Soy producers have grown in popularity within the agricultural industry, with the well-known vegetable found in such foods as dairy, nuts and tofu, as well as nonfoods like biodiesel fuel, candles and cleaning products. One of the main advantages of being a soybean manufacturer or soy producer is the ability to contribute a crop that helps to preserve the environment, particularly if organic fertilizer and other methods are used to grow the soybeans. Research shows that organic soy products reduce cancer and heart disease risks, providing health benefits to consumers. Overall, the United States continues to be the largest producer of soy and soy products, followed by other countries such as Brazil and China.

Soy producers education and training generally requires reading and researching of materials from association publications and websites. Conferences and seminars also provide learning as well as networking opportunities for a soy manufacturer. To become a soybean manufacturer or a soy distributor, some factors involved in soy producers education and training involve:

1. Understanding soy basics by attending workshops or researching online.

2. Getting the tools and equipment necessary to grow and transport soybeans.

3. Learning tips for marketing to consumers as a soybean producer.

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Understand the basics of growing soy and discover its uses

As a soy producer or soybean manufacturer, learn some background information about soy and its applications.

I recommend: Research materials are available online at the National Soybean Research Laboratory. Topics include soybean history, proper planting techniques, disease prevention and transporting methods. The American Soybean Association offers educational programs such as conferences, trade shows and product demonstrations to producers of soybean plants.

Obtain information on where to get the right tools and equipment for soy growth

Find out tips from other soy producers as to which equipment to use for growing soy, and also discover fundamentals such as the best time of year to plant the vegetables. Also, learn about solutions for preventing disease that can destroy your soy crops.

I recommend: The Ohio Agronomic Crops Network offers a resource for information on soil electrical conductivity sensors, yield monitor calibrations and guidance systems. The Crown Iron Works Company manufactures soybean processing equipment such as preparation and dehulling systems.

Seek tips on marketing soy from other soy producers

Agricultural workshops or seminars may offer sessions on marketing soy and other crops to manufacturers and consumers.

I recommend: The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education site lists conferences and training workshops that focus on marketing issues. Find soy manufacturer and marketing tips at Corn & Soybean Digest.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Certain accreditation standards apply to organic soy producers, as well as soybean manufacturers that specialize in biodiesel fuels or other organic nonfoods. The USDA National Organic Program handles agricultural standards for labeling soy and other organic products. Soy producers who make biodiesels must adhere to specifications set by the BQ-9000 program.

Because soy is easily marketable and grown, soy producers have grabbed hold of the recent movement toward more environmentally-friendly foods and durable goods. One of the most versatile seeds, soy can feed humans and animals, and it can be added to paints and inks as well as used in synthetic diesel fuel.

As the world's largest producer of soy, the United States helps distribute millions of soybeans both domestically and internationally. With so many soybeans to distribute, it may be difficult to weed through all the soybean manufacturer options. Finding that perfect fit when looking for soy producers can be accomplished once you:

1. Search out a soy food distributor for your cuisine.

2. Choose a soybean manufacturer to cater to the inedible goods market.

3. Strengthen relationships between your business and the soy producer.

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Dive into the world of a soy food distributor

Amazingly, only a small percentage of soybeans are used for consumption. Nearly all of the food made from soybeans comes from the processed oils from the legumes. In addition to food for humans, animals benefit from soybean production in the form of soybean meal.

I recommend: To find a local soy distributor or manufacturer, check out the U.S. Soyfoods Directory created by Physicians Laboratories. You can also use the search function to find the soy manufacturer who produces a favorite type of soy food, such as soy grits, soy pizza and tofu products. With a stronger flavor than regular white flour or even whole-wheat flour, Paul's Grains, a soy flour producer in Iowa, recommends using its soy flour in smaller batches.

Tap into the soy distributor market by looking into inedible goods

Soybeans aren't only for eating; they can be used for inedible, durable goods. Whether it's illuminating candles, paint-removing chemicals or even a diesel fuel additive, soybeans have a role in producing all these items. This is just a small list of all soybeans have to offer.

I recommend: SoyWorld compiled a lengthy list of soy producers who use the legume for items other than food. Light up your establishment with five different scented soy candles by Nohm Candles. Their pesticide-free soy wax candles come packaged in reusable six-ounce containers that are free of any excess packaging. For industrial-size cleaning, Franmar Chemical Inc. is a soy manufacturer that sells paint remover. The cleaner can safely be used in large facilities such as hospitals, schools or large businesses without having to ask people to leave since it isn't toxic. Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. sells SoyShield, which is a diesel fuel additive that can increase fuel efficiency by 5%.

Foster meaningful relationships with your soy producer

Keeping up-to-date with soybean trends can not only help you have a better relationship with your soy producers, but it can allow you to save money. If you know what demands the market calls for, you can be better prepared to either cut back on your soy products or stock up.

