The first of four United Soybean Board (USB)-funded University of Minnesota High-Oleic Soybean Field Days was held Aug. 17 in Little Falls, Minn. The field days are being hosted to share information on high oleic soybeans and how they are being used as a cheaper, more effective protein source in dairy rations.  

Jake and Brooke Carrow of Enchanted Dairy have been roasting their own soybeans since January 2026. Through many trials and tests with their nutritionists, they have seen a positive outcome of feeding roasted high oleic soybeans over other more expensive protein sources like cottonseed.  

The field day saw great attendance and started with an introduction of the journey Jake and Brooke had to get where they are today with high oleic soybeans. The day focused on three topics: high oleic soybean varieties, soybean roaster and dairy nutrition.  

Grant Winter from Anez Consulting and Nick Schimek from Pioneer presented on growing high oleic soybeans and weed control. With only three varieties on the market to choose from, none with a relative maturity (RM) able to be grown in Little Falls, the Carrow family grows their high-oleic soybeans in Marshall. The speakers discussed one hurdle to account for when planting this type of bean is the weed control necessary to gain a good harvest.  

“I was amazed to hear that today high oleic soybeans can replace ingredients such as palm fat and cottonseed in dairy cow rations, providing high-quality amino acids and high oleic fatty acids, while potentially reducing ration costs and improving feed quality,” said Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Director of Research Sergio Cabello Leiva.  

Cabello Leiva also noted the progress being made in developing shorter season high-oleic soybean varieties for northern growing regions. 

“I am very proud to know that the University of Minnesota, together with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and the United Soybean Board, already has short-season high oleic soybean varieties ranging from about 1.9 to 0.5 maturity,” Cabello Leiva said. “This is a great opportunity for farmers in Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. These varieties are adapted to our conditions and combine IDC tolerance, soybean cyst nematode resistance, Phytophthora resistance and other important agronomic traits, while maintaining high oleic quality and an excellent amino acid profile.”