The soybean checkoff relies on a network of researchers and organizations to lead projects and initiatives that add to farmer profitability. The Kansas Soybean Commission is seeking a new set of project proposals that support the checkoff's goal to grow soybean demand and productivity.
Project proposals will be considered for the 2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2023. The submission deadline is Sept. 30.
"I would suggest to researchers 'go for it' on project proposals," Ron Ohlde, KSC chairman, says. "This world is changing with things like increasing herbicide resistance and new seed traits, so we are open to any project ideas."
Commissioners seek projects related to crop breeding, production and environmental programs; animal- and human-nutrition or food-safety studies; commercially significant, value-added projects that will use large quantities of soybeans; and domestic or international marketing and transportation programs.
Following the submission deadline, selected project leads are invited to present their project plan at the Dec. 15-17 KSC meeting in Topeka. Commissioners then choose to fund projects that complement the Commission's priorities for the year.
"The checkoff is driven by the Kansas soybean farmer, so it is our goal to return the best investment benefits to those farmers," Ohlde says. "Our Commission board will be focusing on that return-on-investment value in December."
Research projects in recent years have proved valuable investments by continuing to establish new soybean germplasms annually, exploring soy as a supplemental protein in pet food and bolstering the soybean market across the world.
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Soybeans