The Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) has announced its FY25 funding allocations, investing $375,000 in projects to drive innovation, improve on-farm profitability, and build consumer confidence in the soybean industry. Funding is made possible through the soybean checkoff program, with farmer-led investments supporting a wide range of local priorities.
MSB approved $184,559 this year to support eleven research projects addressing timely production challenges and exploring new technologies and best practices for soybean growers.
Highlights include precision irrigation management to optimize water use on soybean fields; the timing of cover crop termination to examine impacts on slugs, roots, and soybean development; variety trials, maturity group studies, and planting date evaluations to aid in decision-making; as well as assessments of fungicide profitability, deer repellent strategies, nematode management, and more.
“Our board is committed to funding research that delivers actionable results to Maryland farmers,” said Eddie Boyle, Chair of the Maryland Soybean Board. “We’re investing in proven researchers evaluating innovative approaches to strengthen soybean production under local growing conditions.”
Beyond research, MSB’s FY25 budget supports a wide range of outreach and market development initiatives. These include promoting animal agriculture, which remains the largest market for Maryland soybeans, along with building new markets overseas. Funding also backs consumer education programs that foster public trust in agriculture and highlight soy-based products’ environmental benefits and versatility. Additionally, MSB is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders through youth engagement and support for educational opportunities such as agricultural fairs, career exploration, and on-farm learning experiences.
“In tough years, it’s more important than ever that every checkoff dollar works as hard as our farmers do. We’re focused on strategic investments that deliver real returns—whether it’s through better yields, stronger markets, or building trust with consumers. That’s how we maximize the value of the checkoff and support our growers when they need it most,” remarked Boyle.
All projects are reviewed and selected by a board of local farmers, ensuring that checkoff investments directly reflect the needs and priorities of Maryland’s soybean producers. A full list of funded projects is available upon request.
In Maryland, farmers grow approximately half a million acres of soybeans, yielding over 20 million bushels of beans each year. With a value of $173 million to the state’s economy, soybeans rank among Maryland’s top crops. The checkoff program is funded by farmers through an assessment of one-half of one percent of the net market value of their soybeans at the first point of sale. Half of the checkoff funds stay in Maryland for programs; the other half is sent to the United Soybean Board.
For more information on the United Soybean Board visit www.unitedsoybean.org, or on the Maryland Soybean Board, visit www.mdsoy.com.
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For More Information:
Danielle Bauer Farace, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
443-812-4526 | danielle@mdsoy.com
www.mdsoy.com