By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff.
The Ohio Soybean Council has a building at Farm Science Review that greets thousands of visitors each year. It is filled with displays that tell the stories of Ohio’s soybean farmers and how their check-off dollars fund research, education, and projects designed to return value to the farm. Mackenzie Joseph is the Communications Manager for the Ohio Soybean Council and recently visited with Field Leader to preview some of the highlights at this year’s Farm Science Review.
Field Leader: Farm Science Review is a destination for thousands of Ohio’s soybean farmers as well as the general public. What are some of the things visitors will learn about in the soybean building at the review this year?
Joseph: We are very excited this year to have the Ohio Soybean Building back in action. It is building number 441 if you are looking at a map of the review site.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
For Ohio soybean farmers, transporting soybeans and soy products such as soybean meal and soy oil is vitally important, since we do not have a large number of end users within the state. Annually, 1.5 million bushels of soybeans are exported out of Ohio to poultry and hog operations in East Coast states. Railroads provide a cost-effective method for shipping these bulk commodities. A recent study by the USDA on Rail Competition and its importance to agriculture found that “an affordable and reliable transportation network is necessary to maintain the strength and competitiveness of American agriculture and our rural communities. Rail service is a particularly important part of that network for U.S. agriculture, because it is virtually the only cost-effective shipping alternative available for low-value, bulky commodities in rural areas that are distant from water transportation and markets.”… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff.
The Ohio Soybean Hometown Tour made three stops around Ohio in August. The purpose of the Hometown Tour was to share information about the value that soybean checkoff dollars are returning to Ohio farmers and the different ways those dollars are at work. Julia Brown is the Communications and Education Director for the Ohio Soybean Council. She recently recapped the 2026 Hometown Tour stops for Field Leader.
Field Leader: August was a busy month for the staff of the Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio Soybean Association with the 2026 Ohio Soybean Hometown Tour. Can you share some of the highlights?
Brown: We had three stops, including Crawford County at Steve Reinhard’s farm, in Fayette County down at Bluegrass Farms, and then in Darke County at Mark Stuckey’s farm. We focused a lot on checkoff value going back to farmers.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
On this September episode of the Field Leader Podcast, Dusty is joined by Brandon Kern, Deputy Executive Director and Senior Policy Director of the Ohio Soybean Association and Ohio Soybean Council as well as Julia Brown, Communications and Education Director and Mackenzie Joseph, Communications Manager for the Ohio Soybean Council. The Ohio Soybean Hometown Tour made three stops in August with an action-packed agenda. The team will review how each of those stops went and what some of the takeaways were. They will also look ahead to the upcoming Farm Science Review and give us a preview of things to look forward to September 22-24 at the Ohio Soybean Building.
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
As we get closer to harvest, there is value in estimating the soybean crop’s yield. The closer we get to harvest, the more accurate the yield estimates become. Later-planted soybeans, replants, and double-crop beans will require more assumptions when gathering data. Marketing decisions and storage plans can be made and adjusted in a timely manner when a reliable yield estimate is available. There are several methods farmers can use to estimate crop yield. There are also A.I. tools now available to assist in the process.
Most methods require collecting basic information, such as plant populations, row spacing, pods per node, seeds per pod, seed size, node spacing, and average plant height in the field.
Shaun Casteel, Purdue University Extension Soybean Specialist, utilizes a soybean yield estimating method that takes the number of pods in 1/10,000 of an acre, multiplies it by the number of seeds per pod, and then divides by a seed size factor.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
The 2026 Ohio Crop Tour, Sponsored by Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff, was a four-day crop tour that covered roughly 37 counties across the Buckeye state. Tour participants scouted a corn and soybean field in each county and reported on the crop conditions, any weed, disease or insect pressure, and a yield estimate. This episode of the Field Leader Podcast is a combination of those reports from the field scouts and their commentary. In summary, the Corn yield estimates averaged 201.4 bushels per acre on the North Leg and 214.7 bushels per acre on the South Leg. Soybean estimates averaged 55.6 bushels per acre in the north and 57.7 bushels per acre in the south.
By Alexander Lindsey, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Adapted from C.O.R.N. 2026-27
A large portion of Ohio received substantial rain and scattered storms the second week of August, resulting in waterlogged or flooded conditions in fields. Corn and soybean fields are mostly in the grain-filling stages, and the yield impacts of flooding will likely differ for each crop.
