
Active participation in Missouri’s youth and collegiate efforts in agriculture through programs like the Soy Innovation Challenge with Missouri FFA allows MSMC to continue its investment into future leaders and potentially future farmers to lead the organization. In-house programs like the IA-MO Grassroots Fellowship help drive this mission forward.
For more information on MSMC’s work in the areas of demand, research and promotion or a closer look at its new strategic plan, visit mosoy.org.
