By Blake Jackson
As the sizzling symphony of National Grilling Month fills the air in July, one ingredient often goes unnoticed: the soybean. While visions of tofu might dance in your head, forget those stereotypes!
A whopping 98% of American soybean meal goes to a surprising destination – animal agriculture. This means Kentucky's soybean farmers play a critical, behind-the-scenes role in bringing your favorite summer proteins to your plate.
Kentucky itself serves as a prime example. Poultry reigns supreme here, with chickens (both broilers and layers) and turkeys strutting their stuff as the state's number one agricultural commodity.
Clocking in at a staggering $1.79 billion annual impact (2022, University of Kentucky), Kentucky's poultry industry wouldn't be possible without its over 850 farms across 50 counties. These farms rely heavily on a steady supply of Kentucky-grown soybeans and corn for their birds' feed rations.
But Kentucky's soybean influence extends beyond just our feathered friends. Whether you're a health-conscious griller savoring a chicken breast on a refreshing salad, or a dedicated carnivore indulging in a juicy ribeye, Kentucky soybeans likely played a part in getting that protein to your table.
Even a rack of fall-off-the-bone ribs owes a debt of gratitude to these versatile beans, as they are often a key ingredient in swine and cattle feed rations as well.
So next time you fire up the grill and savor the smoky goodness of summer, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes – Kentucky's soybean farmers. Their dedication ensures a steady supply of the protein that makes your summer barbecues sizzle.
For more information on soybean farming in Kentucky, visit KySoy.org.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Soybeans