Agricultural News
U.S. Soybean Quality Survey Demonstrates Quality to Overseas Customers
Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:23:56 CDT
Each fall U.S. soybean farmers have an opportunity to let international buyers review the quality of that year's soybean crop. The U.S. Soybean Quality Survey, supported by the United Soybean Board (USB) and the soybean checkoff, collects samples from U.S. soybean farmers to analyze for a full report that the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) provides to international soy buyers.
"The survey is intended to develop a measure of the quality of the U.S. soybean crop this year," explains Seth Naeve, Ph.D., University of Minnesota extension soybean agronomist. "It's important because we take the information to Asia to the main customers of U.S. soy and give a preview of the quality of crop they will be importing. This information gives buyers of U.S. soy an idea of where to source U.S. soybeans for their various needs."
Approximately 8,500 sampling kits have been sent out requesting samples from U.S. soybean farmers in various regions. All U.S. soybean farmers can participate in this year's sampling process by contacting Naeve at the University of Minnesota by email at naeve002@umn.edu or by phone at (612) 625-5772.
In 2010, U.S. soybean farmers exported more than half of all U.S. soybeans. U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics show this made soybeans the top-valued U.S. ag export at $21 billion. The report provided by these samples provides these buyers with U.S., regional and state-specific information on soybean quality.
"We export more than half of U.S. soybeans currently," adds Naeve. "It's immensely critical that do all we can to service our customers across our borders and overseas. This report gives our customers information and advice to assist them in purchasing U.S. soybeans."
Samples sent by U.S. soybean farmers by October 25, 2011, will be included in the first report. Kits researchers receive after the October deadline will be added to a January 2012 report.
U.S. soybean farmers that send in samples of this year's soybean crop also receive a free summary report back about the quality of their soybeans.
USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.
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