The Bean Brief
February 2020
FEATURED RESEARCH | DR. JASON NORSWORTHY
As one of the most common weeds in Arkansas as well as the top weed in the United States, researchers have screened germplasm for over the past decade to learn how to control Palmer amaranth . New technology has allowed for a new soybean, LibertyLink GT27, to emerge. Check out this video to hear University of Arkansas System, Department of Agriculture Professor Dr. Jason Norsworthy discuss the most effective component in weed control programs to control Palmar Amaranth .
"What you might know is Palmar Amaranth is the number one weed we have in Arkansas soybean production. The Weed Science Society of America now lists it as being the number one weed in the U.S.," Dr. Jason Norsworthy said. "It's something we've really got to focus on in terms of making sure that we can effectively manage it, and metribuzin is a huge component of what we're gonna start with."
Dr. Jason Norsworthy is a crop, soil and environmental science professor for the University of Arkansas System, Department of Agriculture.
CAREER PROFILES | NATHAN BAILEY
Nathan Bailey grew up in Monticello, Ark. He is founder and CEO of Waterbug Irrigation, LLC (Waterbug). He founded the business in January 2017, while he was also a full-time student at Arkansas State University. While in school, Bailey worked on a farm in Dumas where he helped manage the operation's irrigation system. Although he loved working on the farm, he soon grew tired of repairing blown out polypipe and knew there had to be a better way. As the son of two entrepreneurs, Bailey naturally began to work on an alternative solution.
Agri-Inventor and Business Owner
Waterbug Irrigation, LLC
McGehee, Ark.

“I designed this patch, and I started making some. I realized they worked and that I had something,” he said. “I found a plastic company that could make this polytubing, so I started selling it directly to farmers.”
EVENTS | USB Meeting and AR Farm Bureau Winter Commodity Meeting
UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD MEETING | VEGAS
Earlier this month, we joined the United Soybean Board members in Vegas for their annual meeting . It was a great event, and we're excited for the year ahead! Pictured: USB Chairman Jim Carroll , former U.S. Soybean Export Council Chairman Derek Haigwood and USB's and American Soybean Association's farmer leadership . Photos courtesy of United Soybean Board.
USB Chairman and Arkansas
producer Jim Carroll address members of the United Soybean Board in Las Vegas.
Brinkley's USB Chairman Jim Carroll and former USSEC Chairman Derek Haigwood of Newport pose together doing the USB meeting in Las Vegas.
AGRIBUSINESS CONFERENCE | JONESBORO, ARK.
ASPB also attended the 2020  Agribusiness  Conference in Jonesboro this month. It was a great event hosted by Arkansas State University. Roughly 400 students were in attendance. Students attended speaker sessions and visited various booths, including ours where they were invited to participate in a giveaway by engaging with us on social media. Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward presented at the luncheon. Check out what students had to say about us!
"So excited to see this booth at the 2020 Agribusiness Conference!"
Kayla Silvey, student
"We're having a great time at AgBusiness Conference!"
Sierra Bright, student
"So glad to see @arkansassoybeans."
Zac Bryant, student
"My dream job is to be an ag loan officer."
Anna Roemer, student
"Found my dream career company."
Dillon Pearson, student

Our giveaway winner Brenna Cannon tweeted, "Thank you Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board for funding research all over Arkansas."
PRODUCER HIGHLIGHT | EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS
USB Chairman Jim Carroll
ASPB Chairman Rusty Smith
USSEC Past President Derek Haigwood
During February, our grower-leaders in the state were active in policymaking from the local level to the international level, attending meetings and representing the interests of Arkansas’s soybean producers. At Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Winter Commodity meeting, ASPB Chairman Rusty Smith highlighted some of the checkoff-funded research projects conducted by the University of Arkansas.

In Las Vegas, USB Chairman Jim Carroll of Brinkley, remarked on the burgeoning opportunities in the domestic industrial applications for soy and increased sustainability.

Internationally, Newport producer and Immediate Past President of the US Soybean Export Council Derek Haigwood says, the US soybean industry is well-positioned to take advantage of multiple opportunities set to surface soon in the global marketplace by leveraging soybeans as a primary protein source for both livestock and consumer consumption
SOY AT HOME | EDAMAME-AVOCADO SPREAD
This Edamame-Avocado Spread puts a new spin
on Avocado Toast!
EDAMAME-AVOCADO SPREAD
  • 1 16-oz. pkg. shelled edamame (cooked for 5 mins.)
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.
Serve on whole wheat crackers or as a sandwich filling on a toasted whole wheat pita with Muenster cheese for a healthy snack or light meal.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEBRUARY 25, 2020 - USSEC Board Meeting | San Antonio
FEBRUARY 27-29, 2020 - Commodity Classic | San Antonio
FEBRUARY 28-29, 2020 - Mid South Farm & Gin | Memphis
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Text ARSOY to 313131 today to receive occasional texts. We will keep you up to speed on all things soybean!
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?
We would love to see what you're doing to keep the soybean industry booming in Arkansas. Traveling? Harvesting? Learning? Visiting? We want to see it all, on or off the farm! If you use social media, post your pictures with the hashtag #ARenjoysSOY and tag us!
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