By Julie Deering, USSEC Senior Communications Manager

In the late August heat, just as some U.S. farmers were making final harvest preparations, nearly 700 international buyers convened for the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange and Specialty Grains Conference, held for the first time in a true hybrid environment — both virtually and in St. Louis, Missouri.

“It’s important to understand how farmers approach sustainability, to see the crop, and to hear farmers’ expectations about the crop … for our own forecasting and scheduling,” said Fares Hammoudeh of the Hammoudeh Group from Jordan. He was one of the 99 international buyers who attended in person for three days of networking, learning, and trade show connections.

Hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), in partnership with the Specialty Soya and rains Alliance, the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange (GTE) — themed as “The Gateway to U.S. Soy” — served as a hub for connecting the soy value chain from the farmers who grow the crop using  precision technology to manage every acre to international buyers who seek specific varieties comprising of characteristics that lead to a better end product for their customers, and all the businesses and organizations that help make that happen.

Bob Suver, a 5th generation soybean farmer and Ohio Soybean Council Board Member from Clark County, Ohio, helped carry the  message, speaking as part of the opening session on a panel providing fresh-from-the-field perspective around this year’s soy crop.

“In my 48 years of farming, this is probably my best soybean and corn crop that I’ve had,” said Suver, sharing that much of Ohio has benefitted from optimal weather and timely rains. “Ohio has a lot of advantages in terms of shipping soybeans.

“I can haul my soybeans and have choices within a 10- to 30-minute drive where I can relieve myself of them, but then also within an hour is a Cargill facility that crushes meal and oil, and
right now they are investing $250 million in that facility making upgrades and expanding it. We are looking for great potential to market soybeans out of Ohio.”

Suver was joined on stage by Doug Winter, an Illinois soybean farmer and USSEC vice chairman; Robert Alpers of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, and Mike Langseth of the North Dakota Soybean Council.

During this session, each of the farmers shared what makes their farms unique and benefits of U.S. Soy, such as high quality, reliability, consistency and sustainable practices that help to make up the U.S. Soy Advantage.

The trade show at GTE also allowed companies and organizations to showcase the U.S. Soy Advantage. The Ohio Soybean Council exhibited at the show, and shared videos featuring on-the-farm innovation, quality and the Ohio advantage.

In addition to Suver, Bill Bayliss, a soybean farmer from Logan County; and Katie Reardon, Global Demand and Market Development Manager, also represented the Ohio Soybean Council.

Thanks to the many sponsors, including the Ohio Soybean Council, Illinois Soybean Association and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council for their support, GTE continues to be a success.

“GTE was a tremendous opportunity to share our ongoing spirit of partnership with customers around the world,” said Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO. “Last year, we set a new export record for soybeans, surpassing 60 MMT, and the world looks forward to securing supplies from the 2021 crop.

“We look forward to many more fruitful discussions in the year ahead, and, with any luck, more safe face-to-face connections in the months to come.”