Wednesday June 20 Ag News

N-U Listening Tour Coming to West Point

Leadership from the University of Nebraska will be making a stop in West Point on July 10 as part of a month-long listening tour in northeast Nebraska. A community conversation and meal will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave. in West Point.

The stop will be an opportunity for those in attendance to share thoughts and visions for the future of their community with university leadership including Mike Boehm, NU vice president for agriculture and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

All are welcome to attend. To RSVP, visit go.unl.edu/cumingcounty or email ianr@unl.edu. For event questions, contact 402-472-7080.



N-U Listening Tour Coming to Tekamah

Leadership from the University of Nebraska will be making a stop in Tekamah on July 11 as part of a month-long listening tour in northeast Nebraska. A community conversation will be held at 8 a.m. at the Chatterbox, 203 S 13th St. in Tekamah.

The stop will be an opportunity for those in attendance to share thoughts and visions for the future of their community with university leadership including Mike Boehm, NU vice president for agriculture and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

All are welcome to attend. To RSVP, visit go.unl.edu/burtcounty or email ianr@unl.edu. For event questions, contact 402-472-7080.



Climate & Crops Field Day

A Climate & Crops Public Field Day will be held at the Haskell Agricultural Laboratory, 57905 866 Road, Concord on August 14, 2018.  The event is free and open to the public.  Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day.  The day will conclude around 3:30 p.m.  Attend the entire day or any part of the day. 

Activities for the entire family include tours, educational booths, vendors, Mobile Beef Lab, Shooting Sports Trailer, Backyard Farmer Live question and answer panel, Instant Pot demonstration, speakers on the Farm Bill and heat stress in livestock as well as others. The event also includes a free steak sandwich lunch, mobile Beef Lab, a 4-H shooting sports trailer, pressure canner testing, and many other activities for all ages.  Al Dutcher, UNL Climatologist, will be a noon time speaker.

For more information, call 402-584-2261.



Poultry & Egg Export Council Annual Meeting Held in Costa Rica

The United States of America Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) annual meeting was held in Costa Rica June 11–14.

Updates on new trade markets, including India, Morocco and Costa Rica, were the primary topics of the meeting, according to Daryl Obermeyer, who represents the Nebraska Soybean Board on USAPEEC’s board of directors.

“Costa Rica is a growing market for the United States because they’re developing tourism,” Obermeyer said. “It’s caused a greater demand for food, so it’s a growing market for U.S. poultry.”

Up to 60 percent of all soybean meal is fed to poultry, a number that continues to rise as more companies become antibiotic-free.

“The number one use of soybean meal is domestic poultry,” Obermeyer said. “With that industry growing, it’s important to export poultry out of the country so that we continue to have a growing industry in the United States.”

USAPEEC works to foster trade relationships and provide education about U.S. poultry and best practices for raising poultry. One of these initiatives, funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board, included educational seminars that train poultry inspectors along the Mexican border to recognize spoiled poultry before it’s brought into the country.

“Something I personally like about USAPEEC is that we don’t try to compete with local producers,” Obermeyer said. “We put on seminars to help small family farms and stock smaller grocery stores with our product. We don’t want to run anybody out of business.”

While in Costa Rica, meeting attendees also visited a local elementary school where they painted a mural of a farm scene with the students.

“It’s our goal to assimilate when we come into a new country,” Obermeyer said.

More information about USAPEEC and its projects can be found at www.usapeec.org.



NCGA Board Elects Ross as Next Farmer to Join Organization’s Leadership
   
The National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Board has elected Kevin Ross of Iowa to become the organization's first vice president for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

“I am honored my fellow Corn Board volunteers placed their trust in me and granted me the distinct privilege of becoming a part of the organization’s leadership,” said Ross. “Today’s American corn farmers face an ever-changing landscape with numerous challenges, as well as opportunities, on the horizon. It is imperative that we work with our partners in government, in industry and in the public to grow markets at home and abroad. I sincerely look forward to working with our grower leadership to find innovative, impactful ways to grow the markets and the future for U.S. corn farmers.”

A sixth-generation family farmer, Kevin and his wife, Sara, grow corn, soybeans, alfalfa and run a 140-head cow/calf operation. Growing corn almost exclusively using no-till methods, they hope to someday pass the farm on to their four young sons, Hudson, Axten, Carver and Hollis.

On the national level, Ross serves as Corn Board liaison to the Feed, Food and Industrial Action Team and acts as the liaison to the National Cattleman’s Beef Association.