I recommend: For soybean statistics covering recent years, look into Soy Stats from The American Soybean Association. This site compares the soybean production over the years, how or why it's changed, and examines statistics among world, U.S. and state soybean production. Head over to Syngenta Corporation's FarmAssist section on soybeans and check out its current information on the state of soybeans. It includes the day's soybean news headlines and market updates.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even though most of the country's decision makers haven't set a foot in a soybean field, the American Soybean Association offers leadership roles to inform others about the important role of being a soybean producer.

Soy is becoming increasingly popular as its nutritional benefits become known. Although soy is a legume in the vegetable family, it is a great protein source that can add a complete list of essential amino acids to any diet. Soy is also being used for non-edible products, such as biodiesel that can continue to improve our environment. Being familiar with soy producers terms will allow you to make educated decisions about using soy in a variety of ways.

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Edamame

Edamame are soybeans harvested prior to the hardening phase of growth. The bean is parboiled and quick frozen to preserve freshness and can be consumed as a snack or added to recipes and salads as a protein source.

I recommend: Edamame.com defines edamame and provides a history of the uses and consumption of the legume, as well as nutritional information.

Threshing

Threshing is the process of physically removing the edible part of the bean from the pod. This step can be done by hand or by machine. The soybean is delicate, making this process an important one that must be done with care.

I recommend: National Soybean Research Laboratory offers details about the threshing process and the options for completing this step in soy production.

Soy biodiesel

Soy biodiesel is an alternative for vehicles and machines that run off of diesel fuel. Soy biodiesel is a clean-burning, nontoxic fuel that can be made purely from soy or can be used in combination with petroleum diesel to make a blend.

I recommend: The Iowa Soybean Association outlines the benefits of using soy biodiesel.

Soybean inoculation

Soybean inoculation is the process of introducing microorganisms during the planting process in order to increase the soybeans' nitrogen fixation. Research shows that inoculation increases the production of the crop.

I recommend: The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Pennsylvania State University details the inoculation of soybeans and its possible results.

Photoperiod sensitivity

Soybeans are photoperiod sensitive, meaning that their growth from a dormant state into a reproductive stage occurs in correspondence with the length of day. The amount of darkness during a 24-hour time period affects the flowering of the soybean plants.

I recommend: Clemson University refers to an article published by North Carolina State explaining the importance of photoperiod sensitivity to soybeans.

Essential amino acids

Essential amino acids are not produced by the body, making them crucial to your diet. Soybeans are packed full of essential amino acids, making them a great source of nutrition.

I recommend: HyperPhysics explains the chemistry behind essential amino acids and their importance to the diet.

Organic soy producers have grabbed hold of the soybean industry, launching it onto the scene. The health benefits of soy have also sparked interest in the general public, making it essential for soy producers to pay attention to changes in the industry.

Staying current with changes in the soy industry can allow soybean manufacturers and producers to offer the best products to its customers. With numerous sites available online, you can utilize the information provided to offer up-to-date products and information to your clients. Consider the following when investigating soy producers news and trends:

1. Read through online sites catering to soy distributor companies.

2. Peruse periodicals geared toward producers of soybean products.

3. Establish connections with organizations affiliated with soybean manufacturers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research online sites about soy producer products

With so many sites online, it can be difficult to find ones that are reputable. Do some investigating, and locate niche sites to stay up-to-date on any changes. Since soybean manufacturing is an ever-evolving industry, you should bookmark these sites and pay attention to updates or changes to the overall industry.

I recommend: Look to SoyWorld, from Stevens & Associates, which is a site that discusses numerous aspects for producers of soybean products. As a national site, the National Soybean Research Laboratory can tell you what's going on in the industry.

Look to periodicals catered toward soybean manufacturer businesses

Sort through the numerous types of magazines for soy manufacturer members, and secure subscriptions to the best ones. Certain publication companies may offer e-newsletters for you to receive via e-mail. This is an ideal situation to keep you up-to-date on any changes that might occur between publication dates.

I recommend: The Corn & Soybean Digest, from Penton Business Media, is a magazine geared toward those in the agricultural market. The print magazine is available for subscription, but there's an e-newsletter called Soybean E-Digest to which you can subscribe. Check out the South Dakota Soybean Review Magazine, from South Dakota Soybean Association, where you can look through older versions of the magazine.

Maintain contact with national-based associations dealing with soy manufacturers

Those who are leaders in the soybean industry are an ideal place to check for any changes in soy manufacturing. Organized and maintained by a professional staff, these associations receive the latest updates about soybean-related news. Stay in touch with these informational organizations to ensure you have current information about the market.

I recommend: Look for news updates at the American Soybean Association, where you can subscribe to receive updates via e-mail. Check out the United Soybean Board and its press releases to learn about business as a soybean producer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Blogs are another way for you to stay current about soy food distributor changes. Make sure the sites that you use are reputable and reliable, though; you don't want to follow along on someone's site if they don't provide accurate information.