All About Soy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a soybean?

Soybeans are bushy green plants from the legume family. They are related to clover, peas and alfalfa. Soybeans are the only plant source of complete protein.

What's the lifecycle of a soybean?

Farmers plant soybeans in the late spring. During the summer, soybeans flower and produce 60-80 pods, each containing three, pea-sized beans. In the early fall, farmers harvest the crop - which is high in protein and oil. A 60 pound bushel of soybeans yields about 48 lbs of protein-rich meal and 11 lbs of oil.

What are soybeans used for?

Thanks to the innovation of soybean farmers and their checkoff, soybeans are used to make biodiesel, human and animal food, plastics, furniture, home heating oil, insulation, sunscreen, clothing, lotion and more!