By Blake Jackson
Two researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have been awarded funding from the Pennsylvania Soybean Board to advance projects that support soybean growers, strengthen on-farm decision-making, and highlight the value of soy-based products across agricultural systems.
The grants were awarded to Paul Esker, professor of epidemiology and field crop pathology and Land-Grant Research Impact Fellow, and John Boney, Vernon E. Norris Faculty Fellow of Poultry Nutrition and Associate Professor of Poultry Science.
Esker received close to $350,000 to further develop the Pennsylvania Soybean On-Farm Network, an initiative focused on applied, farmer-led research designed to improve soybean management and profitability under real-world conditions.
Through the network, replicated field trials will be conducted on commercial farms across Pennsylvania, allowing growers, extension educators, and researchers to work together to test agronomic practices and collect meaningful data.
Findings from the trials will be converted into practical recommendations, field days, and decision-support tools aimed at strengthening soybean production statewide. Esker noted that these efforts are especially important as producers face increasing pressure from weather variability, pests, and rising input costs.
Boney was awarded approximately $59,000 to study the digestible lysine needs of modern turkeys during the brooder phase by formulating diets with higher soybean meal inclusion.
Lysine is the reference amino acid in poultry nutrition, and accurately defining its requirements supports optimal growth, feed efficiency, and balanced diets, while reinforcing soybean meal’s role as a primary protein source.
Esker also emphasized the long-standing partnership between Penn State and the Pennsylvania Soybean Board, which has provided research support for more than two decades across multiple disciplines. Since 2011, nearly 100 projects have been funded, addressing areas such as crop production, soil fertility, livestock nutrition, pest management, and sustainability.
“The success of the on-farm network is driven by its large team of faculty, staff, extension educators, graduate students and summer interns, all collaborating with our soybean stakeholders to explore key issues in soybean production and management,” Esker said.
“For example, in 2025 alone, 108 trials across 10 research areas were conducted in 28 counties. Results from these trials have led to documented behavioral changes and the adoption of new approaches to enhance local production.”
The Pennsylvania Soybean Board, funded through the national soy checkoff program, reports that more than $4.2 million in grower investments have supported Penn State research, helping deliver science-based solutions for soybean farmers across the state.
Photo Credit: penn-state-college-of-ag-sciences
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Soybeans, Education