The Soybean Pod

2022 was the 40th anniversary of the South Dakota Soybean Association’s (SDSA) founding. Many of those involved in establishing the organization and making it thrive are still around and active today. Dave Drennan, a former American Soybean Association staff member, was one of those who assisted in getting the SDSA off the ground. In 1982, Drennan was responsible for regional management in several states, including South Dakota, where he spent a lot of time supporting those interested in forming a state soybean growers’ group.

Renewable biodiesel has been an essential component of soybean demand, with about half of biodiesel feedstock being soybean oil. Scott Fenwick, the technical director for the Clean Fuels Alliance America, says biodiesel usage has grown since it was first blended with petroleum diesel fuel decades ago. In this edition of The Soybean Pod, he maintains that more people would use it if they had information and assurances about its use.

There is nothing better, and there is nothing worse than being in business with those with whom one shares DNA. That’s according to Jolene Brown, a professional speaker, farmer and business consultant who has amassed decades of experience consulting families who are in business together, especially those who farm together. Brown, who spoke at the 2022 AgOutlook Conference, joins us on The Soybean Pod to talk about the importance of planning, and the importance of positively engaging all parties involved in farm business succession.

Legacy is important to Brent and Molly Greenway. The Mitchell, South Dakota couple is the fourth generation to farm and raise livestock in that location. Their legacy’s value means so much to them that they’ve purchased Brent’s great-grandparents’ house, and with inspiration from a home improvement television channel, they’re bringing their ancestral home into the 21st century. Most importantly, at every opportunity, Brent tells the story of farmers and how they safely produce the abundance enjoyed by consumers everywhere.

Jamie Johnson is grateful to her father-in-law, whom she credits for implementing conservation practices on the land she and her husband Brian farm. Recognized nationally for resource conservation, the couple shares what they know with other farmers and host Tom Steever on this episode of The South Dakota Soybean Pod. She loves farming, but Jamie Johnson exudes pure joy when describing the efforts of the fifth generation of Johnsons, her children, on the farm and the volleyball court.

David Iverson is proud to have followed the footsteps of three generations before him on his Astoria, South Dakota farm. He’s just as proud to have represented South Dakota soybean growers during his time on the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Committee. He is particularly pleased with the committee’s activities that improve the nutrition of children in third-world countries. In this episode of The South Dakota Soybean Pod, David talks to host Tom Steever about his service to WISHH, his farm, and the calm he finds in tending flowers and riding a bike through the Brookings County countryside.

Burgeoning production of renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and biodiesel is going to be transformational, in a good way, for livestock producers and the environment, according to Dr. Bob Thaler, interim head of the Department of Animal Science at South Dakota State University. In this episode of The South Dakota Soybean Pod, the Distinguished Professor and extension swine specialist tells host Tom Steever that processing more soybean oil to meet fuel demand results in more soybean meal to feed livestock. Fascinating is Thaler’s take on what this will mean for hog manure and its fertilizing characteristics.

In the Elk Point ambulance barn, the South Dakota Soybean Association was born. Co-founder and current Executive Director Jerry Schmitz recalls the early days with host Tom Steever for the inaugural episode of The South Dakota Soybean Pod. Jerry shares insights on the history of the South Dakota Soybean Association and South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, and how they work together to develop markets and grow demand for soybeans.