History: Why is the soybean checkoff supporting animal agriculture?

There are many uses for U.S. soybeans. Often, whole soybeans are crushed for oil, separating out the meal. This meal is an ideal protein source in animal diets. In fact, 98% of domestic soybean meal (SBM) is consumed by animal agriculture in the United States, making the livestock and poultry industries the number one customer for soybean farmers nationwide.

During the past 10 years, domestic soybean meal utilization has grown more than 40 percent due to the increase of meat and poultry exports. Although this market has great growth opportunities, it also faces many domestic and international challenges. Protein is the most expensive part of human diets. By providing a low-cost source of protein via meat, milk and eggs, the worldwide cost of protein is reduced.

To help animal agriculture achieve its goals and maintain strong markets, the soybean checkoff began a partnership program to further the growth of this industry.

Present: How is the soybean checkoff supporting animal agriculture?

The soybean checkoff has invested in animal agriculture research to determine the importance of the industry to U.S. soybean farmers. The findings have been provided to Qualified State Soybean Boards to assist in communicating that importance to farmers in their respective states. The soybean checkoff has worked quickly to unite the soybean industry and the animal agriculture industry, with good results. This partnership program works to help maintain current markets, secure customer retention and to grow the animal agriculture industry, which in turn grows the consumption of soybean meal.

Future: Where is agriculture heading?

Domestic animal agriculture is facing more competition from foreign countries, as well as questions from local communities. Livestock and poultry producers continue to follow strict guidelines and other responsible practices to ensure a safe and abundant food supply throughout the United States. Ongoing support of the animal agriculture industry is essential to maintaining a healthy marketplace for soybean meal.

On the following pages are executive summaries of three studies that focus on the future of agriculture. The American Farm Bureau Federation released its Making American Agriculture Productive and Profitable (MAAPP) report in January of 2006 detailing what life will be like for an American farm family in the year 2019. The Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at Iowa State University also released a report in January 2006 that focused on the future of agriculture using a global approach. In April 2006, Farm Foundation released its report, "The Future of Animal Agriculture in North America," about the economic and policy issues facing livestock operations. Read the full research reports below to learn more.