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Iowa Soybean Farmer

Jim Brown

“We’re trying to feed the world.”

Jim Brown
Soybean Farmer

Name: Jim Brown
Location: Churdan, Iowa
Years farming: I’ve been farming for 24 years.
My family: My wife Donna and I have four boys – Brandon is 20, Jacob is 18, Trevor is 15, and Colin is 13. We also have our Collie "Shadow," our St. Bernard "Bella," and a few cats.
How I came to be a farmer: Farming is in my blood. When I graduated high school it just so happened that a 200-acre parcel came up for sale and my grandpa bought it and started a 50/50 crop share lease with me. I was going to college, so I farmed on weekends and nights and worked with my dad. Throughout the years I have continued to work with my dad growing our operation.
The best thing about being a farmer: There are many things – working outside, being your own boss, the babies in the spring, harvest in the fall, changing of the seasons, Mother Nature, enjoying the miracles of God’s work every day.
My personal philosophy on farming: Work hard, play hard, pray hard – not necessarily in that order.

Soybean Production in Iowa and the United States
  • Farmers in more than 30 states grow soybeans, making it the second most popular crop in the United States.
  • Soybeans were first brought to America in the early 19th century as ballast in trading ships.
  • The first mention of soybean cultivation in the New World appeared in an 1804 publication promoting the soybean as an adaptable crop for Pennsylvania.
  • In 1929, U.S. soybean production was 9 million bushels.
  • U.S. farmers account for 46% of the world’s soybean production.
  • Ninety-eight percent of the soybean meal produced by U.S. farmers is fed to animals such as pigs, cows and chickens.
  • Soybean oil is contained in such items as vegetable oil, salad dressing, and mayonnaise. They are also used for such things as tofu, soy sauce, and high fiber breads like pizza crust.
  • Soy oil is used in inks and paints.
  • One acre of soybeans can produce more than 82,000 crayons.
  • Soy protein is found in many foods consumed by health-conscious consumers.
  • The average person consumes about seven gallons of soybean oil every year.

For more information about soybean farming in Iowa, please visit www.iowafarmbureau.com

 

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