06 Feb 2015

Checkoff Helps Commercialize 33 New Soy-Based Products

By United Soybean Board

ST. LOUIS (Feb. 5, 2015) - What does foam that keeps floors from squeaking have in common with NASCAR racing tires? Both contain soybean oil. Both are on the list of 33 new products commercialized in 2014 with soy checkoff support. And both are driving demand for U.S. soybeans.

All together, more than 800 soy-based products have been developed with checkoff support since 1990. United Soybean Board (USB) director Dale Profit, a soybean farmer from Van Wert, Ohio, has seen many advancements firsthand and anticipates even more soy-based product development in the future.

"Some new uses, like biodiesel, are high-volume," Profit explains. "Other products, like carpet backing, paint and concrete-release forms, may use smaller amounts of soy, but have higher value. The market for ingredients like soy polyols keeps increasing in industries ranging from automotive to furniture manufacturers, which increases the demand for U.S. soy at home and abroad."

Checkoff-funded research continues to pay dividends as manufacturers look for ways to displace industry standards like petroleum, latex, mineral oil and other possibly carcinogenic materials in their products. Raw materials from sustainable soy provide environmental benefits and have been proven to perform as well as the ingredients they replace in a wide range of products, at a comparable cost. In fact, some perform even better.

Browse USB's Soy Products Guide, an online catalog of the thousands of currently available soy-based products, ingredients and manufacturers.

New soy-based products and ingredients introduced in 2014 as a result of checkoff support include :

PLASTICS

Eco Ultimate Silencer™ - Foam underlayment and carpet cushion by Foam Products Corp.
Eco Silencer HD FOF™ - A high-density-foam underlayment for floors by Foam Products Corp.
BETAFOAM™ Renue - Sound-deadening foam by Dow Chemical that is used in cars
Automotive seating for GM cars - Foam made with soy polyols by Lear Corporation
TSE EcoWIND™ - A polyurethane resin with soy oil for filament winding by TSE Industries, Inc.

RUBBER

NASCAR Racing Tires - Soybean oil used in rubber compounds by Goodyear Tire & Rubber

COATINGS /PRINTING INKS

Avicor® 384 and Avicor® 385 - Low-VOC architectural latex paints by Celanese
Beckosol AQ® 400 - Traffic line paint by Reichhold

ADHESIVES

Liquamelt® - A new adhesive system for wood by H.B. Fuller
CedarSafe® - 4'x8' flakeboard panels used to make cedar closets made with Soyad® soy-based adhesive by Giles & Kendall, Inc.
Hardwood plywood panels - Made with Soyad® soy-based adhesive by States Industries, LLC, and available in home-improvement stores
Pangua PureGlue™ - Plywood with Soyad® soy-based adhesive made by Panguaneta S.P.A.
NU GREEN® - Particleboard and thermofused laminates by Uniboard Canada that replace formaldehyde with Soyad® soy-based adhesive

PAPER

AW-130SB™, AW-140SB™, AW-150SB™ - Soy wax emulsions for paper and packaging applications by A&W Products
PSA50MA™ and A5060™ - Binders for paper and paperboard made by Applied Protein Systems

SOLVENTS

Elevance Clean™ 1200 - Zero-VOC metal degreaser made by Elevance Renewable Sciences
ECO-300™ and MFS-Green™ - Oil-storage-tank cleaners made by FloTek industries

LUBRICANTS

GEOlube SCO™ - Oil-well-drilling lubricants by GEO Specialty Chemicals 
Concert™ GC-350 - A grease-processing aid made by Elevance Renewable Sciences

EMERGING INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES

StimOil® FBA M, StimOil® FBA Plus, StimOil® EC, and StimOil® EN - Downhole crude oil recovery aides by FloTek industries
Azelaic acid - A soy-derived product by Emery Oleochemicals that is used in Nylon 6.9 and greases
Pelargonic acid - A soy-derived product used in paints, inks and greases by Emery Oleochemicals

WAX

Soy-based candles - Bennington Candle Company
Soy-based candles - Coyer Candle Company
Soy-based candles - Prize Candle Company

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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16 Jan 2015

Higher Protein Content Boosts Value of Crop

By United Soybean Board

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 15, 2015) - Farmers have often heard that higher-quality soybeans could generate more value. Now, a new soy-checkoff-funded study shows how much more.

