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Strong soybean demand driving crush growth, Knupp says

The CEO of the United Soybean Board says she’s encouraged by the latest soybean crush data.

USDA says the August soybean crush was the largest for the month on record, and USB’s Courtney Knupp tells Brownfield, “That means that our entire supply chain is working,” she said. “It has responded to market signals and market opportunities. Soy is in high demand.”

The USDA report showed 210 million bushels of beans were used to produce meal and oil, down 12 million from July, but up 12 million from August 2025.

Knupp says USB’s focus is on developing new markets and demand for the additional soybean meal and oil generated by increased crush capacity.

“We work closely with the oilseed processors,” she said. “That’s a strategic partnership. We work with each of our states where those crushing facilities are, and we work ultimately with the end users whether it’s a livestock producer in the Midwest or a livestock producer in Asia.”

Knupp says it’s important to closely monitor crush trends.

“We want to create and react to the new normal of the market,” she said. “Increased crush capacity would be just one factor that we’re continually watching.”

The recent data showed the year-over-year rise in production pushed soybean meal stocks above 2025 levels. Soybean oil stocks were lower due to demand.

Courtney Knupp: