Soybean Trade Mission Expands Missouri's Global Market

By Blake Jackson

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) is actively bolstering soybean demand through strategic relationship-building in Latin America.

Recognizing demand as a crucial factor in soybean farmers' profitability, MSMC prioritizes direct engagement with buyers and partners.

“A group of Missouri soybean farmers, Missouri Soybeans staff members and Missouri exporters recently went on a trade mission to Latin America,” says Robert Alpers, MSMC board member and Missouri soybean farmer. “It is always productive to meet our buyers and partners where they are and spend time understanding their needs.”

Mexico, already a major U.S. Soy customer, presents significant growth opportunities due to its proximity to Missouri. "Kansas City is the second largest rail hub in the U.S., so exporting via rail to Mexico is a strong market that presents opportunity for continued growth," says Matt Amick, Missouri Soybeans Director of Market Development. Missouri's strategic transportation hubs, including rail and the Mississippi River, facilitate efficient exports to Latin American markets.

The recent trade mission included meetings with major soybean processors and feed mills in Mexico and Panama. "The largest crusher in North America imports U.S. Soy, and that says something about our quality," Alpers notes. "They mentioned value and transportation availability as benefits to buying our soybeans." The group also visited the Panama Canal, recognizing its importance to U.S. agricultural exports.

"Fortunately, the U.S. has pretty strong market share in Panama due to our logistical advantage coming from the Gulf," Amick says. "Panama is importing about 10 million bushels of U.S. Soy per year. Our proximity and quality allow us to be a consistent supplier for the region."

These efforts aim to diversify markets and solidify Missouri's role in the global soy trade. "The mission of this trip was to put Missouri exporters into contact with possible buyers, and we accomplished that," Alpers states. "The exporters who came with us are putting potential deals together and are just as excited about future opportunities as we are."

Future plans include hosting a Latin American trade team in Missouri and further trade missions to the region. "We have identified this region in our strategic plan for a reason," Alpers says. "The MSMC board has decided these international trips have significant return on investment. Any time we can put a face to our soybeans for potential buyers, we can have the frank conversations that ultimately sell beans."

Photo Credit: missouri-soybeans