Weekly Update: 02.22.24

USSEC LAUNCHES SOY EXCELLENCE CENTER IN INDIA

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) announced the launch of the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) in India, a pioneering initiative aimed at early-to mid-career protein professionals to support Indian food and agricultural sectors’ sustainable growth.

MEET THE FRIEDERS FAMILY

ISA District 1 Director Ryan Frieders and his family were featured in the Illinois Farm Families “We are the 96%” campaign, an effort of Illinois commodity organizations that showcases the 70,000 families that own and operate family farms in Illinois. Frieders is a seventh-generation corn, soybean, hay, and beef farmer in Waterman, Ill.

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN: LIVESTOCK + CROPS SURVEY

Integration of crops and livestock brings a package of benefits including reduced costs, improved fertility, and a stronger local community.  But there are challenges too: logistics of time and labor, infrastructure costs, and maybe even a new skill set. The “Match Made in Heaven” survey wants farmers’ insights on integrating crops and livestock.

HIGHLIGHTS AND RESULTS FROM STUDENT RESEARCH POSTER COMPETITION

Thirteen graduate students from around Illinois participated in the second Student Research Poster Competition at the annual Soybean Summit. While the presented research topics were mainly focused on soybeans, the students displayed a wide range of expertise within their projects.

Join farmdoc and presenters Gary Schnitkey and Nick Paulson for an agricultural webinar discussing crop budgets, risk management decisions, and marketing for 2024. Topics covered include projected corn and soybean prices, production costs, ARC vs. PLC programs, and crop insurance considerations.