By Andi Anderson
High oleic soybean production is expanding in Michigan, supported by research from Michigan State University and cooperation across agriculture industries. These soybeans, once mainly valued for food oil production, are now gaining attention for their benefits to dairy farming.
Research conducted by MSU scientist Dr. Adam Lock shows that roasted high oleic soybeans can improve milk production and feed efficiency in dairy cows. This work highlights how science can directly help farmers manage costs while increasing productivity.
“This research is about more than just milk production and feed efficiency — it’s about empowering producers with science-based tools that improve profitability and sustainability,” said Lock. “Our goal is to empower producers with tools that are both economically viable and nutritionally sound. Research like this shows how science can directly improve farm sustainability and profitability.”
As awareness has grown, demand for high oleic soybeans has increased. Seed companies report strong adoption, and farmers are showing more interest in growing these specialty beans. Additional research by Dr. Vincenzina Caputo examined farmer decision-making and market readiness.
Supported by the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, the research identified earlier challenges such as processing limits, economic risk, and contract restrictions. However, farms using regional partnerships between soybean growers, dairy producers, and processors are overcoming these barriers.
“This work builds upon my earlier research on high oleic soybeans conducted for the United Soybean Board in 2023,” said Caputo, a professor and Homer Nowlin Chair in Consumer and Food Economics in the MSU Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics.
Premium pricing encourages soybean farmers to invest, while dairy farmers benefit from better feed value and reduced imports of expensive oils. Processing facilities that roast soybeans play a vital role in unlocking their nutritional benefits.
“Our inputs went down substantially at the same time our income was going up,” said Brian Preston of Preston Dairy in Quincy, Michigan. “We were able to hold the same pounds of milk produced while we increased our butterfat percentage. It wound up being a well over $1-per-head-per-day change. And on a dairy farm, we’ll try something to get maybe 5-6 cents more per cow per day.”
Overall, MSU research and industry collaboration are helping Michigan develop resilient, closed-loop agricultural systems. High oleic soybeans are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting both dairy and crop sectors across the state.
Photo Credit: istock-sandramatic
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Soybeans, Livestock, Dairy Cattle