18 Feb 2014

Quality of U.S. Soybean Crop Even Higher

By United Soybean Board
Checkoff-funded Crop Quality Survey shows less regional variation in protein, oil levels

ST. LOUIS (February 18, 2014) - The average protein and oil levels in the 2013 U.S. soybean crop ticked upward, according to the soy-checkoff-funded Crop Quality Survey. Average oil levels jumped to 19 percent, a 0.5- point increase from 2012 levels, while average protein levels grew by 0.4 percentage points to 34.7 percent.

U.S. soy's biggest customer, the global animal agriculture sector, takes note of the protein content in the soybeans it uses, says Laura Foell, chair of the United Soybean Board's Meal Action Team.

"Our customers buy our soybeans for the components: protein and oil," says Foell, who farms in Schaller, Iowa. "The animal agriculture sector uses protein to feed animals, and the food industry uses the majority of soybean oil for human consumption and the rest for industrial-like biodiesel. The more protein and oil we have in our soybeans, the more product we have for our end-customers. And more demand could lead to a better price for our crop."

The study found less regional variation in protein and oil levels in 2013 than in previous years. These typical regional differences result from climate events and other factors outside of farmers' control.

Foell says farmers should talk with their seed representatives about soybean varieties that will produce higher levels of protein and oil without sacrificing yield.

The U.S. soy industry provides its customers with a total quality experience: high-performing products delivered by a reliable, consistent and sustainable soy supply chain. And the checkoff's international arm, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), will use the results of this year's crop quality survey to help build and maintain a preference for U.S. soy products in the international market.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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03 Feb 2014

USB Helps Commercialize 38 New Soy-Based Products

By United Soybean Board
Farmer-funded projects drive innovations in soy chemistry, keep industrial demand on rise

ST. LOUIS (February 3, 2014) - Various performance and environmental attributes have made U.S. soy increasingly popular among product manufacturers, which has helped boost industrial demand for soy. That's why last year, the soy checkoff  partnered with manufacturers to commercialize 38 new soy-based products and ingredients.

The list of products developed with soy checkoff support in 2013 includes new additions to some popular soy-based product categories, such as coatings, adhesives and plastics. It also includes soy-based ingredients that could be used in countless new products.

Dale Profit, a soy checkoff farmer-leader and soybean farmer from Van Wert, Ohio, recognizes the value-added prospects of industrial soy use.

"USB is helping discover other products that can be made from soy to add to farmers' bottom lines," says Profit. "These products are good for the farmer, the customer and all the people in between."

Soybean meal's primary use remains animal feed, while most soybean oil goes to human food, Profit adds. But versatile soy can also help manufacturers replace petrochemicals and possible carcinogens in their products. Soy-based products are more renewable and environmentally friendly and in some cases, perform better.

Click here to browse USB's Soy Products Guide, an online catalog of the thousands of currently available soy-based products, ingredients and manufacturers.

New soy-based products and ingredients introduced in 2013 as a result of USB support include :

PLASTICS

MASEO (Maleinated Acrylated Epoxidized Soybean Oil) - A soybean-oil-based resin used to make plastic. It is made by Dixie Chemical Company, Inc.
Innergy™ Rigid Thermal Reinforcements - A fiberglass and soy-based urethane
insert that slides into window frames for greater support and insulation. It is marketed by Deceuninck North America.
INFIGREEN® Recycled Polyols - Produced by Emery Oleochemicals, and are used in foam seats of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.

COATINGS /PRINTING INKS/SOLVENTS

SoBind™ Balance - By DuPont™ is used in coatings and adhesives.
Varathane Diamond Floor - A wood-floor coating containing soy flour. It is made by Rust-Oleum®.
G.E.T. Biobased Safety Yellow - A zero-volatile-organic-compound (VOC) coating that contains soybean oil, biodiesel glycerin and soy methyl ester. It is made by Niemann & Associates.
ProClassic® - A multipurpose water-based soy acrylic alkyd primer, satin deck and siding product line made by Sherwin-Williams.
Pro-Park® - A soy- based parking-lot paint by Sherwin-Williams.

ADHESIVES

Meta-Tec® Products - Soy-based adhesive products for floor-covering installations, including carpet, resilient flooring and wood adhesives. They are made by W.F. Taylor Company.
PSA64MA - A soy-based material by Applied Protein Systems that is used in adhesives on paper cones where yarn and thread are wound.
Millenium One Step™ Green Insulation Adhesive - A soy-based, all-weather adhesive by ADCO used to install flooring.
Elemental - A soy-based wood-composite adhesive that is formaldehyde-free. It is available from States Industries.

