US. High-oleic soybeans are transforming dairy cow feeding

At Preston Farms in Michigan, the introduction of a new variety of high-oleic soybeans has delivered fast and tangible results. After harvest and inclusion of the soybeans in dairy cow rations, milk fat and protein levels increased within just three days, boosting the milk’s market value. At the same time, the farm managed to cut monthly spending on purchased feed supplements by around 20%.

Nearly 400 acres of high-oleic soybeans were planted as part of a collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), accounting for about one third of the farm’s total acreage. The decision involved significant risk, as those fields could have been planted with corn or other traditional crops. However, the outcome quickly exceeded expectations and shifted sentiment from caution to optimism.

The scientific foundation for this breakthrough was built over more than a decade. A research team led by Professor Adam Lock studied how dietary fats affect cow performance, milk composition and farm economics. High-oleic soybeans, rich in oleic acid, became a practical application of this work. Additional studies showed that roasting soybeans before feeding can further enhance the positive impact on milk production.

By using soybeans grown on-farm, dairies can partially or fully replace expensive feed supplements such as added fats and amino acids that were previously purchased. Rising interest in the new crop has already led to seed shortages in Michigan, highlighting strong demand from dairy producers.

Experts believe the technology has the potential to reshape the entire dairy sector. Michigan is home to more than 850 dairy farms, and the industry contributes about $15.7 billion to the state’s economy. Improving production efficiency and milk quality benefits both farmers and consumers, while the partnership between science and agriculture demonstrates how innovation can support long-term, sustainable growth in the dairy industry.

Tags: compound feed, Milk, cattle