As soybean markets evolve, growers continue to look for ways to capture more value without giving up the yield potential that drives their operation. At Stine® Seed Company, that yield-first philosophy remains the foundation of every decision we make, including how we approach soybean oil traits.
“When companies start selecting for traits that don’t prioritize yield, they’re limiting what those soybeans can do in the field,” says Tyler DuBay, Stine soybean technical agronomist. “Our approach is simple: protect yield first. Then, once we know a line performs, we evaluate it for oil.”
This philosophy is what sets Stine’s enhanced oil profile soybeans apart in the industry.
A yield-first strategy
When other companies focus on modifying nutritional fatty acid profiles, like high oleic, the pool of available genetic options narrows, often reducing yield potential. Stine takes a different approach:
- Yield is evaluated first.
- Oil content is evaluated later, after performance is proven.
This means growers can access soybeans with naturally elevated oil content without sacrificing yield, delivering opportunities for added value in the biodiesel and industrial markets.
“These varieties give growers access to more oil but not at the expense of performance. That’s a critical distinction for Stine customers.”
Tyler DuBay, Stine soybean technical agronomist
How enhanced oil differs from high oleic
High-oleic soybeans, such as Pioneer® Plenish®, are bred for a specific nutritional fatty acid composition. While this supports certain market segments, the breeding focus can reduce yield, and products must meet strict fatty acid thresholds to be sold as high oleic. High-oleic oils primarily serve:
- Animal feed efficiency markets
- Food and consumer cooking oil markets
- Specialty oil channels
Stine’s enhanced oil profile soybeans are different. They are:
- Not high oleic
- Not nutritionally modified
- Designed to maintain high yield
- Built for biodiesel and industrial value
“We’re not chasing a nutritional oil. We’re offering elevated oil for the markets, which is the biodiesel and industrial use, while keeping Stine yield where growers expect it.”
Tyler DuBay, Stine soybean technical agronomist
2026 enhanced oil profile soybeans
For the 2026 season, Stine has designated three soybean lines with enhanced oil profiles:
Each one is selected through Stine’s rigorous yield evaluation process and only then tested for oil content, preserving the genetic performance growers rely on.
What growers can expect in the field
- These soybeans are not high oleic or nutritionally modified.
- Yield remains the top priority.
- Elevated oil levels offer value for biodiesel markets.
- Three designated varieties will be available for 2026.
- Standard management practices apply.
To learn more about Stine’s enhanced oil profile soybeans, contact your local Stine sales rep.