Why Grow High-Oleic Soybeans? In this informative presentation from the University of Wisconsin Extension, state soybean specialist Shawn Conley dives deep into the “front end” of high oleic soybean production, specifically tailored for dairy farmers. As interest in these value-added crops grows to help boost milk fat production and feed efficiency, Conley outlines the essential agronomic and logistical steps for success—from securing identity preservation (IP) contracts to managing the unique weed control challenges associated with many high oleic varieties. Whether you are a grower looking to capture a cash premium or a nutritionist interested in the stability of these specialty oil profiles, this video provides a comprehensive framework for integrating high oleic soybeans into your operation.
Video Overview
This presentation, led by Dr. Shawn Conley, provides a detailed examination of the agronomic management required for high-oleic soybeans. These varieties, which are developed through both GMO and non-GMO methods, contain over 70% oleic acid—a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat that is increasingly being incorporated into dairy cow rations to enhance milk fat production and feed efficiency.
Key Considerations for Growers
- Market Accessibility and Contracts: Farmers must secure a market or specific buyer before planting. Because high-oleic soybeans are part of identity-preserved (IP) systems, they cannot be mixed with standard commodity soybeans and are generally prohibited from entering generic grain channels, often due to international regulatory requirements, such as those in the European Union.
- Production Complexity: Dr. Conley highlights that growing these beans is more complex than conventional soybean production. He emphasizes that farmers should manage these crops with the same level of care, precision, and oversight that they apply to managing their dairy herds.
- Identity Preservation (IP) Protocols: To ensure quality and prevent contamination, producers must strictly adhere to IP systems. This includes utilizing only third-party roasting or crushing facilities that have been approved by the seed companies (e.g., Corteva for Plenish varieties).
Agronomic Management Strategies
- Balancing Yield and Composition: While early planting is standard practice for maximizing soybean yield, growers must balance this with seed composition requirements. There is an inverse relationship between planting date and seed components; earlier planting generally favors higher oil content, while later planting can shift the profile toward higher protein concentrations.
- Weed Management: This is the most significant hurdle for growers. Since many available high-oleic varieties have limited herbicide trait platforms—often being limited to glyphosate-only or non-GM—managing resistant waterhemp is critical:
- Strategic Planting: Delaying planting into mid-May allows farmers to effectively manage the first flush of weeds using pre-plant tillage or specialized burndown treatments.
- Residual Herbicides: Using effective pre-emergence residuals (Group 2, 14, or 15 herbicides) is essential to maintain clean fields.
- Integrated Systems: Utilizing narrow row spacing (7.5 to 15 inches) helps achieve faster canopy closure. Additionally, layering in cover crops like cereal rye and terminating them at the right growth stage can significantly reduce weed germination.
Economic Outlook
Farmers are encouraged to carefully calculate their potential return on investment. The value-added price premium received for these crops must be sufficient to offset any potential yield penalties compared to conventional varieties, as well as the additional costs associated with increased management complexity and strict IP compliance.
