U.S. Soybeans
One of the reasons for the dominant position of the United States in the world soybean market is the dependability and efficiency of the domestic and export markets. This is due, in part, to the U.S. marketing system’s clear quality standards, which are governed by both contract specifications and a government-regulated system of guidelines that control the export inspection, sampling, grading and weighing of grain and oilseeds. The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) oversee these standards and inspection procedures.
FGIS is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA).FGIS establishes the Official Standards for Grain, which are used each and every day by sellers and buyers to communicate the type and quality of grain bought and sold.
The U.S. Grain Standards Act requires specific standards to identify and measure the important physical characteristics and quality factors for most U.S. grains and oilseeds. The grades, classes, and conditions reported on official certificates are determined according to the factors defined in these standards. A grade certificate for each lot or shipment is issued with other conditions, such as insect infestation and noxious odors, noted.
There are three classes of measurement in the U.S. system of grades: grade-determining factors, non-grade standards, and informational criteria. Current grading standards list six grade-determining factors for yellow soybeans. These are test weight (bulk density), splits, total damaged soybeans, heat damaged, foreign material, and soybeans of other colors. Moisture is a non-grade standard and is determined on each lot with the results appearing on all official inspection certificates. Oil and protein analysis is an informational criterion and will be performed upon request.
Most U.S.-produced non-GMO food-grade soybeans will be used for tofu (52%) and soymilk (28%). End uses for U.S. soybeans are not expected to change in the next year.
Of the total food-grade non-GMO soybeans in U.S., 62% are exported to Japan, 14% to South Korea, 9% to Taiwan, only 2% exported to China.
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Our wide range of products is available nationwide, with sales focus areas including Ohio, northern Illinois, northeastern Missouri, northwestern Missouri, eastern Nebraska, Iowa, southern Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, and Texas.
With our in-depth knowledge of grain transportation and access to a variety of markets, we are able to work extensively with farmers, and many producers who participate in our Premium Grain Program also receive additional premiums. These tools range from basic cash contracts to innovative pricing alternatives to maximize efficiency in selling products around the world to meet farmers' risk management needs in today's volatile markets.