Soy Producers Education and Training

Learn fundamentals, from planting to processing, as a soybean manufacturer or soy distributor
By Deneatra Harmon 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.

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.