The soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] compositional quality is mainly provided by the seed concentration of protein and oil. These traits are critical for sustaining global use, and although there is demand for high protein soybean, no mechanism to differentiate production is in place. At the opposite end of the supply chain, farmers are remunerated on a mass basis without having any incentive regarding seed composition. This study evaluated farmers' perspectives and knowledge on soybean quality and their propensity to adopt quality improvement technologies. Farmers from the main U.S. producing regions (n = 271) were investigated with a self-administrated survey containing 21 questions during 2020 and 2021. Our results show that 84% are unaware of the current protein and oil levels from their own production. A small portion (1.4%) make management decisions (e.g., choice of genotypes or monitor quality) based on the implications on seed quality. However, practices already in place are likely to enhance the quality of seed, namely N nutrition (via rhizobia [12.9%] or fertilizer [5.9%]) and late-season crop protection (17.1%). If farmers are financially rewarded by US$0.50 per bushel, a mindset change may occur. Based on these results, we concluded that shifts in the U.S. production system targeting protein or oil markets are possible, and the constraints are mainly related to on-farm management. However, the challenges for improving the U.S. soybean competitiveness in global or niche markets also rely upon other segments of the production chain, specifically breeders, technology suppliers, and logistical structure.

中文翻译：

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种子成分的大豆管理：美国农民的观点

大豆 [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] 的组成质量主要由种子中蛋白质和油的浓度决定。这些性状对于维持全球使用至关重要，尽管对高蛋白大豆有需求，但尚无区分生产的机制。在供应链的另一端，农民获得大量报酬，而对种子成分没有任何激励。本研究评估了农民对大豆质量的看法和知识以及他们采用质量改进技术的倾向。来自美国主要产区的农民（n = 271) 在 2020 年和 2021 年期间通过包含 21 个问题的自我管理调查进行了调查。我们的结果表明，84% 的人不知道他们自己生产的当前蛋白质和油含量。一小部分（1.4%）根据对种子质量的影响做出管理决策（例如，选择基因型或监测质量）。然而，已经实施的做法可能会提高种子的质量，即氮营养（通过根瘤菌 [12.9%] 或肥料 [5.9%]）和晚季作物保护（17.1%）。如果农民每蒲式耳获得 0.50 美元的经济奖励，则可能会发生思维转变。基于这些结果，我们得出结论，针对蛋白质或石油市场的美国生产系统的转变是可能的，而制约因素主要与农场管理有关。然而，改善美国的挑战