IOA Field Day: Tools and Techniques for Plant-Based Protein - Breeding Mung Beans at ISU

Join IOA for a free field day with Dr. Arti Singh and Iowa State University's Department of Agronomy on Friday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the ISU Burkey Farm.

Dr. Singh will share about current research to explore mung bean varieties for drought, disease, and pest resistance while also producing a high source of protein for vegetarian and vegan markets. The goal is to give Iowa farmers another crop option.

Dr. Arti Singh and her team at ISU are developing bean varieties focused on plant-based protein, particularly mung beans, that are adapted to Iowa growing conditions. This IOA field day will focus on opportunities for organic producers to collaborate on research and take advantage of the growing market for organic producers.

Plant-based proteins are expected to exceed 8% of the global food market, reaching $164 billion in sales over the next two decades. Mung beans in particular have taken the US by storm as a protein-rich dietary supplement: Similar to soybeans, mung beans offer versatility for flour, pasta, and other protein-rich vegan alternatives. While current research focuses on conventional varieties, there is an unprecedented opportunity for organic producers to invest in the emerging industry today. 

Event Highlights

  • Field tour
  • Presentations from Dr. Arti Singh, Dr. Paul Scott and Dr. Danny Singh
  • Overview of opportunities to supplement organic corn and soybean production with crops such as millet and field peas
  • Demonstration of an AI-powered app that identifies insects and weeds
  • Q&A discussion with attendees to understand opportunities and challenges farmers may face

Location Notes

The program will start and end at the ISU Burkey Farm, right across from the Field Extension Education Laboratory.

Wish to add mung beans to your rotation?

Email Roz for more information. 

Exhibitors

Email [email protected] if you wish to set up a table at this event.

Funding Acknowledgement

This material is based upon work that is supported by the Risk Management Agency (RMA), U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the program agreement with the project number 15061 titled "Risk Management Outreach and Education for Beginning, Transitioning and Organic Producers". Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the RMA and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

WHEN
June 21, 2024 at 9:00am - 1pm
WHERE
Iowa State University - Burkey Farm
1928 240th St
Boone, IA 50036
United States
Google map and directions
CONTACT
Roz Lehman · · 515-608-8622

Will you come?