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Michigan soybean checkoff on sustainability

Soybeans ready for harvest in Southeast IndianaA recent survey studied the sustainability of soybeans in Michigan.

Gail Frahm with the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee tells Brownfield consumers, processors and manufacturers are asking if farmers are farming sustainability.

“Seventy-four percent of Michigan soybean farmers utilize crop scouting to address the treatment needs of their crops, 70 percent of the farmers surveyed develop an agronomic plan for producing soybeans, 91 percent of those surveyed indicate that they use less fuel in their soybean production than they did even five years ago.”

Frahm says 67 percent of farmers also seasonally rotate their crops.  “Crop rotation helps control things like weeds, disease and insects, while supporting biodiversity and helps return nutrients back the soil.”

She says during a few follow up surveys, farmers were most concerned about taking care of the land and passing it on to future generations.

The survey asked farmers questions about economic sustainability, social sensitivity and environmental stewardship.

AUDIO: Interview with Gail Frahm 

 

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