Previously, he has served as board liaison to the Grower Services Action Team, the Production and Stewardship Action Team, the Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team, as a member of NCGA’s Finance Committee and as 2017 Co-Chair of the Commodity Classic Joint Venture Committee. Prior to his term on the Corn Board, Ross served on NCGA’s Ethanol Committee, Public Policy Action Team and as a member of the CornPAC.

“NCGA has built a strong history of success over the years. The farmers who have stepped forward and volunteered to lead the organization have been the driving force behind these achievements. We, as a Corn Board, believe that Kevin will continue this fine tradition,” said NCGA President Kevin Skunes. “Our Corn Board appreciates the keen insight he brings to our discussions and the dedication he continually demonstrates to benefit all farmers. We are confident that he will continue working tirelessly on their behalf.”

On Oct. 1, Skunes, of North Dakota, becomes chairman and the current first vice president, Lynn Chrisp of Nebraska, becomes NCGA president. In October 2019, Chrisp becomes chairman and Ross becomes president.



Seaboard Triumph Foods Sioux City pork processing plant announces second shift target start date

Seaboard Triumph Foods (STF) announced today it has targeted mid-October 2018 to begin second shift pork processing at its Sioux City, Iowa, facility. After a ramp-up period to reach full second-shift production, the new pork processing plant will employ more than 2,000 employees.

Since May 2018, the new pork processing plant has been running limited operations on second shift while hiring and training for the second shift.

“We are extremely thankful and proud of the entire team who has made this moment possible. With their commitment and dedication to make first shift fully operational, we all are looking forward to the second shift ramp up,” says Mark Porter, Seaboard Triumph Foods chief operating officer. He adds, “We’re also grateful for the continued support from the community and local and state leadership and officials.”

On Sept. 5, 2017, the Sioux City plant started first shift operations after a 2 -year plant construction project with numerous local and regional contractors and the construction management firm, Epstein. The design of the facility incorporates robotics and innovative technologies resulting in a modern, state-of-the-art facility to produce the most sought-after pork for diverse global consumers in several market segments including retail, international, food service and further processing markets.

The Seaboard Triumph Foods Sioux City plant, owned equally by strategic partners Seaboard Foods and Triumph Foods, produces fresh pork products under the domestic Prairie Fresh® Pork brand and Seaboard Farms® international brand. Seaboard Foods will continue to market and sell the pork produced by the Sioux City plant. The plant also supplies Daily’s® Premium Meats with raw materials for its premium pork products, including raw and precooked bacon.

At full two-shift capacity, the facility will process 21,000 market hogs daily. Porter says, “We are so appreciative of the collaborative efforts with the regional hog producers who have helped supply our plant. Continuing to build new and strengthen existing relationships with those producers is very important to us.”

Primary hog supplies are sourced from Triumph Foods producer-owners’ farms and Seaboard Foods’ farms. About 30 percent of the market hogs at the Sioux City plant will be sourced from regional farmers who align with Seaboard Triumph Foods’ animal care and environmental stewardship practices, and share a common commitment to seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork.



Iowa Farmers Encouraged to Vote in Corn Checkoff Director Elections

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) will hold elections in Crop Reporting Districts 4, 5, 8, and 9 on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. Iowa corn farmers elect their peers to serve on the ICPB to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff. The Board’s primary activities include domestic and foreign market development, research into new and value-added corn uses, and education about the corn industry.

Crop Reporting Districts 4, 5, 8, and 9 can vote at their local county ISU extension office for their representation on the ICPB for a 3-year term. Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year is eligible to vote in the election.

Candidates are as follows:

USDA Crop Reporting District #4 (Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, Harrison, Ida, Monona, Sac, Shelby, and Woodbury)
-    Larry Buss, Harrison County
-    Brandon Strutzenberg, Calhoun County

USDA Crop Reporting District #5 (Boone, Dallas, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Story, Tama, and Webster)
-    Michael Fritch, Jasper County
-    Rod Pierce, Boone County 

USDA Crop Reporting District #8 (Appanoose, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Ringgold, Union, Warren, and Wayne)
-    Corwin Fee, Marion County
-    Gary Petersohn, Ringgold County

USDA Crop Reporting District #9 (Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Mahaska, Van Buren, Wapello, and Washington)
-    Paul Gieselman, Louisa County
-    Stan Nelson, Des Moines County

Producers unable to visit the extension office on July 17 may vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are available by request until June 25 by contacting the Iowa Corn office at 515-225-9242 or at iowacorn.org. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or returned to the Iowa Corn Office no later than July 17. Results of the election will be made public on July 23.



