Soybean Farming Practices

U.S. soybean farmers are committed to providing safe, high quality and sustainable ingredients – thereby creating a dependable supply of food for our communities.

Farming Basics

Agriculture is an essential industry to the U.S. economy. U.S. soybean farmers work hard to help ensure shelves are stocked and families are fed around the world. In fact, American farmers work every day to sustainably grow 70% more food by 2050 to feed our rising population, which is expected to increase by 2 billion people over the next 30 years. Soybeans are one of the most versatile and resilient plants and in the U.S., soybeans are sustainably grown. Soybean farming involves growing genetically modified and non-genetically modified beans using both conventional and organic farming practices to meet consumer demand.

Harvesting Soybeans

Soybean harvesting is like harvesting other crops that are grown in America. Soybeans are harvested in the fall when they’re mature. As soybeans mature, their leaves start to turn yellow, and when the leaves of the soybeans turn brown and fall off, the soybean pods are left exposed and ready to be harvested. Harvesting soybeans involves a combine, or a large machine used to harvest grains. The combine’s header harvests soybeans by cutting and collecting the soybean plants, removing their stems and pods and moving the harvested soybeans into its tank. Once the combine’s tank is full, the harvested soybeans are emptied into a grain truck or wagon and taken to a grain dealer or storage facility.

Soybean Uses

Once harvested, soybeans have a range of uses. Most farmers grow beans that are sold as animal feed or processed into soybean oil. Soybean oil uses include cooking oil, often sold at retail as "vegetable oil", or used by the food industry in products and on menus. Soybean oil also has industrial applications, and is used for rubber, lubricants and adhesives. Others grow high-protein beans that are made into soyfoods like tofu.

No matter the soybean use, for all U.S. soybean farmers, agriculture and soybean farming are more than a job – it’s their life, legacy and passion. But don’t take it from us, ask a U.S. soybean farmer yourself.

Ask a Soybean Farmer

Ask a U.S soybean farmer a question and check back for new responses.

Ask a soybean farmer

Q: Why is it significant that there is an estimated crop size of 4.170 billion bushels for 2020?

The estimated crop size reinforces the reliability of the supply of soy. It should provide security for consumers, security of an important protein source, as well as consistency of production and quality that is incorporated into so many products.

- USB Farmer-Director Wendy Yeager

Q: Why is it important to support U.S. agriculture?

We take pride in being part of the world’s safest, reliable, abundant, and affordable food system around the world.Supporting U.S. agriculture is a very important part of our future if we plan to feed our growing population. Norman Borlaug once said, “A nation that has food has many problems, but a nation that cannot feed itself has only one problem.”

- USB Farmer-Director Meagan Kaiser

Q: As a soybean farmer, what does “sustainability” mean to you?

Sustainability is giving credit to the conservation practices that U.S.farmers implement every day. The land and the environment are our greatest asset, which makes it top priority on my farm to enable future generations to continue to provide safe, reliable food.

- USB Farmer-Director Cory Atkins

Q: How do you ensure that your farm keeps up with the growing demand for food as our population increases?

With constantly rising demand, biotechnology has become an integral tool for farmers of any crop. I also emphasize the maintenance of my soil to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest. My hope is that the farm stays in my family for generations, bringing sustainably raised crops to the world for years!

- USB Farmer-Director April Hemmes

Q: What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

We employ every practice that fits the soil, topography, and weather. Some tactics include crop rotation, no-till farming, manure tests, using fuel efficient equipment and offsetting power usage with self-owned renewable energy systems. These aren't just sustainable, they're successful and cost efficient.

- U.S. soybean farmer Nancy Kavazanjian

Q: I’ve heard most farms in the U.S. are owned by big corporations, is this true?

Nearly 97 percent of all farms are owned by families. My own farm is a large corporate farm in the sense that it is owned by my large family – my 10 brothers and sisters, a niece and nephew and me. We are incorporated for income tax purposes. I farm the land with my brother Mike, my sons Seth and Jesse, and a few other employees.

- USB Farmer-Director Annie Dee

Q: What do farmers do with all of the soybeans once they are harvested?

My beans go to one of three places. My commodity beans are sold to chicken farms for feed. My high oleic beans are turned into high-quality, long-lasting cooking oil. Finally, my specialty, high-protein beans are made into tofu.

- USB Farmer-Director William Layton

Q: How does sourcing U.S. grown ingredients benefit food companies?

The quality and quantity of U.S. grown crops ensures that food companies are guaranteed a consistent and nutritious supply. Additionally, sourcing domestic ingredients supports U.S. job growth!

- USB Farmer-Director Dan Farney

Q: What’s your favorite part of working in agriculture?

I love working in agriculture because it is more than a job; it’s my life, legacy and passion. I love to see the fruits of my labor growing in the field every year. I’m fortunate to be doing the same thing that my family has been doing for 70 years, and something that I can leave to my kids to carry on in the future. In addition, I enjoy that my role is very diverse: agriculture involves everything from computer GPS, to diesel mechanics, to accounting, to plant biology.

- USB Farmer-Director William Layton

Q: What type of soybeans do you grow? Why?

We grow high oleic and commodity soybeans. The diversity meets consumer demand and provides renewable raw material for several different products. Soybeans are one of the most versatile and resilient plants!

- USB Farmer-Director Rochelle Krusemark

Q: Are you using any new technology on your farm? If so, what and why?

We’ve recently begun using GPS technology. GPS eliminates the overlap of fertilizers and crop protectants, reducing waste. It also allows us to only use fertilizer on the plots that need it.

- USB Farmer-Director Dan Farney

Q: In the ever-changing landscape of sustainability and agriculture, how do you see your farming practices evolving over time?

In the digital era, we are able to generate mountains of data on efficient and sustainable growing practices. On my farm, we are working tirelessly to analyze the data and implement our findings. This approach has led to enhanced yields, elevated levels of sustainability, reduced cost per unit and higher profits.

- U.S. soybean farmer Mike Beard