Exploring the Crops of the Northern Region-Soybeans

The series continues! Join us as we take a virtual tour of the crops that are grown right here in the northern United States. This amazingly diverse set of plants produces food, fiber, and fuel for us. Today, we are looking specifically at soybeans and their impact.  

Soybeans in the northern region are grown primarily for their oil and for use in livestock feeds as a protein source. This crop is an important staple for the region. Minnesota is the third largest soybean state, producing 297.9 million bushels. But North Dakota also kept pace last year, producing 174.4 million bushels of soybeans, making it the ninth highest soybean state. These numbers highlight just how much soybeans contribute to the northern region every year.

But beyond the statistics, soybeans are also on the shelf at your local store. Soybeans are grown to be used in oil for human consumption, and that’s exactly where they end up. Soybean oil is used not only for shortening, margarine and salad oils, but it’s also utilized in many other products. This includes mayonnaise, sauces, frozen foods, baking mixes and soups. It is an extremely versatile product that has dominated the U.S. market.  Soybean oil is a readily available, lost cost option, making it an ideal choice for many people.

Soybeans are also grown for livestock feed. Soybean cake and meal are common supplements used in mixed feed rations. They are an ideal additive because soybean meal is high in protein, and can be extremely beneficial in creating balanced swine and poultry feeds.

These are just two examples of how soybeans grown in the northern region are used. This staple of the northern states provides a diverse portfolio of uses and byproducts.

To read other articles Exploring the Crops of the Northern Region click here.