By AMY ERLANDSON
Associate, Osborn Barr

INDIANA — To the naked eye, the soybeans Kevin Wilson is harvesting this fall look like any other soybeans grown in Indiana. But, this Walton farmer knows his soybeans are on the cutting edge of innovation. They’re different because they meet end-customer needs. His soybeans are high oleic soybeans.

Like any other soybeans, these varieties stood up to pest and weather pressure throughout the growing season. And, they’re yielding competitively with the other varieties that Wilson grows, adding to his on-farm profitability. 

“So far the overall health of the plant has been good,” Wilson said. “In our two crop years we’ve seen good health, have had good yield and this year’s yields look great too.”

Timing couldn’t be better for farmers interested in growing high oleic soybeans in 2016. According to the soy checkoff, the varieties will be available in early two to early four maturity groups, including parts of Indiana. Contracts are currently already available in northern Indiana.

Wilson sees greater potential for high oleic soybeans because the market opportunities are there as well.

“The potential that we have with the high oleic oil, whether in the food or industrial sector and using more and paying more for our oil and in those areas looks very promising,” Wilson said. “For us, the premiums are an extra bonus. We are already hauling our beans out anyway, so if I can get an extra 50 cents, it adds up.”

Many food manufacturers prefer the oil produced from high oleic soybeans because it adds functionality for frying and baking, as well as products that need an extended shelf life. Companies that use high oleic soybean oil in their products are looking for an abundant, sustainable supply of high oleic oil. High oleic soybeans provide a neutral taste that is U.S.-grown, benefits to the food industry. Now, these customers need U.S. soybean farmers to grow even more of it.

“This is a great opportunity that we as farmers have moving forward,” Wilson said. “I believe the potential this product has opens the door for some markets we’re going to need moving forward.”

With more than 60 high oleic delivery locations in 11 states, farmers can find the nearest location online and talk to a local seed rep about finding the right product for their fields.

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, visit the United Soybean Board website. Additional information is also available on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.