Soybean rust found on a research plot in Kinston in Lenoir Co.  The amount of rust detected was very light, and the origin of the rust is unknown.

The soybean checkoff's annual Soybean Crop Quality Survey will provide a free sample kit to all U.S. producers.  Request a sample kit from survey leader Seth Naeve by email to naeve002@umn.edu or call the N.C. soybean association for a kit.

The soybean association's Annual Research Report shows the potential impact of soybean checkoff investments in plant pest research, soybean breeding, plant stress research, and extension activities such as variety trials, product trials, and demonstration plots.

Submit applications for the 2010-2011 Conservation Legacy Awards sponsored by Corn & Soybean Digest by Sept. 30th.  www.soygrowers.com

Applications for the 2011 ASA / DuPont Young Leader Program will be accepted beginning June 1 online at www.soygrowers.com/dyl.  The program is for farmers and spouses who are beginning their careers as commodity leaders in the soybean industry.

A website provided by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services lets farmers and landowners list hunting opportunities, and lets hunters search the listings and contact landowners by email.  www.ncagr.gov/hunt

Deer and other wildlife accounted for $29.4 million in damage to major row crops in 2009, according to an NCDA&CS survey of 1200 farmers.  Soybean losses were estimated at $19 million.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the appointment of Earl Hendrix of Raeford, N.C. to the United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff.  Hendrix will serve a three-year term beginning immediately and will represent the interests of all U.S soybean farmers.

The soybean association held regional Soybean Producers Forums on Feb. 11 at the Duplin County Extension Center in Kenansville, and on Feb. 18 at the Vernon James Center in Plymouth.

State Sen. A.B. Swindell and State Reps. Randy Stewart and Winkie Wilkins attended the Soybean Producers Forum at the Southern Farm Show in Raleigh on Thursday, February 4, 2010, to hear how soybean farmers can support the livestock industry in North Carolina.