IP Crop Network – October Report

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This feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed to this report.  

Illinois
Illinois’ harvest is progressing along nicely. Corn harvest is running on the five-year average around 31%, while soybean harvest is running ahead of pace at around 45%. Overall, corn yields are better than expected. Soybean yields are all over the board. Some very good yields, 90-plus, being reported where the August rains fell. And where they didn’t, yields of 35-45 bushels per acre are common. There’s a definite trend on earlier maturity beans being some of the highest-yielding acres. We will see a shift in maturity next planting season with more acres going to late 2 to early 3 and less group 4 beans. 

 – Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l  

 Michigan 

Soybean harvest is well ahead of schedule this fall in Michigan. USDA reports that 40% of our crop was harvested as of Oct. 6. This compares to a five-year average of 21% at this time. Some soybeans have been harvested at very dry moisture content (less than 10%) even when soybean stems are tough to pass through the combine. 

Harvest timing of soybeans is very good for winter wheat planting, but soil moisture levels are so low that germination and emergence are delayed and/or variable. Most soybean growers are pleased with being able to harvest without rain interruptions and grain going directly to storage or not paying drying charges.     

 – Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee  

 Minnesota
After a very wet spring, Minnesota is dry yet again! According to the Oct. 3 drought monitor report, about 94% of Minnesota is in the early stages of drought (rated D0-D1). The Oct. 7 Minnesota Crop Progress Report states topsoil moisture supplies were rated 57% short to very short, 42% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 40% short to very short, 58% adequate, and 2% surplus. 2024 has been a different year. Soil went from excessively dry in March 2024 to excessively wet in June back to dry in October. Rain will be needed this fall to ease drought stress this winter. Without rain, the 2025 planting season will be more than a little interesting. 

With temperature highs consistently in the upper 80s, late August and September were warm and largely dry, allowing the crops to accumulate the heat units needed to mature the crop. Consequently, crop harvest is well underway in Minnesota. The small grains harvest is all but complete, with some growers reporting lower than normal yields. Edible bean harvest is almost complete with more than 86% in the bins. Corn grain harvest has started. What limited reports for corn yields I have varied considerably. Following a delayed planting season due to excessive May rains, precipitation, or lack thereof, from the August thunderstorms were quite impactful. Those sites with deep rooting zones shine, especially in areas adjoining a drowned-out spot. Soybean harvest is in full swing. Excessive weed escape, soybean pod pops and green stems have resulted in reduced combine harvest speed. Farmer yield reports vary from “pretty bad” to “much better than expected!” Given the current dry forecast, harvest should be completed earlier than average. This will leave time to correct some of the field damage created during the wet spring. 

Field work continues, especially on compacted sites and drown-out spots. Tillage happens when resources (drivers and tractors) are available, mostly until the morning dew evaporates. What limited scattered showers we receive are softening some ground. Soil temperatures remain well above 50oF, thus limiting the fall N fertilizer application window. However, ag lime, P and K fertilizers are being applied. There is a great concern expressed concerning soil moisture availability impact on cover crops and winter small grains establishment. Farmers are expressing concern about moisture recharge and soil moisture status for next year’s crops. We will not know the true impact on these issues for some time. 

 – David Kee, Director of Research, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council  

Missouri 

The dry weather continues in Missouri with 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending Oct. 6, according to the USDA-NASS crop progress report. Corn harvest is well underway at 62% harvested which is 17% ahead of the 45% 5-year average. The yields have been exceptionally high from the conversations I have had, and the report confirms that 84% of the crop is rated good to excellent. 

Soybeans are also looking very good, with 72% rated good to excellent. There is slightly more variability in the soybean crop due to the lack of rainfall late in the summer when pods were filling. Harvest is 23% complete, 9% ahead of the 5-year average. 

For our winter wheat, 10% has been planted, and 2% has emerged, which puts us right on track for the five-year average.   

– Blake Barlow, Director of Agronomy & Research, Missouri Soybeans 

Wisconsin 

According to the USDA NASS reports, farmers in Wisconsin had 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Oct 6. The warm and dry conditions allowed for good progress in the soybean harvest and advanced corn maturity. However, soil moisture levels have begun to decline, with 39% of topsoil and 35% of subsoil rated as short. Still, 45% of topsoil and 53% of subsoil are considered adequate. 

