Soybeans: Background and Issues for Farm Legislation

by Mark Ash

Congress is considering new farm legislation to replace the expiring Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. As background for these deliberations, this report provides information on supply, demand, and prices in the U.S. soybean sector. Domestic policy effects on U.S. exports and trade agreements are also evaluated because international trade is an important component of soybean demand. A description of the major features of the current soybean program is included, as well as a discussion of some proposed policy changes.

Keywords: Soybeans, soybean meal, soybean oil, crushing, exports, planting flexibility, loan rate, loan deficiency payment, market loss assistance

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