Holly Lane Farms in Church Creek has sprouted four generations of hardworking farmers. “My great-grandfather began farming to feed his animals,” says Jason Spicer, the current farmer at the helm. Over the years, the farm has transformed alongside the Spicer family. Jason’s grandfather balanced farming with running Spicer Lumber, while still using the land to sustain his livestock. Then Jason’s father, who shifted the focus to row crops, laid the groundwork for the 1,300-acre farm that it is today.
Jason continues that tradition, growing corn, wheat, rye, milo, alfalfa and soybeans. With approximately 800 acres dedicated to soybeans, Jason carefully selects varieties like Stine beans for their herbicide resistance. But soybeans are more than just a crop — they’re a gateway to a world of possibilities.
Soybeans are quite the tiny powerhouse, playing a role in industries that touch nearly every aspect of daily life. Jason says that the soybeans grown at Holly Lane Farms primarily go toward animal feed and refined soybean oil — the bread-and-butter of the soybean world.
But Jason has noticed a shift in the market. “Demand for high oleic oil is increasing,” he says. This type of soybean oil, known for its heart-healthy properties and versatility, is becoming a favorite in both food and industrial applications. From soy milk to soy protein, the appetite for soy-based products is growing.
While soybeans are a staple in food and feed, their potential stretches far beyond the obvious. Jason is enthusiastic about the unexpected ways soybeans are being used. “It’s wonderful that soybeans are being used in new ways,” he says. “I believe we should have even more renewable products made with soybeans.”
And those new ways are nothing short of fascinating. Soybean oil is now an ingredient in products like tires, tennis shoes, asphalt, ink and even fuel. In fact, Prince George’s County is testing soy tires in the county’s fleet. Jason also points out that another potential use for soybeans is aviation fuel. After converting soybean oil into a fuel, it can be used as a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that potentially reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
From feeding animals to fueling vehicles, soybeans are proving to be a very versatile crop. And as Jason continues to cultivate his family’s legacy, he’s also helping to foster a world of new possibilities for soybeans — one acre at a time.
Hungry for more? Read more unusual uses for soybeans. Watch this video about a soybean farmer.
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