The American Soybean Association (ASA) is making available to soybean producers a new tool for protecting the environment while enhancing profitability. A new Handbook called, "Soybean Management and the Land: A Best Management Practices Handbook for Growers" is available free to ASA members, and can be purchased by non-members.

"ASA is pleased to be able to offer complimentary copies of this one-of-a-kind environmental management handbook to our members," said ASA President Tony Anderson. "It's an exceptionally informative tool for producers that will help guide them through the process of increasing the environmental management of their land."

This unique environmental program is a collaborative partnership of ASA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Monsanto Company, the Shared Solutions Agribusiness Contributions Program of the Philip Morris Family of Companies, and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.

"This partnership is an important step toward enhanced land stewardship on millions of acres of farmland," said ASA Chairman Marc Curtis. "This program will provide growers with an opportunity to study their farm and decide, for themselves, what is both environmentally and financially feasible."

Pearlie Reed, Chief of NRCS, said, "I am pleased that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service could be a partner in this project. I commend ASA and the other organizations for their leadership in promoting good conservation. I know that everyone involved will benefit from this relationship, especially soybean growers."

One feature of the handbook is a production diagnostic guide that producers will find extremely useful in assisting them in identifying and treating soybean pests and diseases. The handbook also contains worksheets to help producers outline long-term and short-term goals, and a guide to help with developing a comprehensive action plan.

ASA members can order a free copy of the environmental handbook. All requests must include your name, mailing address and telephone number. Send an e-mail request to: bmphandbook@soy.org. Requests may be faxed to: ASA BMP Handbook at 314-576-2786 or growers may call 800-688-7692, ext. 210. A request by mail should be sent to BMP Handbook at: ASA, 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63141. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Non-members can purchase one or more copies of the handbook for $36 each, while supplies last. In addition to your name, address and telephone number, specify the number of copies you want. Orders must include payment by check, money order, MasterCard or Visa. With charge cards, include the card's complete account number and expiration date.

As part of an extensive outreach effort, copies of the handbook will be distributed to a variety of sources in soybean production areas of the United States including, soybean organization leaders, State and local Farm Bureau organizations, state departments of agriculture, state environmental agencies, and county NRCS Offices.

Katherine Trent, Manager of Agricultural Relations for Philip Morris Management Corporation said, "The Philip Morris Shared Solutions Agribusiness Program is proud to be a sponsor for ASA’s Environmental Management and Education Program. Sound environmental management is a growing challenge for agricultural producers and an important issue for companies seeking high quality, low cost ingredients for their food products."

Carl M. Casale, Vice President and General Manager for Monsanto’s North American Ag Business, said, "We’re pleased to be a part of this very important program and believe it will be a valuable resource for U.S. growers. This program builds upon Monsanto’s historical commitment to sustainable agriculture, and provides the opportunity for us to combine our efforts and work as a part of this partnership to take conservation-tillage and sustainable-agriculture efforts to the next level."

Additional elements of this environmental management and education program that will be implemented in coming months include a series of environmental workshops for farmers, train-the-trainer environmental workshops, and an ASA members only environmental resource web site.