Continuous CRP Signup Open Until Aug. 17

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has re-opened the signup window for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) until Aug. 17, 2018. An estimated 1.3 million acres is available nationally to be enrolled.

Eligible producers and landowners can sign up at their local Farm Services Agency (FSA) office. The FSA will use updated soil rental rates to make annual rental payments, reflecting current values, but will not offer incentive payments as part of this new signup.

The USDA will not offer a general sign up this year, but will offer a one year extension to existing CRP participates with expiring CRP contracts of 14 years or less. Eligible producers will receive a letter with more information.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has information on CRP available at www.iowadnr.gov/crp.



102 Farm and Food Groups Urge Senate to Include Checkoff Reform in 2018 Farm Bill

Today, 102 farm and food organizations called on the U.S. Senate to restore accountability and transparency to the commodity checkoff programs by supporting inclusion of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, S. 741, in the Senate version of the Farm Bill. The legislation’s sponsors, Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), plan to introduce their legislation as an amendment to the Senate Farm Bill during floor debate.

Checkoff programs have been instrumental in the history of agricultural advertising. Famous campaigns such as “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.” have been paid for using family farmers’ checkoff tax dollars. However, checkoff programs have fallen under the control of commodity trade organizations representing global agribusiness interests, and oftentimes the millions of dollars paid into checkoff programs by hard working family farmers and ranchers end up being used to lobby for policies that hurt them.

The amendment will prohibit lobbying trade organizations from receiving checkoff funds, however, it will clarify that this restriction does not apply to universities. It will rein in conflicts of interest and stop anti-competitive activities that harm other commodities and consumers. It will also force checkoff programs to publish their budgets and undergo periodic audits so that farmers and ranchers know where their hard-earned tax dollars are going.

During the recent debate of the House Farm Bill, Representatives Brat (R-VA) and Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced a similar amendment, but withdrew it to avoid it getting tangled up in the broader political battle which led to the defeat of the House Farm Bill. Checkoff-funded commodity trade groups, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Pork Producers Council, lobbied against the reforms. Their actions resulted in Representative Brat sending an email to his House colleagues informing them that this lobbying by checkoff-funded commodity trade associations was further evidence of why the reform measures need to become law.

The letter, signed by groups including the Organization for Competitive Markets, National Farmers Union, and R-CALF USA, states: “These provisions would eliminate the abuses and conflicts of interest plaguing the checkoff programs and will restore for U.S. producers credible, unbiased programs that can effectively and efficiently promote their individual commodities … For the future of America’s agriculture and its family farmers and ranchers, legislative action must be taken.”



Prime the Pump Success Driving Ethanol Demand

More than 2,800 retail sites will offer E15 by 2021, generating approximately 350 million new ethanol gallons annually, according to a one-pager released today by Growth Energy. The report touts the immense success of E15 and the accomplishments of Prime the Pump, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping build the infrastructure and distribution of higher biofuel blends, to give more and more Americans the choice of E15 at the pump.

“Thanks to the hard work and generosity of participants in the Prime the Pump program, American consumers can purchase E15 at more than 1,400 locations across 29 states,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “American drivers have logged more than 4 billion miles on E15, because when we give them a better option, consumers are choosing E15 again and again.”

Prime the Pump is the market development campaign underway that is delivering new domestic demand today.
-    Doubled the number of E15 stations four years in a row to include 1,400 stations across 30 states
-    Secured commitments of more than 2,800 retail sites that will offer E15 by 2021 generating approximately 350 million new ethanol gallons annually
-    Added three major new retailers to the program in 2017, including a game-changing partnership with Kwik Trip which successfully rolled out E15 at 300 sites in just four months

“All this momentum is at risk unless we get Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) relief to unleash the full potential of E15, because this RVP issue isn’t just about a 3-month dip in sales,” Skor said.

“It’s a major obstruction for those going the extra mile to expand into new markets and grow our industry. Retailers in many markets simply can’t or won’t retool their labels and fuel offerings each summer, which means that E15 is off the menu all year what’s at stake is 7 billion new gallons of ethanol demand.”



EIA: Ethanol Stocks Drawn Down

Energy Information Administration data shows domestic ethanol inventories declined during the week-ended June 15 despite another weekly gain in ethanol plant production, which reached the highest level since mid-February.

EIA reports ethanol inventories declined 527,000 barrels (bbl) to 21.647 million bbl during the week profiled, down 3.1% versus the same week in 2017.