Corn is on track, with 95% of the crop now in the dent stage and 70% fully mature. That’s about a day behind last year but a day ahead of the five-year average. So far, 10% of the corn for grain has been harvested, and the corn silage harvest is 80% complete, which is ahead of both last year and the average. Corn condition has dropped by 3% from last week, now standing at 61% rated good to excellent. 

For soybeans, 97% are changing color, and 90% are dropping leaves. The soybean harvest is now 61% complete, putting us 12 days ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of the average. Soybean condition has dipped slightly, with 59% rated good to excellent, down 5% from last week. 

Winter wheat planting is progressing well, with 63% completed, which is two days ahead of both last year and the average. Additionally, 36% of the winter wheat has emerged. 

– Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison  

Speaker confirmations stack up for Identity Preserved International Summit in Hawaii

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When you plan to bring together the world’s leaders in identity preserved agriculture, you need to secure the best and brightest guest speakers and panel guests to set the stage.  

The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) has found the cream of the crop with the announcement of its first set of featured speakers and panelists for the second Identity Preserved International Summit Feb. 18-20, 2025, in Honolulu 

“The global demand for Identity Preserved crops continues to expand. With that comes potential customers hungry for information. This summit is intended to help inform customers and potential customers around the world,” said Bob Sinner, SSGA board chair. “I am confident this lineup of speakers will reflect their interests.”

Included in the most recent lineup of confirmed speakers are Paul Maass, Nicole Atchison, Japnit Singh, Molly Burns, Mr. Takashi Sadakane and Mr. Huy Pham. Learn more about the presenters below. 

Paul Maass – CEO, Scoular 

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Scoular, Paul Maass has been responsible for providing the company with worldwide strategic leadership since joining them in 2016. Scoular is a 130-year-old company with over $10 billion in annual sales that provides diverse supply chain solutions in the grain, feed and food ingredient and biofuels industries from over 100 offices and facilities worldwide.  

Prior to joining Scoular, Maass served as president of ConAgra Foods’ Commercial Foods and Private Brands segment, where he led the creation of Ardent Mills, their milling focused partnership with Cargill and CHS and served as board chairman. Maass is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in agricultural business.  

Nicole Atchison – CEO, Puris 

Nicole Atchison has been CEO of Puris since 2017, helping lead innovation across their company’s portfolio of companies including ingredient technologies, processing technologies, seed genetic strategy and channel strategy. PURIS cultivates a spectrum of plant-based foods and ingredients from U.S.-based organic and non-GMO sources. A native of Minnesota, Nicole holds a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University.  

Japnit Singh – Yamada Consulting & Spire 

Japnit is the Chief Operating Officer at Yamada Consulting and Spire. He specializes in supporting organizations with marketing entry and growth consulting in Asia. With over 15 years of regional experience, he has worked with Fortune 500 companies as well as government agencies from the U.S., Singapore, Spain, Oman and Japan. Singh’s expertise lies in market analytics, business partner matching and go-to-market strategies for multinational organizations as well as small-and-medium-sized businesses. In his career, Japnit has successfully completed over 1,000 market research projects globally.   

Japnit holds a degree in architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, and is a part of the MBM 2004 Batch of AIM. 

Molly Burns – Food Export Midwest/Food Export Northeast 

Based in Chicago, Molly Burns is the Branded Program director for Food Export Midwest & Food Export Northeast. Founded in 1969, Food Export Association is a nonprofit organization that collaborates with regional state agricultural promotion agencies and the United States’ Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Burns works with hundreds of suppliers annually to create strong marketing plans and grow internationally. Burns’ and Food Export’s Branded Program reimburses food and agricultural companies for half of their international marketing expenses. She majored in International Studies at Loyola University-Chicago.  

Mr. Takashi Sadakane & Mr. Huy Pham 

The Identity Preserved International Summit is also excited to welcome Japan’s Agricultural Counselor, Mr. Takashi Sadakane, and Mr. Huy Pham, the Vietnamese agricultural counselor to speak on the significant potential of Japanese and Vietnamese markets for U.S. IP soybeans and other special grains.  

