The Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) is currently seeking innovative soybean research projects to increase the profitability of farmers. Pre-proposals for the 2024 growing season, including project concepts and a brief narrative, should be submitted by October 15, 2023.
“Priority areas for the board include variety development, nematodes, weed and pest control, drought management, cover crops, and disease control,” says MSB Research Committee Chair Dale Brown. “However, any projects aiming to boost production of Maryland soybean growers will be considered.”
Detailed priorities, along with research guidelines may be found by visiting https://www.mdsoy.com/research/. All pre-proposals must be submitted on the provided application form without any attachments. Researchers submitting proposals to continue previously funded research are not required to complete a pre-proposal. Applicants for which their project was selected for submission of a full proposal will be notified in early November.
In their 2023 fiscal year, MSB approved $194,550 in funding for research projects addressing farmer needs. Projects being completed by researchers from University of Maryland and University of Delaware are evaluating production methods such as planting date, slug control, fungicide efficacy, cover crop management, deer diversion plots, flame-weeding, biological seed treatments, and more. A full list of funded projects and results can be found on the Soybean Research Information network, https://soybeanresearchinfo.com/.
Project selections are 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