Plant production rose 11,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.64 million bpd during the week-ended June 15, the highest level since the week-ended Feb. 16 at 1.068 million bpd and 7.5% higher than the same time in 2017. Four-week average production at 1.050 million bpd as of June 15 was 47,000 bpd higher than the corresponding four weeks in 2017.

Net refiner and blender inputs, a measure for ethanol demand, fell 12,000 bpd to 935,000 bpd during the week-ended June 15, 8,000 bpd lower than versus a year ago. For the four weeks ended June 15, blending demand averaged 931,000 bpd, down 1,000 bpd versus the same period in 2017.



Fertilizer Prices Barely Budge Second Week of June

Retail fertilizer prices saw small changes the second week of June 2018, continuing muted price movements that have been a feature of the market this past month, according to prices tracked by DTN.

Five of the eight major fertilizers were slightly higher compared to last month, and when rounded to the nearest dollar, some appear unchanged. DAP had an average price of $484 per ton, potash $354/ton, 10-34-0 $440/ton, UAN28 $241/ton and UAN32 $277/ton.

Three fertilizers were lower than the previous month. As with the higher prices, the lower prices were just slightly lower. MAP had an average price of $505/ton, urea $364/ton and anhydrous $503/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.31/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.

Six of the eight major fertilizers are now higher compared to last year with prices pushing higher in recent months. Both 10-34-0 and anhydrous are now up 1%, potash is 4% higher, MAP and urea are 7% more expensive and DAP is 11% more expensive compared to last year.

The remaining two fertilizers are lower in price compared to a year prior. UAN32 is 1% lower while UAN28 is 2% less expensive looking back a year.



Seeking Applicants for the 2018-19 Young Leader Program

The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont are seeking applicants for the 2018-19 Young Leader Program.

The Young Leader Program, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience™ and ASA, is a two-phase educational program for actively farming individuals and couples who are passionate about the future possibilities of agriculture. The women and men who participate in this program will be the leaders that shape the future of agriculture.

"My experience in the ASA DuPont Young Leader program was pleasantly unexpected. From the various socialtraining methods utilized and education on soybean policy, the time spent with my classmates far exceeded all expectations. Based on the common bond of soybeans, my colleagues discussed local issues affecting our regions and the current state of global trade. With the second phase of training held in conjunction with the Commodity Classic, seedling acquaintances germinated into lifelong friendships and the importance of U.S. soybean advocacy was reinforced. I am grateful for the cornerstone to build a role in soy involvement,” said Charlie Roberts (TN), Class of ‘18.

Phase I of the 2018-19 Young Leader program will take place in Johnston, Iowa, Nov. 27 - 30, 2018. The program continues Feb. 26 – Mar. 2, 2019 in Orlando, Florida, in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

“The Young Leader Program is among the most impactful training programs in agriculture, recognizing the value of engaging and encouraging a diverse agricultural leadership. The training allows participants to realize their leadership potential and create meaningful relationships with other growers from the U.S. and Canada, improving collaboration throughout the industry,” said ASA President John Heisdorffer, a farmer from Keota, Iowa. “We can’t thank Corteva Agriscience™ enough for their longstanding support and commitment to building strong, passionate agricultural leaders.”Soybean grower couples and individuals are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, the latest agricultural information and the development of a strong peer network. Spouses, even those not employed full-time on farm, are encouraged to attend and will be active participants in all elements of the program.

ASA, its 26 state affiliates, including the Grain Farmers of Ontario and Corteva Agriscience, will work together to identify the top producers to represent their state as part of this program.

“America’s farmers provide the strongest voice for, not only agriculture, but also for rural America.
We are proud to support the young leader program, which is developing the next generation of
grower leaders and advocates for U.S. agriculture,” said Matt Rekeweg, U.S. Industry Affairs Leader, Corteva Agriscience™.

Applications are being accepted online now. Interested applicants should click here for additional program information and to apply... https://soygrowers.com/learn/young-leader-program/.



Animal Agriculture Alliance announces return of College Aggies Online

The Animal Agriculture Alliance announced that its annual College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program will return this fall, kicking off September 10. The nine-week program, now in its 10th year, brings together students from across the country to develop life-long advocates for agriculture. Registration is open and sponsorship opportunities are available.

This year the competition will feature an undergraduate and graduate division for the first time. “We are excited to watch the program grow every year,” said Casey Kinler, Alliance communications manager. “Adding a graduate division will give students more opportunities to win scholarships and be recognized as future leaders at the Alliance’s annual Stakeholders Summit.”

