Missouri soybean farmers have announced they are moving SOYLEIC® high oleic trait technology further into the marketplace with an updated license agreement with Benson Hill®, a food tech company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants with CropOS™, its cutting-edge food innovation engine.  The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and Benson Hill are working to increase accessibility of SOYLEIC® high oleic soybeans and oil. “Bringing new soybean varieties and market opportunities to growers is central to what we do investing their soybean checkoff dollars,” said Kyle Durham, a farmer from Norborne and chairman of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. “Partnerships are key to bringing growers the best returns, and we’re proud to be taking this step forward in empowering farmers to improve their bottom line with value-added soybean varieties and markets.” High oleic technology is an advancement in the soybean market that gives soybean oil greater potential for uses like baking, frying and sautéing in both commercial and home kitchens. The technology was developed by soybean breeders through soy checkoff-supported research at the University of Missouri. Test plots demonstrating the potential of high oleic soybeans have been planted across the Midwest since 2017, and the trait technology continues to be part of soybean research in Missouri. “The market for high oleic soybean oil continues to grow,” said Kathy Flores, general manager of the Benson Hill soybean business. “We appreciate the investment Missouri soybean farmers have made with their checkoff dollars, and we are excited to offer products that include the SOYLEIC® trait as part of our portfolio of high-performing, in-demand products.” Farmers interested in purchasing soybean varieties with the high oleic trait technology from the program will be able to recognize those seed beans through patent numbers and logos. Commercial seed will be marked with patent numbers 9,035,129; 9,198,365; 10,329,576; and/or 10,087,454 and the SOYLEIC® logo. Proceeds from the sale of soybean varieties developed through the research program are reinvested into soybean research and growing demand and preference for Missouri farmers’ soybeans, and for soy around the world. The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council board of directors and staff continue exploring opportunities for additional soybean research and breeding partnerships, as well as additional license agreements. Those partnerships will be announced as they are finalized. To learn more about the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and efforts to improve farmers’ bottom line through wise investment of the soy checkoff, visit mosoy.org.