A new generation of soybean leaders also agrees. The farmer leaders of the United Soybean Board, established in 1991 when the national soybean checkoff began, are working to meet the anticipated demand by 2005 for a 3 billion bushel soybean crop. USB funding makes possible each year hundreds of research, marketing, and promotion projects that are helping US soybean growers meet the needs of customers around the world.

New uses of soybeans, such as soy ink, which is currently being used by one-third of the nation’s newspapers, soy-blended biodiesel, recyclable soy-based containers and building products, and a host of other uses now being tested will certainly contribute to the soybean’s future. Tofu production alone now utilizes about 22 million bushels of specialty soybeans annually. These uses will add to the mainstay markets for soybeans, namely cooking oils and livestock feed. In 1994, poultry consumed 52% and swine 29% of all soybean meal, or 81% combined, roughly the same percentage as in 1970.

There are today approximately 380,000 farms in 29 states that grow soybeans. More soybeans are now grown in the United States than anywhere else in the world. The 1994 US crop yielded 2.558 billion bushels of soybeans with an estimated farm-gate value of $13.813 billion at an average price of $5.40 per bushel. If prices remain at this level and production reaches 3 billion bushels, the total soybean crop value will exceed $16 billion annually.

Farmer leaders of the American Soybean Association will continue to work with groups such as the US Feed Grains Council to ensure that soybeans meet the needs of livestock producers. There is no reason to believe that the importance of soybeans will decline as meat consumption continues to rise, particularly poultry and swine, and that these trends will be amplified in developing markets such as China.

In the past year, ASA leaders have traveled to Europe to provide scientific information regarding the use and safety of agrinomically improved crops, and to China to make known the willingness of US soybean growers to help that country modernize its feed and livestock industry. More recently, ASA and USB leaders attended the Amman Soybean Regional Conference in Jordan where Israeli and Arab soybean traders, processors and users gather to discuss the possibilities of trading between their countries.

On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Soybean Blue Book, or the Soya Bluebook if you prefer, the leaders and 29,000 members of the American Soybean Association extend their best regards for your continued success and dedication to the soybean and oilseed industries.

Orginally published in 1996 in the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Soya Bluebook.