by PressWhy high oleic soybeans are not popular in the US Mid-South
High oleic soybeans: potential and production challenges
High oleic soybeans have great potential for increased production in the US. However, production development of these varieties remains slow due to a number of factors. In particular, farmers in the Mid-South find it uneconomical to grow soybeans.
Variety benefits
High oleic soybeans are suitable for the production of high-quality oil. Its main characteristic is considered to be an oleic acid (monounsaturated fat) content of at least 70%. This oil has a number of advantages over other oils:
— does not contain trans fats;
— is more suitable for frying and baking;
— maintains the stability of the formulation at high temperatures;
— is resistant to oxidative processes;
— increases the shelf life of the products in which it is contained.
Oil is also used to produce environmentally friendly fuels. Experts note the demand for high oleic varieties of beans on farms. Soybeans serve as feed for dairy cattle and do not affect the fat content of milk.
Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, and Delaware are the main growing regions in the US. These regions have a well-developed infrastructure that ensures efficient bean storage and processing. Industry representatives also note the potential of the Mid-South to expand the production of high oleic soybeans. However, there is a lack of processing capacity close to the fields.
Production constraints
Proper oil production after the beans are harvested is one of the most important factors in obtaining a quality product. This variety requires special storage and crushing conditions, which are difficult to achieve without adequate infrastructure.
The main production facilities are in the central Midwest. Transporting beans from the Mid-South to these regions can take a significant amount of time, which has a negative impact on the quality of the final product. One possible solution is to use river routes to transport the crop. However, this route is not currently popular enough.
Demand for high oleic soya continues to grow, requiring an increase in production volumes. Some experts suggest introducing export contracting schemes. These schemes would allow farmers to send beans, rather than processed products, directly to buyers in other countries. This approach could eliminate the need to locate production facilities close to where the beans are grown.
Another option for farmers is to supply livestock farms. However, the lack of elevators and insufficient government support could create additional difficulties. Producers also want a guarantee of consistently high product prices. With competition from Brazil, this is not always guaranteed. As a result, it is still difficult to discuss the development of high oleic soybean production in the Mid-South.