High Oleic Soybeans Widen Feed Market Opportunities for Growers

Feed demand and premiums drive growth for the crop

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA (RFD News) — Soybean growers are exploring new opportunities with high-oleic soybeans as demand continues to expand, including in the livestock feed market.

Don Wyss, a member of the United Soybean Board Executive Committee, says the program has seen steady investment over the years.

The High Oleic Soybean Program has been a strong program that’s come out of the soybean checkoff. Now on our 35th year of investing soybean checkoff dollars, the high oleic program to date has invested a lot of money.”

Wyss says about $130 million has been invested so far, with roughly $400 million returned to farmers through premiums.

In his conversation with RFD News, Wyss says the program is still growing.

“It was originally focused on the food area, and that area continues to be focused on as we go forward, but we’ve really made big strides in the feed area. Roasting that whole high oleic soybean and including it in feed rations, particularly in the dairy industry.”

He says that expanding into feed markets has helped increase demand, with high-oleic soybeans now produced in 18 states.

Wyss adds the program continues to offer benefits for both producers and end users as the market develops.

Related Stories
The analysis models how trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may continue to drive up the cost of fertilizer.
A late-season freeze in northeast Louisiana has forced farmers to replant thousands of corn acres, adding costs, straining seed supplies, and raising concerns about shifting to soybeans.
March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.
The proposal would require farmers’ consent before companies can sell agricultural data
Lane Howard and Adam Andrews with the National Corn Growers Association joined us in the studio discuss EPA’s approval of summer E15 sales, ongoing fuel market concerns, and the industry’s push for a long-term biofuels solution for farmers.
Farm Bureau officials say the findings underscore mounting pressure on producers heading into the 2026 growing season, with input costs continuing to outpace farm income.
Corey Rosenbusch with The Fertilizer Institute joined us to discuss supply chain disruptions and what farmers should watch as global tensions impact fertilizer markets.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The operation focuses on seasonal cut flowers while supporting local businesses across the region.
Farmers say weather extremes and rising costs are creating a more challenging season across Georgia peach country.
SC Ranch spans more than 7,700 acres and markets all of its beef within the state.
Brooke Rollins meets with Pennsylvania farmers as pressure mounts on the Senate to advance the Farm Bill and additional aid for producers.
Despite tighter supplies, U.S. wheat exports continue trending higher as international buyers seek consistent quality and reliable service.
England Cattle Co. in Mercedes, Texas, is coming off a highly successful production sale.