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Current Research

U.S. Poultry and Livestock Fuel Rural Economies

(ST. LOUIS, MARCH 2011) - U.S. poultry and livestock farmers provide more than just meat, milk and eggs, they also produce jobs, generate property tax revenues and contribute to household incomes. U.S. poultry and livestock also consume about 98 percent of the domestically used soybean meal, making them the Number One customer for U.S. soybean farmers.

The United Soybean Board recently funded an independent examination of the most recent annual data regarding livestock's contribution to the economy. Findings show that poultry and livestock produced 1.8 million jobs, and contributed $252 billion in U.S. gross domestic production on an annual basis. Livestock and poultry also contributed $41 billion to U.S. household incomes, increasing income by $3 billion over the past 10 years.

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Past Research

For summary results of past research projects, please click here.

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Research Priorities

The ERSB directors make decisions on research funding according to set priorities, but may also react to emerging issues, such as rust.

Four main areas are given priority:

1. Marketing

  • International and domestic trade
  • Economics
  • Opportunities
  • Biodiesel

2. Production

  • Cultural practices
  • Pest management
  • Economics

3. Education/Information

4. New Uses

Specific problems identified by the Board under those four main areas which need attention:

  • White Mold and other pathogens
  • Genetically altered soybeans
  • Edible soybeans - production and marketing
  • New uses - food and non-food
  • On-farm animal feed use (whole beans) vs. cash crops
  • Feeding quality for livestock - whole cooked, meal - nutritional value
  • Oil and protein - research on beans with higher levels - cost effectiveness
  • Marketing issues
  • Merchandising - future challenges - changes - marketing demand driving production
  • Responses to post application of herbicides with nutrients (i.e., Boron)
  • New methods of soybean innoculants
  • High yielding soybeans - varieties, production methods
  • Plant genetics/physiology
  • Overcoming yield plateau
  • No-till production - yield impact
  • Soybean Rust
  • Field information and technical support - information distribution
  • Economics of weed control - thresholds, cost impact
  • Economic response to early planting soybeans

Remember - this is not an exclusive list. If you have an idea for a project which is not listed here but has the potential to benefit soybean farmers of the Eastern Region, you are invited to enter a full proposal.

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Research Application Process

Once a year, the Eastern Region Soybean Promotion Board funds research projects designed to solve production problems and improve efficiency of soybean farmers in the Eastern Region states.

Projects are considered according to the priority list shown above in the blue box. However, investigators are encouraged to submit proposals for other research that can expand profit opportunities for soybean farmers. All proposals must demonstrate benefits for soybean farmers in the Eastern Region.


Please read the guidelines (Word doc) before submitting the application. (editable PDF format).

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Current Research

Past Research

Research Priorities

Research Application Process

Fast Facts

The soybean checkoff program was a major contributor to the effort to map the complete sequence of the soybean genome. Now in the hands of plant breeders, the map speeds up the breeding process by allowing researchers to genetically test for specific traits, instead of waiting for a seed to grow. New drought-tolerant soybean breeding lines are emerging thanks to this work. That helps produce a bigger crop with less inputs.

Thanks to soybean checkoff funding with industrial partners, the United Soybean Board helped bring 32 new soy-based products to market in 2010. These products help grow demand for U.S. soybeans.
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