The price of soybeans is driven by the combined value of soybean meal, oil and hulls, a measurement known as the estimated processed value (EPV). The study, conducted by Centrec Consulting Group LLC, shows how EPV increases when farmers raise the protein content in their soybeans. In fact, increasing protein content by 1 percentage point, when yield and oil levels remain the same, increases a crop's value per acre.

"Higher-quality soybean meal is a win-win for both the soybean farmer and livestock and poultry producers," says Laura Foell, chair of the United Soybean Board's Meal Action Team and a soybean farmer from Schaller, Iowa. "Farmers can provide animal ag with the quality of feed the industry demands, and the value farmers get in return will rise." 

The checkoff conducted the study in 13 states where EPV increased by between $7.70 and $12.96 per acre, depending on the state. The state-by-state increases are as follows:

•    Illinois: $11.16
•    Indiana: $10.62
•    Iowa: $12.33
•    Kansas: $7.70
•    Kentucky: $10.00
•    Michigan: $8.83
•    Minnesota: $12.43
•    Missouri: $9.07
•    Nebraska: $12.96
•    North Dakota: $10.81
•    Ohio: $9.25
•    South Dakota: $11.35
•    Wisconsin: $11.26

Farmers in regions with higher-quality soybeans receive better prices than those in areas with lower protein content. That is because higher-quality soybeans create more demand. That brings processors more value and allows them to pay more to farmers. Seed selection is the key to growing soybeans that are high in quality. Farmers should ask their seed dealer or visit www.GrowSoybeanValue.com to find varieties that will produce greater protein without sacrificing yield.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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16 Dec 2014

New Chairman Elected to Keep Moving Checkoff Forward

By United Soybean Board

Kansas farmer to draw on input from CONNECTIONS meeting to benefit soybean farmers

ST. LOUIS (Dec. 15, 2014) - Bob Haselwood, soybean farmer from Berryton, Kansas, has been elected by his fellow United Soybean Board (USB) farmer-directors to lead the board in investing soy checkoff funds for the next year. In addition to the support from the other 69 farmer leaders, Haselwood also has the input from the recently held 2014 CONNECTIONS meeting to help guide him.

"Having the feedback from the industry-wide CONNECTIONS meeting really helps us as farmer-directors to lay a path for the future of this organization," says Haselwood. "And in addition to that, I've got a great group to help me lead this board, and we're excited to get to work."

The following farmer-leaders will be joining Haselwood on the executive committee to oversee USB's profit-building projects:

  • Vice Chairman: Jared Hagert, Emerado, North Dakota
  • Secretary: Dwain Ford, Kinmundy, Illinois
  • Treasurer: John Motter, Jenera, Ohio
  • Meal Action Team Chair: Laura Foell, Schaller, Iowa
  • Oil Action Team Chair:  Jimmy Sneed, Hernando, Mississippi
  • Freedom to Operate Action Team Chair: Bill Beam, Elverson, Pennsylvania
  • Customer Focus Action Team Chair: John Dodson, Halls, Tennessee
  • International Opportunities Target Area Coordinator: Dwain Ford, Kinmundy, Illinois
  • Domestic Opportunities Target Area Coordinator: Lewis Bainbridge, Ethan, South Dakota
  • Communications Target Area Coordinator: Nancy Kavazanjian, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
  • Past Chairman: Jim Call, Madison, Minnesota
Additionally, Nebraska farmer Gregg Fujan will serve as Supply Target Area coordinator. Keith Tapp, from Kentucky, will serve as Audit & Evaluation Committee chair.

Members of the Strategic Management Committee (SMC) will continue to keep the checkoff's strategic goals at the forefront. Farmer-leaders who will serve on the SMC include :
  • Jared Hagert, Emerado, North Dakota
  • Jim Call, Madison, Minnesota
  • Mike Beard, Frankfort, Indiana
  • Larry Marek, Riverside, Iowa
  • Ron Ohlde, Palmer, Kansas
  • John Motter, Jenera, Ohio
In addition to electing a new slate of officers, 19 checkoff farmer-leaders were sworn in. Five of these directors are new to the board, with 14 returning.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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10 Dec 2014

CONNECTIONS 2014 AND USB ANNUAL MEETING

By United Soybean Board

With 569,998 U.S. soybean farmers growing crops to serve both new and long-standing industries, the future of this crop is essential. The United Soybean Board (USB) is bringing together numerous industry stakeholders to strategize about its future at CONNECTIONS 2014: Ahead of the Curve, Accelerating U.S. Soy's Future.

