The American Soy Bean

The American Soy Bean

🌱 From Field to Flame: How Buying Soy Wax Candles Supports American Farmers

If you've ever lit a candle to unwind after a long day, chances are you didn't think too hard about what it was made of. But if that candle was made from soy wax, you were doing more than just creating a cozy atmosphere—you were supporting American farmers, the U.S. economy, and a cleaner planet. 🌍

So let’s take a little journey from the Midwest soybean fields all the way to that peaceful glow on your nightstand. Spoiler alert: the humble soybean has quite the glow-up.

🌾 Where and How Soybeans Are Grown in the Midwest

Soybeans are the quiet superstars of American agriculture. They're planted in late spring and harvested in the fall, often in rotation with corn. These protein-packed legumes thrive in the rich soils and temperate climate of the Midwest—also known as the Corn Belt, but don’t let the name fool you. Soy is king here, too.

Farmers plant soybean seeds in tidy rows across miles of open fields. These plants soak up sun and rain all summer long, maturing into pods full of tiny green beans. Once harvested, those beans are trucked off to be cleaned, sorted, and—depending on their final destination—processed into products as varied as tofu, animal feed, biodiesel, or yes, soy wax.

Soybeans aren’t just “grown”—they’re cultivated with precision, care, and generations of farming knowledge. And most of this happens right in the heart of the country.

🌽 The Soybean Power States: Who Grows the Most?

If soybean farming had a leaderboard, it would look something like this:

  1. Illinois

  2. Iowa

  3. Minnesota

  4. Indiana

  5. Nebraska

  6. Missouri

  7. Ohio

These states form the backbone of U.S. soybean production, collectively producing billions of bushels each year. (To put it in perspective, in 2023 alone, U.S. farmers harvested over 4 billion bushels of soybeans—more than 120 million tons!)

And it's not just big corporate farms. Many soybean farms are family-owned operations passed down through generations. So every time you support a soy-based product, you’re often supporting the family farm model—people whose livelihoods depend on what the land produces.

🌍 From the Midwest to the World: Where Do U.S. Soybeans Go?

Believe it or not, much of what’s grown in those fields doesn't stay in the U.S. The United States is one of the largest exporters of soybeans in the world - Exporting over $30 Billion in revenue 2023/2024 alone, with major buyers including:

  • China (by far the biggest)

  • Mexico

  • Japan

  • The European Union

  • Indonesia

Why the demand? Soybeans are incredibly versatile and used around the globe for food, livestock feed, oil, and industrial products. When international markets buy American soy, it boosts the U.S. economy and supports rural jobs across the country.

But a big chunk of those soybeans stay right here at home—and some end up in something you might not expect: candles.

🕯️ From Bean to Wax: How Soy is Transformed

Here’s where the alchemy happens. Once soybeans are harvested, they’re cleaned and dehulled, and then crushed to separate out the valuable soybean oil.

This oil undergoes a process called hydrogenation, which turns the liquid oil into a soft, solid wax. This wax is 100% plant-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic—a much cleaner alternative to traditional paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum.

Soy wax burns cleaner, slower, and often holds fragrance better than paraffin, making it a go-to for natural candle makers and eco-conscious shoppers. And the best part? It all starts with a plant grown in the dirt, not pumped from the ground.

💡 Why Buying Soy Wax Candles Supports American Agriculture

Every soy wax candle you buy contributes to a domestic supply chain that includes:

  • Farmers in states like Iowa and Illinois

  • Processors and refiners turning soybean oil into wax

  • Candle manufacturers sourcing U.S.-made wax and pouring candles in American facilities

So when you light a soy wax candle, you're not just setting a mood—you’re fueling local economies, supporting rural communities, and investing in sustainable production.

It’s a small switch in your shopping habits that makes a big impact. Plus, soy wax candles are often made by small businesses who prioritize clean ingredients, safe practices, and American-made materials. It's a win-win.

✨ Small Flame, Big Impact

Soy wax candles might seem like a simple luxury, but they carry a powerful ripple effect. They connect you to the land, to the farmers who tend it, and to the manufacturers who transform crops into products you love.

So the next time you’re browsing candles, take a peek at the label. If it says soy wax, you can feel good knowing you’re supporting American agriculture, sustainable practices, and homegrown industry—all with one cozy little flame.

~Thank you for taking the time to read our story, we hope you consider supporting us in the future and take the time to subscribe to our news letter for more blog posts from us as well as any updates we may have - Feel free to reach out to us and learn more about our family business! 

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