The Bay Farm Research Facility, owned by the Missouri Soybean Association (MSA), has simple mission: to improve the bottom line for Missouri Soybean farmers. Since its opening in 2012, the facility has been home to collaborative efforts between respected soybean scientists and Missouri farmers. The farm supports high-quality research responsive to the needs of Missouri soybean producers, showcases the importance of biosciences in agriculture and supports Missouri’s soybean industry in bringing reliable, sustainable and profitable products to the marketplace.
In recognition of the farm’s evolving role, the MSA board renamed the facility to better reflect its work. On July 23, the Bay Farm Research Facility was officially renamed the Farm for Soy Innovation.
“The Farm for Soy Innovation represents our commitment to innovation and excellence in the soybean industry,” said Gary Wheeler, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “This facility serves as a pinnacle for research that addresses the real-world challenges faced by our farmers and plays a crucial role in our future to enhance the profitability and sustainability of soybean farming in the Midwest.”
This new name highlights the cutting-edge research and projects conducted at the farm and the ongoing commitment to advancing agriculture.
“The Farm for Soy Innovation is a testament to the dedication of MSA and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) in promoting and advancing breeding, research, conservation and technology innovations for tomorrow’s farmers,” added Clayton Light, Missouri Soybeans director of conservation agriculture and farm operations.
Research and Development
The 285-acre research farm supports and facilitates Missouri Soybeans’ research, business and market development, and educational programs.
“We set a goal that every acre will serve a purpose to benefit agriculture in Missouri,” said Light. “We have already started many research projects focusing on agronomic practices in field and conservation techniques on the edge of fields.”
The farm is also home to the Northern Missouri soybean breeding program. This research focuses on developing conventional varieties that meet the agronomic needs of Missouri growers. These varieties are specifically developed for Missouri soils and growing conditions, emphasizing important traits such as soybean cyst nematode resistance and sudden death syndrome tolerance.
The team at the farm conducts extensive field trials to evaluate these traits under various environmental conditions, ensuring that the developed varieties are resilient and adaptable. This testing is crucial for identifying the best-performing varieties that can thrive in Missouri’s diverse agricultural landscape. The program’s emphasis on high yield and disease resistance directly enhances the region’s profitability and sustainability of soybean farming.
“The research done at the farm has been a game changer for us,” said Russell Wolf, MSA board member and farmer from Tipton, Missouri. “The new varieties are more resistant to diseases and yield better, which has impacted our bottom line.”
The farm is also at the forefront of developing and testing high oleic acid soybean varieties. The trait offers significant advantages, including improved oil quality and longer shelf life, which are highly beneficial for food and industrial uses. The high-oleic soybean varieties and traits present tremendous opportunities for growers in Missouri, promising enhanced marketability and added value for their crops.
Additionally, the farm incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to further enhance its operational capabilities. AI is utilized to analyze vast amounts of data collected from field sensors, drones and satellite imagery. This analysis helps in predicting crop performance, identifying disease outbreaks early and optimizing resource use.
“AI allows us to make more informed decisions by providing insights that were previously unattainable,” said Light. “This technology not only improves the efficiency of our work but also has the potential to revolutionize farming by offering tailored solutions to individual farmers.”
AI-driven tools are also used to improve plant-breeding processes. Machine learning algorithms analyze genetic data to identify traits that contribute to higher yields and disease resistance, speeding up the development of new soybean varieties.
Conservation and Agronomic Research
In addition to soybean breeding, the farm hosts numerous cooper- ative research efforts on cover crops, soil fertility and weed resis- tance. These projects are conducted in collaboration with various academic institutions, government agencies and private companies. The goal is to develop integrated pest management strategies and sustainable farming practices that can be readily adopted.
Cover crop management is a key focus area, with studies examining the benefits of different cover crop species on soil health, moisture retention and weed suppression. The findings from these studies are used to formulate best management practices that enhance soil fertility and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Similarly, research on soil fertility aims to optimize nutrient management, particularly the application of sulfur and other essential elements, to improve crop yields and environmental sustainability.
The farm also provides research and demonstration opportunities for soil, water and wildlife conservation, including projects with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Conservation practices developed and tested at the farm help farmers implement climate-smart practices that enhance resilience to climate change and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
The SMART Initiative
With a focus on conservation and technology innovations, MSA launched the SMART Initiative to transform the farm into a “smart farm.” This initiative aims to make the farm a hub for Missouri agribusinesses to test and demonstrate new agricultural technology products and educate farmers on these emerging products.
“The SMART Initiative is an exciting development for us,” said Wolf. “By integrating advanced technologies, we’re not only improving the efficiency of our operations but also providing invaluable resources and knowledge to our farmers.”
The SMART Initiative was jump-started with funds from the USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) and MSA’s investment, allowing for significant infrastructure improvements at the farm. The initiative also supports collaborations with technology companies to integrate precision agriculture tools, such as drones, sensors and data analytics platforms, into soybean farming practices. These technologies enable farmers to monitor crop health, soil conditions and pest pressures in real time, facilitating data-driven decision-making that enhances productivity and resource efficiency.
Future Goals and Partnerships
The farm continues to grow through new partnerships and projects that benefit Missouri agriculture. Powerful partnerships for the farm and agriculture include our decades-old collaboration with the University of Missouri-Columbia, major seed companies, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), local ag entities and many others.
In 2023, MSA started new partnerships with private companies to conduct research trials on products available to farmers. Some of the most prominent partnerships have been with FMC and Beck’s Hybrids. These companies can use these plots as demonstration plots throughout the growing season and even host their own field days. These partnerships have brought many new farmers to the farm, showcasing its offerings and cutting-edge research.
“Expanding these partnerships has also led to increased knowledge transfer and adoption of innovative practices among farmers,” said Wheeler. “This helps bridge the gap between research and practical application by providing a platform for hands-on demonstrations and interactive learning, empowering them to implement these advancements on their farms.”
Looking Ahead
As the Farm for Soy Innovation continues to evolve, it will remain committed to improving the bottom line for Missouri soybean farm- ers. The facility’s strategic initiatives, cutting-edge research and collaborative partnerships drive significant advancements in soybean farming practices.
“The Farm for Soy Innovation is truly a model for the future of agricultural research,” said Wolf. “The collaborative efforts and cutting-edge projects being conducted here are setting new standards for the industry.”
MSA and MSMC are excited about the future of the Farm for Soy Innovation. With ongoing support from stakeholders and investments in research and development, the facility will remain a vital resource for Missouri’s agricultural community. Together, the organization is working to ensure that Missouri soybean farmers have the tools, knowledge and technologies to thrive in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.
To learn more about the Farm for Soy Innovation, visit mosoy.org or schedule a tour by contacting Clayton Light at clight@mosoy.org.
