Soybean growers are turning to dairy for a new market

Soybean growers have been fighting against low prices since 2022.

Don Wyss of the United Soybean Board’s Audit and Evaluation Committee says some farmers are turning to dairy, offering up their product for cattle rations.

“I call it a win-win. You know, we’re winning by seeing this go into the feed rations of dairy cows but also continuing to, in a tighter margin environment, see new developments on the demand side for our soybeans, and this is only going to continue to grow going forward with the results that we’re seeing coming out of that benefit to the dairy industry. There’s some additional work being done in swine right now, too, to look at this, so we may not be done yet,” said Don Wyss.

This project, to get high oleic soybean oil into cattle feed, has been in the works for some time now, and Wyss says the research was funded in part with checkoff dollars.

Related Stories
Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.
Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.
Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.
It’s National FFA Week, and today we’re celebrating Alumni Day by highlighting some inspiring former FFA members making an impact in agriculture and beyond.
William Lee Golden joined us to talk about his farming roots, his storied career with the Oak Ridge Boys, and how his new book and music continue to reflect the values that have guided him throughout his life and career.
Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.