Now In Korea
40 Years of Soy Quality Research: Climate, Regions and Sustainable Farming
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
For 40 years Minnesota researchers have tracked U.S. soybean quality to help buyers and support farmers producing “sustainable soy.” The annual U.S. Soy Buyers Outlook Conference (held November 13 in Seoul this year) released 2025 results showing average protein at 33.8% and oil at 19.4%, roughly in line with 10-year averages, though regional protein distributions were unusual. Research leader Prof. Seth Naeve explains that genetics set a crop’s baseline for protein and oil, while region, farming practices and weather cause year-to-year variation. Over four decades soybean production zones in the U.S. have shifted north and west (as much as 300–600 km), partly from climate change, market demand (notably China’s large import share) and crop rotation preferences (soybeans fix nitrogen and benefit soils). U.S. farmers combine conservation tillage, cover crops and rotation with precision tools (drones, satellites, soil sensors) and variable-rate inputs to protect soil organic matter and long-term yields. Differences between temperate producers (U.S., northern China, Korea, Japan) and tropical/new producers (Brazil) affect pest pressure, drying needs and input use. Long-term consistent data allow detection of subtle trends and help develop new uses for soy (e.g., replacing fishmeal with soybean meal for aquaculture). Naeve cautions that climate change will continue to shift growing areas and increase risks, but soy’s role as a primary plant protein source remains crucial.
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