Soybean farming is an essential aspect of the American agricultural sector with a remarkable impact on the economy, environment, and international food security.Â
The crop is widely known because of its nutritional value and versatility, making it a massively sought-after commodity locally and globally. Any farmer that grows this crop benefits from its economic value while enhancing environmental sustainability via minimized soil erosion, thereby improving soil health.
The list of advantages is quite long, and in this post, we examine the top five benefits of farming U.S. Soybeans.
So, let’s get started.
1. Economic Benefits
International Soy farming is an essential economic pursuit for most American farmers because its value is evident. As per the United States Department of Agriculture, corn is the first, followed by soybeans which rank second in terms of value in the nation.
In 2020, American farmers produced significant quantities of this crop, with an overall value of billions of dollars. With that said, it’s obvious that U.S. soy farming also creates employment across the entire supply chain, from farm workers to packaging and shipping.
Understand that soybeans’ benefits are not only enjoyed by Americans alone. It is a vital crop in the world economy.
The U.S. is emphasized here because the country is among the top producers and exporters. Nations depend on America’s soybeans to facilitate their population’s meals and economies. Over the years, the United States has exported a lot of soybeans worth billions of dollars, with China being the top importer.
2. Environmental Benefits
You cannot talk about soybean farming without mentioning its effect on our environment as humans.
The crop minimizes soil erosion. How?
Its fibrous root structure firmly grabs the soil together, thus preventing it from being carried away by rain or wind. Such a trait is vital for a farmer who grows this crop in locations with erosion tendencies.
Besides lowering soil erosion, you will notice that this crop also aids in enhancing the soil’s well-being. Soybean is one of the known legumes, implying it can fix nitrogen in the soil.
Such a feature can minimize the demand for synthetic fertilizers that are always disastrous to the environment.
3. Nutritional Benefits
Farmers know that food is a basic need, not just food, but a health-enhancing one. That is why farming Soybeans is necessary. They are a profound carrier of vital nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Yes, all these are found within this one crop.
Soybeans are specifically rich in protein, making them a crucial source of plant-based protein for anybody who rarely enjoys animal-based proteins, by choice or for medical reasons. Soy protein is also a top-quality crop, containing all important amino acids necessary for human health.
4. Health Benefits
Now that you know the nutritious rewards of this amazing crop, it would be nice to explore further its health benefits.
One advantage of soybeans is their capacity to minimize the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing levels of LDL or the ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Soybeans go further to minimize the chances of developing specific forms of cancer like breast, prostate, and colon cancer. It is a crop that also helps foster bone health and minimizes the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.
Due to their abundant isoflavones, compounds that imitate the impacts of estrogen in one’s body, soybeans aid in sustaining bone density, thus lessening the risk of fractures.
If your loved one has diabetes, then soy farmers carry the solution. The crop improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels in a person with type 2 diabetes. Such aid is essential in lowering the chances of complications linked to illnesses like heart disease or nerve damage.
5. Global Food Security
Ultimately, farming this crop has a remarkable boost on international food security. Populations across the globe embrace soybeans as a vital protein source, especially in nations where meat consumption is at its lowest levels.
Some people use it to generate food such as tofu, tempeh, and soy milk, suitable alternatives for meat-based or dairy products.
Soybeans are also used to manufacture animal feed, especially for animals like pigs, dairy cows, and chickens. All these are because this crop’s protein is worth fostering livestock health and productivity. And that is vital for satisfying the worldwide demand for meat and dairy commodities.
Soybean farmers greatly enhance economic growth while lowering poverty in developing nations. Being in this space is one way to have a dependable source of income and strengthen the development of local enterprises that package and ship soybeans.
And this is how employment opportunities are established while elevating access to nutritious food commodities and enhancing the population’s quality of life and society as a whole.
Final Thoughts
Soybean growing in the United States has many wonderful benefits. You have noticed that it can minimize greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil health, boost biodiversity, and aid in developing a sustainable food system. The farming of this precious crop positively affects both people and the environment.
By opting for plant-based meals and backing local farmers, we, as consumers, can help promote sustainable farming methods. By doing this, we can contribute to a safer and more environmentally friendly future for everyone on the planet—including ourselves and those around us.
Let’s keep putting sustainability first and cooperate to build a better future for those who come after us.