Iowa ranks second when it comes to soybean production. A state commodity organization is working to ensure Iowans can remain profitable in growing the popular crop, all while incorporating sustainable practices.
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) differs from other state commodity organizations in that it has a ?long standing and credible history of doing in-house research.?
The organization enhanced its research efforts by combining its Environmental Programs and Services Group with its On-Farm Network to create the Center for Farming Innovation. Ed Anderson, ISA senior director of research, says the holistic approach to soybean research aims to increase on-farm productivity and profitability.
?The Center for Farming Innovation is just that,? says Anderson. ?We want to work with farmers on holistic programs, developing research protocols and technical assistance for them that will help them in all areas of their operations. Ultimately using that data to develop robust decision tools that are going to help them make the best use of their resources – land, equipment – and drive the greatest value in profitability for them at the end of the day.?
Iowa Soybean?s Center for Farming Innovation prioritizes state and local partnerships. Its ?number one partnership is with farmers,? says Anderson.
?Over the years, we?ve worked with thousands of farmers across the state. We have around 38,000 soybean farmers across the state and would like to engage all of them, either directly – by working with them or indirectly – by providing information and decision tools (through) various communications,? says Anderson.
