US Soybean Production 10-7-25

U.S. soybean production has generally trended upwards since 2000, though with fluctuations due to factors like weather and trade policies, peaking in 2016 or 2017 and then fluctuating with an updated forecast of 4.3 billion bushels for the 2025/2026 marketing year. Production in 2023 was around 4.27 billion bushels, while 2022 was similar, and estimates for 2024 are about 4.3 billion bushels.  

Yearly production trends:

• Growth from 2000 to 2017: U.S. soybean production saw significant growth, with acreage peaking in 2017. 
• A dip in 2019:A sharp drop in 2019 followed China's trade restrictions, leading to reduced demand, falling prices, and less acreage planted. 
• Recovery and continued fluctuations:Acreage partially recovered in the following years, with production fluctuating due to various market factors. 

Key factors influencing production:

• Acreage: The amount of land dedicated to soybean cultivation is a primary driver of production. 
• Trade policies: Policies like China's trade restrictions can significantly impact global demand and U.S. production. 
• Weather: Heavy spring rains, for example, contributed to reduced plantings in 2019. 
• Profitability of corn: Increased profitability in corn production, sometimes influenced by biofuel policies, can shift land away from soybeans. 

For precise figures for each year, you can consult the American Soybean Association or the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS). 

From 2000 to the present, U.S. soybean production has generally trended upward, reaching a record 4.46 billion bushels in 2021. Production levels can fluctuate significantly year-to-year due to factors such as weather and pest infestations. The data below is compiled from various U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports. 

Annual U.S. soybean production (2000–2025)

• 2000: 2.774 billion bushels
• 2001: 2.92 billion bushels
• 2002: 2.69 billion bushels
• 2003: 2.418 billion bushels
• 2004: 3.14 billion bushels
• 2005: 2.791 billion bushels
• 2006: 3.188 billion bushels
• 2007: 2.59 billion bushels
• 2008: 2.96 billion bushels
• 2009: 3.36 billion bushels
• 2010: 3.33 billion bushels
• 2011: 3.056 billion bushels*
• 2012: 3.042 billion bushels
• 2013: 3.358 billion bushels
• 2014: 3.927 billion bushels
• 2015: 3.929 billion bushels
• 2016: 4.296 billion bushels
• 2017: 4.412 billion bushels
• 2018: 4.428 billion bushels
• 2019: 3.552 billion bushels
• 2020: 4.216 billion bushels
• 2021: 4.465 billion bushels
• 2022: 4.276 billion bushels
• 2023: 4.16 billion bushels
• 2024: 4.37 billion bushels
• 2025 (forecast): 4.3 billion bushels 

Note: An estimate for 2011 was synthesized from search results indicating production was around 3.056 billion bushels, slightly down from 2010. 

Key trends

• Rising yields: Over the past two decades, U.S. soybean yields have increased due to advancements in seed genetics, precision agriculture, and other improved production practices.
• Weather-related volatility: Production can drop sharply in response to drought conditions, as seen in 2003 and 2012.
• 2019 production dip: A notable decrease occurred in 2019, primarily due to lower planted acreage. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+soybean+production+by+year+from+2000+to+present

Soybeans can be stored in a silo for months to over two years, with the storage duration depending primarily on moisture content and temperature. Lowering moisture levels to 13% or below significantly extends safe storage, and keeping the grain at colder temperatures (around 5-8°C or 41-46°F) can prevent mold for longer periods. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+long+can+soybeans+be+stored+in+a+silo

Conversion of Soybean weights:

• A bushel of soybeans weighs 60 pounds.
• A metric ton is equal to 2,204 pounds.
• Therefore, 1 metric ton ÷ 60 pounds/bushel = 36.74 bushels. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+bushels+of+soybeans+are+in+1+metric+ton

4.3 billion bushels = 11.7 million Metric Tons

Comments

There are several solutions to solving the US Soybean excess supply problem.  The obvious solution is to give India an incentive to purchase the current excess.  US Soybean growers could be covered by commodity subsidies provided by the Federal Government. Some US Soybean growers could plant other crops to reduce the Soybean supply, but corn and wheat prices are in the $4-$5 per bushel range. Soybean growers may want to process their own soybean meal and raise cattle.

Trump may bail them out with Tariff Funds up to $14 billion.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader