What Happens to Soybeans after Harvest?
Unveiling the Journey of Soybeans from Farm to Food and Beyond
As South Dakota’s harvest season closes out, a quiet transformation is underway. A crop that has long been a staple of agriculture, soybeans, have reached the end of their journey in the soil. But their story is far from over.
Ever wondered where soybeans go after they are harvested? Join us as we unravel the path of soybeans from harvest to their diverse destinations with the help of Kari VanderWal from South Dakota Soybean Processors.
The Many Facets of Soybean Production
Soybeans, the versatile legumes that they are, find their way into a myriad of industries and products. South Dakota, often referred to as the "Land of Infinite Variety," embraces this versatility with open arms. From conventional to organic, from food to fuel, soybeans have a tale to tell at every stage of their journey.
First things first, let’s discuss the role of organic farming in South Dakota. With the growing demand for organic products, some South Dakota's farmers have embraced organic soybean production. According to USDA Census data, the number of growers in South Dakota that have adopted organic practices is rising. In 2019 there were 21 farms growing organic soybeans in South Dakota. This number rose to 35 by the year 2021, and the number of acres used for organic production of soybeans grew by nearly 50% in that timeframe.
When it comes to taking that soy to sale, South Dakota does not have enough production for a processing facility dedicated to organic processing. When organic soybeans are processed, they end up in many of the same products that conventionally-grown soybeans do. If all other ingredients were grown organically, the organic soybeans will likely end up with a “USDA certified organic” label on the final product.
Soybean Processing in South Dakota
South Dakota is currently home to three different soybean processing facilities. SD Soybean Processors has locations in Volga and St. Lawrence, and Ag Processing (AGP) in Aberdeen. The SDSP facility in St Lawrence does however crush non-GMO soybeans, another speciality market, and do have their Organic Certification, but to date have not crushed organic soybeans.
Having local soybean processing facilities benefits the farmer, but it also benefits our local and state economy. The more local facilities we have closer to the farmers who transport the soybeans to the processor equals the less freight and fuel costs, and less time to transport for the farmers.
What Soy Products are Produced in South Dakota?
At SD Soybean Processors, approximately 60 pounds are harvested per bushel. Of those 60 pounds, 44% is meal, 11% is soybean oil, and 5% is hulls. Once the mighty beans are transformed into these ingredients, they are off to the next stage of their journey for further processing.
What are Soybean Meal & Hulls Used For?
Soybean meal and hulls, which together account for around 80% of production, are both used for livestock feed. Soybean meal is a high-protein, nutritious ingredient that is included in feed rations for a variety of livestock. Swine, poultry, dairy cattle, beef cattle, and even aquaculture operations utilize soybean meal as a part of their diet. Soybean meal is sent to a feed mill to be rationed into the proper ratios for each type of livestock based on their unique needs. Or in some cases, it may even be transported directly to a farm from the SD Soybean Processor facility. To learn more about how nutrition plans are custom-developed for livestock, check out our recent blog with Amanda Eben, Swine Feed Sales Specialist.
Soy hulls are a valuable co-product produced as a result of the soybean crush process. The hull serves as a highly digestible fiber source that is also used in livestock feed rations specifically for dairy cows, beef cattle, and sheep. Soybean hulls are also sent to a feed mill to be portioned into rations appropriate for animal nutrition.
What is Soybean Oil used for?
Soybean oil accounts for the remaining 20% of production, but don’t let the smaller portion of production convince you that this product is less valuable. Soybean oil is the key ingredient for over 1,000+ other uses of soybeans. At SD Soybean Processors’ facility in Volga, a majority of the soybean oil that they produce goes through their refinery and leaves the facility as food-grade. From there, it is sent off to a variety of different partners for further production of food products and sustainable goods.
Food Industry: Soybean oil finds its way into various food products. From salad dressings and cooking oils to candy and gum, soybean oil transforms into food products that many of us consume on a daily basis.
Renewable Fuel: The transportation industry also benefits from soybean oil when it is converted into a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel source, reducing carbon emissions.
Industrial Applications: Soybeans contribute to the creation of a plethora of industrial products, including plastics, adhesives, tires, and even shoes.
From Bean to Brilliance
The journey of soybeans after harvest is nothing short of remarkable. From food products to renewable fuels to sustainable alternatives to everyday household items, the soybeans that our South Dakota farmers grow end up enriching our lives in multifaceted ways.
To learn more about a soybean's journey, check out this blog featuring a Soybean Transportation Guide with insights from the Executive Director of Soy Transportation Coalition, Mike Steenhoek.
