In the early 1900's, Henry Ford began to find many uses for soybeans. One of the more widely known products he made from soy was an auto trunk lid. Ford even hit the lid with an axe to show durability. It may prevent cancer and heart disease. Soy is found in a variety of foods such as soy nuts, soymilk, tofu and soy cheese.
Soybeans are an important source of protein for animals.
Poultry, dogs, cattle, hogs and fish are all consumers of soy-based animal feeds. In 1998, Michigan harvested 1.0 million acres of soybeans and an average of 36 bushels per acre. Today more soybeans are grown in the United States than any where else in the world.