SOYBEANS
Soybeans are the second-largest U.S. crop, after corn, covering almost 90 million acres. Much like corn, soybeans are grown in most states, but the U.S. Midwest leads the harvest. Many farmers grow both soybeans and corn on their farms and rotate them in fields in alternating seasons to benefit soil health. Soybeans have a wide variety of uses – they are an important crop for animal feed, human nutrition, biofuels, and many other products that might surprise you, like crayons. One acre of soybeans can produce more than 82,000 crayons.
Soybean Trade
Soybeans are the #1 crop exported from the U.S., accounting for about 18% of all agricultural exports by value. China is the largest buyer.
How are Soybeans Used?
In the U.S., processors, called crushers, collect soybeans from farmers to make two raw products: soybean meal and soybean oil.
Uses for Soybean Meal: The vast majority of U.S. soybean meal is used for livestock feed. Other uses include food products such as veggie burgers and soy milk.
Uses for Soybean Oil: Soybean oil has many uses, including in vegetable oils used for frying and baking foods, renewable fuels such as biodiesel used in transportation, and industrial uses including paints and plastics.
