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USB sees value in high oleic soybean research

High oleic soybean development is continuing, and a soybean checkoff leader says further investment in them is likely.

North Dakota farmer and United Soybean Board Treasurer Matt Gast tells Brownfield the markets for high oleic soybeans are growing. “Another thing that’s come up lately is high oleic soybeans in dairy rations. High oleic is something that we’ve been investing in for quite a number of years now, and so it’s fun to see those acres start to pick up and to see what high oleic can do and where it can be in the future.”

USB research shows that about 35% of high oleic soybeans are used in dairy rations, 60% in food applications and 5% in industrial uses.  Gast says he’s looking forward to being able to grow high oleic soybeans soon. “For North Dakota, there’s no varieties right now for maturity range and those are coming on the market here in the next couple of years, so I would expect an increase in those acres with more maturity variations out there.”

Farmers in 16 states grew high oleic soybeans on more than 1.1 million acres in 2023 and on 800,000 acres in 2024.  On average, farmers can gain premiums for $.75 – $1.25 compared to conventional varieties.  USB data shows the highest concentration of high oleic soybeans is in Ohio and Indiana, in part because varieties for the northern states have not been released.

Gast spoke to Brownfield from the United Soybean Board meetings in New Orleans, where board members are planning checkoff investments for 2026.