Students will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders while enhancing their communication skills. Each week participants receive training from industry experts about current and emerging issues in agriculture. Students earn points by completing weekly challenges, including writing a blog post, designing an infographic, creating social media content, attending webinars and more.

Student organizations can also participate as a group and complete club challenges. These challenges include holding an “Dairy Day,” teaching at local elementary schools, handing out candy wrapped with meat myths and facts, and many more. The clubs receive points for each challenge they complete.

“Each year we are impressed by the students’ work ethic and creativity,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “We are thrilled to be entering the 10th year of the competition and celebrate the achievements of so many students dedicated to helping bridge the communication gap between farm and fork.”

Since the program started in 2009, more than 6,000 students have competed with last year’s participants representing 43 states and 89 universities. In 2017, students reached 4.4 million people online with their social media posts and more than 16,000 people in person at campus events.

Collegiate clubs and individuals interested in becoming confident communicators on behalf of agriculture are invited to sign up at http://collegeaggies.animalagalliance.org.

CAO would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. 2018 sponsors include: Seaboard Foundation, Cooper Family Foundation, Ohio Poultry Association, Diamond V, National Pork Board and Domino’s Pizza Inc.



Great Plains Mfg. to Expand Abilene, KS Facility

Great Plains Manufacturing announced they have entered into a contract to purchase a 350,000 sq. ft. building in Abilene, KS.

The facility will enable the company to expand production of its rapidly growing product lines, including Land Pride branded tractor implements and Kubota branded skid steer attachments.

Land Pride is a market leader and producer of tractor and skid steer attachments for agricultural, roadside, landscape, and construction industries. The close proximity of the new building to Land Pride's current Abilene production facility was a key factor in the selection of this site.

"Our company has enjoyed a strong and a long-term relationship with the City of Abilene. We have talented, hardworking and dedicated employees who live in the area. These employees play a vital role in the success of our company, as well as in their community. We look forward to growing our workforce in the Abilene area and continuing our strong partnership with the city," states Linda Salem, President and CEO of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.

In 1986, the Land Pride Division of Great Plains Manufacturing began operations, and has been in Abilene since 1989 with a fully integrated manufacturing facility encompassing 191,000 sq. ft. The new facility will be a similar, fully integrated manufacturing site with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.



Milk Alternatives Gain Ground, Hasten Change in Dairy Industry

As consumers increasingly seek beverages made from soy, almonds, coconuts and rice—even peas and oats—the dairy industry is responding with niche products of its own. But more changes are ahead as the traditional gallon-jug milk business struggles to compete with plant-based competition.

A new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division predicts continued double-digit growth in the plant-based milk alternatives market. Sales are up 61 percent over the past five years, with slower growth of 15 to 25 percent projected by 2022. Meanwhile, cow’s milk consumption continues a decades-long slump.

“The total volume of the alternative milk market is still relatively small and is not a major factor behind declining fluid milk sales,” said Ben Laine, CoBank senior dairy economist. “However, plant-based milks are helping revolutionize how the dairy industry does business. Excitement around plant-based milk alternatives has forced traditional milk to differentiate into a number of premium products in order to compete.”

Premium products buck trends
Laine cites organic, grass-fed, ultra-filtered, lactose-free and a2 milk as niche products that buck the downward milk consumption trend. These products command a higher price and compete more directly with plant-based alternatives. “Certain value-added dairy milk products will experience growth alongside plant-based beverages,” Laine said.

Most consumers who buy alternatives are not completely abandoning milk. “Nine in ten households that purchase plant-based alternatives also buy cow’s milk,” said Laine. “And, among those purchasing both, their cow’s milk choice is more likely to be organic or from the premium tier of milk products. That opens up opportunity for the dairy industry.”

If you can’t beat them, join them
Some traditional dairy companies are adding plant-based alternatives to their portfolios. Even Dean Foods, the largest milk bottler in the United States, recently invested in Good Karma Foods, a plant-based milk and yogurt company. An extreme example, Elmhurst Dairy in New York City, stopped producing cow’s milk altogether in 2016 and pivoted to nut-based alternatives.
 
Rising supply chain and marketing costs
Dairy case differentiation brings complications. Managing diversified product lines adds logistical challenges to an industry accustomed to a commodity product structure. For example, adding a grass-fed option to an organic milk portfolio requires separate handling all the way from farm to milk truck to bottling plant and onto retail shelves.

