Why Soybeans? The American Crop That’s Transforming Wellness, Sustainability, and Home Fragrance Culture

By Emilio Horton

Table of Contents

1. Introduction — A Candle Is Never Just a Candle

2. Where This Story Begins — With People

3. A Quick History of Soybeans in America

4. Top Soybean Producing States in the U.S.

5. Why American Farmers Are Struggling Right Now

6. How Soybeans Help the Environment

7. Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax — What You Should Know

8. Soy Candles and Your Health

9. The Feel of Soy Candles in Your Home

10. Lighting a Candle — A Simple Self-Care Ritual

11. Why You Me & Emilio Chooses Soy

12. FAQs — Straightforward Answers

13. Key Takeaways

14. From My Heart — Why This Matters

1. Introduction — A Candle Is Never Just a Candle

Hey friend, can I be honest with you for a second?

A candle isn’t just wax and wick. Not to me. Not in the way I make them.

It’s the little pause in your day. The exhale you didn’t know you were holding. It’s soft light that tells your mind, “Hey, it’s okay to slow down.”

And the wax? That’s a story too. When it’s soy, it’s a story about people, farms, and the earth, not just chemistry.

So, if you’ve got a minute, let’s talk about soybeans — why they’re amazing, why farmers need our support, and how lighting a candle can actually feel like giving yourself a hug.

2. Where This Story Begins — With People

See, soybeans don’t magically appear in jars of wax. They grow in fields, tended by families.

I’m talking about people who wake up before sunrise. Families that have been on the same land for decades. Farmers whose lives depend on weather, soil, and community.

Every time you light a soy candle, you’re supporting these people. Not just a product. Real humans. And that’s powerful.

3. A Quick History of Soybeans in America

Soybeans have been in the U.S. since the late 1700s. But they weren’t a “big deal” until the early 1900s. At first, farmers used them mainly to restore soil — and oh boy, they did it well.

Soy doesn’t just grow; it heals the land, putting nitrogen back into the soil and preparing it for other crops.

By the mid-20th century, soybeans were everywhere:

• Feeding livestock

• Producing oils

• Supporting food production

• And eventually, making their way into home goods like candles and lotions

So, when you light a soy candle, you’re part of a long, American legacy.

4. 2025 Top Soybean Producing States in the U.S.

Here’s a little map of where most soybeans are grown — the so-called Soybean Belt.

Ranking per state:

So, when you light a candle made from soy, you’re kind of “tasting” the heart of the Midwest — not literally, of course, but spiritually.

Top Soybean Producing Countries (2024 - 2025)

Looking at this table, it’s easy to see that soybeans are a truly global crop—but the U.S. is a major player, contributing nearly 28% of the world’s production. Brazil leads the pack, while Argentina, China, and other countries fill out the top producers. By choosing U.S.-grown soy, you’re not just supporting local farmers—you’re participating in a global movement toward sustainable, responsible agriculture.

Global Soybean Production Overview

Over the past decade, global soybean production has steadily grown, averaging 364.48 million metric tons from 2015 to 2024, with a healthy 3% compound annual growth rate. Production jumped to nearly 396.36 million metric tons in 2023/2024 and is projected to reach 424.2 million metric tons in 2024/2025—a 7% increase year-over-year. These numbers highlight the global demand for soy and the importance of maintaining sustainable, responsible farming practices. The United States, as one of the top producers, plays a vital role in this growth, supporting both the economy and communities through its soy production.

U.S. Soybean Production Trends (Marketing Year 2024)

The United States remains a major player in global soybean production, ranking #2 worldwide. Over the last decade, U.S. production has averaged 114.56 million metric tons, with a modest 1% compound annual growth. Production reached 113.27 million metric tons in 2023/2024 and is projected to climb to 118.84 million metric tons in 2024/2025, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase. This steady growth highlights the resilience and importance of American soybean farmers in both domestic and global markets, even in the face of challenges like oversupply and shifting international demand.

For additional information about soybeans production worldwide, visit USDA Foreign Agricultural Service - U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

5. Why American Farmers Are Struggling Right Now in 2025

Here’s the honest truth: American soybean farmers are hurting. And it’s not their fault.

• China used to buy a huge chunk of U.S. soybeans — but tariffs changed that. Now Brazil is taking a lot of that business.

• Domestic consumption is down because of the economy. People aren’t buying as many wellness or home products.

• Supply outpaces demand, and farmers can’t just “stop planting.”

So you see, when you buy soy products, you’re literally helping families stay afloat. That’s not small. That’s huge.

6. How Soybeans Help the Environment

Soybeans are more than economic heroes — they’re environmental superheroes.

• Restore nitrogen to soil

• Improve topsoil for future crops

• Reduce need for chemical fertilizers

• Support sustainable farming

Think of it like this: soybeans don’t just take from the earth; they give back. And isn’t that the kind of energy we want in our homes too?

7. Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax — What You Should Know

Let’s break it down:

In short: soy wax is cleaner, safer, and better for your home. And honestly? It just feels better.

8. Soy Candles and Your Health

If you care about air quality, allergies, or just your lungs, soy candles are a huge upgrade:

• Burns cleaner with less soot

• Safer for asthma or allergy sufferers

• Gentler for pets and children

Basically, they let you breathe easy while you enjoy the soft glow.

9. The Feel of Soy Candles in Your Home

Here’s what I notice every time I light one:

• The flame grows gradually, not harshly

• The scent unfolds slowly, filling the space softly

• The room feels warmer, calmer, more intentional

It’s the difference between a space that feels used and a space that feels alive.

10. Lighting a Candle — A Simple Self-Care Ritual

I want you to think about lighting a candle as more than decoration.

It’s saying:

• “I get to rest here.”

• “This space matters.”

• “I deserve calm.”

Every flame is a small act of self-respect and intentional living.

11. Why You Me & Emilio Chooses Soy

Here’s what goes into every candle we make:

So when you light one of our soy candles, you’re not just adding fragrance — you’re supporting a movement: local, thoughtful, and caring.

Browse more Soybean options:

Soy Wax Melts 

Hand & Body Lotions

12. FAQs — Quick Answers

13. Key Takeaways

• Soybeans = people, land, and community

• Choosing soy supports American farmers during tough times

• Soy wax is cleaner, safer, and longer-lasting

• Lighting a candle is an act of mindfulness and self-care

• Your purchase has impact beyond fragrance — it’s care for people and planet

14. From My Heart — Why This Matters

I can’t say this enough: thank you.

Thank you for caring about where your products come from.
Thank you for supporting American families.
Thank you for letting me pour a little piece of warmth, care, and intention into your home.

Our candles are more than light. They are moments of peace, connection, and love. And I hope you feel that every time you light one.

With love,
Emilio Horton
Owner, You Me & Emilio - Dallas, Texas

www.YouMeAndEmilio.com

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