The secret to keeping the soybean markets strong is no secret. We have to keep driving demand for U.S. soybeans. It is imperative that we not only try to open up more international markets, but we also need to keep finding uses at home. The Soybean Checkoff sustains the United Soybean Board (USB) and is using those dollars for research of new products and promoting these products around our country.
Patrick Giberson is a USB Director and a New Jersey producer. I met with him in Washington, D.C. to discuss the work being done in innovation and research. One of the new products being unveiled is to help firefighters do their jobs. Giberson says that first responders put their lives on the line daily to keep us safe. It is a great honor for soybean producers to help them to do their jobs.
Another product coming to the table is a chainsaw bar oil that is much more environmentally friendly. USB has been working with Dewalt and Home Depot on getting this out.
Giberson says that the work doesn’t just stop with innovation, it’s also about supporting the infrastructure to handle our trade needs.
Getting involved can mean different things for different producers. Giberson encourages producers to be involved at one level or another.
