Though soybeans have been a food source for thousands of years, it took on a more important role in the United States during the Great Depression when drought-stricken regions of the country suffered through the Dust Bowl. Soybeans came to the rescue, helping regenerate tired soil with their nitrogen-fixing properties. During that time, auto inventor Henry Ford became a leader in soybean research, spending more than $1.25 million to find new uses for the crop in the auto industry (oil was used to paint cars and as a fluid for shock absorbers) and a greater understanding of what was possible.
Soybeans are grown in climates with hot summers, and they thrive in a wide range of soil types. The average plant grows about 3 feet tall in low mounds. The pods, stems and leaves are covered with fine brown or gray hairs and have leaves with three to four leaflets per leaf. The leaves fall in autumn, leaving the seeded pods to mature. The hull of the mature bean is hard, water resistant, and protects the germ from damage.
Pioneer began its soybean operation in 1973 with the purchase of the Petersen Seed Company. Today, Pioneer has 25 research stations for soybeans. Key markets include the United States and Brazil, with additional markets in Argentina and South Africa. Pioneer Hi-Bred's many soybean varieties allow growers to increase their production of soybeans – both in terms of quantity and stability – for end uses, including food, feed, fuel and materials.
At a glance…
Soybeans can produce at least twice as much protein per acre than any other major vegetable or grain crop and up to 15 times more protein per acre than land used for meat production.
In the United States, the bulk of soybeans are grown to feed livestock, including chickens, hogs, and turkey.
The United States produced more than 80 million tons of soybeans in 2008/2009, of which more than one-third was exported. Other leading producers are Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, China and India. China is the leading importer.
Pioneer's soybean research program develops superior soybean varieties with increased value, efficiency and profitability for farmers and customers. Some of our product development highlights include:
Wide-Area Testing – Soybean researchers at Pioneer Hi-Bred plant thousands of yield test plots to measure performance of experimental lines. Thousands of new crosses are made each year to assure a steady flow of new elite varieties with packages of traits that fit customers' needs.
Resistance Herbicide – Pioneer soybean researchers are developing soybean varieties with resistance to herbicides that give customers additional options for weed control throughout the growing season.
Insect and Disease Resistance – Pioneer has been awarded patents for molecular markers associated with disease resistant genes in soybeans. We're also extending molecular marker research to track genes associated with yield improvement.
Value-Added Soybeans – Pioneer researchers commercialized the first low-linolenic acid soybean variety in 1994, which produced a superior oil for frying stability and shelf-life. Pioneer was also first to offer a soybean variety with less saturated fat than commodity soy oil. Work continues on soybean oil, protein and carbohydrate profile modification, and in 2010, our PlenishTM high oleic soybean trait was approved for cultivation in the United States.
