In 1999, producers harvested 216. 5 million bushels of soybeans. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, Indiana has 28,056 soybean farmers growing an average of 178 acres of soybeans each year. Additionally, Indiana farmers produce 8.2 percent of all soybeans in the United States.
Soybeans are a major source of domestic and international trade for Indiana agriculture.
Increasingly, the soybean is becoming a natural source of essential nutrients and vitamins, as well as amino acids and protein. They are used in a variety of ways including margarine, vegetable oil, salad dressing and mayonnaise. Whole soybeans and protein from soybean meal is found in feeds for poultry, swine and other animals. Tofu and soy flour are used in baked goods and high fiber breads. Soy protein also is an ingredient used in many of the foods consumed by health-conscious consumers.