A joint federal and provincial commitment of $443,000 in research funding for Manitoba’s soybean sector was announced today at Manitoba Ag Days by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Member of Parliament Larry Maguire, on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
The funds will be leveraged by industry, which is contributing another $796,000 to the projects.
In total, seven soybean research projects will be funded through the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association and other industry partners, including the Western Grains Research Foundation, focused on:
- how phosphorus fertilizer application, soil temperature and crop residue affect soybean emergence;
- developing effective control methods for pests like soybean cyst nematode and root rot; and
- effective organic production strategies.
Last year, nearly 1.3 million acres of soybeans were grown in Manitoba, making it the third most commonly grown crop after canola and wheat. The annual farm gate value of this crop is estimated at more than $435 million. Manitoba soybeans are crushed for oil and used as a protein source in livestock feed. Most soybeans are exported, with about 60 per cent sold into the United States.
“Soybeans continue to expand in our province,” said Kyle Friesen, president of the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association. “Investing in these soybean research projects will ensure our growers have scientific information to improve their crop management decisions.”
