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AGP marketing manager concerned that focus on soybean yield could jeopardize U.S. soy’s market share
Yields are always an important element when harvest time rolls around, but many processors and buyers are starting to take a look at the overall quality of the soybeans. AGP is just one of the many processors beginning to factor in quality of the end product when buying and selling soybeans.
According to Terry McClatchey, marketing manager at an AGP facility in St. Joseph, Missouri, protein levels have declined over the years as farmers and processors focused more on yields than quality. He says the protein content in the soybean meal produced in the area has consistently declined over the past few decades.
“Twenty years ago we were at around 47½-48½ percent protein; 10 years ago we were seeing 47-48 percent; and today we see about 46½-47½ percent protein,” says McClatchey.
U.S. farmers should seek out high-quality soybean varieties that do not sacrifice yield. Just ask your seed dealer for such varieties or use the Soybean Quality Toolbox.
The main focus of seed companies has been on increasing yields and as a result protein has taken a back seat, McClatchey says. This can be concerning when it comes to the competitive global soybean market and buyers who are aware and conscious of soybean quality when faced with the choice of purchasing from either South America or the United States.
“Currently, we at AGP buy soybeans based on bushels, but this might be a problem in the future, when we think of buyers who are focusing on quality more,” says McClatchey. “We need all farmers to help increase the quality of their soybeans to ensure the U.S. has better protein. We could potentially sell more U.S. soybeans if we focus more on quality, which could ultimately lead to higher prices.”