The event is designed to answer the question, "How can the U.S. soybean industry position itself for the 21st century and beyond?" Representatives from every aspect of the soy value chain, including farmers, processors, input providers, customers, researchers and more, will attend and contribute to that answer. 

Following the event, USB will hold its annual meeting at the same location. During this meeting, the 70 USB directors will begin using the information learned from CONNECTIONS to shape the board's strategy with the goal of boosting the profit potential of all U.S. soybean farmers.

In addition, activities at USB's annual meeting will include :
• Swearing in 19 directors, including 14 returning farmer-leaders and five new representatives.
• Electing new USB executive committee members.
• Evaluating progress on marketing, promotion and research projects.

Media are invited to cover these events in person or via a teleconference with the new executive committee on Friday, Dec. 12.

CONNECTIONS 2014: Wednesday, Dec. 10
USB Annual Meeting: Thursday-Friday, Dec. 11-12
USB Media Teleconference: Friday, Dec. 12, 7:30 a.m. Central time
Hilton at the Ballpark
1 South Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102

Teleconference Call-In Number: 866-378-7315
Conference ID:  34279312
20 Nov 2014

Soy Checkoff Farmer-Leader Appointed USFRA Chairperson

By United Soybean Board
Kavazanjian brings passion for communicating with consumers about where food comes from

ST. LOUIS (Nov. 20, 2014) - The United Soybean Board (USB) congratulates soy checkoff farmer-leader Nancy Kavazanjian on her election as chairperson of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA).

Kavazanjian, a soybean farmer from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, is in her fourth year as a USB farmer-director.

"Nancy is a dedicated farmer-director and a great asset to our industry," says USB Chairman Jim Call, a soybean farmer from Madison, Minnesota. "She'll continue to be a leader in telling ag's story."

Previously, Kavazanjian served as vice chairperson of USFRA, which consists of more than 80 farmer- and rancher-led organizations and agricultural partners representing virtually all aspects of agriculture. The organization works to engage in dialogue with consumers who have questions about how today's food is grown and raised.

"Our goal at USFRA is to build trust in the way American farmers and ranchers produce food, and this helps to maintain our freedom to operate," Kavazanjian says. "This mission is at the heart of both USFRA's and USB's work."

In addition to her leadership roles within the soy checkoff and USFRA, Kavazanjian is also a member of two state-level organizations: the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association and Wisconsin Women in Agriculture. She is also a contributor to her family's farming operation, Hammer & Kavazanjian Farms, which grows soybeans, corn and wheat.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

###

17 Nov 2014

U.S. Soy Exports Hit New Milestones

By United Soybean Board

U.S. farmers export over 2 billion bushels of soy worth $30 billion; China imports over 1 billion bushels ST. LOUIS (Nov. 13, 2014) - U.S. soybean farmers continue to provide their international customers with reliable, quality products, and those customers have once again rewarded them with big purchases. In the 2013/2014 marketing year, the United States exported over 2 billion bushels of U.S. soy, valued at more than $30 billion.

The year got off to a fast start, exceeding the predicted export numbers in early 2014 and finishing strong with record-size crops starting to come out of the fields. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the 2013/2014 export total includes more than 1.6 billion bushels of whole U.S. soybeans, meal from 484 million bushels of U.S. soybeans and oil from 161 million bushels. This total represents 62 percent of U.S. soybean production from last year.

"U.S. soybean farmers are committed to meeting global demand with a quality product," says Dwain Ford, United Soybean Board International Opportunities Target Area Coordinator and soybean farmer from Kinmundy, Illinois. "These export numbers prove that U.S. soy is a highly valued product in the global marketplace and that U.S. soybean farmers are doing our job."

