FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) is accepting proposals for promotion and communication projects designed to strengthen soybean markets, increase awareness of soybean products, and create new opportunities for Maryland farmers. Through investments funded by the soybean checkoff, MSB supports innovative initiatives that educate consumers, engage farmers, and expand market opportunities for soybeans and soy-based products.

For fiscal year 2027, MSB is seeking projects that align with its strategic priorities and provide measurable benefits to the soybean industry. Priority areas include:

• Animal Agriculture
• Consumer Education
• Emerging Markets
• Farmer Engagement

Applicants are not limited to these focus areas and are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate a meaningful impact on Maryland soybean production, profitability, and market development.

“Through the soybean checkoff, Maryland farmers are investing in ideas and partnerships that help tell agriculture’s story, connect with consumers, and create new market opportunities,” said Eddie Boyle, Chair of the Maryland Soybean Board. “We look forward to reviewing proposals that bring fresh perspectives and measurable results to our industry.”

Funding is provided through a reimbursement partnership program. Awardees will be reimbursed upon submission of invoices and required documentation and will be required to provide quarterly reports. Projects will run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Multi-year projects may be considered but are subject to annual review and funding approval.

Applicants must submit the official proposal template through MSB’s project management platform at https://projects.mdsoy.com by July 31, 2026. Individuals or organizations needing access to the platform may contact MSB Executive Director Danielle Bauer at danielle@mdsoy.com. Funding decisions will be announced by September 25, 2026.

The soybean checkoff is funded by soybean farmers and supports research, promotion, education, and market development efforts that enhance the long-term profitability of soybean production. Funding decisions are made by Maryland soybean growers who serve on the Maryland Soybean Board.

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 agricultural commodities and play a vital role in supporting livestock, poultry, renewable fuels, and other key sectors. Through strategic investments and partnerships, the Maryland Soybean Board works to strengthen demand, develop new markets, and create opportunities for Maryland soybean farmers.

For more information, 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

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