As growers prepare for the upcoming soybean harvest, the University of Minnesota encourages them to participate in the U.S. Soy Survey by sending in soybean samples to test for quality.

The U.S. survey started in 1986 to provide soybean quality information to Japanese buyers, the primary export partner for U.S. soybeans at the time, says Seth Naeve, U-MN soybean Extension agronomist. Iowa State conducted the survey through 2005 and then U-MN took it over in 2006.

“This is the premier gold standard survey,” Naeve says. “Its intent is to provide international purchasers with new-crop quality data prior to their import season.”

Supporters of the survey include the American Soybean Association, United Soybean Board and the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

Last year, soybean sample kits were mailed to 5,724 U.S. producers, selected based on total land devoted to soybean production. Additional kits were sent, as requested, to interested growers. By early December, 1,583 samples were received.

Samples were analyzed for protein, oil and amino acid concentration. Overall, 2019 soybean protein and oil results were like those seen in 2018. Protein averaged 34.1%, oil averaged 19%. The content of five essential amino acids increased very slightly in 2019, compared to 2018.

Kim Dill, director of market development for Minnesota Soybean, says the survey helps the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, the university and the U.S. Soybean Export Council measure the full value of the oil, protein and amino acids in Minnesota’s soybean bushels.

“This information is valuable when marketing our beans abroad and the report generated is one of the most trusted documents around the world,” Dill says.

Farmers who have participated in the past will receive a resealable plastic bag and pre-addressed return envelope to gather soybean samples. Results are returned to the individual after the samples have been analyzed. Data is shared in the aggregate for the U.S. soybean quality annual report.

If you have not received a sampling packet before and would like to participate in the study, contact Naeve at [email protected] or 612-819-2338.

Naeve says soybean samples will be accepted through early December. However, samples that arrive later than late October will not have results included in the November report to the Asian market. Those sample results will be included in the final report.