FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Howard, Kansas Farmer Participates in Ag Exchange Program
Topeka, Kan, August 27, 2008…Peggy Bellar, a soybean grower from Howard, Kansas, recently spent five days in North Carolina, August 4-8, 2008, learning about agriculture in that state as part of the summer Regional Exchange and Awareness Program (REAP) sponsored by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the United Soybean Board (USB) and hosted by the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association.
Bellar participated with 12 other producers from northern states in this program, which highlights agriculture production and industry unique to the region and encourages growers to share information that enhances their knowledge and skills. “This program is a valuable opportunity for ASA members,” said ASA President John Hoffman. “It gives our growers a chance to learn about farming in other parts of the country and to share ideas and build relationships. ASA is grateful to the United Soybean Board for sponsoring REAP and to the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association for graciously hosting northern soybean growers this year.”
The tour traveled to and explored the agriculture and industry in and around Raleigh, Kinston, Beaufort, Pantego, Ponzer, Aurora, Everetts, Zebulon and Sims, North Carolina. Participants began at North Carolina State University’s Lake Wheeler Road Laboratory and dined at the Poultry Educational Unit that evening. Other highlights included a tour of the Cunningham Research Station and Open Grounds Farm, a reception and dinner at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Blacklands Farm Managers’ Tour, the East Carolina Soy Processing facility, and the Roanoke-Tar Cotton Gin, plus visits to several local farms.
While showcasing the regional similarities and differences in agriculture, the ASA/USB REAP tour encourages learning and relationship building between soybean growers and the ag industry. This benefits the member-driven policy work of ASA and the soybean industry as a whole, and enables members to see how checkoff activities are supporting state soybean issues.
For more information, contact:
Peggy Bellar, Phone: 620.515.3097 or
Kathy Grunz, ASA Leadership & Corporate Development Manager, Phone: 800.688.7692, ext. 1301 or Lisa Cassady, Osborn & Barr, Phone: 314.746.1956
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For more information contact:
Sarah Farlee, Kansas Soybean Commission
1-800-328-7390 or ksbean@kansas.net
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John Wray reappointed to United Soybean Board of Directors for third term
Topeka, Kan., (August 27, 2008) - John Wray, Ottawa, Kan., will continue to represent Kansas and U.S. soybean producers by serving on the United Soybean Board (USB).
Wray, a native of Franklin County, will begin his third three-year term beginning in December.
Wray was one of 19 appointments announced by secretary of agriculture Ed Schafer and is one of 12 directors returning to their respective positions. Those directors returning will continue to share experience and knowledge to better position the industry while using checkoff dollars.
“I would like to congratulate John on his reappointment. He has done a great job representing Kansas soybean farmers on USB in the past and will continue to do so in the future,” said Ron Ohlde, Kansas Soybean Commission chairman from Palmer, Kan.
Wray and his wife, Brenda, live near Ottawa and farm over 750 acres of soybeans. Wray was a member of the Kansas Soybean Association Board of Directors for 11 years and during that time was appointed by USDA secretary Ann Veneman as one of three Kansas Soybean Commission representatives to USB. He was reappointed to a second term by secretary Mike Johanns and has served USB for six years.
Wray works with the World Initiative of Soy in Human Health advisory board, working to integrate soy into the diets of undernourished Africans. He has traveled extensively representing USB and Kansas across the world promoting U.S. soybean sales to foreign countries.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving Kansas producers,” said Wray.
USB is made up of 68 farmer-directors who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean producers in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization industry relations, market access and supply.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Dennis Hupe, hupe@kansassoybeans.org
Sarah Farlee, ksbean@kansas.net
Kansas Soybean Commission
2930 SW Wanamaker Drive
Topeka, KS 66614-4116
(800) 328-7390
Grand opening of green fuel station in Lawrence
Topeka, Kan., (June 20, 2008) – A new green fuel station will promote the benefits of using alternative fuels, and other ‘green’ practices, when pulling up to the pump.