Marketing costs are also increasing in the form of slotting fees. As plant-based beverages enter the dairy case, many grocers are increasing slotting fees for this now-valuable real estate, altering the cost structure of the traditional low-margin gallon milk jug business.

“Traditional milk bottlers have focused on keeping costs low and have avoided raising prices, hoping to slow the trend of declining demand,” said Laine. “New cow’s milk offerings will challenge the efficiencies of traditional large-scale supply chains handling smaller volumes of a wider variety of more specialized products.”



The Soyfoods Council Shares Several Reasons for Choosing Healthy Dietary Fat

            The multiple benefits of replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fats, such as those found in soybean oil and soyfoods, are highlighted in very recently published studies from three different research groups. The health benefits extend beyond lowering cholesterol levels.  Results of these studies make it clear that emphasis should be placed on consuming healthy fat rather than focusing on limiting fat intake.

            Replacing saturated fat with monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat can make a positive contribution to the diet. Soyfoods and soybean oil are rich in polyunsaturated fat, contain a moderate amount of monounsaturated fat and are very low in saturated fat. Soyfoods are also excellent sources of high-quality protein, providing approximately 7 to 15 grams per serving. Soyfoods provide all of the essential amino acids in the amounts needed for health, without the large amount of saturated fat that typically comes with animal sources of protein.

            Coronary benefits of low-saturated fat diets: In one study published in the Journal of Nutrition, U.S. researchers fed 100 men and women five different diets in random order to determine how these diets affected cholesterol efflux capacity—the ability of the body to remove cholesterol from the arteries. Although each diet was much lower in saturated fat than the usual diet of study participants, the five diets varied in the amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat they contained. Results showed that the experimental diets increased efflux capacity between 34% and 51%. The authors concluded that the effects on efflux capacity may partially explain the coronary benefits of low-saturated fat diets. The Soyfoods Council reminds consumers that it’s easy to substitute silken tofu for part of the mayonnaise or sour cream in dips or potato salad recipes in order to reduce the amount of saturated fat. For example, ½ cup of silken tofu has approximately .6 gram of saturated fat, while ½ cup of mayonnaise has about 5.7 grams and ½ cup of sour cream has approximately 15 grams of saturated fat.

            Additional coronary benefits of unsaturated fat: Another study, conducted by British researchers that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, also highlights the coronary benefits of unsaturated fat. Researchers examined the effect of fat on the health of the endothelium (a thin layer of cells that line blood vessels). Many scientists believe impaired endothelial functioning is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. Men and women participating in the study consumed one of three diets for 16 weeks. The diets varied in the amount of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat that they contained. At the study conclusion, both of the unsaturated fat diets increased the number of endothelial progenitor cells, which are cells that play a role in regenerating the lining of the endothelium. The unsaturated fat diets also decreased endothelial injury. Fiber-rich soynuts, edamame and tempeh are all convenient, good sources of polyunsaturated fat.

            Looking at the effects of dietary fat types on liver health: Results of a third study conducted in Europe were published in Diabetes Care. The study examined the effect that types of dietary fat have on liver health. The rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity in the past few decades has led to an epidemic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—not to be confused with the type of liver disease that is caused by excessive alcohol intake. NAFLD is strongly associated with insulin resistance (inability to use insulin) and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One of the indicators of NAFLD is an increase in the amount of a type of fat in the liver called triglycerides.

            For this study, European investigators overfed 38 overweight men and women for three weeks —an extra 1,000 calories per day of saturated fat, unsaturated fat or sugar.  While overfeeding increased the amount of triglycerides in the liver, the extent to which the three diets affected triglyceride levels greatly varied. The group who was overfed saturated fat had a 55% increase in triglyceride levels, whereas unsaturated fat increased triglyceride levels by only 15%.  Simple sugars had an intermediate effect, increasing the levels by 33%.  Saturated fat also brought on insulin resistance and endotoxemia, or the presence of toxins in the blood.

            Soybean oil and whole soyfoods such as canned soybeans are rich in polyunsaturated fat, affordable, and widely available. To find soybean oil on grocery shelves, simply read the labels on bottles labeled vegetable oil. Soybean oil is nearly always marketed and labeled as vegetable oil. When you’re adding healthy fat to your diet, soybean oil is a good choice because it has a low saturated fat content and a high polyunsaturated fat content.

            Visit The Soyfoods Council website at www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com for more studies about soyfoods and your health, cooking tips and recipe ideas. You’ll also find soy nutrition information and ideas for incorporating more soyfoods into your diet.