INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS
LET'S MAKE A DEAL U.S. Soy Shines at Global Trade Event BY BETHANY BARATTA
G
lobal soybean customers trust the consistent quality of U.S. soybeans. That’s why they traveled to Chicago this summer to the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange and Specialty Grains Conference. It was hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA). The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) was a sponsor of the event. Buyers and end-users from more than 50 countries explored the opportunities for sourcing U.S. soybeans for food or feed. “I came into this with open eyes and an open mind,” says ISA Board Treasurer Dave Walton, a first-time attendee. “I’ve been pleased to see the
broad base of buyers and countries represented here. That’s encouraging. They are still looking to do business with us.”
Sales pitch Soy sellers met with potential customers during trade team invitational meetings. Divided into regions, U.S. grain company representatives had 30 minutes to make their sales pitch. “The best way to describe it is speed dating,” says Sibley farmer Brian Kemp. As a USSEC director representing the American Soybean Association, Kemp was a moderator with customers from the Middle EastNorth Africa (MENA) region. USSEC has identified MENA as a
growing opportunity for U.S. soybean exports. “We are working diligently to foster new relationships and broaden the portfolio of U.S. soybean buyers and this is one way to do that — to expose buyers from all over the world to U.S. soybean products,” Kemp says.
Top quality, consistency Diaa Ghaly, managing director at Trans Globe LLC, a feed, grains and forage company based in Woodstock, Georgia, reiterated the attributes of U.S. soy to potential buyers. “There is a great opportunity in the market because of our prices and consistent quality. The U.S. product has consistent quality. You can depend on it,” Ghaly says. NOVEMBER 2019 | IASOYBEANS.COM | 15
