Planting, Prices and Prayers

Original source: Missouri Soybean Farmer

Planting, prices and prayers. That is what the summer season consists of for most farmers across the state. This year, there is a special emphasis on prices as we hit record highs with the cost of inputs. However, even with the stress of the price tag, unusually wet conditions at the beginning of planting season and legislative delays out of Jefferson City, I am continuously impressed with how our Missouri soybean farmers deal with adversity and prove their resilience year after year. 

 In contrast to our many challenges in Missouri agriculture, I want to focus and dote on our many wins for the Missouri soybean farmer this year from both the Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC). This year, Missouri had record checkoff contributions with more than $9 million. With this money, MSMC has been very intentional with spending and investments, ensuring there is checkoff sell back to our producers across the great Show-Me State. 

Specifically, in the last issue of the Missouri Soybean Farmer, you saw how our board decided to strategically devote dollars to the Future State of Soy. In addition, we have invested in a new Cargill soybean crush facility in southeast Missouri and the deepening of the lower Mississippi River to increase infrastructure and enhance the soybean market. Alone, the Cargill crush will bring an annual production capacity of 62 million bushels of soybeans to Missouri. Additionally, with SOYLEIC soybeans, the checkoff saw a big return on investment with SOYLEIC reaching more than 75,000 acres across the nation and internationally. 

In the Capitol, we successfully put our major priorities on the governor’s desk. Through the appropriations process, Missouri Soybeans secured more than $3 million for Foundation Seed, $4 million to assist with utility and rail buildout at the new Cargill facility in SEMO and $4 million for biofuel infrastructure. Perhaps most importantly, HB1720 — the omnibus ag bill all our readers should be familiar with now — was finally passed. This bill contained over 17 different priorities for agricultural groups, including Missouri Soybeans, MO-AG, the Missouri Forest Products Association, Missouri Farm Bureau and many more. Gov. Mike Parson vetoed this bill with concerns over the sunset on Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) tax credits and a few other value-added tax credits. However, the governor did immediately announce that he will be calling a Special Session to pass these tax credits with a typical 6-year sunset, not a 2-year sunset. 

While we applaud the call to achieve a better result on these tax-credit programs, the preferred outcome would have been to allow HB1720 to become law, then call a Special Session. This would’ve ensured that the provisions in HB1720 that were not tax credits would’ve become law — instead those issues will have to wait until next year. We will stand ready to work with the legislature to once again send a successful bill to the governor this fall. 

Jointly, MSA and MSMC are also rolling out a redesigned website for mosoy.org. Your board and staff poured meticulous hours into this revamped site with the farmer front of mind. Our farmers wanted a resource, with applicable information, and I believe that is what we provided. Check out the new site today at mosoy.org and share it with friends and neighbors. I pray that each of you had a good planting year. I pray that you continue to lean on your team in Jefferson City. We’ve had a great year, and I think it will only get better as we make strategic moves that will advance the soybean industry further.  

So, pat yourself and your fellow farmers on the back. Send a message to a farmer or board member in your area and give them kudos. Check-in on one another and send prayers for a prosperous season. 

 God Bless, 

Gary Wheeler