b'Soybeans Future Bright But Questions RemainU.S. soybean production is expected to be strong again in 2021. Experts from across the country explain why that is expected to be the case and what some of the issues to watch will be for producers.Jim TimlickWITH THE COVID-19pandemic stillmany beans are neededand how doproduction, according to Dillon, is the fact gripping the world, forecasting whatU.S. producers respond to that. that soybean prices have started to rise 2021 holds in store has become evenDespite those questions, many industryagain. That in turn is making soybeans a more challenging for businesses than itexperts remain bullish about the immedi- more attractive option for some growers.already was. ate future of soybeans. In fact, early indi- Certainly, were seeing some positive Its no different for soybean producerscations suggestacres will be comparablemoves here in the last couple of months as they begin planning for the year ahead,to 2020 when we saw a large increaseon soybean prices, he explains. Thats making decisions of everything from howover 2019, a year that we had significantgetting people to take a pause and look many acres to plant to selecting the inputsweather challenges. at the situation and say, hey, having a few that are right for their operation. Allen Gent, head of U.S. soybean busi- more bean acres in the coming year would The big question on a lot of peoplesness for BASF, says most of the forecastsbe a good thing for my operation.minds right now is what is global demandhes seen are predicting the number ofThe good news is that theres a good going to be, says Mike Dillon, globalsoybean acres in the U.S. in 2021 to befoundation here. With improved pricing, portfolio lead for soybean for Cortevabetween 83 and 85 million and productiontheres some opportunities where you can Agriscience.forecasts looks favorable for seed supply.be profitable with soybean production.As weve seen, the impact of theUntil harvest actually happens youStill, that optimism has been muted pandemic and the previous outbreaksnever really have the full picture, but eve- somewhat by the uncertainty over the that have impacted hog herds in China asrything that were seeing today from thetools growers will have available to them in well as demand for meat in local restau- standpoint of just looking at the crops its2021 to help protect their yields. rants, those types of situations have anlooking like its going to be a very goodThe U.S. Environmental Protection impact on the amount of soybeans thatproduction year for this coming season,Agency (EPA) has been considering if it are needed for meal, which is the primaryGent says. will grant new registrations for the in-crop usage on a global basis and which trans- uses of dicamba herbicides with addi-lates into demand sooner or later. TheresEncouraging Sign tional use restrictions. By mid-October, a lot of questions in the market about howAnother encouraging sign for soybeanthe agency had still not handed down its 84/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2020'