Continuing Education
Credits Newsletter
Registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, certified dietary managers and certified food protection professionals may receive continuing education (CE) credits by reading the newsletter and taking and passing a test. The Soy Connection newsletter is approved for 0.5 to 1.0 hour per issue.
The Soy Connection for Health Professionals
In This Issue:
The summer issue of Soy Connection’s health & nutrition newsletter explores how modern farming practices shape our food supply, from crop protection to environmental sustainability. As agriculture evolves, regenerative methods are combining traditional techniques—like crop rotation and reduced tillage—with innovations such as precision technology, genetic modification (GMOs), and artificial intelligence. These advancements improve soil health, reduce environmental impact, and help farmers meet the needs of a growing population. Throughout this issue, experts also address common questions about practices like pesticide use and genetic modification, which are vital for sustainable and resilient farming. Farms like Scheier Farms in South Dakota exemplify how blending innovation with stewardship supports a future of secure, nutritious, and sustainably grown food.
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By Katy Martin Rainey, PhD
What you need to know:
- Regenerative agriculture is a mindset of continuous improvement that focuses on soil health, resource efficiency, and profitability—supported by both traditional practices (like cover cropping and crop rotation) and modern technologies.
- Modern tools, including precision equipment, genetic innovation, and carefully regulated pesticides, play a vital role in making regenerative practices scalable and sustainable for today’s farms while maintaining productivity and environmental stewardship.
- Case studies, like "The Past, Present, and Future of Rangeland Grasshopper Management", provide a real-world example that underscores how today’s technology, when thoughtfully applied, allows farmers to reduce inputs, enhance efficiency, and support long-term sustainability goals.
By Dustin Moore, PhD, RD
What you need to know:
- Modern farming innovations like pesticides, genetic modification (GMOs), and gene editing are essential tools that help U.S. farmers (who make up a very small percentage of the population) feed a large population by increasing crop yield, resilience, and efficiency.
- Common misconceptions surround organic farming, such as the belief that it is entirely pesticide-free or inherently more nutritious. While organic marketing often emphasizes lower residues, it's important to note that residues in both types of produce are well within safety limits set by regulatory agencies.
- Agricultural advancements are crucial for food security and sustainability, especially as farmers face growing environmental challenges and the need to feed an expanding global population.
By Dawn Scheier, a fourth-generation U.S. soybean farmer in Salem, SD
What you need to know:
- Blending generational knowledge with modern tools, like genetically modified seeds, precision agriculture, and artificial intelligence, helps farmers enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
- Soybeans are a key contributor to the U.S. economy and soil health, used globally for food, feed, fuel, and industrial purposes, while also supporting sustainable farming through crop rotation and land conservation.
- Future-focused farming is crucial, requiring adaptive strategies such as advanced crop protection planning and ongoing innovation to address rising costs and ensure the sustainability of farming for future generations.
