When high-yielding harvests are not enough to secure success for today’s soybean producers, checkoff dollars help ensure a strong, profitable future for producers through driving demand at home and abroad.
Administered by the United Soybean Board (USB), producers invest 0.5 percent market price per bushel, known as a checkoff, into a fund. Used for research, market development, promotion and expansion, the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB) manages half of all checkoff dollars collected in the state and the USB adds the rest to the national checkoff fund*.
Run by 69 volunteer farmers and directors, the USB is based in St. Louis, Missouri with activities monitored by paid staff. Nominated by their state’s soybean board, or Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSB), they are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Three members of the USB’s board of directors hail from Arkansas.
Soybeans in Arkansas
Traditionally one of the largest agriculture enterprises in the state with more than 3-million acres of soybean fields in 56 percent of the counties, Arkansas is one of the top 10 soybean producing states in the country.
- Animal agriculture is the number one customer of soybean, 98 percent of soybean meal feeds livestock and poultry.
- Broiler chickens consume about 40 percent of the domestic supply of soybean meal.
- By 2020, China’s demand for U.S. soy will increase by 37 percent with increased demand for protein.
- Approximately 30 percent of soybeans are considered a double crop. Following spring’s wheat harvest, soybeans are planted, allowing the harvest of two row crops in one year.
- Optimum planting in Arkansas is between May 5 – July 5 and they will be harvested between October 15 and November 20.
- Irrigation-furrow via flood and sprinkler is common practice across more than 2-million acres of soybeans.
*Since checkoff dollars are dedicated to research and promotion efforts, the American Soybean Association (ASA) advocates on state and national legislative and regulatory policy issues.
Can You Use a Heating Pad while Pregnant – Did you know that you can use a heating pad while you’re pregnant? The truth is, it’s not something that most people consider. But, the benefits of using one outweigh the risks — especially if you’re going through a cold and/or flu season.
A heating pad is simply a piece of heated cloth that you wrap around your lower body to ease your pain and help heat up your skin faster than with traditional heaters. It doesn’t do anything else; it just warms you up. However, this safety tip only goes so far in explaining why using a heating pad is perfectly fine when you’re pregnant. Read on to learn more about how it helps and how not to use one.
Can You Use a Heating Pad while Pregnant? – The Truth About the Trend
Is a heating pad right for you? The short answer is yes. You may not be able to use curling irons or an iron at the same time, but you can use a heating pad. While it may not feel like it while your hands are cold and wet, your body is warm and dry (right now), heat can be very helpful when pregnant. There are many different types of heat pads available in the market today, so how do you know if one is right for you? Here are some things to consider before buying one:
What is the function of a heating pad?
A heating pad is designed to provide comfort to your baby inside your body. It is a thin, soft cloth that you place on your baby’s body. You can use a heating pad on your stomach, back, active areas of your body, and even your feet. While it may not feel like it while your hands are cold and wet, your body is warm and dry (right now), heat can be very helpful when pregnant.
How to use a heating pad
There are many different types of heat pads available in the market today, so how do you know if one is right for you? Here are some things to consider before buying one: Unger: This type of heat pad is made from a silky material that feels comforting on your skin. It is often used as an external heating pad because you do not want to place it on your baby’s back. Bumper: This type of heat pad is typically used for when your baby is fussy or when he is starting to eat solids. It is often placed under your baby’s bottom. It is a good idea to choose a thicker pad if you are expecting a lot of movement from your baby. Inflatable: Like the bumper pad, the inflatable heat pad is used for when your baby is starting to eat solids. It is a good idea to choose a thicker pad if you are expecting a lot of movement from your baby.
Types of heat pads
The three most common types of heat pads are the gel, the electric blanket, and the hand-held electric blanket. Gel: This type of pad is easy to clean and has a gel-like consistency that provides instant warmth. You can purchase a variety of sizes and designs, and they usually cost less than an electric blanket. Electrical blanket: The electric blanket is usually programmed to low heat, but you can turn it up to high to keep your baby warm. These types of heaters are often used as an emergency blanket because you do not want to keep re-setting the pad to keep your baby warm. Hand-held electric blanket: These heaters come with a handle so you can place it on a table, bedside table, or window sill. You can easily place it on a heating pad or use it as a nightlight. These heaters are very versatile, and you can easily adjust the heat and the intensity of the light to fit the situation.
When to use a heated towel
A heated towel is exactly what it sounds like – a towel heated to the ideal temperature for your baby. These types of heaters are usually handheld, so you can easily place it on a table, bedside table, or window sill. A good time to use a heated towel is during the day when you are wearing clothes and your baby is not. At night, when your baby is ready to put on his clothes, is the best time to use a heated towel.
Pros of using a heated towel
No Sweating: One of the main advantages of using a heated towel is that you do not have to wear a shirt or jacket when using it. This is great for people who are on the move or do not like to wear a jacket when it isCold Out. Warmth Is Permanent: The best benefit of all when it comes to using a heated towel is that it is very permanent. You can use it when your baby is born and even when he is a toddler. It does not need to be disposed of after your baby is born. No Electricity: The final pro of using a heated towel is that it does not require an electrical supply. You can place it anywhere and it does not require a power outlet.
Cons of using a heated towel
Expenses: One of the things to keep in mind when it comes to using a heated towel is that it is an expensive piece of equipment. Hospitals and medical facilities use them all the time, so they cost a lot. Cloth Only: Another con when it comes to using a heated towel is that it is only cloth and there is no option for it to be replaced in times of need. Cold Feet: If your baby is a small infant, you may not be able to use a heated towel on him. The best heating pad for infant care is a nursing cover.
The best heating pad for you depends on your individual needs. Whether you are expecting a baby boy or a pregnancy girl, there are plenty of heated towel options available on the market. Whether you plan on using a heating pad during your pregnancy or after, it is important to consider the function and purpose of the item before purchasing it. You can find a lot of information about using a heated towel on the internet, so be sure to do your research before purchasing a pad.