Growing Soybeans to Sustain a Country’s Economy

The United States is the largest producer of soybeans in the world. In fact, more than 60% of the world’s soybean supply is grown in the United States. In 1997 alone, the United States soybean crop had a value of $18 billion. Growing soybeans is no small task, either, as 70 million acres of United States land was used to grown soybeans on 300,000 farms throughout the nation.

Farming in other countries, including Australia and China, engage in growing soybeans, but now other country grows soybeans to the same scale as the United States. In fact, because of the great variety of purposes for soybeans, other countries find themselves importing soybeans from the United States.

Soybean Products

Growing soybeans is a big business with major payoffs. This is because soybeans are used in much more than just food. Soybeans are also found in body care products, such as lotions and sunscreens. This is because soy lipids contain high levels of vitamin E and other beneficial nutrients, which helps to moisturize dry skin. Similarly, soy is used in some hair conditioners because of its moisturizing effect.

Soybeans are also used to make candles. Candles made of soybeans burn cleaner than traditional wax candles. In addition, soy candles do not produce sooty residue and they have a lower melting point, which means they burn at a cooler temperature.

Soy is also used in cleaning products because of its solvent abilities. Cleaning products containing soy are able to remove tough stains, such as grease, ink, and oil. Soy is also included in paint removers. Yet, these cleaners and removers are environmentally safe. Soybeans can even be used as an additive to fabric softener, leaving clothes soft without leaving behind skin-irritating residue.

The cleaning capabilities of soy, combined with its moisturizing effects, also make soy a valuable addition to hand cleaners and shampoos. Hand cleaners containing soy are capable of gently cleaning the hands, while simultaneously providing extra moisture and protection. Similarly, shampoos with soy get hair clean, while helping repair damage and add body to the hair.

Soybeans have even been used to make crayons! These biodegradable crayons are made from pure soybean oil do not have waxy residue and they are not harmful to children. Soybean oil is also used as a diesel additive, or can be used as a stand alone product, to fuel diesel engines. Not only is soy biodiesel environmentally friendly, it produces the same performance as petroleum based diesel and is actually better for the car’s engine.

Incredibly, bicomposites are also made with soybean resin. These materials are used to make tables and other furniture. Soybean oil can then be used to polish and clean these items!

With so many purposes for soybeans, it is easy to see why the United States finds growing soybeans to be a profitable venture.