Ohio Soybean Council Visits Noon Rotary

Dan Corcoran, representative of the Ohio Soybean Council and local farmer stopped by Noon Rotary to speak about a popular crop.

Many don’t think about this little legume, but it is in fact the second largest crop grown in Ohio. Corcoran said that it offers a lot of different nutritional value due to its high protein. Corcoran told us soybeans aren’t necessarily consumed directly, but rather indirectly.

“Actually 98% of soybeans that are processed in the state of Ohio go to feeding livestock,” said Corcoran, “so, the pork loin that we had today, was probably fed a lot of soybean meals. Good source of protein for them and then the vegetable oil–the salad dressing has vegetable oil in it. So we had at least two types of products that are derived from soybeans that people would never realize.”

Corcoran said the United States used to be the number one producer of soybeans, over half of which go overseas, but as of last year Brazil produces more of the food. Corcoran told us this is not a crop that is strictly gown in the States. Corcoran explained more about the growing process.

“Currently we’re still planting soybeans. You can start planting soybeans in the State of Ohio early to mid-April. Actually you can plant them as late as July in July. Usually the ones that are planted in July are what they call a double crop scenario where they’re planted behind harvested wheat crop.”

If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more, you can visit the website: www.soyohio.org