Other previously announced guest speakers include Dr. Phanwin Yokying, applied researcher at the East-West Center, and Ken A. Eriksen, founder of Polaris Analytics & Consulting. The Summit will include presentations and panel sessions from industry leaders exploring topics in identity preserved agriculture, such as electronic documentation, quality assurance, supply, crop conditions and more. The event will also include a trade show, networking opportunities and tours.  

The agenda for the Summit is being updated regularly.  

“Our first Summit was extremely successful, and many customers are already committing to this event again coming up in February 2025,” said Sinner.  

Interested in attending the Identity Preserved International Summit in 2025? Register now at usipsummit.com! International attendees may be eligible for complimentary registration. 

Businesses interested in sponsoring and/or exhibiting at this one-of-a-kind conference can view options at this link. 

 

 

 

Strike’s over…?

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By Gary Williams, Director of Transportation and Regulatory Affairs 

With the announcement that the U.S. Maritime Alliance, LTD (USMX) has agreed to a 61.5% wage increase with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), a question is likely turning over in the minds of many: “Is the East and Gulf Coast Port crisis averted or only delayed?” 

The ILA in a letter dated Oct. 5, outlined their current posture. 

“If we were to accept the wage increase now, we would have to sign a no-strike clause. … By extending the contract until January 15th, we keep our ability to negotiate and fight for the other important matters that go beyond economics.” 

The other important matters are stated as Jurisdiction Protections and Automation Protections.    

 Jurisdiction Protections are explained as  “securing and expanding our historical jurisdiction.” Guaranteeing that ILA members continue to handle key tasks at port facilities: manning cranes and servicing equipment, preventing employers from outsourcing these jobs to non-union or automated systems. 

Automation Protections would be to prevent the introduction of any remote-controlled or fully automatic machinery that threatens work jurisdiction. 

There is a third component that the Union points to that is to preserve healthcare benefits along with royalty payments designed to supplement wages. Commonly, it has been thought this is not currently at great risk. 

It is important for members to understand that the contract has been extended to Jan. 15, 2025, but even the salary agreement is on a string if the other components are not agreed upon between ILA and USMX.  

Labor is reportedly working at what appears the normal pace based upon information provided on calls that the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance participated in this week reviewing what has taken place since the ports reopened. 

There currently is no date for resumption of negotiations to begin. 

 

Kunisch becomes SSGA membership lead

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Chuck Kunisch understands the value of becoming a member of the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA). As president of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) board and Food Grade Business Development Director with Michigan Agricultural Commodities Inc, he’s seen firsthand how his SSGA membership delivers for his business. Now in his second year as a board member of SSGA, he’ll have a more active role in telling his story and encouraging others to join after recently being appointed Membership Lead.

For the specialty market industry, it’s all about who you know when you’re looking for resources. According to Kunisch, a big selling point of joining SSGA is the relationships that members can build with fellow industry leaders.

“One of the biggest advantages to becoming a member is the connections you can make with other members and the opportunity to network,” he said. “It’s very altruistic how others are willing to help you, even though you may be competitors, because they want you to succeed.”

Members help keep SSGA thriving by diversifying its revenue streams, Kunisch said.

“There are a couple of different ways organizations such as SSGA survive, such as membership dues, profits from trade shows and/or grants from other organizations,” Kunisch said. “SSGA gets a lot of its support from those grants, which can be hit or miss some years, and so we’d like to be less reliant on that, so that’s why we’re working hard on increasing our membership.”

SSGA set for Manila mission

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The Philippines were one of the first countries SSGA explored to learn about Southeast Asian markets for identity preserved (IP) field crops and the first to participate in the IP B2B virtual business events during the pandemic. Now, the alliance will visit Manila, that country’s capital, Aug. 6-10 for a series of meetings and U.S. Identity Preserved Workshops with food manufacturers to promote high-quality, traceable grains and oilseeds from the United States and the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance plan and brand label program.

The delegation includes SSGA board directors Chuck Kunisch (Michigan Agricultural Commodities) and Bryan Severs (Illinois Soybean Association), IP consultant Rob Prather and SSGA Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick, along with representatives of the organization’s global management team.

“We look forward to the opportunity to sit down with food businesses and not only talk about the U.S. Identity Preserved system, companies and crops, but listen to those companies and better understand how we can assist them in communicating the U.S. IP quality and value message to their own customers,” Frederick said.

