Each year, researchers from around the state present proposals to the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council’s (MSR&PC) research action team for checkoff-funding consideration. The meeting was held both in person and virtually.

“Most of the projects were focused on the production of soybeans,” said Gene Stoel, MSR&PC director.“We think that’s very important to our farmers because they need to know what they need to do to grow more, which affects their bottom line.”

The more than 20 proposals that earned initial approval included:

• Varietal resistance to soybean cyst nematode
• Soybean breeding and genetics
• Weed management
• Nutrient management
• Carbon credits in Minnesota
• Supporting the University of Minnesota Soybean Research Center

Proposals had already gone through one round with farmer leaders, and the projects that weren’t previously cut were presented by their researchers. This allowed the team, comprising members of both MSR&PC and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association the opportunity to ask questions. Council CEO Tom Slunecka was also present throughout the meeting.

“If you’re going to grow the product, you need to promote it yourself,” Stoel said. “It’s very important that you stay involved and make sure that your checkoff money is being spent wisely.”

With soybean prices down about 40% over the past two years, farmer leaders continued to be mindful of being prudent with checkoff resources. Stoel, a Council director since 2008, asked each researcher how they would modify their project with a budget cut. Most research projects that passed the first round were able to receive some level of funding, even if at a reduced rate

The action team chose their proposals to be funded, but the Council will give final budget approval for projects during its April board meeting. Once approved, researchers will find out their funding limits and can begin their projects