News

The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) is proud to announce its second class of the Ohio Soybean Immersion Experience (OSIE), an in-depth, three-phase leadership program designed to give soybeans stakeholders a first-hand look at how checkoff investments fuel opportunities, strengthen markets and build value back to Ohio farms. OSC believes that empowered, informed leaders are key to advancing Ohio’s soybean industry.

The program is free, though space is limited to 10 farmer participants. Applications are due by December 16, 2026, and can be accessed at www.soyohio.org/OSIE.

Phase 1 – January 26, 2027: A foundational session to understand how the checkoff works and the projects it funds to create real demand for Ohio soybeans. This session will cover Ohio Soybean Checkoff 101.

Phase 2 – March 9-10, 2027: An immersive tour of Ohio’s soybean value chain, including stops at the Center for Soybean Research at The Ohio State University, Airable Research Lab, the DeLong Co. export and grain facility, and the Marysville Fire Department for a Soy Foam demo.

Phase 3 – July 13-15, 2027: The final phase will take place in Jersey City, NJ, at the United Soybean Board summer meeting. Participants will get to meet farmers from other states and witness the work of the national soybean checkoff.

Who Can Apply? The program is open to all Ohio farmers, but young and beginning farmers are especially encouraged to apply. Participants should be able to commit to all three phases.

For questions, please contact Julia Brown, OSC director of communication and education, at jbrown@soyohio.org.