The impact of soybean harvest in your own home

Posted: 10/10/2016

by: Rebecca Christman

 

Last spring, farmers across the state planted thousands of seeds hoping that by fall they would have a bountiful harvest. At my home near Platte, combines are rolling and soybean harvest is starting. Soybeans may be common, but I see them as one of the more unique and versatile crops we produce in South Dakota. Even though you personally may not be participating in the soybean harvest, you will still see the impacts of soybeans in your own home!

 

Soybeans are used in livestock feed; cattle, pigs, and poultry love to eat soy meal. Although livestock are one of the main consumers of soy, this crop is something that humans love to eat as well. From soymilk, to flour, to oil, soy can be found in many places in the grocery store. However, soy isn’t just used for food products. Plastics, biodiesel, shampoo and crayons can all be made from soy.

 

Even though I didn’t realize it, soy products have always been part of my life. When I was little, I got a kids book at the fair that talked all about the ways soybeans could be used. Even when I was young, I remember being amazed at all the things that soybeans were used for that I could find in my own house! As a high school student, I participated in the 4-H special foods contest. One year, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a recipe with soy. I created a tofu stir-fry that was surprisingly delicious, and expanded my palate to the world of soy foods.

 

If you’re like me, you might not have noticed the ways that soy is a part of your life. So this harvest season, take a minute to learn more about the products in your home that are possible because of a soybean farmer. From the field, to your home, and around world, soybeans are making an impact.

Did you miss this week's Farmer's Daughter radio segment? Listen now!10.10.16_Farmers_Daughter.mp3