December 25, 2024

High oleic soybean contracts available for Indiana farmers

Kevin Wilson, who has grown high oleic soybeans for seven years on his farm in Indiana, says they don’t require much additional time spent preparing for planting or harvesting and the yields are consistent with commodity soybeans.

ST. LOUIS — Indiana farmers can lock in new premiums by growing high oleic soybeans during the next growing season.

Farmers who secure contracts for 2023 by Dec. 1 can secure up to a $2.20 bushel premium.

These specialty varieties offer increased functionality for the food sector and industrial applications, which has revolutionized the soybean value chain.

Farmers can learn how to secure contracts for high oleic soybean production and the premiums that come with them by visiting unitedsoybean.org.

High oleic contracts offer opportunity for additional farm profitability with minimal investment, which makes a difference in today’s economic and market conditions.

“With demand growing rapidly, planting high oleic is an excellent way to increase our bottom line,” said Kevin Wilson, United Soybean Board director and Indiana farmer who started growing high oleic soybeans in 2016.

“I don’t do anything differently in the growing season for high oleic soybeans than I do for commodity soybeans, which made the transition very easy.”

High oleic soybeans have the same agronomic performance as traditional soybean varieties. They also provide a sustainable U.S.-grown oil product for the food industry and other end-use markets.

With demand for cooking oil that has a desirable fat profile and excellent functionality, the food industry is expanding its use of high oleic soybean oil as an alternative to hydrogenated oils containing trans fats.

High oleic soybean acres topped 800,000 in 2022, but are expected to climb to 1.2 million in 2023. Farmers can capitalize on this demand by securing contracts now.

In addition to food service, there is demand for high oleic soybean oil in the nonfood sector, including synthetic motor oil, asphalt and other products as a renewable alternative to petroleum.

“High oleic soybeans add long-term value for all U.S. soybean farmers, providing a product that meets the demand of new and expanding markets for soy,” Wilson said.

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