High oleic soybean varieties came to the Delmarva Peninsula and Pennsylvania first, along with select areas of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. Now, farmers in these areas are helping set the stage for more U.S. soybean farmers by adopting this new technology and growing a product to meet customers’ needs – a promising new soybean oil with less saturated fats and no trans fats.
Maryland farmer Russell Stevens was one of the first to plant these innovative soybean varieties that could increase profitability for the region.
“It’s pretty neat to be on the cutting edge of technology right here in Maryland,” says Stevens. “I feel positive that this trait will not only add economic value for me, but with less saturated fats, it’s also helping improve products that my neighbors and I eat.”
Stevens, who farms in Hurlock, Md., planted high oleic soybeans for the second year this year, and views the new trait as an opportunity for all soybean farmers.
“High oleic soybeans could be something really big for us as soybean farmers,” says Stevens. “Our customers want a lot of this oil, and we will definitely see the benefits from that long term.”
Stevens isn’t the only one excited about the opportunities with high oleic soybeans. His local seed rep and processor think it’s an important step for the soybean industry to take, too.
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