Zarco 66 Earth Friendly Fuels in Lawrence, Kan., is selling only biodiesel and ethanol blends. The fuels are blended at the facility and many blend levels are available. In addition to educating the public on the alternative fuels they are also working to educate the public on environmental sustainability.
The station will be the first of its kind and will serve as a pilot-project for future all green stations. The station will use solar and wind technologies for energy production and will feature other environmental friendly practices such as recycling.
Consumer outreach regarding alternative fuels will be featured on liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on fuel pumps that will allow customers fingertip access to information on not only ethanol and biodiesel, but wind and solar technology, roof gardens, pollution prevention practices and recycling.
This station showcases various energy technologies and features actual sustainability elements on site. In addition to blending ethanol and biodiesel on site, this station will demonstrate zero net environmental impact by using energy production through solar and wind technologies. Roof and rain gardens will reduce the urban heat-island effect and storm water runoff as well as filter pollutants and greenhouse gases from the air. This station will also implement pollution prevention practices and practice waste reduction and recycling.
The grand opening will be Monday, June 30, 2008, at 10 a.m. at the station located at 900 Iowa St., Lawrence, Kan. Featured speakers will be John Askew, regional administrator, USEPA Region 7 and Adrian Polansky, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. Invited speakers are U.S. Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts and U.S. Representatives Dennis Moore and Nancy Boyda. A media session will be held at 10:30 a.m.
Several organizations will attend the grand opening to display vehicles that run on alternative fuels and promote the benefits of burning environmental friendly fuels. Other environmental friendly organizations will be displaying consumer information regarding green practices.
Partners in the project include: USEPA Region 7, University of Kansas, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Soybean Commission, Kansas Corn Growers, U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Kansas, Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas, and Zarco 66 Earth Friendly Fuels.
The mission of the Kansas Soybean Commission is improving the profitability of Kansas' soybean producers. The Commission, through its own work and through a contract with the Kansas Soybean Association, promotes the nutritional benefits of using soybean products to consumers and, because of its benefits to the environment, energy security and the farm economy, promotes the use of soy biodiesel as an alternative to diesel fuel. It also informs Kansas soybean producers of their activities through producer communications efforts and participates in industry relations programs, both state and nationally.
 GREEN ENERGY GATEWAY FUEL STATION
What is it?
A "green" gas station is being designed in Lawrence, Kansas, to showcase various energy technologies and feature sustainability elements on site.
This demonstration project at Zarco 66 Earth Friendly Fuels was developed through a public-private partnership. EPA intends to evaluate the energy and pollution reduction benefits of this project to develop a framework for other fuel stations that wish to “go green.”
Project participants include: EPA Region 7, University of Kansas, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Soybean Commission, Kansas Corn Growers, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Kansas, Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas, and Zarco 66 Earth Friendly Fuels.
Planned Sustainability Elements:
These earth-friendly fuels are currently blended at the facility:
- Ethanol (E-10, E-20, E-30 and E-85)
- Biodiesel (B-2, B-5, B-10, B-15, B-20 and B-99)
The fuel station will attempt to demonstrate zero net environmental impacts by using:
- Energy production through solar and wind technologies
- Roof and rain gardens to reduce urban heat-island effect and stormwater runoff, and filter pollutants and greenhouse gases from the air
- Pollution prevention practices to reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants
- Waste reduction and recycling
The station will be an example of technological and regulatory leadership by:
- Demonstrating new technologies for storing, blending, and dispensing ethanol and biodiesel fuels
- Setting the standard for full compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations
The station will advance public awareness and community outreach by using:
- Liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on fuel pumps that will allow customers to select from an informational menu on a variety of renewable fuels and sustainability topics, such as:
- Ethanol and biodiesel fuels
- Solar and wind technologies
- Roof gardens
- Pollution prevention practices to reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants
- Waste reduction and recycling
Benefits:
- Educate the public on environmental sustainability
- Reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants
- Promote alternative energy sources and renewable fuels
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(Topeka, June 11, 2008) The Kansas Soybean Commission has scheduled its annual meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. The meeting will be held at the International Grains Program Building on the campus of Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas and will begin at 8:00 a.m.
