An analysis of how Iowa’s soybean production is utilized finds that nearly one of every four rows of soybeans is fed to the more than 38 million pigs raised annually in the state. Aaron Putze is director of communications for the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), which conducted the study. “I can’t say that was something new, but it certainly did reinforce how important pig production in Iowa is to the Iowa soybean farmer,” Putze says.

That’s one reason why ISA backed Prestage Foods’ recent efforts to locate a new pork processing facility in Iowa. “More importantly than that, it’s a win for Iowa — to have close to 1,000 additional jobs that are expected to come online with that facility,” Putze says. “Plus the additional bidding for pigs that will result on the open market, the potential additional hogs fed to satisfy the new demand, and the need then for more grain production.”

Putze says pig production creates a market for 2.7 million tons of soybean meal per year, or 31 percent of all soybeans processed in the state. Poultry, including laying hens, broilers and turkeys, account for another 6.4 percent of meal usage.

(Brownfield Ag News/Radio Iowa)