2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Develop and release maturity group (MG) 00, 0 and I lines with 1-3% higher protein and competitive yield; MG 00, 0, I lines with 3-6% higher protein, higher protein lines with hazard resistance, MG 00, 0, I lines with lower phytate and 1-3% higher protein, MG 00, 0, I lines with higher MET, CYS, THR, LYS. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Cross higher protein lines with higher yielding lines, advance populations via in-breeding, select plants/lines with higher protein and/or lower phytate, yield test selected lines. 3.Progress Report This project is related to Objective 2 of the in-house project: To discover novel genes/alleles in soybean for seed composition, determine their inheritance, determine genomic location, transfer to adapted germplasm, and release. This is a new on-going research project that implements long and short-term goals to improve intrinsic quality of soybeans. The strategies are addressed by 14 subprojects conducted by 13 outstanding scientists from MN, SD, MO, AR, TN, NC, and GA. The combined expertise of this team in plant breeding, biology, genetics, pathology, and physiology will provide genetic resources, genomic tools, and fundamental information needed to expedite development, evaluation, and commercial production of agronomic soybean varieties exhibiting superior meal attributes that include increased total metabolizable energy, improved essential amino acid balance, and enhanced digestibility for feed applications. This project has been active only since April 2011. Research is being initiated. The Authorized Departmental Officer's Designated Representative monitored activities of project through frequent phone calls and emails.