PAPER

PSA35MA - A soy-based material used to coat paperboard. It is made by Applied Protein Systems.   
SUNKOTE® AU 4203 and 4240 - Soy-based products that are used as lubricants for paper and paperboard coatings. They are made by Omnova Solutions.

SURFACTANTS

Armeen® S - A corrosion inhibitor for oilfields that is made by Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry, LLC.
Ethomeen® S/12 - A cleansing surfactant for oilfields and dry cleaning that is made by Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry, LLC.
Arquad® SV 60 PG - A foaming, antistatic, emulsifier, wetting agent used in laundry products from Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry.
Larostat® 264A - An antistatic material that holds textile products together. It is made by BASF Corp.
Agnique® SBO 10 - A soybean oil used in agricultural products, manufactured by BASF Corp.
Comperlan® VOD - A thickener for personal-care products from BASF Corp.
Prifac™ 8953 - An emulsifying agent for household products. It is made by Croda, Inc.
HY-3200 Emulsiyfing Soy Wax - By Dow Corning Corp, a material that allows ingredients in personal-care products to smoothly blend together.
SERADOX NAD 20 - By Elementis Specialties, is an antistatic material for softening and smoothly blending personal-care products.  
LAMCHEM™ PE-130 K - Improves the taste of food products and also serves as a pressure lubricant on metals. It is made by Lambent Technologies Corp.
Lipovol® SOY - Adds a soft, smooth skin-feel to personal care products. It is made by Lipo Chemicals, Inc.
Chemonic™ SI-7Surfacant - Builds the thickness of personal-care products and stabilizes foam. It is made by Lubrizol Corp.
Schercomid™ SLL - Thickens personal care products. It is made by Lubrizol Corp.
Schercoquat™ SOAS-PG - A hair conditioner for personal care products made by Lubrizol Corp.
Quatrex™ S Conditioning Agent - A conditioning agent for personal-care products,
made by Lubrizol Corp.
Amidex™ S Surfactant - Helps create personal-care products that foam and feel like soap. It is made by Lubrizol Corp.
Chembetaine™ S-FA Surfactant - Adds special properties for personal-care products. It is manufactured and marketed by Lubrizol Corp.
Chemoxide™ SO Surfactant - Offsets hard water in household/personal-care products. It is made byLubrizol Corp.
Potassium Soyate - A soy soap with glycerin as a moisturizer, made by Lubrizol Corp.
ACCOSOFT® 750 - Used as a fabric softener for laundry products. It is made by Stepan Company.
PETROSTEP® Q-50S - A unique ingredient used in oilfields as a down-hole corrosion inhibitor. It is made by Stepan Company.

EMERGING INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES

SoBind™ HARMONY, Impression and CLARITY - Soy polymers that replace harsh synthetic and animal-based ingredients in a variety of products to make the products thicker, smoother and more colorful. They are made by DuPont™.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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24 Jan 2014

The Truth Behind the Star of Every Big Game - BACON

By United Soybean Board

Video shows that from the farm field to the football field, hard work is part of the recipe to bring home a winner.

ST. LOUIS (January 23, 2014) - As millions of Americans gather around their televisions on the first Sunday in February, there's one star that's already a winner even before the kickoff. Whether it's a main ingredient, an appetizer or simply a garnish, bacon is the standout star of any dish. But, there's a side of the bacon story that most Americans aren't so familiar with. 


Just like a conditioned star athlete, a lot of hard work, dedication and countless hours go into making sure the bacon found in fan-favorite recipes is top quality. 

For example, modern animal housing provides a well ventilated, warm (a must-have for those cold, snowy days) and clean home where the pigs receive a diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. And these are just a few of the ways that pig farmers across the country are dedicated to making sure the bacon on your table, and theirs, is a top pick. Check out this video to learn more.

"Our pigs are our highest priority on our farm," says Jennifer Debnam, a pig farmer from Kennedyville, Md. "We constantly have to be at the top of our game, using the latest technologies and advancements in animal health. No matter the weather, time of day or time of year, we make sure that our pigs are healthy and well taken care of - not only for the well-being of the pig, but so that you never have to worry about bacon being available at the grocery store."

Want a glimpse at what goes into producing America's favorite pork product? Check out "The Truth Behind Bacon." You might be surprised to learn that the story begins long before you pick out a package of bacon at the grocery store.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy

View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

Have a question about other food besides bacon? Find CommonGround online: 
Website: www.FindOurCommonGround.com
YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/FindOurCommonGround
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/CommonGroundNow
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CommonGroundNow

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13 Jan 2014

AFBF Convention: Meet the New United Soybean Board Vice Chairman

By United Soybean Board
EVENT:
AFBF Convention: Meet the New United Soybean Board Vice Chairman

The soy checkoff strives to enhance the profit potential of U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff farmer-leaders, including newly elected United Soybean Board (USB) Vice Chairman Bob Haselwood, a soybean farmer from Kansas, will have one-on-one discussions with Farm Bureau leadership at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in San Antonio.

