6 minute read
Developing Domestic Markets for Growth and Stability
By Mattie Lieb
It’s no secret that soybeans produced in the state of Illinois are exported to various trading partners overseas, just one of the many reasons why Illinois farmers can proudly claim to feed the world. One in every three rows of soybeans you drive past is shipped off to another country, which helps improve the vitality of communities right here at home.
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is committed to investing in programs that help increase the export opportunities for Illinois soybean growers to support a robust soy demand. ISA is hard at work carving out new opportunities that support domestic and global utilization of soy through human consumption, whether that be an animal fed by soy, or soy as a meat alternative, as well as growing demand for soy-based fuels such as biodiesel, and soy-based industrial products.
The opportunities for soy in the food industry seem limitless. ISA is constantly analyzing the opportunities of each sector of animal agriculture, and researching ways soybean meal can be the most favorable food source for the pork, cattle, and poultry industries.
ISA has identified opportunities for growth in the pork industry. Soybean meal is one of the most concentrated and readily available sources of protein for animal feed as it contains a balanced profile of amino acids, including essential amino acids that pigs need for growth and maintenance. Also, soybean meal is more cost effective when compared to other protein sources. Its availability and relatively stable pricing make it a reliable and affordable option for pork producers.
The protein in soybean meal is highly digestible by pigs. This means that a large portion of the protein in soybean meal can be effectively absorbed and utilized by the pigs’ digestive systems. Adequate protein intake is especially important for reproductive success in sows. Sows with proper nutrition are more likely to have a healthy litter and produce sufficient milk for their piglets.
Similarly, soybean meal can be supplemented in the diets of dairy and beef cattle during calving. During calving season, cows experience physiological changes that can impact their nutrient requirements. Soybean meal can help meet the increased protein needs during this critical time. There is feasibility to expand soybean meal consumption with lactating cows and breeding stocks. ISA is researching the possibility to increase soybean meal consumption in these herds and show farmers how soybean meal is a reliable and affordable option when supplementing protein in the diets of dairy and beef cows.
ISA is heavily interested in the possibilities that lie within the poultry industry. Poultry consumes the highest percentage of soybean meal in their diets when compared to swine or cattle. ISA feels there is market potential for game bird farms in the state of Illinois. “Neighboring states like Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri have thriving poultry industries, while Illinois seems to have an overwhelmingly low number of poultry within the state. We are looking at ways we can possibly tap into the poultry industry in surrounding states, as well as how we can implement poultry producing, and processing facilities in our state to increase the statewide demand for soybean-based poultry feed,” explains ISA Director of Market Development, Todd Main.
Not only can soybeans be used to feed a wide array of animals, but they can also be used to directly feed humans in the form of soybean oil, soy meat alternatives, soy flour, and much more. In fact, about 7 percent of the calories consumed by Americans comes from soybean oil; accounting for over 40 percent of the intake of both essential fatty acids.
One soy food area that has potential for growth is soy-protein use. The growing popularity of plant-based diets, whether for health, environmental or ethical reasons, is driving increased demand for soy-based meat alternatives and protein alternatives. Soy-based protein is recognized for being low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, making it an attractive option for those seeking protein alternatives.
Furthermore, ongoing research and development efforts are leading to the creation of more realistic and palatable soy-based alternatives. Advances in food technology are making it possible to mimic the texture and taste of traditional meat products, which may attract a wider consumer base.
“Current food trends suggest a positive trajectory for soy-based meat and protein alternatives. ISA will continue to prioritize analyzing consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and advancements in food technology in order to maximize profitability for Illinois soybean farmers,” explains Main. Soy in the form of food products isn’t the only avenue for soybeans. ISA is conducting a program to promote new uses for soy in a way that positions and promotes soy-based products as an alternative to existing products. Creating interest in soy products is good for the agriculture industry, positions soybean farmers and their products as part of the “green solution,” and builds market demand in future years.
The “It’s Sustainably Soy” Certification program is one way the Illinois soybean checkoff is investing in the use of soybased industrial products. The program recognizes organizations, construction firms, and executives for utilizing sustainable soy-based products in their infrastructure projects. Switching to soybased construction materials and environmentally conscious methods provides economic benefits across the state. Soybeans support nearly 23,000 jobs and provide $1.2 billion in wages for Illinois workers annually.
Another central focus for ISA Market Development staff is the development of the Soy Innovation Center. This new initiative supports the development and commercialization of innovative soy products at the industrial scale.
Describes Main, “Through the Soy Innovation Center, we hope to promote new uses for soy. We are working with the University of Illinois Soybean Research Lab to discover more about early-stage soy-based materials, like soybean-hull-reinforced polymers, leather conditioners, and so much more.”
The Illinois soybean checkoff has also invested in the promotion of a cleaner, healthier diesel fuel, soy-based biodiesel through the development of the B20 Club. The B20 Club is a partnership between the Illinois soybean checkoff program and the American Lung Association. It recognizes a select group of Illinois-based organizations with strong commitments to run fleets on biodiesel blends of 20 percent or greater. ISA will continue to promote the B20 Club and recognize Illinois’ commitment to cleaner air and sustainable operations.
The emphasis on sustainability and innovation is driven by growing environmental awareness among consumers. As people become more informed about agriculture practices, they often seek more sustainable alternatives, whether that be in the foods they’re eating, their animals are eating, household products they’re buying, or industrial practices their businesses are implementing, Illinois is going to see an increase in demand for soy-based products. ISA will continue to put farmers first and improve the vitality of farming communities across the nation by maintaining a stable soy-food market, increasing the market value of soy-based products, and encouraging the implementation of soybeans in new and innovative ways.
