FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Cordova Md. — The Maryland Soybean Board has approved more than $550,000 for its 2026 fiscal year to support soybean research, farmer engagement, consumer education, emerging markets, and industry promotion efforts designed to strengthen Maryland’s soybean industry and deliver value to soybean farmers across the state.

The FY26 approved budget includes approximately $330,000 for promotion, outreach, and farmer-focused initiatives, along with over $220,000 supporting soybean research for projects focused on improving profitability, addressing production challenges, and advancing innovation in Maryland agriculture.

“Our Board remains committed to investing soybean checkoff dollars in programs and research that directly benefit Maryland soybean farmers,” said Eddie Boyle of Cordova, MD, Chair of the Maryland Soybean Board. “These investments support practical, farmer-driven solutions while also expanding market opportunities, strengthening consumer awareness, and advancing the long-term sustainability of the soybean industry.”

FY26 funding priorities include:

• Soybean production research and on-farm innovation
• Weed, disease, and pest management strategies
• Precision agriculture and drone technology
• Soil health and salinity management
• Support for Maryland’s animal agriculture industry, the largest consumer of Maryland-grown soybeans
• Promotion of soybean exports and development of new and emerging uses for soy-based products
• Consumer education and agricultural literacy
• Farmer leadership development and engagement
• Farm and rural safety initiatives focused on protecting farmers and workers

Funding for these projects is made possible through the soybean checkoff, which is funded by soybean farmers and invested in research, promotion, and education programs that support the profitability of the soybean industry. For more information about the Maryland Soybean Board and its programs, visit www.mdsoy.org.

Maryland farmers grow nearly 500,000 acres of soybeans each year, producing more than 20 million bushels annually. Valued at nearly $200 million to the state’s economy, soybeans rank among Maryland’s top crops and play an important role in supporting the state’s broader agricultural sector. The Maryland Soybean Board administers the soybean checkoff program in the state, investing in research, education, and market development to strengthen opportunities for Maryland soybean farmers.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Delaware and Maryland Soybean Boards are seeking qualified farmer-leaders to represent each state at the national level through open director positions on the United Soybean Board.

Eligible candidates include soybean producers actively engaged in growing soybeans in Delaware or Maryland who own, or share in the ownership and risk of loss, of a soybean crop. These leadership roles provide an opportunity to contribute to national-level decision-making that shapes research, promotion, and education efforts funded through the soybean checkoff.

To be considered, interested individuals must complete the required application materials, including the “Agreement to Serve” statement, and submit them to their respective State Soybean Board office no later than May 22, 2026.

The Delaware and Maryland Soybean Boards encourage producers with a passion for advancing the soybean industry and representing fellow growers to apply.

For additional information or to request application materials, please contact:

Danielle Bauer
Executive Director
Delaware and Maryland Soybean Boards
Email: danielle@rrconsultingllc.net

The Delaware and Maryland Soybean Boards are farmer-led organizations dedicated to improving the profitability and sustainability of soybean production through strategic investments in research, education, and promotion. Funded by the soybean checkoff, both Boards work to deliver measurable value to soybean growers and support the long-term success of the industry.

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During National Agriculture Week, the Maryland Soybean Board is highlighting the important role animal agriculture plays in both Maryland’s economy and the healthy food choices available to consumers.

Agriculture is Maryland’s number one industry, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy. Poultry, beef, pork, and aquaculture production are key parts of that success, helping provide nutritious, affordable food for families while supporting rural communities across the state.

Behind every chicken house, cattle pasture, hog barn, and oyster farm are Maryland soybean farmers who grow the crops used to feed those animals. Soybeans are one of the most important ingredients in livestock and poultry feed. When processed into soybean meal, they provide a high-quality protein source that helps animals grow and thrive. In fact, the poultry industry is the largest market for Maryland soybeans, underscoring the close connection between the state’s grain farmers and its animal agriculture sector.

