Quality of Minnesota Soybeans

Protein and Oil

Soybeans have two main components, protein and oil. Minnesota soybeans contain less protein than soybeans grown in warmer climates. As a result, Minnesota soybeans are often priced lower. Minnesota soybeans are discriminated against in the world marketplace because soybeans from other states can be processed into higher protein soybean meal.

The protein content of Minnesota soybeans must be improved so that the overall value of Minnesota's soybean crop will increase, allowing Minnesota soybean farmers to be more competitive and profitable.

University Of Minnesota Research

MSGA & MSR&PC support the University of Minnesota varietal trial and soybean breeding programs and continued funding of existing "State Specials" for the University of Minnesota Agriculture Extension Service.

Seed Selection

Soybean producers are encouraged to select soybean varieties with higher protein content in order to improve the quality of Minnesota soybeans. The University has posted the "2002 Winners and Losers" for soybean protein content on their Web site at www.soybeans.umn.edu.