Nurturing relationships to build on the future of Wisconsin soy in the global market– that’s what Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) leaders are hoping to accomplish when they travel Sept. 2-6 to Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Antwerp, Belgium, for an ag transportation visit hosted by Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA).  

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with SSGA for a trade mission to Rotterdam,” said Adam Kask, WSMB executive director, who is attending the trip. “Developing soybean exports through the St. Lawrence Seaway is crucial to growing Wisconsin’s ag economy and we are thankful for the chance to build relationships with European buyers.” 

The conversation, which seeks to explore and promote the interconnectivity of commerce utilizing the U.S. St. Lawrence Seaway, is an important one for Wisconsin, which exports 65 percent of its soybeans, according to the state’s soybean extension program.  

“To successfully ship our soybeans through the Great Lakes to other countries, we need to know what those countries need in order to ship their goods back to us,” said Wautoma farmer Sara Stelter, who represents Wisconsin on the United Soybean Board. “This is the perfect opportunity to accomplish that.” 

Wisconsin Soybean will be joined by leaders from Minnesota Soybean, Illinois Soybean, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), ocean carriers, European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC), the European Animal Feed processing industry and regional economic development groups, among others for numerous tours, including Rotterdam, the largest seaport in Europe and Belgium, one of the country’s busiest ports.  

There will also be a USDA briefing on market development opportunities and a chance to learn more about the future of the St. Lawrence Seaway through meetings and tours. 

For Wisconsin Soybean leaders, this is a natural progression in keeping the St. Lawrence Seaway top of mind for European leaders. In fact, in May 2023, WSMB visited a Moroccan trade team for a tour of the Port of Duluth-Superior and the Hansen-Mueller elevator, which offers potential to WSMB in its ongoing efforts to invest checkoff resources that support increasing soybean exports via the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System. 

“Wisconsin soybean farmers have access to an underused resource in Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway as a whole,” said Steve Wilkens, WSMB director. “This waterway significantly helps our agricultural exports, and this trip will allow us the opportunity to promote the Great Lakes as an alternative viable trade lane, as well as to promote Wisconsin-based soybeans that can be shipped out of the Milwaukee terminal.”