Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board: Soy outlook — Wisconsin soybean farmers look to the future

CONTACT: Christine Lindner
Flavorful Insight, 920.296.9772
clindner@flavorfulinsight.com

1-Day Conferences to be held December 11, 12 and 13 in Holmen, Ripon and Janesville, WI

Who: For media, soybean growers and anyone interested in learning about 2013 crop season.

After battling the droughts and challenges of the 2012 growing season, Wisconsin soybean farmers are preparing for 2013. That’s good news for all of us, because according to Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics, agriculture generates more than $59 billion for the state’s economy and provides one in ten jobs in Wisconsin. At a series of Area Soybean Conferences, growers will head into the New Year with workshops addressing a wide range of agricultural issues and concerns.

What:

* Hear from soybean growers and experts how the 2012 season yielded – surprisingly well for many farmers considering summer’s drought.

* Conference topics include “The 2012 Drought Impact on the 2013 Soybean Crop” and “New Soil Fertility Recommendations for Soybeans.”

* One of the presenting experts, UW-Extension Soybean Specialist, Dr. Shawn Conley, says “Growers will learn how potential risks, such as drought, impact seed quality, crop fertility and soybean cyst nematode.” The latter is a soybean plant disease that costs U.S. growers $1 billion annually in crop losses.

When & Where
Tuesday, December 11 – Holmen, WI
Drugan’s Castle Mound, Highway 53 North, W7665 Sylvester Road

Wednesday, December 12 – Ripon, WI
Royal Ridges, 1 Westgate Drive

Thursday, December 13 – Janesville, WI
Americas Best Value Inn, 3900 Milton Ave. (Hwy. 26, just north of I-90)

For more information about the 2012 Area Soybean Conferences, visit the website for the Wisconsin Soybean Association and the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board at http://www.wisoybean.org or call 608.274.7522.

Available for Interviews:
Wisconsin Soybean Growers…….………………..75 local farmers expected to attend each conference
Bob Karls………….……………………………………..Executive Director, Wisconsin Soybean, Madison
Dr. Shawn Conley..……………………Soybean Extension Specialist, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) is a grassroots, farmer-led organization that leads efforts in soybean research and the expansion of soybean market opportunities. Established in 1983 as part of a Wisconsin-mandated checkoff, the board works every day to maximize the profitability of Wisconsin soybean producers. It builds soybean demand, creates new uses for soybeans, and focuses on soybean disease research. WSMB is committed to providing statewide soy education and outreach programs that inform consumers about the benefits of soy. It offers a comprehensive soy curriculum for educators, and partners with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom to provide Soybean Science Kits and lessons that increase agricultural literacy.