The state of soybeans in 2021 and beyond

Published Nov 10, 2021

Tridge summary

The article highlights the significant role of soybeans as the world's largest source of protein for livestock feed, with global production doubling since 2000. The majority of soybean production is located in South America, particularly in the Amazon rainforest, with Brazil being the dominant exporter. The demand for soybeans is driven by the growing meat consumption, especially in China, where soybean meal is a crucial ingredient in pig feed. The article also discusses the potential impact of plant-based food consumption and population growth on soybean demand. It notes that alternative protein sources to soybean meal are being explored, such as wheat, and that Europe may decrease its soybean use due to declining pork consumption and new legislation allowing the use of animal by-products for animal feed. The article also mentions the potential of synthetic amino acids to reduce soybean use in livestock feed.

Disclaimer: The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Large amounts of native habitat have already been destroyed for activities such as pulp production, beef production and soybean cultivation, mostly for animal feed. Among plant protein ingredients, soybeans have the highest crude protein content, about 40% depending on global location. They also have a balanced amino acid profile and very good digestibility. It is no surprise, then, that in 2021 (as explained in a June 2021 report in the journalNatureSustainability), soybeans are the largest global source of protein for livestock feed. The authors, who hail from academic institutions all over the world, note that global production of soybeans has more than doubled since 2000, mostly from new acreage (about 70% of production) but also from yield gains due to advances in soybean genetics and cropping practices. Soybean-harvested area “More than half of the world’s soybean production currently resides in South America, where soybean-harvested area has increased since 2000 by 160% in ...

Source: Pigprogress