USDA has announced a significant revision to the U.S. Standards for Soybeans by removing the category of "Soybeans of Other Colors" (SBOC) as an official grading factor. This decision stems from requests made by U.S. soybean producers and grain traders, who sought a more precise classification system for yellow soybeans.
Previously, the standards allowed up to 1% of off-colored beans within No. 1 yellow soybeans, resulting in a substantial portion of soybean samples falling short of the U.S. No. 1 classification.
In response to industry demands, USDA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on March 31, 2023, and received 14 supportive comments advocating for a change to the standards.
As a result, effective September 1, 2023, the amendment removes SBOC as a grade-determining factor. However, for informational purposes, SBOC will still be available upon request.
This revision is a significant step toward ensuring accurate grading and fostering market transparency within the soybean industry. By addressing the concerns raised by industry stakeholders, USDA aims to establish consistent quality assessments and facilitate fair trade practices.
The decision reflects USDA's commitment to adapting agricultural standards based on feedback from the field, contributing to a more efficient and reliable market for yellow soybeans.
Source : wisconsinagconnection