Agricultural News
Tom Oswald of United Soybean Board Talks Soybean Crop and Its Place In The Industry
Tue, 20 Jul 2021 13:48:44 CDT
With extreme weather across the U.S. and the diversity of prices, the soybean crop has endured its fair share of ups and downs this year.
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Associate Farm Director KC Sheperd spoke with Tom Oswald of the United Soybean Board's Supply Action Team, and he said overall this year's soybean crop looks good and he's optimistic.
He said it never ceases to amaze him how the crop can differ from state to state, especially when you factor in weather.
Since weather can have such an extreme impact on the crop and its quality, the Supply Action Team works on behalf of farmers to help them grow beans better and put money back in their pockets, Oswald said.
This team is about the farmer and what is being done to directly affect them, he added.
He said there are also programs to fight the struggles of pests, weeds, and environmental stress.
These frustrations for farmers is why the Supply Action Team acts, Oswald said.
"I ask myself a lot, 'How do farmers grow something that the marketplace wants?'" Oswald said. " We spend a lot of time thinking about that at the Soybean Board."
Also receiving ample time is the recognition that nearly every farmer has a different need, Oswald said.
It can be a complex industry, Oswald said. However, you grow to appreciate that, he added.
Another project on the rise is rural broadband, Oswald said.
A study was recently wrapped up that showed how large of a need there is for improved broadband, he said.
One of the things Oswald said he looks at from an importance standpoint is how the lack of rural broadband keeps farmers from maximizing their ability to utilize data in their farm management.
From the use of GPS and autopilot in tractors and more, poor broadband access and connection can be a hindrance to farmers, thus its relativity to the Supply Action Team.
A hot topic that continues to grow and require more action is sustainability, Oswald said.
He said whether it is wanted or not, the world is thinking about sustainability and conservation.
"We in USB and the United States believe strongly that we fit very well in those asks coming from food chain and consumers," Oswald said. "That is not to say it is perfected yet, but it will evolve."
He added that a large push for this practice comes from the interests of consumers and their concerns. In addition, consumers are interested in labor treatment, soil treatment and more, Oswald said.
Oswald said one of USB's goals is to keep it reasonable, and this is done by asking if we have the research in place that allows farmers to grow soybeans sustainably, thus fitting that ask coming in from the food chain.
He concluded by saying he believes USB is on the right track, along with producers across the U.S.
To hear KC's complete conversation with Tom Oswald, click or tap below
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