Most of us would agree the best food is locally grown by farmers we know and trust.

The United Soybean Board, and Hy-Vee Inc. are partnering for a “Grown in the USA” promotion this summer. Typically when we think of “grown in the USA,” we think of tomatoes, berries, watermelon and sweet corn, but U.S. farmers also grow a lot of soybeans.

Farmers use modern production techniques to increase the quality and quantity of the food they produce. In the 1960s, one farmer supplied food for 25.8 people in the U.S. and abroad. Today, one farmer supplies food for 144 people in the U.S. and abroad, according to the USDA.

A new technique called “precision farming” boosts crop yields and reduces waste by using satellite maps and computers to match seed, fertilizer and crop protection applications to local soil conditions. Most soybeans are processed for their oil and protein for the animal feed industry. A smaller percentage is processed for human consumption and made into products including soy milk, soy flour, soy protein, tofu and many retail food products. Soybeans are also used in many non-food (industrial) products.

Soybean oil accounts for approximately 58 percent of vegetable oil used in homes and commercial cooking, according to 2013 ERS data. One of the advantages of soybean oil is its neutral flavor that helps create family-favorite meals without compromising flavor. Many oils sold as vegetable oil are 100 percent soybean oil.

Liquid soybean oil contributes 0 grams trans fat and is high in unsaturated fats and lower in saturated fats. When unsaturated fats replace saturated fats, it may lower both total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.  It’s also a primary source of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that prevents cell damage that may lead to diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It’s also one of the few non-fish sources of omega-3s and the principal source in the U.S. diet. These polyunsaturated fatty acids positively affect overall cardiovascular health, which means it may help reduce blood pressure and prevent heart disease.