SSGA plans meetings with a variety of importing companies, U.S. cooperator organizations working in the Philippines and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, and officials with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service posted in Manila.

SSGA also held a U.S. IP workshop in Tokyo during the FoodEx Japan trade show in March and is planning another for Kathmandu, Nepal, in September, hitting each of its primary target regions – North Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia before holding the second Identity Preserved International Summit Feb. 18-20, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

SSGA’s 2024 IP Workshops have been sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, North Dakota Soybean Council and Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board as part of their support of the Identity Preserved International Summit.

The U.S. Identity Preserved program receives support from the Illinois Soybean Association, Michigan Soybean Committee, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, South Dakota Soybean Checkoff and Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, along with funding from a USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion grant and added support from the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

Member profile: Jordan Atchison, PURIS Grains

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As if coaching his two kids in baseball, softball, basketball, track & field, volleyball and flag football doesn’t sound like an overflowing plate, Jordan Atchison still manages to find time in the day to dedicate to a job he’s grown a passion for.

Jordan Atchison

Atchison joined PURIS Grains in 2006 straight out of college. Nearly 20 years later, he currently serves as the company’s president.

“I did not envision a career in agriculture, but I was offered an entry-level position that would allow me to learn all aspects of the business, like R&D (research and development), quality assurance, operations, logistics and grower relations,” Atchison said. “It allowed me to learn using a hands-on approach by experience, which was important for the development of a diverse skillset.”

Founded in 1985 and based in Randolph, Minn., PURIS is a family-owned company offering a range of organic and non-GMO soy products alongside its well-known pea protein portfolio. It prides itself on controlling the quality of soybeans from seed to shelf through an internal breeding program focused on developing food-grade, non-GMO soybeans. PURIS Grains became an SSGA member in 2023 after witnessing its work with international markets and expediting the phytosanitary process.

“We use the expedited phytosanitary cert program for export shipments and customer samples on a weekly basis, and it has really saved us a ton of time,” Atchison said. “I cannot explain enough how much time this has saved us to date. We are also now U.S. Identity Preserved-certified at our Minnesota soy facility, which speaks to our work and commitment to our quality of finish products.”

As an SSGA member, Atchison accompanied SSGA and two other natto suppliers on a trip to Japan in early May, giving him the opportunity to connect with other suppliers in the industry, along with USDA, U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and representatives from the Federation of Japan Natto Manufacturers. Atchison believes the partnership with PURIS and SSGA will only continue to flourish.

“I’m looking forward to a continued discussion and open dialogue regarding natto, sprouting, tofu, soymilk and miso supply from the United States and how to grow and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. and other Asian/Southeast Asian countries using non-GMO soy for further food manufacturing,” Atchison said. “As a soybean breeder, creating new varieties of soybeans in several locations year over year, I believe we can add much more value for SSGA, its members and customers. Overall, the relationship with SSGA has been very beneficial and PURIS is looking forward to growing the relationship as we head into the future.”

Korea’s food processing sector relies on imported inputs

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USDA/FAS’s annual report on Korea’s food processing ingredients sector highlights that  Korea’s food processing industry relies heavily on imports to fulfill its food and agricultural needs in order to manufacture a wide variety of food and beverage products. Given this demand, there is ample opportunity for imported agricultural products for processing use including bulk commodities such as soybeans and wheat. U.S. food is perceived as equal or superior quality relative to competitors.

According to 2024 Food and Restaurant Industry Outlook, “Health & Wellness” was selected as the keyword for this year’s  food industry trend in Korea. This trend can be found in the low-calorie, high-protein, high-fiber movement, zero-sugar movement in noodle, snack, and beverage market.

The Korean market reflects global food trends. Korean consumers are becoming more affluent and health conscious, causing more consumers  to focus on quality over price. The rise in single-person households and the increase in women’s participation in the workforce are influencing food purchasing patterns. Consumers want convenient and good value food products that suit their lifestyle. At the same time, consumers continue to seek healthier and higher quality food options.

