With United Nations figures projecting a world population of more than 9.6 billion people by 2050, the pressure on food producers to keep up and plan ahead has reached critical levels.
According to the U.S. Soybean Export Council, soybean farmers, processors, buyers and sellers all play a crucial role in the future of the meat and egg products industry, both as central players in its success as providers of feed inputs and competitors.
Soybean meal is included in more than 90% of diets for poultry and swine, so changes in market demands and management practices stand to have significant impacts on the soybean industry.
Soybean buyers and sellers looking to stay on top of opportunities and get ahead of challenges should be aware of the ongoing changes in the poultry industry.
- The same drivers motivating most alternative protein purchases are also supporting the poultry protein market: lower environmental impact and higher protein for the diet.
- Antibiotic-free production not only changes medical practices for poultry but also the dietary needs of animals raised in these operations with a focus on quality.
- In an era of outbreaks, feed and animal traceability is a safety precaution, adding to consumer demands for sustainability and welfare measures.