Discovering NC Agriculture is a social media series focusing on N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Originally started in 2025, this series has been renewed to run for another year! Tune in each month to see how an N.C. commodity is grown, harvested, packed for consumer use and more. Learn nutritional value, find fun recipes to try, hear from local chefs who use that product, and other unique commodity facts throughout the series. We look forward to helping you better understand some of our N.C. commodities and how they impact your everyday lives!
The North Carolina Soybean Producers Association has been supporting and benefitting farmers across our state since 1966. From research and development to statewide education, the association works hard to further the industry across our state each year.
The mission of the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association is to maximize the profitability of North Carolina’s soybean farmers in an economically and environmentally sound manner. Every year, the association accomplishes this goal through research, consumer outreach, market development, and advocacy. “From improving production practices through research to engaging with consumers to connect them to the farm, our association strives to benefit the industry in many ways,” said Faith Case, Communications Manager for the association.
Any farmer who grows soybeans in North Carolina is automatically a member of the association. In North Carolina, the annual checkoff for all soybean farmers is funded through an assessment of 0.5% of the net market price of soybeans, collected at the first point of sale. “Half of that money remains in the state where we use it at the association to fund our research, market development, outreach, and producer communications programs,” Faith said. “The other half goes to the United Soybean Board (USB), which invests in national projects.” In addition, the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association has an elite, paid membership called the N.C. Soy Alliance, which supports their advocacy efforts on behalf of farmers in Washington, D.C.
The association is comprised of four staff members and is governed by a board of farmer-directors. “Our Board of Directors is made up of people who are heavily involved in the N.C. agriculture industry, especially soybeans,” Faith said. “They know what the industry needs better than anyone.” As the number one crop grown in North Carolina, soybeans are a major player in our state’s agriculture industry, making the work of the association vitally important.
In North Carolina, the majority of soybeans are used for livestock feed. “Animal agriculture is a huge part of our state’s agriculture industry, which means soybeans are also incredibly important,” Faith said. “Soybeans provide high levels of protein to these animals once they are harvested, crushed, and used to make livestock food. In fact, over two million tons of soymeal is produced each year to feed N.C. poultry alone!” So, how does the work of the association ensure the future of soybeans in our state? Through producer communications, research projects, yield contests, consumer education events, and more!
Research projects are conducted by the soybean association on farms and at research stations across the state. These projects seek to further the industry through testing new soybean varieties, agronomic and soil studies, and disease/pest management. “One of our current studies is looking at deer management, as deer are a huge pest to soybeans in North Carolina,” Faith said. “This research aims to help farmers protect their crops and produce a higher yield.” Variety testing is also a big part of research through the association. In fact, different varieties exist to maximize yields across diverse environments, soil types, and management practices. Farmers, agribusiness workers, and the public can learn about ongoing research, as well as current industry news, at the Soybean Schools organized by the association each year. “Last year we hosted six soybean schools in counties across the state that educated attendees on new research, disease management, and more,” Faith said. “These events are open to anyone and can be found on our website and social media channels throughout the year. We tailor each soybean school to the part of the state that they are held in to provide the most benefit to our farmers,” Faith said. Keep an eye on their website and social media channels if you would like to attend a soybean school this year!
In addition to providing research, resources and more for soybean farmers across the state, the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association also attends and hosts various educational events for consumers across the state each year. “Soybeans have a rich history in our state’s agriculture industry, but many people still don’t fully understand their function or purpose,” Faith said. “Members of our association seek to remedy that through educational outreach such as extension field trips, school visits, STEM workshops for teachers, and an exhibit at the Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh.” The association also hosts an exhibit each year inside the Jim Graham Building at the N.C. State Fair, partnering with additional commodity groups to educate fairgoers about soybeans and the many ways they impact our daily lives. “I love informing people about the many uses of soybeans, including crayons, automobile tires, cosmetic, firefighting foam, and so much more,” Faith said. Be sure to stop by their booth at the fair this year, check out their exhibit at the Marbles Kids Museum, and/or check out their social media pages to learn more about the importance of soybeans in our state!
Soybean farmers play a vital role in our state’s agriculture industry, and they don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. For decades, the association has sponsored the annual NC Soybean Yield Contest to challenge farmers across the state and recognize their hard work through award programs. “The first-place winner receives a $1,000 cash prize, as well as an award at our annual NC Commodity Conference,” Faith said. “We also award regional/county champions who receive smaller monetary prizes. It’s a fun way to get farmers across the state invested in a common goal.” Last year’s winner, Matthews Family Farms in Yadkin County, produced 100.9 bushels of soybeans per acre!
We are so proud of all that the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association is doing to further out state’s agriculture industry and support soybean farmers across our state. Be sure to follow their social media channels for the latest updates and sign up for their mailing list on the website to receive newsletters and annual reports. We can’t wait to see the legacy and heritage of soybeans continue to grow across North Carolina in the years to come!
