Next week, many U.S. Soy farmers will have the opportunity to meet the international buyers who purchase it. The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) will host its 5th annual U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange Aug. 15-17 at Omaha?s CenturyLink Center.
Indiana soybean farmer and USB director Mike Beard hosted a group of international buyers on his farm before the 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange last year.
?I think I learned as much from them as they did from me,? he recalls. ?It?s important to hear what your customers are asking for; after all, without them we don?t have a market for our product. Marketing is all about relationships, and developing relationships with our international customers creates mutually-beneficial opportunities.?
Nearly 60 percent of the soybeans currently growing in America?s soybean belt are exported. Soy exports generated more than $24 billion of revenue for the United States last year, and this number is growing alongside global populations and economies.
?The United States is a top supplier of the world?s soy, thanks to the sustainable, consistent supply and exceptional composition that U.S. soybean farmers provide,? says Jim Miller, USSEC chairman of the board. ?To maintain this leadership position, it?s imperative that we meet and exceed our customers? demands. This event opens an important dialog that spans the soy value chain, from the U.S. soybean farmer to the end user.?
More than 250 international buyers from 50 countries are expected to attend the 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, in addition to 350 U.S. soybean farmers, exporters, traders and other industry representatives.
Following the event, groups of international attendees will visit U.S. farms for a firsthand glimpse of sustainable U.S. soybean farming practices.
USSEC is hosting the event in conjunction with the Midwest Shippers Association.
