US Soybean Farmers Fill Global Demand

Each year, 60 million bushels of food-grade non-biotech soybeans are exported at a premium price. Yet it's not enough. Demand is continually increasing, but the U.S. production acreage isn't keeping up, driving prices higher. You can help fill growing global demand by planting food-grade soybeans for soybean processors that send their beans to global markets.

Food-Grade Soybeans

These soybeans are grown and harvested in a fully separate farm system on a contract agreement basis. The contracts usually include auditing of land, seed and farming practices as well as harvesting and transportation. Analysis of the end product is done to ensure quality.

To learn more about North Dakota food-grade soybeans, log on to the Northern Food Grade Soybean Association's website, or click here

Low-Linolenic Soybeans

Low-linolenic soybeans that are currently available and high-oleic soybeans are two varieties that are being sought by the food industry because they result in oil with no trans fat. These biotech traits do not have the same segregation and traceability rules as other enhanced-quality soybeans.

Organic and Pesticide-free Soybeans (Non-biotech)

These soybeans are grown and harvested with the same standards as non-biotech. The difference is related to the agricultural practice. The premium price for these soybeans is higher, but the yield deficit may be higher than non-biotech.

Growers and Processors are Seizing the Opportunity:

"I like to know that I have a buyer, and I like to know what my basis is before I plant the crop. It makes marketing a lot easier. And my premiums have been anywhere from 60 cents over Chicago to $3.50 over Chicago."

Todd Hansen
Soybean Farmer from Owatonna, MN