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Soybeans Transform Illinois From 1920s Seeds to 21st Century Cash Crop
In 1922 A E Staley toured central Illinois to urge farmers to grow soybeans. The first commercial crushing occurred in Decatur that October. The piece notes land title issues, buyer protections, and a push to expand soybean uses from animal feed to food products, plastics, and more. Illinois leads in production with ADM and A E Staley at Decatur serving as major processors. The narrative highlights taste acceptance, processing steps, and rising prices benefiting farmers amid record plantings nationwide.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur, Ill
UPI
A.E. Staley
Illinois
Staley
Decatur
United States
Archer Daniels Midland Co
A.E. Staley Manufacturing Co
Pat Simms
Henry Ford
J. Daniel Hines
Hines
ADM
Simms
Richard Burker