Soybean Genesis Heads to Brookings for Innovation Seminar
The South Dakota Soybean Genesis Leaders program held its third session in Brookings, SD, on Feb. 16. Covering the topics of “Innovation and Forward Focus,” the group had speakers, tours, and discussions about the new and potential uses for soybean products, and the anticipated changes in markets for which producers need to be ready.
We began the day at Dakota BioWorks, a bioproducts research and development facility in the SDSU Research Park, to learn how a new product can be taken from the research stage to demonstration scale. Heading over to the Raven Precision Agriculture Center on the SDSU campus, the next session was with SYNLawn, a turf manufacturer that uses soybean oil in a flexible, durable backing material for residential and commercial turf. There was even a South Dakota connection, as SYNLawn was recently installed at the school in Philip, SD.
Dr. Bob Thaler, SDSU Distinguished Professor and Extension Swine Specialist, gave a fascinating presentation about historical changes in demand for soybean meal, soybean oil, and the potential changes as demand for renewable diesel increases the production of soybean oil. The potentially increased supply of soybean meal would logically result in downward price pressure, which could lead to an increased usage of soybean meal in animal feeds. SDSU is at the forefront of research in both the energy and animal feed applications for soy products.
After a quick lunch, the Genesis group enjoyed a Raven Precision Agriculture Center tour with Nick Uilk, instructor in Precision Ag and Ag Systems Engineering. The center features significant industry investment which fosters relationships between students and future employers. Classrooms, labs, open spaces, and faculty areas are built to foster innovation and idea sharing. The tour was followed by an update from Kyle Peters of A1 Development Solutions on the new High Plains Processing plant being developed south of Mitchell. This plant will process both soybeans and sunflowers and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025.
Next, the Genesis class turned their attention to aquaculture with a presentation from Dr. Bishnu Karki on the development of soybean meal as an alternative to fish meal in seafood farming. This groundbreaking research at SDSU set the stage for PrairieAquatech, now part of Houdek, to develop a soy-based component for aquaculture feed that is processed in their Volga, SD, plant, and shipped worldwide. The class toured the research facility where new feed formulations are developed and tested.
Throughout the day, we learned how the SD Soybean Checkoff has been an instrumental partner in developing and supporting these technologies and facilities with the investment of checkoff dollars. The soybean checkoff receives one-half of one percent (.005) of the price of each bushel at the first point of sale for farmer-driven research and promotional activities to maximize profit opportunities.
The last stop of the day was an evening social, where Genesis participants had a chance to network and discuss the information and ideas they had explored in this session.
The Soybean Genesis Leaders program will conclude its 4-seminar series in Watertown on March 15. If you are interested in joining the next class of Soybean Genesis Leaders, please contact SDARL.