Stop by USB's booth, #616, to discuss the soy checkoff's priorities for the coming year. Some topics up for discussion include :
  • High oleic soybeans and the checkoff's collaborations to expand their availability. The oil from high oleic soybeans meets food- industry needs for functionality while avoiding trans fats.
  • Take Action, a checkoff-led effort encouraging farmers to fight back against herbicide-resistant weeds by diversifying their weed-management plans.
  • Soybean Quality Matters, an informational campaign to show farmers that improving U.S. soy quality increases customer demand and can lead to higher prices farmers receive.
DATE:
Sunday, Jan. 12, 11:30 a.m. - Monday, Jan. 13, 3:45 p.m., Central
LOCATION: AFBF Convention
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
200 East Market St.
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 207-8500
10 Dec 2013

U.S. Soy Exports Hit Record for Value in 2013

By United Soybean Board
Shipments of whole soybeans, meal, oil hold steady to meet customer needs

ST. LOUIS (December 10, 2013) - The U.S. soy industry has done it again, exporting an eye-popping 1.7 billion bushels of U.S. soy to customers around the world in the 2012-13 marketing year, which ended Sept. 30. The value of these exports comes to a record of more than $28 billion, a 19 percent increase from 2011-2012.

The final figures show farmers continue to meet customer demand for a reliable supply of quality products. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this total includes more than 1.3 billion bushels of whole U.S. soybeans, meal from 454 million bushels of U.S. soybeans and oil from 186 million bushels, which represents 56 percent of U.S. soybean production from last year.

"The reliability and quality of the U.S. soy supply are just a few reasons that customers keep buying U.S. soybeans, meal and oil," says Jared Hagert, soybean farmer from Emerado, N.D., and United Soybean Board (USB) farmer-leader. "Continuing to meet our customers' needs is very important to U.S. soybean farmers, and these numbers prove we are doing that."

Soy exports for the 2013-2014 marketing year are off to a good start with 87 percent of the total 2014 export forecasts already sold.

Top buyers of whole U.S. soybeans in 2013 include :

  • China: 772 million bushels of U.S. soybeans
  • Mexico: 98 million bushels of U.S. soybeans
  • Japan: 63 million bushels of U.S. soybeans

Top buyers of U.S. soybean meal in 2013 include :

  • Mexico: meal from 59 million bushels of U.S. soybeans
  • Philippines: meal from 47 million bushels of U.S. soybeans
  • Canada: meal from 43 million bushels of U.S. soybeans

Top buyers of U.S. soybean oil in 2013 include :

  • China: oil from 37 million bushels of U.S. soybeans
  • Mexico: oil from 35 million bushels of U.S. soybeans
  • India: oil from 21 million bushels of U.S. soybeans

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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06 Dec 2013

USB ADDS 70th DIRECTOR, ELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN AT ANNUAL MEETING

By United Soybean Board
The year 2014 will be a historic one for the United Soybean Board (USB) as it expands to a 70-member board of volunteer farmer-leaders. USB held its annual meeting, this week in St. Louis, where it swore in that new director, as well as elected a new chairman, vice chairman and other new officers.

The 70th director farms in Mississippi, increasing that state's representation to three.

In addition, activities at the meeting include :
  • Swearing in a total of 13 new USB directors
  • Evaluating progress on marketing, promotion and research projects and framing strategies for the FY15 fiscal year
  • Updates from soy-checkoff partners
26 Nov 2013

Checkoff Study: Animal Ag Demand for U.S. Soybean Meal Grows

By United Soybean Board
Important for soybean farmers to support their No. 1 customer, major economic driverST. LOUIS (Nov. 26, 2013) - U.S. animal agriculture's consumption of U.S. soybean meal increased by 1 million tons, or the meal from 42 million bushels of soybeans, in the 2011/12 marketing year, according to a soy-checkoff-funded report. This is good news for soybean farmers since domestic animal agriculture uses about 97 percent of the U.S. soybean meal consumed in the United States.

Despite this welcomed increase, the report concluded that U.S. soybean farmers shouldn't let their support for the animal ag industry weaken. Animal ag farmers face pressures like rising feed costs and dwindling U.S.- consumer demand. Because animal ag continues to be U.S. soybean farmers' No. 1 customer, these pressures also threaten the profitability of all soybean farmers, the report said.

"The success of the U.S. soybean industry relies on the strength of the U.S. animal agriculture industry," says Mike Beard, a checkoff farmer-leader who grows soybeans and raises hogs on his farm in Frankfort, Ind. "The best way we can support our customers and ensure they remain competitive is with better-quality soybeans."

