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The Transformation Power of U.S. Soy

In recent years, soybeans have emerged as a vital resource in the United States, fundamentally altering the landscape of clean energy and biobased products. From the shoes on our feet to the fuels powering our vehicles, U.S. soy is quietly revolutionizing various sectors of the economy while offering farmers innovative ways to thrive in a volatile market.

U.S. soybean farmers play a crucial role in responding to the changing needs of the economy. With volatile export markets presenting challenges, they have seized opportunities to boost domestic demand. The U.S. soybean industry is not just about exporting crops; it has effectively pivoted to support various domestic markets, including food, energy, and animal feed. This homegrown crop presents a renewable alternative to petroleum, ensuring a more sustainable future.

Broadening Horizons with Biobased Products

The impact of U.S. soy is profound, leading to the emergence of hundreds of new biobased products across the nation. These products range from safer firefighting foams to flooring and road rejuvenators, all sourced from renewable ingredients cultivated in American soybean farms. As noted by Lucas Lentsch, CEO of the United Soybean Board (USB), U.S. soy has evolved from being primarily an animal feed source to a vibrant platform that embodies American innovation.

Soybean oil is making strides as a viable fuel alternative for various transportation modes, including school buses and commercial trucks. The commitment from all six Class 1 railroads to embrace soy-based biofuels underscores this trend. Looking ahead, it is projected that clean fuels powered by soybeans will help eliminate over 50 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions each year, actively contributing to a cleaner environment.

In addition to fuel applications, soy is an ingredient in over 1,000 consumer products, showcasing its versatility. From PFAS-free firefighting foam, synthetic turf, shoes, tires to plastics and plywood, soy is infiltrating everyday life. This diversification not only supports farmers but also fosters an innovative approach to manufacturing and energy.

Navigating Towards Domestic Resilience

Roughly 60% of U.S. soybeans are still exported, which exposes farmers to various global trade fluctuations. However, the recent strategic investment in domestic markets illustrates a prudent shift. Farmers are increasingly focusing on nurturing the biofuels and biobased products markets, which offer stability and resilience in the face of uncertainties.

For over 30 years, soybean farmers have been forward-thinking, paving the way for a thriving biofuels market through concerted efforts by the United Soybean Board. Notably, the usage of soybeans in biofuels surged from 868 million pounds to a staggering 13.2 billion pounds in the last 15 years, marking a significant milestone in domestic agricultural innovation.

Sustainability at the Core

American soybean farmers are trailblazing in sustainable agricultural practices. Employing methods such as cover crops, precision agriculture, and conservation tillage, farmers are optimizing their production processes while enhancing soil and water health. Initiatives like Farmers for Soil Health, propelled by the USDA and driven by equity from soy, corn, and pork commodity groups, aim to double cover crop acreage by 2030, showcasing a commitment to sustainable farming.

Philip Good, chair of the USB and an active Mississippi farmer, likens sustainable farming practices to maintaining a bank account; one must make more deposits than withdrawals. This ethos continues to drive U.S. agriculture, proving that emissions can be reduced while also replacing petroleum in everyday products. The combination of innovative practices and products ensures that U.S. agriculture actively contributes to environmental preservation while also being economically viable.

The Economic Impact of U.S. Soy

The implications of U.S. soy are massive:

• - It injects approximately $124 billion into the U.S. economy and sustains over 500,000 farm positions.
• - U.S. soy remains the top agricultural export, contributing more than $31 billion.
• - On a yearly basis, it generates about $1 billion in tax revenue while displacing approximately 10.7 million barrels of oil through the biobased product industry.

U.S. soy is omnipresent in our daily lives—found in the roads we travel, the shoes we wear, and the biofuels powering our vehicles. It exemplifies how agriculture can be a part of a broader solution for addressing significant societal challenges.

Conclusion

The U.S. Soy brand epitomizes a commitment to harnessing the full potential of soy for a more sustainable world. It champions sustainable agriculture, innovation across diverse industries, and a future where soy becomes an integral part in addressing the challenges faced by humanity. The support of the Soy Checkoff ensures that the continuous drive for innovation and market development does not cease, promising a more resilient and sustainable future for U.S. agriculture.

For more about U.S. soy and the ongoing developments spearheaded by the United Soybean Board, please visit usssoy.org.