When most people think of American agriculture, they often picture golden fields of corn or endless rows of wheat: not soybeans. Often overlooked, soybeans play a critical role in global trade, renewable energy, and food production. For many farmers, especially those in North Carolina, soy is the backbone of their operation and the rural economy.

Let’s take a closer look at the role that soybeans play in American agriculture and the ways this humble crop supports many rural communities around the country.

The United States’ Largest Agricultural Export

Soybeans have been the United States’ largest agricultural export for years, generating tens of billions of dollars annually. In 2023/2024, soy products alone accounted for roughly $31.2 billion in export revenue, even in the face of lower export volume than the year before. Much of that goes to global markets like China and other Asian nations, where soy is a vital ingredient in animal feed for pork and poultry production.

This also means the success of American farmers is intrinsically tied to international trade policy. As Charles Hall of the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association noted during a recent episode of the National Land Podcast, tariffs, trade disputes, and shifting global demand can make or break a season. When a nation like China slows its soybean purchases or imposes retaliatory tariffs on American exports, farmers across the U.S. feel it almost immediately.

More Than Just Animal Feed

Beyond feeding animals, soybeans are increasingly powering the renewable energy movement. From biodiesel to renewable diesel and even sustainable aviation fuel, soy oil is helping drive cleaner, more sustainable fuel alternatives. “In just a decade, we’ve gone from talking about soy biodiesel in labs to major refineries producing renewable diesel from soybean oil,” Hall explained in his recent conversation on the National Land Realty podcast.

This shift toward renewable fuels has elevated soy oil’s market value and opened new opportunities for rural economies. Farmers are now part of the energy conversation, growing the raw materials that reduce carbon emissions and enhance American energy independence.

A Critical Link in the Supply Chain

For every 60-pound bushel of soybeans, processors extract about 12 pounds of oil and 47 pounds of high-protein meal. That meal becomes a cornerstone of livestock and poultry diets, especially in North Carolina, which is home to over 10 million hogs and nearly a billion poultry birds. Local soy production helps lower feed costs and reduces reliance on imported proteins, keeping regional agriculture strong and self-sustaining.

Soybeans also create thousands of jobs through farming, processing, and transportation. In North Carolina alone, the crop contributes roughly $1.2 billion annually to the economy and supports around 4,000 jobs.

The Landowner Connection

Even for those who don’t farm their land, soybeans matter. Landowners who lease their property to local producers are vital links in the ag economy. As Hall emphasized, “There’s a farmer out there who wants to give you a fair price to grow soy, and they’ll take care of your land while doing it.” Leasing to local growers not only supports young farmers trying to enter the field but also keeps rural landscapes productive and sustainable.

Soybeans may not get the same fanfare as corn or wheat, but their impact stretches across industries. As the market evolves, this adaptable crop continues to prove its place as a cornerstone of America’s future in food, fuel, and sustainability.

If you’ve got questions about leasing your land or maximizing the value of your property, get in touch with your local Land Professional today!