Courtesy of Kansas State University PROTEIN PROBLEM: As seed companies and farmers push soybean yields higher, some varieties suffer from lower protein content. Researchers are investigating the cause. In the meantime, farmers have four management options to retain or boost protein concentration in soybeans. Researchers dive into soy protein decline and offer crop management tips to boost output. Mar 08, 2021 From edamame to cooking oil and tofu to livestock rations, soybeans are a source of protein in food and feed around the world. However, as yields increase, protein content can slip. So, researchers from seven universities are trying to figure out why.