With the 2024 harvest season already underway in parts of the state, the Maryland Soybean Board is requesting research proposals for the next growing season. Funded by the soybean checkoff, proposals should focus on increasing profitability of Maryland soybean farmers. Pre-proposals, including project concepts and a brief narrative, must be submitted by October 15, 2024.
“Dry weather this summer emphasized the need for growers to be as efficient as possible to maximize yields,” says MSB Research Committee Chair Dale Brown. “Research in the areas of variety development, nematodes, weed and pest control, drought management, cover crops, and disease control can help us to boost production.”
Detailed priorities, along with research guidelines may be found by visiting https://www.mdsoy.com/research/. New this year, all pre-proposals must be submitted through the Maryland Soybean Board’s project management platform. Interested applications may contact Executive Director Danielle Farace for access to the platform. Continuations of previously funded research projects are not required to complete a pre-proposal. Those invited to submit a full proposal will be notified in early November.
In their 2024 fiscal year, MSB approved nearly $190,000 in funding for research projects that addressed weed and pest issues, evaluated new technologies, and more. Details of funded projects can be found on the Soybean Research Information network, https://soybeanresearchinfo.com/.
Project selections will be made by the farmer-leaders who volunteer their time to serve as Directors on the Board. MSB administers soybean checkoff funds for soybean research, marketing and education programs in the state. It is funded by farmers through an assessment of one-half of one percent of the net market value of soybeans at their first point of sale. One-half of the checkoff funds stay in Maryland for programs; the other half is sent to the United Soybean Board.
Maryland farmers grow about half a million acres of soybeans, producing more than 20 million bushels of beans each year. With a value of nearly $200 million to the state’s economy, soybeans are one of Maryland’s top crops. For more information on MSB, visit www.mdsoy.com.
###
For More Information:
Danielle Bauer Farace, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
443-812-4526 | danielle@mdsoy.com
www.mdsoy.com