Arkansas Soybean Month 2014

Last year, Governor Beebe officially proclaimed November as Arkansas Soybean Month! Celebrate this time of year by learning more about one of our state’s most valuable resources.

The main focus of Arkansas Soybean Month is to draw attention to the enormous contribution made by Arkansas soybean farmers to the state's economy.  Last year alone, Arkansas produced 136 million bushels of soybeans valued at more than $2 billion.  50 out of Arkansas’ 75 counties produce soybeans, and approximately 6,800 Arkansans make their living growing soybeans, with thousands more employed in related industries.  Arkansas’ poultry and livestock industries make our state the third largest consumer of soybean meal, and Arkansas consistently ranks in the top ten in soybean production in the nation annually.

During Arkansas Soybean Month, the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board encourages all Arkansans to support soybean farmers by learning more about the soybean industry and by actively seeking out and purchasing products that contain soy ingredients. Soybeans and soy products are not only environmentally responsible but are used in many different and surprising ways, such as foam for automotive seats, tires, insulation, and building supplies as well as everyday items such as candles, cleaning products, paint and cosmetics. Learn more about how soybeans are used on our facebook and twitter pages. #ARSoyMonth14

The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board consists of soybean producers nominated by various producer organizations within Arkansas and appointed by the governor. Although board members contribute many hours of their time to administering the program, they serve without pay. This board, with a goal of improving the sustainability and profitability of the soybean industry in Arkansas, is responsible for distributing funds from the checkoff. Funds are used primarily for research and Extension projects conducted University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.

The new chairman of the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB), West Higginbothom wishes to extend his thanks to Governor Beebe and the citizens of Arkansas for their continued support of soybean production within the state.

For more information about the Arkansas soybean industry and the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, click here.