The Soybean Challenge: Boosting Production by 2035

Soybeans are a big deal globally, ranking fourth among crops. They're special because they provide both oil and protein for people and animals. Over the past 60 years, production has skyrocketed 13 times. But with the world's population growing, we need even more soybeans. In the last decade, scientists made great strides in understanding soybean genetics and creating new varieties through breeding. Yet, there's still much to do to meet future needs.

Let's look at what's been accomplished so far. Researchers have studied soybean genomics, which is like the plant's instruction manual. They've also used molecular breeding to develop new soybean types. But challenges remain, such as understanding how genes work together and making breeding more efficient. We need to identify what's missing and tackle these challenges head-on. By 2035, we could have better soybean varieties that grow faster, resist diseases, and produce more. This will help feed the growing population and support animal agriculture.

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