With an estimated $17.4 billion economic impact across the Delmarva Peninsula, the poultry industry is the largest agricultural revenue driver for Maryland. Chicken growers across the Eastern Shore produce high-quality food enjoyed by families throughout the United States and around the world. Maryland soybean farmers are an important part of that system, growing crops that are processed into feed used to nourish those birds.

Animal agriculture is also an important part of a healthy diet. Foods like chicken, beef, pork, seafood, eggs, and dairy provide complete protein along with essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12—nutrients that support muscle development, energy, brain health, and overall wellness.

“Maryland’s soybean farmers are proud to grow the crops that help feed the animals producing food for our families,” said Eddie Boyle, Chair of the Maryland Soybean Board. “It’s a connection many consumers may not see, but it’s an important part of how our food system works.”

The partnership between grain farmers and animal producers supports a wide range of local businesses—from feed mills and equipment suppliers to transportation companies and veterinarians—helping strengthen rural communities and keep farmland in active production.

Many of Maryland’s farms have been family-owned for generations, with farmers working year-round to care for their land, grow crops responsibly, and raise animals that help feed people across the country.

“As we celebrate National Agriculture Week, it’s a great time to recognize the many farmers working together to produce the food we enjoy every day,” Boyle remarked.

Maryland farmers grow nearly 500,000 acres of soybeans each year, producing more than 20 million bushels annually. Valued at nearly $200 million to the state’s economy, soybeans rank among Maryland’s top crops and play an important role in supporting the state’s broader agricultural sector. The Maryland Soybean Board administers the soybean checkoff program in the state, investing in research, education, and market development to strengthen opportunities for Maryland soybean farmers. To learn more about the Maryland Soybean Board, visit www.mdsoy.com.

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

Chris Weaver of Carroll County set a new world record for no-till, non-irrigated soybeans with a yield of 156.73 bushels per acre in the Maryland Soybean Board’s inaugural Yield Contest.

The Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Maryland Soybean Yield Contest, recognizing outstanding soybean production across multiple growing systems during the 2025 growing season. The contest was designed to showcase the agronomic skill, innovation, and yield potential of Maryland soybean farmers while also generating valuable production data to help guide future soybean research and best management practices.

Chris Weaver of Carroll County captured the top honor in the full-season category with an extraordinary yield of 156.73 bushels per acre, setting a new world record for no-till, non-irrigated soybeans. Weaver planted First Choice Seed 4250XF on April 24, 2025, following a barley radish cover crop mix, demonstrating what is possible through disciplined management and conservation-focused farming practices.

Hutchison Brothers of Talbot County claimed top honors in the double-crop category with a yield of 70.60 bushels per acre, planted on June 28, 2025, following barley, using the Pioneer 37T51PR (Plenish) variety. Hutchison Brothers also earned recognition in the non-irrigated category, producing 76.96 bushels per acre with Pioneer 48A94PR (Plenish), planted on May 6, 2025, following corn with a barley-radish cover crop.

“This inaugural contest demonstrates just how much yield potential exists in Maryland soybean fields with sound agronomic management,” said Eddie Boyle, Chair of the Maryland Soybean Board. “Chris Weaver’s world-record-setting yield is especially noteworthy and puts Maryland soybean growers on the global stage. These results also show the productivity that can be achieved across both full-season and double-crop systems.”

Winners in each contest category will receive $1,000 in prize money and will be formally recognized at the Maryland Commodity Classic, scheduled for July 23, 2026, at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park in Centreville, Maryland, where growers from across the state will gather to celebrate achievements in Maryland’s grain and soybean industry.

The Maryland Soybean Yield Contest is funded by the soybean checkoff and is designed to promote knowledge-sharing, highlight best management practices, and support data-driven improvements in soybean production across the state. All reported yields were standardized in accordance with official contest rules. The Maryland Soybean Board congratulates all participating growers on a successful first year of the contest and looks forward to expanding the program in future seasons. For more information about the Maryland Soybean Board and the Maryland Soybean Yield Contest, visit www.mdsoy.com.

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