Soybeans on the move

The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) is pursuing new opportunities for moving soybeans more efficiently and cost-effectively to domestic and international destinations.

With a unique combination of high-quality soybeans and world-class logistics infrastructure, Ohio is positioned to capitalize on these opportunities. To accomplish this goal, OSC is focused on involving the entire Ohio soybean industry, building new partnerships and providing timely and relevant information regarding transportation opportunities to Ohio’s soybean farmers and other stakeholders.

OSC is constantly on the lookout for opportunities and threats facing farmers in their on-farm infrastructure. We are looking at farms from a manufacturing perspective to discover what farmers need to continue to be successful. Roughly 15% of agricultural production costs are energy-related. Effective and efficient on-farm energy infrastructure is critical to a farm’s success.

For more information on OSC’s support of on-farm infrastructure, please contact Barry McGraw at bmcgraw@soyohio.org.

Natural Gas

Natural Gas Conversion Options may include connecting your farm to the local natural gas distribution system, extending existing natural gas service on the farm, or connecting to large transmission pipelines*.

*Though new connections to natural gas transmission lines (farm taps) are technically feasible, they are unlikely due to cost and willingness of providers.

An Example Natural Gas Connection may include a new service connection to the local co-op distribution system, a new service line from the connection to the farm, new meters, and new burners for grain drying and barn heating.

Fact Sheets & Studies for Natural Gas

Natural Gas Technical Assistance Case Study

Natural Gas Resources Fact Sheet

Natural Gas Resources Brochure

Natural Gas Conversion Fact Sheet

Natural Gas Decision Makers Fact Sheet

Evaluating Natural Gas Utilization in Agriculture

Natural Gas Conversion Worksheet

A tool that automatically calculates estimated annual costs, annual savings, and payback period using input such as distance to the pipeline, energy usage, propane cost, and conversion costs. (Ohio Soybean Council)

Evaluating Natural Gas Utilization in Agriculture – Payback Calculator Tool

Another tool that calculates estimated costs and payback period for natural gas conversion using farmer information input. (Ohio State University Extension)

National Pipeline Mapping System Public Viewer

A database of natural gas plant and breakout tank information by county. (U.S. Department of Transportation)

Natural Gas Distribution Service Providers Map

A map showing natural gas providers by county, color-coded by provider type (large regulated companies, co-ops, etc.). (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio)

Costs & Financing for Natural Gas

USDA Farm Loan Programs

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Natural Gas Provider Price Comparison

Solar Energy

Fact Sheets & Studies for Solar Energy

An Introduction to On-Farm Solar Electric Systems

Farmland Owner's Guide to Solar Leasing

On-Farm Solar Electric System Safety

Guide to Farming Friendly Solar

Worksheets & Tools for Solar Energy

Costs & Financing for Solar Energy

Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives

USDA Farm Loan Programs

U.S. Department of Energy Guides to the Federal Tax Credit - Homeowners

U.S. Department of Energy Guides to the Federal Tax Credit - Commercial Businesses

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) - Ohio Office

Other Solar Energy Resources

Get information from your local extension educator. Talk to the OSU Extension educator for your area about solar energy considerations, available resources, and potential installers. Contact potential installers. If you decide to move forward with exploring a solar project on your farm, contact reputable installers and collect quotes for your project. Find installers at Green Energy Ohio, or Solar Reviews.

Precision Ag Reviews

OSC developed Precision Ag Reviews (PAR), an online tool to help farmers make informed decisions about buying precision ag equipment. PAR offers farmers a chance to review precision ag equipment, making the reviews by farmers, for farmers.

Critical Infrastructure