Wisconsin soybean farmers are proud of the crops they grow and their commitment to implementing innovative management practices. So much so that they want to let the whole world know.

That’s why trade teams are vital to expanding markets for Wisconsin soybeans.

Tanner Johnson

Wisconsin soybean farmer and American Soybean Association (ASA) Director Tanner Johnson is set to host a Korean feed miller CEO trade team on behalf of the Wisconsin Soybean Program (WSP) at his farm on June 15. The Korean delegation will be visiting the United States June 11-16 with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to continue fostering the country’s longstanding relationship with U.S. soy, which began in 1980.

“I’m excited to have the trade team see what a Wisconsin soybean farm looks like and where soybeans are produced,” Johnson said. “It’s not an opportunity that everybody in the world gets to experience and I take pride in showing the team how much effort, planning and execution goes into producing our soybeans.”

In early 2023, Korea began importing soybean meal (SBM) out of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and during the trade mission, the Korean delegation will be focusing its attention on U.S. SBM.

“As more U.S. SBM becomes available – making it more affordable and more competitive – we hope that U.S. SBM exports to Korea will increase,” said Brianna Metts, USSEC’s industry relations manager. “The Korean feed miller trade team will use this mission to prepare themselves accordingly as U.S. SBM’s competitiveness increases.”

WSP is thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Korean trade team. With a dedicated history of raising quality soybeans, Wisconsin soybean growers are the perfect example to showcase the value of U.S. soybeans.

“Trade teams are incredibly important to us as we export a significant amount of our soybeans to countries all over the world,” Johnson said. “Obviously, we can’t be all over the world to tell our story, so it’s important we educate these trade teams about the quality of soybeans we produce and the methods that are used to produce them.”

Prior to visiting Johnson’s farm, the delegation will be in Seattle for meetings with AGP and Blue Water Shipping at Grays Harbor. They will then travel to Minneapolis for visits with CHS, Cargill and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on June 14.