Soybean Exports Changing, Domestic Use Growing

With whole soybean exports down, an economist says an important soybean product is getting more overseas sales. 

Economist Scot Gerlt with the American Soybean Association says the rise of renewable diesel in the U.S. means more soybean meal exports and fewer whole bean exports. “It’s been an increase in overall demand that has been driving that, and we’ve been generally able to remain competitive in the international soybean meal stage and make investments in our infrastructure to be able to move it.”

Gerlt says more soybean crush plants will help the farmer's bottom line. “And so, we’ve already had researchers look at this. They’ve estimated a crush plant adds ten to twenty-five cents per bushel in local basis depending on how close you are to that crush plant. So, getting those crush plants locally is a big deal for the farmer.”

He says more crush plants reduce transportation costs, increase competition, and put more money in the farmers’ pockets.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

This is good news for soybean producers. Increasing demand for biofuels, especially domestically, will provide greater returns for soybean farmers. What is even more encouraging is the ability to export the soybean meal at competitive prices. Soybean farmers have been through a great deal of turmoil in the past year with China not purchasing for many months, competition from Brazil and Argentina, and poor weather in some production areas, to name a few. Perhaps the growth of biodiesel will provide some hope.

Crop farmers had a rough year in 2025, and while we are hoping for a better year in 2026, maybe now is the time to offer them a special break on parts and service. What about a pre-season oil change special? Or, if you have a mobile service and parts unit, visit them and help get them prepared for spring planting or calving season. Most of all, do something that acknowledges how much their business means to you as a CAD member.