U.S.: Soybean Production, by year
YearProduction,
in 1,000 bushels
20234,164,677
20224,270,381
20214,464,492
20204,216,302
20193,551,908
20184,428,150
20174,411,633
20164,296,086
20153,926,339
20143,927,090
20133,357,984
20123,042,044
20113,097,179
20103,331,306
20093,360,931
20082,967,007
20072,677,117
20063,196,726
20053,068,342
20043,123,790
20032,453,845
20022,756,147
20012,890,682
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2001 to 2023
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Decline in Soybean Production from 2021 to 2023

Soybean production experienced a significant decline from 4,464,492 thousand bushels in 2021 to 4,164,677 thousand bushels in 2023. This represents a decrease of nearly 300,000 thousand bushels over two years, highlighting a downward trend in production during this period.

Historical Peak Production in 2021

The year 2021 marked the highest soybean production over the last 23 years, with a total output of 4,464,492 thousand bushels. This peak reflects the culmination of growth trends in the industry prior to the subsequent declines observed in the following years.

Recent Trends Versus Early 2000s

Comparing recent production figures with those from the early 2000s, soybean production in 2023 was nearly 70% higher than in 2003, when production was 2,453,845 thousand bushels. Despite fluctuations, the overall trend over two decades shows significant growth in soybean farming efficiency and output.

The Lowest Production in the 21st Century

The lowest soybean production recorded in the 21st century was in 2003, with 2,453,845 thousand bushels. This year represents the nadir of soybean production, from which subsequent years have shown considerable improvement, culminating in the peak of 2021.

Yearly Fluctuations and Recovery Trends

Soybean production has displayed notable fluctuations over the years, with a trend towards recovery and growth following the low point in 2003. Significant recoveries can be seen in years like 2004, with a production of 3,123,790 thousand bushels, and more dramatically in 2018, reaching 4,428,150 thousand bushels, showcasing the industry's resilience and capacity to bounce back from low-production periods.

Comparison of Recent Production to the Previous Decade

The production level in 2023, while showing a decline from the peak year of 2021, is still substantially higher than many of the years in the previous decade. For instance, the output in 2013 was 3,357,984 thousand bushels, indicating that even with recent decreases, the industry has grown significantly over the past ten years.

Variances in Year-to-Year Production

The data reveals a tendency for year-to-year production variances, exemplified by the shifts seen from 2016 to 2017, where production increased from 4,296,086 thousand bushels to 4,411,633 thousand bushels, and then the notable peak in 2021. Such fluctuations underscore the agricultural sector's susceptibility to a variety of influencing factors, including environmental conditions and market demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which year recorded the lowest soybean production?

The lowest soybean production in the 21st century was in 2003, with 2,453,845 thousand bushels.

Terms and Definitions

Soybeans are a type of legume native to East Asia. As an important component of traditional Asian diets, they are widely cultivated for their high protein and oil content, used as whole beans or processed into a variety of food products such as tofu, soy milk, and soy-based meat alternatives.

Yield, in the context of agriculture, refers to the amount of crop that is harvested per unit of land area. It is usually measured in units such as bushels per acre in the U.S.. High soybean yield indicates a successful growing season and typically contributes to a high total production.

Harvest refers to the process of gathering mature crops from the fields. In terms of soybean production, this involves determining the appropriate time to gather the beans based on their moisture content and maturity, and then using machinery or manual labor to collect them.

A bushel is a unit of capacity used in farming to measure the volume of dry commodities like grains or legumes. While the exact weight may vary depending on the crop, a bushel of soybeans is typically considered to weigh around 60 pounds.

Crop rotation is an agronomic practice wherein different types of crops are grown in the same area, in sequential seasons. It helps to balance the soil nutrients and manage disease and pest pressure. For example, a farmer may rotate a field of soybeans one year with corn or wheat the next year.
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