2001 Protein Results

HIGHER PROTEIN – HIGHER PROFITS
By Daryl Hexum, Soybean Protein Specialist

2001 was another record year for soybeans acres planted in Minnesota. Unfortunately, yield levels were not quite up to 2000 levels, resulting in a total production of 266.4 million bushels (down from 293 million bushels in 2000). In spite of lower yields and lower prices, the 2001 Minnesota soybean crop was valued at $1.05 billion – a very significant contribution to Minnesota's overall economy.

How does the relative value of Minnesota soybeans compare with other soybean producing states? Despite Minnesota's favorable environment for producing strong yields, that same environment is responsible for lower than average protein levels. Overall, Minnesota soybeans are approximately 1% lower in protein than states to our south and east resulting in a reduced value to U.S. crushers of 9 cents per bushel! Minnesota soybeans, as a result, are discriminated against in the world market because soybeans from other states can be more efficiently processed into high protein soybean meal.

Evidence

A survey of soybeans produced in 1994 through 2001 by Charles Hurburgh of Iowa State University indicates that Minnesota may actually be slipping in protein content relative to the other soybean producing states. Table 1 illustrates a trend toward lower protein in Minnesota soybeans when compare to the national average.

Table1.

	% Protein
Year	Minnesota	National Avg.
1994	35.3	35.4
1995	35.2	35.5
1996	35.2	35.6
1997	34.1	34.6
1998	35.1	36.1
1999	33.6	35.6
2000	34.9	36.2
2001	33.2	35.4
94-'01 Average	34.6	35.6

Source: "Quality of the 2001 Soybean Crop from the United States", Dr. Charles Hurburgh http://www.exnet.iastate.edu/Pages/
grain/test/soybean/01sbqual.pdf

Causes

Biologically, seed protein is impacted most by our cool soils and temperatures, but low protein can be exacerbated by higher yields. Selection for high yields by breeders – in the absence of selection for protein level – results in lower protein due to a negative relationship between yield and protein. In addition, the germplasm used to develop most northern varieties had initially lower protein levels than that used for southern varieties.

Higher Profits?

Soybean varieties with higher protein levels exist. Unfortunately, individual producers have little incentive to plant high protein varieties if there is a yield penalty – producers are paid for the number of bushels they bring to market, not the level of protein. Fortunately, there are a number of varieties in each zone of Minnesota that not only have above average protein levels but high yield potential as well (see the "Winners and Losers" links below). By selecting these varieties for planting over enough acres, producers can effectively increase the value of the overall Minnesota crop to the world market. Conversely, avoiding varieties with low protein will have the same effect. Ultimately, producer-purchasing habits, coupled with processor programs offering premiums for higher protein soybeans, will have the desired effect of convincing commercial soybean breeders of the importance of selection for higher protein in northern soybeans. In turn, the resulting overall increase in protein level will go a long way towards increasing the overall value of Minnesota's soybean crop and make us more competitive in the world marketplace.

Daryl Hexum can be reached by phone at (612) 625-0210 or by email at hexum002@tc.umn.edu.

Following is Protein and oil data from 10 counties participating in the 2001 MSGA strip trials. The 2001 Variety trials, also accessible from this website, contain information on protein and oil levels as well. In addition, links are included to tables listing varieties with above average protein and yield levels as well as varieties with the lowest protein levels – "Winners and Losers" (from both the 2001 MSGA strip trials and 2001 Variety Trials).

Daryl Hexum can be reached by phone at (612) 625-0210 or by email at hexum002@tc.umn.edu.

URL: http://www.soybeans.umn.edu/crop/variety/protein/2001/index.htm

Last Modified 8/24/05 by:
Sarah Jameson-Jones
Web Designer/Developer
james039@umn.edu