The Maryland Soybean Board is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Maryland Soybean Yield Contest, a pilot program for the 2025 growing season designed to showcase the skill, innovation, and resilience of Maryland’s soybean farmers.

The new contest recognizes the top soybean yields in three categories—Full Season, Double Crop, and Dryland—while also gathering valuable production information to help all farmers learn from each other’s successes. Winners in each category will receive a $1,000 prize and be recognized at the Maryland Commodity Classic on July 23, 2026, at Queen Anne’s 4-H Park in Centreville, MD.

“This contest gives Maryland farmers the chance to be recognized for their achievements while helping us share innovative practices across the state,” said Eddie Boyle, Chair of the Maryland Soybean Board. “By celebrating high yields and good management, we’re also highlighting the importance of soybeans in Maryland agriculture.”

How It Works

• Farmers may enter one Full Season and one Double Crop
• Each contest plot must consist of two contiguous acres in one block.
• Harvest checks must be supervised by a University of Maryland Extension agent, USDA, or Soil Conservation District employee, who will measure, verify yields, and confirm official results.
• All entries must be harvested and submitted by December 15, 2025.

The contest is open to all Maryland soybean growers, including current Directors of the Maryland Soybean Board. Entry is $30 per field. Yields will be corrected to 13% moisture and 1% foreign matter, in accordance with USDA standards.

By entering, participants agree to share production details such as seed variety, planting date, crop protection methods, and fertility practices. This information will help the Maryland Soybean Board identify production trends and provide valuable insights to farmers across the state.

For more information, contest rules, or to enter online, visit www.mdsoy.com/yield-contest

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.

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For More Information:
Danielle Bauer Farace, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
443-812-4526  |  danielle@mdsoy.com
www.mdsoy.com

The Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) is now accepting pre-proposals for 2026 soybean research projects, with submissions due by October 15, 2025.

Each year, MSB invests soybean checkoff dollars in research projects designed to improve profitability, production efficiency, and market opportunities for Maryland farmers. The Board’s current research priorities focus on two equal areas:

• Production Research – including variety development and trials, nematode resistance, weed and pest management, drought and irrigation strategies, cover crops, disease control, wildlife damage, and yield-enhancement products.
• Animal Agriculture – including soybean meal and oil use in livestock and aquaculture diets

“Research is one of the most important investments we make with checkoff dollars,” said MSB Research Committee Chair Shane King. “These pre-proposals give us a chance to see fresh ideas that can directly impact our farms—whether it’s through improving yields, protecting against pests, or expanding markets for our soybeans.”

Submission Guidelines

• Researchers must submit pre-proposals through the Maryland Soybean Board’s project management platform: mdsoy.com. No other method will be accepted.
• Access to the platform may be requested by contacting the Board’s Executive Director.
• Pre-proposals should be limited to a 2–3 sentence description of the research concept. This concise format allows the MSB Research Committee to evaluate the ideas quickly and determine whether to invite a full proposal.
• Please note: being invited to submit a full proposal does not guarantee funding.

Deadline

Pre-proposals are due October 15, 2025.

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.

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For More Information:
Danielle Bauer Farace, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
443-812-4526  |  danielle@mdsoy.com
www.mdsoy.com

ANNAPOLIS, MD – June 10, 2025 – The Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) last week announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This significant agreement, signed during the trade team’s visit to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, marks a commitment to foster greater cooperation and strengthen trade relations between Maryland’s soybean industry and Vietnamese partners.

This strategic MOU, effective June 6, 2025, through December 2027, builds on an existing strong trade relationship, specifically aiming to foster robust business linkages and mutual agricultural development centered on Maryland soybeans and soy-based products between Maryland and Vietnam.

“Exports to growing markets like Vietnam are incredibly valuable to Maryland’s soybean industry, providing crucial demand and strengthening farm profitability,” said Maryland Soybean Board Director Tyler Rill, who signed the MOU on behalf of the organization. “This MOU is a strategic step to further cultivate these essential trade relationships and expand opportunities for our farmers and the broader agricultural sector.”

Director General Duong Tat Thang of the Department of Animal Health and Production signed the MOU on behalf of Vietnam.

This initiative highlights the Maryland Soybean Board’s ongoing dedication to promoting the growth and sustainability of the state’s soybean industry, fostering international partnerships that expand access to vital markets and contribute to mutual agricultural development.

About the Maryland Soybean Board: The Maryland Soybean Board directs the national soybean checkoff program within the state. MSB’s Board of Directors is made up of ten soybean farmers, each appointed for a three-year term, along with ex-officio members representing agribusiness, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and the University of Maryland. Directors represent local soybean farmers as they serve on the board. The number of Directors serving each region is determined by the soybean production of the region.

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For More Information:
Danielle Bauer Farace, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
443-812-4526  |  danielle@mdsoy.com
www.mdsoy.com

The Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) is now accepting proposals for projects that promote and communicate the value of soybeans and soybean farming across the state. Funded through the soybean checkoff, these projects are designed to enhance profitability for Maryland soybean producers by supporting initiatives that align with the Board’s strategic priorities.

Proposal topics may address any of MSB’s identified priority areas, including animal agriculture, consumer education, emerging markets, and farmer engagement. Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative ideas that will make a significant impact, even if the proposal does not fall directly under the above categories.

“Each year, we seek proposals that deliver value to Maryland’s soybean growers,” explains Maryland Soybean Board Chair Eddie Boyle. “This is an exciting opportunity for educators, communicators, and innovators to collaborate with us and help advance the future of Maryland agriculture.”

Projects selected for funding will begin October 1, 2025, and must be completed by September 30, 2026. Interested individuals and organizations must submit proposals using MSB’s official application template by July 21, 2025. For more information or assistance with the application process, contact MSB’s Executive Director Danielle Bauer Farace at danielle@mdsoy.com.

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