Soybeans are a very versatile agricultural product used for both human and animal consumption as well as in the production of oils, soaps, cosmetics, inks, and plastics. Many foods, like tofu, mayonnaise, and margarine contain soy ingredients. Soybeans are a legume, meaning they have nitrogen fixing bacteria located on the roots. Other legumes include clover, peas, and alfalfa. A typical soybean plant will have 60-80 pods on it with 3 beans in each pod. There are many different varieties of soybeans, which are classified by maturity, like corn. However, they are not classified by days to maturity like corn. Instead they are classified into Groups 00, 0, I, and II. Most of the soybeans planted in Northern New York fall under groups 0, I, and II. Soybeans are typically planted at the end of May and harvested in the fall. In 2009, there were 77.5 million acres of soybeans planted in the United States, making it a $31.7 billion industry. In New York State alone, 255,000 acres were planted. The soybean is second only to corn in total crop area planted. The soybean was grown in China over 5,000 years ago and brought to the United States in 1804. The soybean industry began to take off in 1829, during the Civil War. At this time coffee was scarce, and soldiers used these “coffee berries” when no other coffee was available. George Washington Carver discovered that soybeans were rich in oil and protein, which gave them the name of the “miracle crop”. Soon after soybeans were used for much more than forage. Today 58% of all soybeans produced in the United States are exported to China, Mexico, Japan, and the European Union. In recent years soybeans have become an important feed for livestock, such as dairy cows. Soybeans may be raw, roasted, turned into a meal, and even the hulls may be fed as animal feed. Soybeans are a great compliment to cereal grains such as corn in the ration of a dairy cow to help them produce the maximum amount of milk. The total soybean production of New York State was valued at $572 million in 2009.
Forrester Farms 8180 County Route 78 Henderson, NY 13650
