Farm Progress

State farmers also participate in fundraising to support World Soy Foundation.

April 18, 2014

2 Min Read

Minnesota soybean leaders recently approved the investment of more than $1.3 million dollars into soybean research projects. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council approved the investments which are designed to increase soybean profitability for Minnesota farmers.

Many of the projects support research being done by scientists at the University of Minnesota. Research ranges from soybean breeding, aphid and soybean cyst nematode research to the study of impacts on soybeans from root diseases, tile drainage and soil fertility.

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"Supporting public soybean research is one of the most important things that we do as a Council," says Gene Stoel, an MSR&PC director and farmer from Lake Wilson. Stoel also chairs the Production Action Team for Minnesota Soybean. "These projects and the efforts of the researchers should benefit nearly every Minnesota soybean farmer."

While the results of these projects won't be available for some time, current research information including podcasts, results summaries and even researcher blogs are available at www.mnsoybean.org.

Regarding other events involving soybeans, Minnesota growers are partnering with the World Soy Foundation this month, which is Soyfoods Month, and hosting a social media campaign to raise funds for WSF to apply to hunger efforts.

For every new "like" Minnesota Soybean's Facebook page receives during the month, $5 will be donated. Another $5 will be donated to the organization for every "share" their Soyfoods Month posts receive.

The campaign will run throughout April and will highlight the benefits and nutritional value soy provides. Several studies have demonstrated soy's ability to lower cholesterol, aid in heart health, prevent certain types of cancer and even help to curb obesity. Soy is also an inexpensive, nutrient-rich and versatile crop that is one of the best solutions to relieving hunger and malnutrition.

"Tens of millions of children experience malnutrition around the world today. It is encouraging to know that the World Soy Foundation provides these people with soy protein, grown on our very own farms, that helps to alleviate hunger," says Vernon Pooch, Education Action Team chair and Farwell, Minn., farmer.

The WSF is the philanthropic arm of the American Soybean Association, which is dedicated to helping relieve hunger and malnutrition in the world today by funding, supporting and helping to coordinate programs that recognize the power of soy in developing sustainable food solutions.

The total donation will be used to provide services, knowledge and protein-rich soy to people who need it around the world at no cost to them. A few specific programs of the WSF include school feeding programs, soy nutritional services, education around soy, nourishing orphaned children, empowering women and girls.

To contribute to the campaign, visit http://facebook.com/MinnesotaSoybean

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