As a passionate farmer advocate, Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) President Doug Rebout has volunteered countless hours to host various groups at his Janesville family farm, from EPA officials to hundreds of rambunctious grade-school students.  

But he’s never hosted a multi-regional trade team representing 10 countries from multiple continents.  

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to show how we raise our crops and the importance of exports to Wisconsin soybean farmers and our economy,” said Rebout, who grows soybeans and corn and raises custom heifers with his brothers Daniel and David and nephews. “It’s a unique opportunity to share our message with a global audience.”  

On July 25, Rebout will welcome an expansive trade delegation representing countries including Mexico, U.K., Chile, Ukraine and Tunisia. Rebout and WSA are hoping to grow markets for U.S. soybean farmers beyond their largest customer (China). Soybeans are the nation’s top ag export, valued at over $30 billion each year; Wisconsin soybean farmers export more than 50% of their crop to markets primarily in Mexico, Canada and China. In June 2025, WSA Director Tanner Johnson, who also sits on the American Soybean Association, attended a trade mission in Tunisia. And while most U.S. states saw their exports drop by 1% in ag exports, Wisconsin agriculture increased its exports by nearly 2% over the past two years.  

“It’s important to show our trading partners that we’re doing the right things for quality, not just volume,” Rebout said. “That’s our advantage here in Wisconsin and the U.S. – our farmers are raising high-quality crops.”    

The farm-site visit is part of a two-week tour being arranged through the U.S. Department of State and the International Institute of Wisconsin. The project is focused on U.S. policies and programs related to agricultural trade, food safety and sustainable agriculture. In addition, the delegation is visiting with farmers and ag leaders like Rebout to examine how federal, regional and local programs for agricultural research, inspection, trade promotion and resource conservation help ensure U.S. agricultural competitiveness in the global marketplace.  

Rebout reported that a similar State Department-led visit in 2024 resulted in new trade pacts. He’s managing expectations but is hopeful similar breakthroughs can be reached this year.  

“Anytime you can get in front of a trade group and promote our industry, it’s a chance for something bigger down the line,” he said. “And this is unique because so many countries are involved.”  

Rebout said the International Insitute of Wisconsin’s efforts to involved WSA underscore the organization’s increased advocacy presence at the state and national levels.  

“We’re making our voice heard, whether we’re on the Hill in D.C. or the Capitol in Madison, or sharing our priorities within the media,” he said. “All those efforts make a difference and bring credibility to WSA.”  

During the two-hour tour, Rebout will show his guests the latest on-farm drone technology he’s employing on his operation and offer a first-hand look at the status of his 2025 crop.  

“We’ve got our soybean crop right there within walking distance,” he said. “It’s looking pretty good.”