Major food processing companies have launched their own vegetarian product brands, are investing more on research and development, and are opening vegetarian restaurants. To match the growing global demand, pasta made from soybeans has been released and is expected to grow to $2.4 billion by 2025. In Korea, soybeans and tofu noodles have been launched as alternative noodle products and are attracting much attention.

Wenberg visits Midwest members

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SSGA Executive Director Eric Wenberg met with members during a week-long journey across the Midwest last week. He traveled to Indiana where he saw the Pence Group, IOM Grain and Indiana Crop Improvement Association; Illinois for visits with US Nisshin Shokai, WeFarm Organics and Hang Tung Resources; and Wisconsin, where he stopped by The DeLong Co. 

Representing a trade association that listens, Wenberg finds it imperative that he regularly meet one-on-one with members. 

“All of our members are unique,” Wenberg said. “Some have been members of SSGA since the alliance was established five years ago and some are brand new to the organization. By visiting them at their headquarters we can learn more about their businesses and what SSGA can do to help them.”  

Eric Wenberg, Cameron Hilgenberg and Shane Frederick at The DeLong Co.

At The Delong Co., Wenberg was joined by Shane Frederick, SSGA manager of strategic programs, DeLong is one of SSGA’s newest members and recently qualified for the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance and brand mark program.  

“Driving through Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin also gave me a great chance to catch the start of the planting season in rural America,” Wenberg said. “I look forward to seeing crop progress when I visit member companies in other states later this year.” 

SSGA talks successes in D.C.

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SSGA staff and board members discussed their successes and future plans with USDA, several agricultural organizations and legislative leaders during their Washington, D.C., trip in April.

SSGA Chair Bob Sinner, board members Chuck Kunisch and Rob Prather, Executive Director Eric Wenberg and Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick met with leaders at the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, U.S. Soybean Export Council, North America Export Grain Association, Food Export-Midwest, Michigan Agribusiness Association, and the offices of Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Reps. Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN).

The meetings were an opportunity to educate about SSGA’s success with market promotions abroad and its work domestically to support U.S. growers and businesses. This year, with USDA forecasting poor returns on net revenue for America’s farmers, it’s more important than ever to keep educating about opportunities for the higher returns available from quality segments like U.S. identity preserved.

“It was really incredible to talk and get feedback on our concrete achievements. No other organization has returned investments to its members like SSGA has, with new innovative national programs,” Wenberg said. “The partners we met with really responded to it, as they are looking for new solutions.”

The group explained its unique role in trade such as through the High Quality Specialty Grains program operated with USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service and how its work abroad resulted in U.S. Identity Preserved, the first national program bringing attention in international markets to a U.S. standard for identity preserved techniques and how they can be used to guarantee quality, origin and safety for soybeans or specialty grains. SSGA discussed challenges in transportation and a key role in the future of identity preserved crops in container, intermodal trade. SSGA received positive results from the visit and encouragement to continue its path for the future.

Save the date for SSGA’s 2025 events

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SSGA has announced dates for three events in 2025. The Identity Preserved International Summit will return Feb. 18-20 in Honolulu, Hawaii. SSGA’s annual meeting will be held March 11, followed by Transportation Go! March 12-13 in Minneapolis.

In January 2023, more than 150 people, including 50 foreign buyers, participated in the inaugural Summit, traveling from the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar and Cambodia for discussions and networking, along with presentations on supply, transportation, crop conditions and availability and more.

SSGA invites food manufacturers; grain and oilseed buyers and sellers; and transportation, equipment, seed and input companies from around the world to experience the U.S. Identity Preserved field crop industry through educational seminars, networking opportunities, agricultural tours and more.

“These are the best companies in the world who do this – on both sides of the ocean,” SSGA Executive Director Eric Wenberg said. “The Identity Preserved International Summit will again give them a chance to have real dialogue about one of the fast-growing sectors of agriculture.”

More information, as well as registration, will be released soon about the Summit.

SSGA will again hold its annual meeting and Transportation Go! back-to-back, March 11-13, 2025, in Minneapolis.

SSGA’s 2024 annual meeting included a 5-year anniversary celebration, as well as Board of Director elections and breakout sessions about agronomy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s High Quality Specialty Grains program that SSGA administratively supports. Transportation Go! 2024 united about 120 growers, port authority representatives, shippers, suppliers and others for solution-seeking discussions around transportation of agricultural products.