In this special episode of Minnesota CropCast, the tables are turned as regular co-host Dr. Seth Naeve steps into the hot seat to share an inside look at his work on the international stage.
As a University of Minnesota Extension Soybean Specialist, Seth doesn't just study how to grow a better bean—he travels the globe to convince international buyers why U.S. and Upper Midwest soybeans are the smartest purchase they can make. If you’ve ever been frustrated by the "low protein" knock on Minnesota soybeans, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, we dive into:
- Busting the "Crude Protein" Myth: Seth explains why buying soybeans based purely on crude protein (nitrogen content) is an outdated practice. Discover the science behind why Northern soybeans, despite having lower overall protein quantity, boast a superior quality due to a concentration of highly digestible essential amino acids.
- Boots on the Ground in Asia: Get a look at recent trade missions to Indonesia and Vietnam. Learn how these massive markets differ—from Indonesia’s heavy demand for whole U.S. beans for human food (tempeh and tofu) to Vietnam’s booming swine and aquaculture sectors demanding high-quality soybean meal.
- Capitalizing on the Domestic Crush Boom: With U.S. domestic crush capacity surging, there is significantly more soybean meal hitting the market. Seth breaks down why this increased supply, paired with shifting geopolitical trade routes, creates a golden opportunity to get U.S. meal into the hands of foreign end-users who have historically relied on South America.
Source : umn.edu