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Higher amino acid profiles in northern soybeans

A delegation that included the president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association recently traveled to Southeast Asia promoting soybeans produced in the Upper Midwest.

Theresia Gillie of Hallock says the group touted new research showing northern soybeans grown in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota have higher amino acid profiles than beans grown in other parts of the U.S.

“Which is essential for animal growth.”

She tells Brownfield soybean meal quality is typically associated mostly to crude protein content, and in many instances livestock producers supplement amino acids to rations.

“And if they can purchase our soybeans for a reasonable cost and maybe add less (or possibly none) of these amino acids, it could be a huge cost savings to them.”

Gillie says buyers from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia seemed interested in the nutritional makeup of northern soybeans, and were complimentary overall.

“We do a fantastic job of keeping the quality of our grain.  We’re always very conscious about how we care for it, how it’s shipped out (and) how we handle it.”

Because of cooler and drier conditions, northern soybean growers are often paid less for their soybeans and meal because of lower crude protein levels.

Gillie says the favorable amino acid profile adds value, and should lead to higher prices and demand for growers in the Upper Midwest.