By Blake Jackson
Alex Porter, an agricultural student at Oklahoma State University and a future soybean farmer from Dexter, Missouri, recently represented his home state in the Future Ag Leaders Delegation to China.
This initiative, led by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA), aims to deepen trade and cultural ties between the U.S. and China.
Porter was one of just seven students selected nationwide for international exchange. The program provided delegates with the opportunity to engage directly with Chinese stakeholders, explore trade dynamics, and understand the importance of the Chinese market to American agriculture.
Porter’s participation was made possible through a nomination by the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, a USSEC member, and sponsorship from USSEC.
The delegation visited various agricultural sites, participated in forums with Chinese leaders, and discussed key topics such as innovation, trade, and diplomacy within the global food supply chain.
“This mission is a unique opportunity to build trust and connection between young ag leaders in the U.S. and China,” said Matt Amick, director of market development for Missouri Soybeans. “We’re glad to see someone with Missouri roots and strong leadership potential representing us.”
Students in the delegation hailed from institutions such as Iowa State, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, Kansas State, and the University of Georgia.
“I learned about the program through Missouri Soybeans and was later nominated by them,” Porter said. “I immediately saw the value in the opportunity because growing up, I always heard, ‘It’s not who you know, it’s what you know.’ But in this case, who I’d get to know would matter not for personal growth, but for building connections with students from our largest soybean trading partner.”
Porter said the experience broadened his understanding of Chinese culture, economic systems, and agriculture. He highlighted key differences in research models and emphasized the value of firsthand experience.
“If you want to be a future ag leader, you need to understand your counterpart,” Porter said. “As someone from the Show-Me State, I believe in seeing things for myself and this program gave me the chance to do just that, in one of the most important agricultural markets in the world. The benefits are too great to pass up.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Missouri, Business, Crops, Soybeans