March 2025
March 3, 2025
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In this issue...
On the Cover
Soy is a major component of grease pads created by Todd Whiting and his team at Cedar Falls-based Gear Head Lube. The soy used to create the product is sourced from Iowa.
Optimism on the horizon
Being a soybean farmer is like being a Cubs fan. No matter the challenges (e.g. unpredictable weather, market volatility, political uncertainty), farmers embrace another planting season with renewed hope and the belief that it will bring better opportunities.
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Penny's luck and soy's intentions
Some things, like finding a heads-up copper-coated Lincoln, were a matter of chance: right place, right time. Others, like creating hybrids suited for various growing conditions or marketable outcomes was the result of good intentions.
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Soy-based fifth wheel pads take mess out of greasing
While petroleum and soy-based materials can be formulated to make excellent greases, soy molecules exhibit a technical property referred to as ‘polarity’, explains Whiting. This means that soy molecules form a tight bond to a metal surface. The result is better protection of the metal surface, which can extend the life of the fifth wheel.
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Investments in soy-based products
Soybeans’ increasing use in new products stems from their renewable, abundant and sustainable nature.
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Meet the director: Paul Kassel
Meet Paul Kassel, a farmer from Spencer and director in District 1.
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Three major problems solved through soybeans
Some of the most successful soy-based products had to endure years of skepticism and doubt — before reaching their potential as a solution to a major problem.
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Soybean oil and protein quality
Soybeans higher in protein and oil have the potential to provide increased revenue in the feed and fuel markets.
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WISHH highlights the value of U.S. soybeans to underserved markets
WISHH continues to promote and tout the benefits of soy to those around the globe, helping both farmers and consumers.
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Northwood farmer named Innovator in Production Research
Seeking efficiency and profitability on the farm has led Chad Krull to invest time into on-farm trials, both on his own and with ISA.
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Plant breeders pave the way for soybean genetics
Soy's diverse applications are pioneered by plant breeders who start the process of creating new soy uses.
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Tomorrow's mechanics learn biofuels
Future diesel mechanics gain an understanding of the importance of biodiesel.
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