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Quality Soybeans: What Are Yours Made Of?

	Illinois soybean quality is great now, and farmers are working to pack even more protein into their beans.

Illinois soybeans are the standard bearers of the Midwest for protein and oil levels. They are the standard against which other states compare the quality of their beans. While we should be proud, there is still plenty of room for improvement. We can push the bar higher by taking soybean protein and oil levels from good to excellent.

Why the Need for Quality?

1. While farmers are focused on maximum yields, customers (livestock feed and soy-based product manufacturers) care only about utilizing the components, protein and oil.
2. Elevator prices track with protein and oil levels. Higher-protein soybeans correlate with higher prices for farmers. Conversely, lower-protein soybeans hurt profitability.
3. South American soybeans naturally contain higher protein than Illinois soybeans. Production growth in South America, coupled with the demand for higher quality, has the potential to steal Illinois soybean market share soon.
4. Market share is also at risk to alternative proteins considered for feed by U.S. livestock producers.

Increase Quality on Your Farm

Many soybean varieties that offer high-yield potential along with high-quality content are readily available through your seed dealer. When you buy seed, ask your dealer for high quality and high yield. Illinois Soybean Association details all three values for the varieties tested in VIPS here.