Soybeans are not very tolerant of flooding during the reproductive stages. Available literature has shown that a flood duration of 4 days or greater during reproductive stages (R2-R5) can result in significant yield loss (25% to 85%). Additionally, there is a wide range in varietal tolerance to flooding for soybeans, so every variety may not be impacted the same. Much of the yield penalty will likely be related to how long these fields stay flooded (or saturated). Corn yield losses from flooding during grain fill stages tend to be much lower, with yield losses being 5-7% for flooding up to 3 days, or around 15% if flooding lasts for 6-7 days at the R1-R2 growth stage.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Check-off.
From its beginnings in the early 1900s to today, Ralph Farms has always been built on two things: hard work and family. Five generations of the Ralph family have played a role in the operation. Today, 86-year-old Don Ralph represents the second generation. His sons, Mike and Kenny, along with his nephew, Darrel, make up the third generation. Mike’s son, Michael, is the fourth generation, and Michael’s two young sons are already becoming involved as the fifth generation.
Perry Ralph started the family farm in the 1900s. Perry used horses to farm. When tractors came along, Perry was quick to adapt and not afraid to use the new technology to work longer hours and get more accomplished. The story is told that Perry tied lanterns onto a tractor so he would have light and could see and work later into the night.… Continue reading
The biggest story of the 2026 Ohio Crop Tour may be how well the crop has recovered from a challenging start to the growing season. While there were plenty of examples of late planting, replanting, uneven stands, and fields still a long way from maturity, the overall picture across the tour was one of good yield potential.
The 2026 Ohio Crop Tour, sponsored by Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff, covered fields across the northern and southern portions of Ohio over four days. Scouts walked corn and soybean fields, assessed plant populations, growth stages, ear and pod development, disease and insect pressure, and calculated yield estimates.
The tour found considerable variability, particularly in the North Leg, but the general trend was positive. Corn yield estimates averaged 201.4 bushels per acre on the North Leg and 212.1 bushels per acre on the South Leg. Soybean estimates averaged 55 bushels per acre in the north and 54.4 bushels per acre in the south.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg and Joel Penhorwood, Field Leader is a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff
The 2026 Field Leader Crop Tour is underway, Sponsored by Field Leader a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff. The four-day crop tour will cover roughly 40 counties across the Buckeye State. This article will be updated continuously as county results are gathered.
Summaries of the first two days from the northern counties will be presented at the Ohio Soybean Hometown Tour at Reinhard Farms, and the second two days in the southern counties will be presented at the Hometown Tour stop at Bluegrass Farms. Click here to register.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Day 4: South Leg
Perry County
Corn
Our final field of the 2026 Crop Tour is fairly indicative of the southern leg’s theme – good looking, fairly uniform fields with good yields. This field was very thick with good population which helped to boost the yield estimation to 213 bushels per acre.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
Next week at this time, we will have a much better picture of what crop conditions and yield expectations are across the Buckeye state as the 2026 Ohio Crop Tour sponsored by Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff, will be in the history books.
Looking back, every year has been different. In 2025, the biggest story on the crop tour was the lack of any specific story. There were no showstopping headlines to be found. Despite a very wet start, the Ohio soybean and corn crops looked good in 2025. Considering the variety of planting dates, major rain events versus dry weather concerns in certain locations, replant situations, and heat, the participants on the 2025 Ohio Crop Tour were impressed with the overall quality of the crops and yield potential they observed.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
The story goes that when Perry Ralph switched from horses to a tractor to farm, he tied lanterns to the front so he could see as it got dark and could farm later into the evening. From lanterns on a tractor to GPS guidance and a grain facility monitored with a cell phone, Ralph Farms has grown and changed with the times, including making time to serve the larger agricultural industry.
In Episode 77, Dusty visits with Mike Ralph, a third-generation family farmer in Marion County who understands the value of a multi-generational family operation and the importance of serving. They talk about the family farm and the example set by the previous generation, as well as the important work being done by the Ohio Soybean Council to build soybean demand using check-off dollars.
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
When farmers scout soybean fields for diseases, the use of fungicides is a common tool for disease management; however, there are some diseases that are not a true fungus, so a fungicide will not be effective at controlling them. The Field Leader had the opportunity to visit with Horacio Lopez-Nicora, PhD, Soybean Pathologist and Nematologist at The Ohio State University. He shared the difference between some of the common diseases we deal with and those that are not a true fungus, as well as some thoughts on managing these plant stressors.
Field Leader: As we go through the growing season, what are some of the plant diseases you have been seeing or getting reports about that have your attention?
Lopez-Nicora: The oomycetes are water mold pathogens. They look like fungus. They grow like fungus. But they are not true fungi.… Continue reading
Field Leader Dusty Sonnenberg visits Ralph Farms in Marion County to talk with fourth-generation farmer Mike Ralph. They discuss a prolonged planting season, crops in need of rain, managing the area’s heavy soils, and the importance of drainage improvements to the family’s corn and soybean operation.
