High-Oleic Soybeans Have the Potential to Transform Dairy Feed Economics

# High-Oleic Soybeans Have the Potential to Transform Dairy Feed Economics A Michigan dairy farm took a calculated risk on a new type of soybean, and the results exceeded expectations. After incorporating high-oleic soybeans into their feeding program, milk quality improved within days and purchased feed costs dropped by 20% per month. The development, backed by more than a decade of research at Michigan State University, is gaining rapid attention across the dairy industry as producers search for ways to manage tight margins in 2026. --- ## The Research Behind the Results Dr. Adam Lock, a professor in MSU's Department of Animal Science and interim chair of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, leads the research group that has studied dietary fats and their influence on dairy cow performance since the early 2010s. High-oleic soybeans contain approximately 75% oleic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid found in animal and plant-based fats and oils. That compares to roughly 23% oleic acid in conventional soybeans. The difference matters: high-oleic soybeans can be fed at rates up to 6 pounds per cow daily without causing milk fat depression, compared to the 3 to 4 pound ceiling that typically applies to conventional soybeans. **Key production findings from MSU research:** - **Roasted high-oleic beans:** 10.2 lb increase in energy-corrected milk per day - **Raw ground beans:** 3.5 lb increase over control diets - **Feed efficiency:** 1.70 ECM per pound of dry matter (vs. 1.49 for control) "Our work builds on over a decade of research in our lab exploring how dietary fats influence milk composition, cow health, and farm economics," Lock says. "High-oleic soybeans are a natural extension of our focus on practical, science-based feeding strategies." The research is supported by funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, the Michigan Milk Producers Association, and the United Soybean Board. --- ## On-Farm Results: Preston Farms Case Study The fourth-generation team at Preston Farms in southern Michigan decided to commit nearly 400 acres, roughly one-third of their 1,500-acre operation, to growing high-oleic soybeans in spring 2024. Brian Preston, an MSU graduate who oversees daily operations and manages nearly 1,000 cows, understood the risk involved. "Those 400 acres could have been our corn and our grain for the year," he says. The impact was noticeable almost immediately after harvest. Within three days of incorporating the soybeans into feed rations, milk fat and protein levels increased, significantly raising the milk's overall value. "There was a lot of relief that it was all coming together and that it paid off," Preston says. "The first thing we noticed when we started feeding the soybeans was that our purchased feed costs dropped by 20% per month, and that was huge. That's a once-in-a-generation change." --- ## Economic Impact for Dairy Operations The financial implications extend beyond reduced supplement costs. Industry analysts estimate producers can realize $1.00 to $1.80 per cow per day in additional income over feed cost when using high-oleic soybeans effectively. **Cost savings breakdown:** - Replaces expensive commercial fat supplements (calcium salts, saturated prills, palm fat) - Reduces need for purchased protein supplements - Can be grown on-farm, creating a closed-loop system - Roasted beans provide additional protein bypass benefits For many operations, the ability to grow their own high-value feed ingredient rather than purchasing expensive supplements represents a significant shift in farm economics. --- ## Processing Options: Roasted vs. Raw One of the more surprising findings from the research is that producers can see meaningful benefits without investing in roasting equipment. **Raw ground beans:** - Process through existing roller mill - Crack beans into quarters or eighths - Minimal additional labor (approximately 4 minutes per ton) - Still delivers 3.5 lb milk increase **Roasted beans:** - Delivers maximum production response (10+ lb increase) - Increases rumen-undegradable protein from 30% to 48% - On-farm roasters range from $10,000 (used) to $100,000+ (new high-capacity) - Custom roasting services available at $38-50 per ton plus freight For producers uncertain about committing capital in the current interest rate environment, starting with raw ground beans provides a low-risk entry point to test production response before investing in roasting infrastructure. --- ## Supply Constraints and Market Development Demand for high-oleic soybean seed has outpaced supply. Seed suppliers across Michigan ran out of high-oleic soybean seed in 2024 due to strong demand from both crop producers and dairy operations seeking contracted supplies. **Available varieties for 2026:** - **Plenish (Corteva):** GMO, Enlist E3 trait stack - **Vistive Gold Xtend (Bayer):** GMO, dicamba-tolerant - **SOYLEIC (University of Missouri/USB):** Non-GMO option - **Olasoy (MSU):** 13 lines in 2025 variety trials Current premiums are running approximately $1.25 per bushel over Chicago cash prices. High-oleic beans require identity preservation throughout production, storage, and handling. --- ## Implications for Michigan's Dairy Economy Michigan is home to more than 850 dairy farms and approximately 436,000 dairy cows. The dairy industry contributes $15.7 billion to the state's economy annually. According to MSU economists, if high-oleic soybean adoption continues at current rates, the potential Michigan dairy market could support 439,000 acres of production, roughly one acre per milking cow per year. For Glenn Preston, Brian's uncle and owner of Preston Farms, the partnership with MSU has proven essential. "Through MSU Extension and working with Adam Lock, we have access to the best and brightest minds in the world," he says. "People at MSU are pushing the envelope to help our industry move forward, and they are helping us be more profitable." --- ## What Producers Should Consider For operations evaluating high-oleic soybeans, several factors warrant attention: 1. **Start with testing:** Begin with raw ground beans to evaluate production response before investing in roasting equipment 2. **Contract early:** Seed and bean supply remains tight; secure sources for 2026 feeding programs now 3. **Monitor particle size:** Proper grinding is critical for nutrient release; whole beans transit the rumen too rapidly 4. **Test every batch:** Mycotoxin contamination requires ongoing vigilance, particularly after challenging growing seasons 5. **Track component changes:** Document milk fat and protein response to quantify economic impact --- ## Looking Ahead MSU's new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center is expected to support continued producer-focused research on high-oleic soybeans and other feed technologies. "Seeing our research in action at farms like Preston Farms is incredibly fulfilling," Lock says. "It's a reminder that the work we do at MSU doesn't just live in journals. It lives in feed bunks, milk tanks, and the day-to-day decisions of Michigan farmers. That kind of impact is what drives us." At a time when many dairy operations are managing through multi-year low milk prices and tight margins, technologies that can cut feed costs by 20% while improving production deserve serious evaluation. --- **Sources:** - [Michigan State University](https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2025/10/research-discovery-transforms-michigan-dairy-farm) - [ScienceDaily](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260116035340.htm) - [The Bullvine](https://www.thebullvine.com/news/why-high-oleic-soybeans-are-about-to-change-everything-for-dairy-producers/) - [MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources](https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/m-aaa-backs-msu-research-on-high-oleic-soybeans-driving-once-in-a-generation-gains-for-michigan-dairy-farmers)