The American Soybean Association (ASA) this week flagged an amendment in the agriculture appropriations bill that unfairly criticized the soybean checkoff. Fortunately, the House beat back the amendment, on a vote of 49 to 377.

Many of you know I was chairman at Illinois Soybean Association and United Soybean Board and staunch supporter of the checkoff. I was fortunate to travel around the world and see the results farmer contributions have produced new uses for soybeans – from enhancing food security, to feed for shrimp and other species in aquaculture operations, aviation fuel, and asphalt. These are exciting development for soybean farmers, as they create additional demand for their product, and for consumers.

A little more about asphalt

Invigorate Rejuvenator is a mix of soybean oil and recycled asphalt that, when combined, is more durable and less costly. The cost of paving can be reduced by as much as 80%, compared to products that use new materials. This is a huge win for soybean farmers and consumers.

The asphalt was first showcased at the Farm Progress Show in 2022 and replicated this year at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. At each show, one acre was paved with asphalt to demonstrate the benefits of the innovation.

In the larger picture, soybean farmers have contributed funds with significant return on investment, according to a 2019 study. Most notably,

  • International promotion activities produced $17.95 in return value.
  • Demand-enhancing research and promotion returned an average value of $18.18.
  • Production research returned an average value of $9.42.

These levels of return go beyond what could be realized with other investments, and certainly more than if you stuffed your extra cash in your mattress or sport coat.

I’ve been very clear, and vocal, about my support for the soybean checkoff. I’m a staunch advocate because I have personally seen the benefits of my investments. I’ve said many times before, there’s not a day that goes by that we’re not impacted by the soybean checkoff. I’ll continue to champion the many uses of “the miracle bean.”