MANHATTAN, Kan. — Whether it is funding a project, hosting an international group on the farm, or financing building upgrades, Kansas soybean farmers have been a key partner in building the IGP Institute to what it is today.
“We have a fantastic partnership with the Kansas Soybean Commission and truly value it as we try to promote soybean farmers in the surrounding area and highlight the Kansas soybean market,” says Brandi Miller, IGP Institute associate director.
In return, the IGP Institute faculty and staff work hard to create a preference for Kansas and U.S. soybeans in their trainings. For example, in 2016, 180 people were trained in 10 soybean-specific on-site and on-location courses. Additionally, 436 participants learned about the value of soybeans in 10 related live courses and 754 industry professionals were exposed to soybeans’ benefits in 24 related distance offerings.
Along with the trainings, IGP Institute faculty advocated for the use of Kansas and U. S. soybeans at 26 events domestically and around the globe.
“International market development is crucial to our future. About 60 percent of soybeans are exported, so overseas markets play a big role in our profitability,” says Kurt Maurath, Kansas Soybean Commission chairman and farmer from Oakley, Kansas.
The Kansas Soybean Commission is made of a group of leaders across the state who work to promote the Kansas soybean market. This commission was established in 1977, and has been loyal to their mission of improving the profit potential of all Kansas soybean farmers ever since.
The commissioners strive to achieve the priorities that include breeding, production and environmental programs; animal- and human-nutrition studies; value-added projects; outreach; and international market development. The Kansas Soybean Commission also promotes soy and the benefits of using soy products to consumers. Additionally, it informs Kansas soybean farmers about different activities through communications and involvement at both the state and national level.
The Kansas Soybean Commission supports efforts to enhance the soybean market in Kansas, but it is also a key commodity supporter of the IGP Institute.
Maurath adds, “The Kansas Soybean Commission invests in international marketing efforts primarily through the IGP Institute and the U.S. Soybean Export Council. When the two work together, we can leverage checkoff dollars even more effectively.”
To learn more about the Kansas Soybean Commission, please visit its website at: www.kansassoybeans.org. To learn about the IGP Institute and its programs, go to www.grains.ksu.edu/igp.
— Samantha Albers, Communications Intern, KSU-IGP Institute
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