MSU research and partnerships boost adoption across dairy and soybean sectors
Michigan is seeing growing momentum in high oleic soybean production, supported by research from Michigan State University (MSU) and strong collaboration across agriculture sectors. These soybeans were first valued for producing healthy, food-grade oil, but research now shows they also benefit dairy cattle nutrition.
Studies led by Dr. Adam Lock of MSU found that feeding high oleic soybeans to dairy cows can increase milk production and reduce feed costs. This research provides science-based solutions that help farmers improve profitability and sustainability.
“This research is about more than just milk production and feed efficiency — it’s about empowering producers with science-based tools that improve profitability and sustainability,” said Lock. “Our goal is to empower producers with tools that are both economically viable and nutritionally sound. Research like this shows how science can directly improve farm sustainability and profitability.”
Demand for high oleic soybeans has risen sharply. Seed companies have reported rapid growth in sales, showing strong interest from farmers. Along with nutritional benefits, research from Dr. Vincenzina Caputo and the Food Choice and Policy Lab examined adoption challenges and opportunities for soybean and dairy producers.
Funded by the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA), the research identified barriers such as economic uncertainty, limited processing facilities, and contract limitations. Despite these challenges, farms using local partnerships have successfully created closed-loop systems, where soybeans grown locally are processed and used as dairy feed.
“This work builds upon my earlier research on high oleic soybeans conducted for the United Soybean Board in 2023,” said Caputo, a professor and Homer Nowlin Chair in Consumer and Food Economics in the MSU Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics.
High oleic soybeans offer economic benefits across the supply chain. Farmers growing these beans can earn premiums, while dairy producers benefit from improved milk value and lower feed expenses. Processing and roasting are critical steps, and agribusinesses play an essential role in making the system work.
“Our inputs went down substantially at the same time our income was going up,” said Brian Preston of Preston Dairy in Quincy, Michigan. “We were able to hold the same pounds of milk produced while we increased our butterfat percentage. It wound up being a well over $1-per-head-per-day change. And on a dairy farm, we’ll try something to get maybe 5-6 cents more per cow per day.”
With continuing MSU research, industry investment, and local collaboration, high oleic soybeans are positioned to strengthen Michigan’s dairy and soybean industries and support long-term agricultural growth.
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