Soybeans are one of the most versatile crops in the world, with applications ranging from food products to industrial uses. In the United States, a substantial portion of soybean oil is utilized in biodiesel production, a renewable alternative to petroleum diesel. However, what happens to the soybean products after the oil is extracted? This article delves into the various uses of the remaining soybean products, particularly focusing on soybean meal and other byproducts, highlighting their importance in agriculture and industry.

When soybeans are processed, a typical 60-pound bushel yields approximately 11 pounds of soybean oil and about 47 pounds of soybean meal. The extraction of oil is just one step in a multi-faceted process that maximizes the utility of the soybean crop (North Carolina Soybeans).

The most significant byproduct of soybean oil extraction is soybean meal, which is rich in protein and energy. This meal is primarily used in animal feed, making it a crucial component of livestock nutrition.

Uses of Soybean Meal

Animal Feed: Over half of the soybean meal produced is used as animal feed, particularly for poultry, pork, and cattle. In fact, poultry is the largest consumer of soybean meal, while hog farms also significantly contribute to its demand (Oklahoma Soybean Board).
Aquaculture: As the demand for sustainable aquaculture increases, soybean meal is increasingly being used in fish feed, providing a protein-rich alternative to traditional fish meal, which has become scarcer (North Carolina Soybeans).

Apart from soybean meal, several other products emerge from soybean processing that have various applications:

1. Industrial Uses

Biofuels: Beyond biodiesel, soybean oil is also utilized in bioheat and other industrial applications. Its renewable nature makes it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels (Oklahoma Soybean Board).
Bioplastics: Innovations in soybean processing have led to the development of soy-based plastics, which are used in various consumer products and industrial applications. Companies like Ford have started using soy foam in vehicle seating, showcasing the potential of soybean byproducts in reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials (Oklahoma Soybean Board).

2. Food Products

While a small percentage of soybeans are directly consumed by humans in forms like tofu or soy milk, the remaining meal can also be processed into various soyfoods, contributing to a plant-based diet that supports health and sustainability (North Carolina Soybeans).

3. Non-food Products

Soybean byproducts are increasingly being used in non-toxic industrial supplies such as paints, cleaners, and lubricants. These applications highlight the versatility of soy and its potential to replace harmful chemicals in various industries (Oklahoma Soybean Board).

The extraction of soybean oil is just the beginning of the story for this versatile crop. The remaining soybean products, particularly soybean meal, play a pivotal role in animal nutrition, sustainable aquaculture, and various industrial applications. As the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products continues to rise, understanding and maximizing the uses of soybean byproducts will be crucial for both economic and environmental sustainability.

Oklahoma Soybean Board. "Soybean Uses." Retrieved from oksoy.org.
North Carolina Soybeans. "Uses of Soybeans." Retrieved from ncsoy.org.