Top buyers of whole U.S. soybeans in 2013/2014 include :
•    China: 1.013 billion bushels
•    Mexico: 124 million bushels
•    Indonesia: 75 million bushels

Top buyers of U.S. soybean meal in 2014 include :
•    Mexico: meal from 68 million bushels of U.S. soybeans
•    Philippines: meal from 59 million bushels
•    Canada: meal from 45 million bushels

Top buyers of U.S. soybean oil in 2014 include :
•    Mexico: oil from 36 million bushels of U.S. soybeans
•    China: oil from 35 million bushels
•    Dominican Republic: oil from 22 million bushels

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard
###
15 Oct 2014

USDA Announces 19 USB Farmer-Director Appointments

By United Soybean Board
Fourteen returning, five new directors will be sworn in at annual meeting

ST. LOUIS (October 14, 2014) - Nineteen farmer-leaders will be sworn in as directors of the United Soybean Board (USB) in December, after their recent appointments by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The 19 soybean farmers from across the United States include five new appointees and 14 returning directors. These volunteer farmers invest soy checkoff funds on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers in projects to increase the value of U.S. soybean meal and oil, ensure U.S. farmers and their customers maintain the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers.

"We're looking forward to welcoming these new and returning farmer-leaders to the board," says Jim Call, USB chairman and soybean farmer from Madison, Minnesota. "We know that they will work with their fellow USB directors in wisely investing checkoff dollars for the benefit of all U.S. soybean farmers."

Appointed farmer-leaders include :

  • Angela M. Dee, Aliceville, Alabama*
  • Robert L. Stobaugh, Atkins, Arkansas*
  • Dwain L. Ford, Kinmundy, Illinois*
  • Michael A. Beard, Frankfort, Indiana*
  • Larry K. Marek, Riverside, Iowa*
  • Thomas E. Oswald, Cleghorn, Iowa
  • Craig M. Gigstad, Valley Falls, Kansas*
  • Keith N. Tapp, Sebree, Kentucky*
  • Belinda L. Burrier, Union Bridge, Maryland
  • Herbert N. Miller, Niles, Michigan
  • Scott G. Singlestad, Waseca, Minnesota*
  • James D. Sneed, Senatobia, Mississippi*
  • George L. Rone, Portageville, Missouri
  • Mike G. Korth, Randolph, Nebraska
  • Daniel J. Corcoran, Piketon, Ohio*
  • Ellie W. Green, Lynchburg, South Carolina*
  • Robert J. Metz, Peever, South Dakota*
  • David E. Nichols, Ridgely, Tennessee*
  • Thomas P. Rotello, Navasota, Texas*

*Indicates returning director

All appointees serve three-year terms, beginning Dec. 11, when they'll be sworn in at USB's annual meeting in St. Louis. Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSBs) nominated all of the appointees.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

###

03 Oct 2014

Soy Buyers Prefer Predictability of U.S. Shipments

By United Soybean Board
Soy checkoff study compares cost, transit times of soy shipments from U.S., Brazil, Argentina

ST. LOUIS (October 2, 2014) - Some international buyers prefer U.S. soy to that from top competitors Brazil and Argentina because they can count on it reaching them in a timely manner, according to a new soy-checkoff-funded study.

In fact, foreign soy buyers often pay as much attention to the timeliness of a shipment delivery as they do to the price. That's because late shipments can be expensive for buyers, as they incur costs in trying to find replacement crop, slowing down crush facilities and other problems that arise when shipments don't arrive in the time frame that was promised.

"Our industry depends on the reliability of our transportation system to keep us competitive in the global market," says Dwain Ford, soybean farmer from Kinmundy, Illinois, and United Soybean Board (USB) International Opportunities Target Area coordinator. "This study really shows the advantage the roads, rails and rivers give us and how important it is to maintain and improve our infrastructure."

Conducted in partnership with the checkoff-supported Soy Transportation Coalition, the study gathered input from buyers in China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam to get firsthand reports on the timeliness of shipments and the repercussions late shipments have on their businesses. In most of these markets, U.S. shipments were the most predictable, with several participants adding that they prefer to buy from the United States because of this predictability.