Ralph also reflects on his service with the Ohio Soybean Council and the growth of the Airable Research Lab, which is helping create new uses and demand for Ohio soybeans.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Check-off
Soybean Check-off dollars are used in multiple ways to return value to Ohio’s growers. Agronomic research in pest management is one endeavor that has returned valuable results. Dr. Kelley Tilmon is an entomologist and professor at The Ohio State University in the Department of Entomology in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The Field Leader recently had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Tilmon about her ongoing research into Bean Leaf Beetles and their migration habits.
OFL – Dr. Tilmon, please tell us about the research you are conducting with Bean Leaf Beetles, and their feeding and migration.
Tilmon – Bean leaf beetles are a familiar pest in soybeans Early in the season they largely cause cosmetic damage by feeding on leaves. Early on, it is seldom economic damage. However, when they are more important economically is later in the season when they feed on pods.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
The disease triangle is a tool pathologists use to explain the three factors that must coincide in a field for a disease to negatively impact a crop. They include a virulent pathogen, a susceptible host, and a favorable environment. From the time a soybean seed is planted until the crop is harvested, these three factors are on the minds of growers and pathologists alike as they monitor the crop.
In Episode 76, Dusty visits with Dr. Horacio-Lopez Nicora, OSU Extension Plant Pathologist and Nematologist, along with Dr. Taylor Dill, Director of Research for the Ohio Soybean Council, to discuss the current growing season, how the soybean crop has been impacted by weather and disease so far, and what growers should be on the lookout for moving forward. They also discuss the discovery of Red Crown Rot in Ohio last year, and scouting protocols growers are encouraged to follow in 2026.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
The Heffelfinger family is going on the sixth generation to farm in Van Wert County. The Liberty Township farm, established in 1852 by Adam Hertel, has been passed down through the generations. Currently, Mike and Kevin Heffelfinger, who are fifth-generation, are running an operation that includes soybeans, corn, and wheat. The Heffelfinger brothers had a swine farrowing operation several years ago. With sixth-generation family members showing interest in returning to the operation, the brothers are once again considering livestock.
“Luke, my son, recently graduated from Ohio State ATI and is enthusiastic about farming,” Mike said. “He loves cattle, but he also knows that industry is tough to get into with the high prices right now. He had some professors at ATI that said not to be pigeonholed into one species. You need to be open to any opportunity that is out there, they told him.… Continue reading
Airable Research Lab, a division of the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC), and Warsaw Chemical have partnered to commercialize BIO-SLIDE 30, a soy-enhanced asphalt release agent designed to reduce asphalt adhesion on truck beds, pavers, rollers, and other paving equipment.
Developed through soybean checkoff-funded research, BIO-SLIDE 30 offers the paving industry a renewable, cost-competitive alternative to conventional asphalt release agents while creating a new market opportunity for U.S. soy. Warsaw Chemical will manufacture and distribute the product to customers across North America.
“This partnership demonstrates how soybean checkoff investments move innovative technologies from research and development into commercial markets,” said Airable’s Chief Executive Officer Barry McGraw.
BIO-SLIDE 30 was developed by Airable to address a common challenge in asphalt paving operations: preventing hot mix asphalt from sticking to equipment and tools. The formulation contains 30% biobased content while avoiding d-limonene and quaternary ammonium compounds found in some conventional systems. These compounds have been linked to adverse effects on both human health and the environment. … Continue reading
Dr. Kelley Tilmon, is a professor in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. She is leading a multi-year, soybean check-off funded study on bean leaf beetle pod feeding and migration based on soybean field maturation to help develop management recommendations for Ohio soybean growers.
From agronomic insights to water quality research, Field Leader, sponsored by the Ohio Soybean Council, delivers timely information to help Ohio growers make informed decisions on the farm. Visit ocj.com/ohio-field-leader to learn more.
As the wheat and barley harvest progresses, farmers often ask what to do with wheat straw. Should they keep the straw on the field to build soil organic matter (SOM), or sell it? What is the value of wheat straw, and how many nutrients are being lost? Does straw residue hurt the next crop?
Straw is a valuable resource in high demand for bedding or mulch, and livestock farmers are even using straw to add fiber to their livestock rations. Fewer farmers are growing wheat today, and a little barley is being grown.
At a minimum, straw sellers should consider the value of nutrients leaving the farm, the value of the lost organic material, and the harvesting cost. The nutrient value of straw varies, but it contains 9 to 12 pounds of nitrogen (N), 3 to 4 pounds of phosphorus (P2O5), and 25 to 45 pounds of potassium.… Continue reading
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