The Kansas Soybean Commission will discuss current and future research, market development, and education programs as well as other administrative items including holding election of officers. A complete agenda can be obtained by contacting Administrator, Kenlon Johannes at (785) 271-1040.
The Kansas Soybean Commission, along with the United Soybean Board, administers the national soybean checkoff program. Soybean checkoff funds are used to fund soybean research, market development, education and producer communications projects.
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For more information call 800-328-7390
SOYFOODS GUIDE AVAILABLE
Topeka, KS. (April 8, 2008) - Don’t forget the soy! Since 1999, the Food and Drug Administration has encouraged consumers to include 25 grams of soy protein in their daily diet to help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. According to a recent Consumer Attitudes About Nutrition study conducted by the United Soybean Board, 85% of consumers recognize the health benefits of soy.
To assist consumers in adding soy to their diets, the Kansas Soybean Commission is offering a free copy of the 2008 Soyfoods Guide. The 24-page color booklet is filled with recipes, health, and nutritional information, soyfood descriptions, and tips for easily incorporating soy into recipes.
The health benefits and impact soy foods can have on preventing chronic diseases is included in the research update. Soybeans are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are an excellent source of high-quality protein and dietary fiber. Soybeans are part of the legume family and contain all essential amino acids required for good health.
The Kansas Soybean Commission provides recipes, health, and nutrition information to assist consumers in adding soy to their diets. For additional information on soy or a free copy of the “ Soyfoods Guide”, contact the Kansas Soybean Commission, 2930 SW Wanamaker Drive, Topeka, KS 66614 or for more recipes and information.
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For more information Contact: 800-328-7390
THINK SOY FOR A HEALTHY DIET
Topeka, Kansas (April 8, 2008) - Soyfoods can easily be added to home recipes to help consumers include soy in their daily diet. Since 1999, the Food and Drug Administration has encouraged consumers to include 25 grams of soy protein in their daily diet to help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Soy flour, soy milk, tofu, soy beans and edamame are just a few of the soyfoods readily available for consumers to select from when shopping. Soy flour is one of the easiest soyfoods to use. Sift together 7 cups all-purpose flour and 1 cup soy flour. Use this blend whenever a recipes calls for all-purpose flour. Soy flour is 50% protein and gives recipes a nutritional boost as well as adding the health benefits from soy to your diet.
Soymilk is readily available for consumers in most grocery stores. Look for it in the natural foods section in the refrigerated case or on the store shelf in an aseptic package. Soymilk can be used in almost any recipe using cow’s milk. Soymilk is available plain, vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. Try using vanilla soymilk at breakfast on cereal.
Smoothies are a popular drink. This recipe for Strawberry Smoothie is a great nutritional beverage and includes two soyfoods, soymilk and tofu. This creamy smoothie is only 124 calories a serving. Tofu provides the rich smooth texture. Tofu can be found in the produce section of the grocery store. The soft variety easily blends with other ingredients. Drain off any liquid in the package before using.
Visit ththis Web site for more recipes and information or contact the Kansas Soybean Commission, 2930 SW Wanamaker Drive, Topeka, KS 66614.
1 cup vanilla soymilk
1 cup soft silken tofu* (about 6 oz.)
1 box (10 oz.) frozen strawberries
½ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
Place all ingredients in blender and mix on high until thoroughly blended and mixture is smooth and creamy. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Yields 4 cups.
Serving size: 1 cup. Per serving: 124 calories, 2.5 g fat (.03 g sat fat), 4.3 g protein (3.6 g soy protein), 23 g carbohydrate, 11 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol, 2.1 g dietary fiber.
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