South Dakota Soybeans Gain Global Feed Market

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota soybean exports are gaining attention in Vietnam, with insights shared by the South Dakota Soybean Network during a recent industry visit led by poultry nutrition consultant Bob Swick. The growing demand for soybean meals highlights new opportunities for producers.

Soybeans grown in South Dakota are being marketed to buyers in Vietnam who need soybean meal for poultry feed. Vietnam continues to expand rapidly, especially in its animal feed industry, which depends on imported soy products.

“Vietnam is a very quick growing country with a lot of young people, and the animal feed industry is growing very quickly,” said Bob Swick. “And they use just a lot of soybean meal and soybeans.”

Bob Swick promotes the value of South Dakota soybeans to global buyers. During his recent trip, he explained the quality advantages and highlighted how these soybeans support efficient poultry production.

“I was talking about how good soybean meal is made from soybeans that grow in the north part of the U.S. and are shipped out of the Pacific Northwest,” said Bob Swick.

South Dakota soybeans offer strong nutritional benefits compared to other global suppliers. They contain higher levels of essential digestible amino acids, which helps poultry grow better and reduce waste during digestion.

“That's an advantage because when the chickens eat feed made with that meal, they're not getting a bunch of excess non-essential amino acids that the chicken body has to process and get rid of the nitrogen,” explained Bob Swick.

Sustainability also plays an important role. Most South Dakota soybeans are shipped with a Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol certificate. This supports buyers in Vietnam who aim to meet environmental goals and maintain responsible sourcing practices.

Vietnam remains a large importer of soybeans, creating steady demand and future growth potential for exporters.

“So it's a big market for soy,” Bob Swick said, “and it's a big potential market for northern soy from South Dakota and Minnesota and whatever else goes out through the Pacific Northwest.”

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski