Soybean uses add up

WASHINGTON — A soybean’s versatile chemical composition makes it ideal for a range of uses — from biodiesel to soy crayons and many goods in between.

Its amino acid profile helps soybean meal remain a desirable animal feed, while its oil has a range of applications.

“Our No. 1 customer is still animal agriculture,” said Steve Reinhard, United Soybean Board chair, during a webinar hosted by AgriPulse. “They consume about 97% of that meal and that’s a way that we’re going to add value to the soybean.

“Then about 3% goes into food products. Some of those products are basically used for protein alternatives — soy milk would be an example.”

By The Numbers

• 97% of U.S. soybean meal is used to feed poultry and livestock.

• 3% of U.S. soybean meal is used in food products like protein alternatives and soybean milk.

• 61% of U.S. soybean oil is used for frying and baking food, as a vegetable oil and as an ingredient in foods like salad dressings and margarines.

• 31% of U.S. soybean oil is used in biodiesel and bioheat.

• 8% of U.S. soybean oil has industrial uses such as paints, plastics and cleaners.

Burning The Bean

“Biodiesel continues to be a big market and one that’s the soybean industry has helped build,” Reinhard said.

“We want to continue to use this market. It’s great for the rural environment and even for our city friends, as well, as we can reduce carbon emissions and create a better lifestyle.”

Over the past 20 years, America’s soy checkoff program has laid the groundwork for growth by investing in research and creating relationships with potential partners.

Every year, checkoff-supported research helps bring dozens of new soy products to market. Learn more at soynewuses.org.