Out of some 683 million bushels of soybeans Illinois farmers produce, 60 percent are exported around the world. Working on behalf of 43,000 farmers, the Illinois Soybean Association Market Development Committee is committed to improving trade relations with importers to move the needle forward and share the stories of those who produce the food we eat.
As the summer closes, we are wrapping up a busy trade visit season. This year, we brought 14 teams from around the world directly to farmers’ fields and into our offices to share the story of Illinois soybeans. From Chicago consulates to trade teams from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe, attendees took a step beyond the surface, saw where soy comes from, and realized the value of a strong relationship with the United States.
While many attendees work in crushing, grain trading, feed mills, food processing, or anywhere along the supply chain, oftentimes, they have never stepped foot onto an American farm. So, it is our mission to provide them with the most authentic view of American agriculture as ISA Directors open their farms.
Each visit looks a little different and varies based on the audience. Some visits spark debate on the technical side of production, amino acid profiles, sustainability, or the supply chain while others are simply used to educate on the importance of soy and how it makes its way from the field to everyday use. Regardless, we take each of these opportunities to improve our relationships with those buying soy or those impacting trade policy to ensure we have a seat at the table where decisions are made. As we expand our reach around the world, we continue to educate on the benefits of buying soy from the U.S. and promote the quality, reliability, and sustainability that our farmers strive for every day.
It is our job to develop and expand markets for Illinois soybeans so the supply farmers produce not only meets the requirements of buyers but also reaches new markets both domestically and abroad to increase demand. Each one of these trade visits we host contributes to that initiative, and we see the positive outcomes of checkoff dollars at work.
By bringing these teams to Illinois, we showcase the competitive advantages of our soybeans in the international market. Driving, they see the efficiency in the robust highway system, various waterways, and numerous railcars that transport soybeans from fields to elevators, processors, and ports. Walking the fields, they see and hear of the farmer’s commitment to soybean production which requires their practices to be conscious and sustainable for both the health of the soil and their long-term profitability. Sitting in our offices, they learn of the technical differentiators that position Illinois’ soybeans ahead of their competitors and how their purchase of our soybeans can put money back in their pockets. Whether they are here as livestock feeders, oil buyers, or soy food processors, we can show them a glimpse into the work done to produce their soybeans and how much our farmers care about their work.