The report, titled the National Animal Agriculture Economic Analysis, also outlined the economic benefits the poultry and livestock sectors provide at the state and national levels. In 2012, animal ag provided the following benefits to the national economy:

  • Support for 1.8 million jobs
  • $346 billion in total economic output
  • A $60 billion impact on household incomes
  • $21 billion in income and property taxes paid
Read about animal ag's economic benefits for each state in the full report.

According to the study, U.S. poultry, livestock and fish farmers used more than 30 million tons of soybean meal in the time period measured, or the meal from more than 1.26 billion bushels of U.S. soybeans. Broilers and swine continue to be by far the two biggest soybean-meal consumers. The meal consumption per species breaks down as follows:

  • Broiler chickens: the meal from about 476 million bushels of U.S. soybeans
  • Hogs: the meal from about 410 million bushels
  • Laying hens: the meal from 84 million bushels
  • Turkeys: the meal from more than 75 million bushels
  • Other: the meal from about 217 million bushels

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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25 Nov 2013

NEW USB LEADERSHIP TO BE CHOSEN AT ANNUAL MEETING

By United Soybean Board
NEW USB LEADERSHIP TO BE CHOSEN AT ANNUAL MEETING

A new fiscal year means new leadership for the United Soybean Board (USB). USB will hold its annual meeting Dec. 5-6 in St. Louis, where a new chairman and vice chairman will be named, along with other new officers and executive committee members.

In addition, activities at USB's annual meeting may include :
  • Swearing in newly appointed USB directors
  • Evaluating progress on marketing, promotion and research projects and framing strategies for the FY15 fiscal year
  • Updates from soy-checkoff partners
Media are invited to attend the news conference in person or participate via teleconference on Friday, Dec. 6.

Hilton at the Ballpark
1 South Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102

(866) 378-7315
18 Nov 2013

Soy-Based Products Hit Home Run in NYC

By United Soybean Board
From the farm fields of the Midwest to baseball fields in New York City, green products are popping up like fly balls, displaying a soybean farmer's dedication to providing a sustainably produced product for an environmentally conscious metropolitan area. New York City is just one of many cities that has committed to reducing their environmental impact, and because of this, the market potential for products made from sustainable U.S. soy, such as biodiesel, Bioheat® and soy-backed AstroTurf, continues to expand.

Watch the video to hear from United Soybean Board farmer-leaders Sharon Covert and Lewis Bainbridge as they discuss how their focus on sustainability on the farm has set soy oil up for market growth and success in the city.
15 Nov 2013

Farmers Seize Opportunity with Trans-Fat Solution

By United Soybean Board
High oleic soy's innovation proves successful in multiple locations

ST. LOUIS (Nov. 15, 2013) - High oleic soybeans deliver innovation in every pod harvested. It's innovation that provides solutions to some of U.S. soy's biggest customers and helps build demand for U.S. soybean oil. But, these varieties don't stop there - they also perform in farmers' fields.

Just ask Russell Stevens and Jack Leslie. These farmers grew high oleic soybeans this year and saw them meet expectations.

Many years ago, the soybean industry had the foresight to prepare soybean-oil solutions that eliminate trans fats, especially timely with the Food and Drug Administration's recent trans-fat-ban announcement. Stevens grew high oleic soybeans because they help protect soybean-oil demand and have the potential to expand markets for U.S. soybean farmers.

"The benefits for our end-use customers really attracted me to these varieties," says Stevens, who farms in Hurlock, Md., on the Delmarva Peninsula. "These varieties help provide the oil our food customers need and help create sustainable demand for U.S. farmers."

High oleic soybean oil provides much needed functionality for some food customers, without trans fats. It also adds demand from potential industrial markets.

"These varieties open up markets in lubricants and engine oils that weren't previously available," adds Jack Leslie, who farms in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. "As soybean farmers, we have to try new things and open new markets to increase our profitability."

Both Stevens and Leslie were excited about the market opportunities for their soybeans, but needed to see the varieties perform on their farms to believe in their long-term potential. Consider them believers. The varieties were bred with proven genetics so they performed under regional conditions.

"Agronomically, these varieties offer similar pest and disease packages as my other varieties," says Leslie. "And, we saw them perform comparably with other varieties on our farm and in our area."

Stevens had similar experiences.

"I tried these varieties first in plots last year and saw them yield really well," adds Stevens. "They have a good pod set, yielded well and we continue to grow them."

High oleic soybean varieties are currently being bred to move into expanded soybean growing regions. Farmers in areas of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia can grow them now. To find out more about high oleic soybeans, visit www.SoyInnovation.com.

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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