You’ve passed them countless times — acres of green stretching to the horizon along Minnesota highways. But did you know those soybean fields help fuel cars, feed the world, build everyday products, and drive billions of dollars in economic value for Minnesota? Often called the “miracle bean,” soybeans are at the heart of one of the state’s most important industries—and the University of Minnesota has helped lead that story from the very beginning.
Originally cultivated in China at least 5,000 years ago, soybeans were brought to Minnesota in 1902. While the acres planted started small, the amount increased quickly each year. According to a report from the United Soybean Board and the National Oilseed Processors Association, Minnesota is now the third-largest soybean producing state in the U.S., growing over 7.35 million acres. Soybeans are the state’s number one agricultural export with more than $2 billion in sales. Add in the value of soy products produced in Minnesota, and soy is a clear economic powerhouse generating over $10 billion annually.
Soybean usage continues to expand, with a wide market due to their versatility. Originally used as forage for animals and as a “plow-down” crop to add nitrogen to the soil, soy is now used for almost anything you can think of - from a complete protein adding vital nutrition in many food products, to animal feed, to biodiesel, to crayons, candles, plastic composites, paint, carpet, roofing, resins, and even a new, ecological fire-fighting foam. The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council estimates the biodiesel industry alone has a $1.7 billion economic impact in Minnesota.
Source : umn.edu