How Are Soybeans Grown and Used?

In partnership with: Tennessee Department of Agriculture

Soybeans are among Tennessee’s top agricultural commodities, cultivated for their high value and versatility on more than 14,300 farms across the state. Once harvested, these legumes transform from field crop into a diverse array of finished products we use every day.

“Soybeans are planted on more acres than any other row crop in Tennessee, with more than 1.5 million acres grown annually,” says Stefan Maupin, executive director of the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council.

Farmers incorporate crop rotation methods, planting soybeans in spring or early summer after the previous year of corn, wheat or cotton to optimize soil health and diversify potential markets. They continually monitor field conditions and employ various precision agriculture techniques. Harvesting typically spans from late September through November, when combine harvesters cut and thresh the soybeans, separating the pods from the stalks.

See more: National Agricultural Genotyping Center in Fargo Is Part of the Solution for Soybeans and Apiculture

“Innovation has dramatically changed how we produce crops,” Maupin says. “The combine harvesters have technology that measures different data sets throughout the field. This data is collected and aggregated with other data collected during the growing season, along with soil samples that are sent to labs to measure soil health. Farmers use this data to make decisions for the next crop year to ensure that fields reach top production capability while keeping healthy soil profiles.”

From Field to Market

After harvesting, soybeans are cleaned and dried to ensure they meet quality standards. Some are sent to crushing facilities to be processed into soybean oil and soybean meal.

“Soybeans are turned into countless consumer products, including fuel, food products, animal feed and industrial products,” Maupin says. “There are hundreds of new uses, plus potential for thousands more.”

Finished soybean products are distributed across the state, country and globe. According to Maupin, approximately 60% of U.S. soybeans are exported as whole soybeans, soybean meal or soybean oil to 82 countries. It helps that Tennessee is in proximity to the Mississippi River for optimal export access.

Shipping Soy

“We can deliver vast amounts of soybeans to the Gulf of Mexico on barges,” Maupin says. “Plus, we’re situated in a region that produces millions of pounds of poultry that are enjoyed here domestically and internationally, and soybeans are
a primary source of protein in poultry diets.”

In 2023, Tennessee cash receipts for soybeans alone totaled more than $1.02 billion, thus proving to be a vital asset to the state economy.