Nebraska Soybean Board Blog RSS
October 7, 2011
Partnering with FFA
What do we look for when we’re harvesting soybeans? What SHOULD we look for? Is there a difference between the two? The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) has teamed up with several FFA chapters in conducting a protein and oil study for local soybean farmers.
Lots of times we take into account one thing when harvesting soybeans – yield. And why not? That is what we’re getting paid for – you sell it by the bushel. More importantly, we need to understand what the end users are using our soybeans for. Half of our soybeans are shipped overseas, and the majority of the other half is used to feed livestock here in America. Quality is key. In order to fill our customers’ wants and needs, we need to plant and harvest a quality soybean. Protein and oil content is one of the biggest drivers when it comes to those quality characteristics.
This protein and oil project benefits many sectors. The process goes as follows:
- FFA chapter asks NSB for sample bags.
- Upon receiving the bags, the FFA students visit farmers to collect samples of soybeans.
- They write on the bag which type of soybean variety is collected.
- FFA chapter mails in bags to UNL for protein and oil analysis.
- NSB receives the results of the samples and sends them to FFA chapters and the farmers who submitted samples.
Everyone gets a piece of the pie. The NSB uses these test results for future research and data. Research findings can be divided into categories such as varieties and geographical areas. The farmers get an idea of what kind of quality soybean they are raising. And the FFA students get hands on education – collecting samples while learning why it’s important to think beyond yield when it comes to raising soybeans.
