Farmers Feed Us

Follow Us on Twitter

Follow Us On Facebook

“I love the opportunity to be a farmer because right now it’s giving me a chance to work with my father.”

Matt Widboom
Soybean Farmer

Name: Matt Widboom
Location: Worthington, Minnesota
Years farming: I’ve been farming for 10 years.
My family: My wife is Teresa, and we have three kids; Riley is six, Wesley is four, and our youngest, Myranda, is two.
How I came to be a farmer: I’m a third-generation farmer. I worked side by side with my dad as a kid and it continues today as he prepares to retire, and I look forward to working side by side with my kids.
The best thing about being a farmer: The best thing is the ability to grow, expand, and improve my business. If I fail there is no one to blame but me.
My personal philosophy on farming: I am proud and honored to be a farmer. I am proud to produce the world’s safest and most abundant food supply, while taking care of the soil that has been passed on for generations.

Soybean Production in Minnesota and the United States

• Minnesota farmers began planting soybeans in 1902. By 1920, they had increased to 311 acres, with a yield of nine bushels per acre. They’re now yielding more than 40 bushels per acre.
• U.S. farmers account for 46 percent of the world’s soybean production.
• 98 percent of the soybean meal produced by U.S. farmers is fed to animals such as pigs, cows and chickens.
• Each soybean plant has 60 to 80 pods containing two or three beans each.
• Soybean oil is contained in such items as vegetable oil, salad dressing, and mayonnaise. It is 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 Minnesota, please visit http://www.mnsoybean.org/.

Adobe Flash Player is required to view this content.

Click the button below to download the latest version of this plugin for free.

Meet Another Farmer