November 2, 2025
Udderly soy-sational!
A once-in-a-generation discovery is transforming a Michigan dairy farm
Michigan cows go bonkers for “super soy” as milk fat soars—farmers are buzzing
TLDR: A Michigan dairy fed high‑oleic soybeans and saw faster, richer milk and 20% lower feed costs. Commenters celebrate DIY feed hacks and crack soy‑latte jokes, while skeptics question the hype and sustainability—yet MSU’s sell‑out seeds and real savings have the community glued to the milky bottom line.
A fourth‑generation Michigan dairy just fed high‑oleic soybeans to nearly 1,000 cows—and within three days milk fat and protein shot up, while feed bills fell by 20%. Cue the comment section meltdown. Backyard homesteaders piled in with DIY feed hacks, and one chicken‑keeper bragged that flax-and-pecan mash makes “very tasty eggs.” Meanwhile, dairy folks are doing the math like it’s tax season, cheering any trick that trims those pricey supplements.
But not everyone’s chugging the hype. Skeptics side‑eye the “once‑in‑a‑generation” label and ask if this is clever nutrition or just a soybean rebrand. A spicy mini‑debate flared over GMO vs. seed variety (it’s simply a high‑oleic type, rich in a natural fat called oleic acid), plus whether roasting beans on‑site is realistic or just farm‑to‑meme. Speaking of memes, commenters joked about cows ordering “soy lattes,” “cows going keto,” and whether these beans count as “artisanal roast.”
The plot twist: Michigan seed suppliers reportedly ran out last year, and the researchers at MSU say on‑farm roasting could replace expensive fat and amino acid additives. Between the cost drops, the quick results, and a new dairy research center opening, the thread’s mood is a chaotic blend of hoedown optimism and “show me the receipts” energy. One thing’s clear: milk money drama is back in style
Key Points
- •Preston Farms planted 400 acres of high-oleic soybeans in spring 2024 as part of an MSU-backed feeding strategy.
- •Feeding the soybeans to dairy cows led to increased milk fat and protein within three days, boosting milk value.
- •Purchased feed costs at Preston Farms dropped by about 20% per month, saving tens of thousands of dollars.
- •MSU research led by Adam Lock found that roasting soybeans before feeding further enhances milk production benefits.
- •Demand for high-oleic soybean seed in Michigan surged, with suppliers running out last year, and MSU launched a new dairy research center to continue producer-focused work.