Argentina has the advantage when it comes to shipping costs because of its relatively short distances from the growing areas to major ports for export. But U.S. soy rises to the top because of the relatively short amount of time it takes for soybeans to move from the growing areas to export position, which greatly impacts the United States' edge in delivery predictability. Even though U.S. soybeans have the longest distances to travel, the extensive U.S. rail and river infrastructures move these beans quickly, and the port infrastructure allows for timely loading and limited delays. Both Brazil and Argentina have significantly less rail and underdeveloped inland waterway systems, so roads are the main mode used to move products from growing areas to export position.

"It's great to see the infrastructure here in the United States is still doing its job," adds Ford. "But if our competitors continue to update their infrastructure and we don't, we could easily fall behind. It's vital to U.S. soybean farmers and the U.S. soy industry that we protect this advantage."

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

###

01 Oct 2014

New Calculator Can Help Soybean Farmers with Seed Decisions

By United Soybean Board
How much does growing IP soybeans really cost?

ST. LOUIS (September 30, 2014) - Facing lower soybean cash prices this year, farmers are looking for opportunities to add to their bottom lines. Growing identity-preserved (IP) soybeans is one option for additional profit opportunities, but the costs can seem overwhelming to farmers thinking about getting started.

U.S.-soy-industry-led board QUALISOY developed a calculator that can help farmers determine how much profit they can add by growing IP soybeans, including high oleic varieties.

The calculator, based on a Purdue University study, helps farmers navigate the typical steps required to produce and segregate IP soybeans and gives them an estimate of added profit potential. The United Soybean Board's Value Task Force funded the study.

"The charge of the Value Task Force is to try to find the next big thing that could really create opportunities for soybean farmers, and we feel that there is a lot of opportunity in IP soybeans," says Dan Corcoran, a soybean farmer from Piketon, Ohio, and chair of the Value Task Force. "Whether a farmer has ever grown IP soybeans before or not, this tool will help determine the potential value that is out there."

This calculator, available for use on http://soyinnovation.com/inputs-handling/, also gives a quick look into the limited costs associated with growing IP or high oleic soybeans.

"The soybean calculator is easy to access and has straightforward questions," says Corcoran. "It takes you on a logical path to get a basis for non-IP products and what it takes to deliver a crop. Then it goes into the additional costs and revenue associated with growing IP soybeans.

"This tool helps you make an educated business decision by removing a large amount of guesswork. It gives soybean farmers a good overview of exactly what we need to invest when we choose to grow IP."

Right now, opportunities available for soybean farmers to grow IP include non-GMO, food-grade and high oleic soybeans. However, high oleic soybeans have easier handling procedures compared with other IP soybeans. The calculator takes those factors into consideration when delivering its results.

"With the current state of soybean prices, it is important for soybean farmers to grow a product that has increasing demand," concludes Corcoran. "This concept of growing a product that customers are demanding is beneficial for farmers in general."

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

###

22 Sep 2014

Export Customers Commit to Buy $2.3 Billion of U.S. Soy

By United Soybean Board
USB chairman commends U.S. soybean farmers for meeting customer demands for high-quality crop

MILWAUKEE (Sept. 17, 2014) - Buyers from China at the second-annual, soy-checkoff-funded U.S. Global Trade Exchange have agreed to buy $2.3 billion of U.S. soy totaling 176 million bushels of U.S. soybeans, marking the second consecutive year that the gathering has generated significant export sales for U.S. soybean farmers in their own backyard.

"This is very exciting news for U.S. soybean farmers," says Jim Call, soybean farmer from Minnesota and United Soybean Board (USB) chairman. "This shows that we continue to meet the needs of our international customers, and they've certainly taken notice."

The event - where foreign buyers gather in the heart of the American Soybean Belt to make deals and learn about U.S. soy - is co-sponsored by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the Midwest Shippers Association and the American Soybean Association (ASA). It continues through Thursday, Sept. 18.

"This week is really a great example of the whole picture of U.S. soy's work with our export partners," says Randy Mann, USSEC chairman and soybean farmer from Kentucky. "Of course the new sales are a boon for farmers, but we're also laying groundwork for future sales by helping our current and prospective customers learn more about the sustainability and quality advantage of American soybeans."

During the event, international representatives will meet with U.S. soy farmer-leaders and will also attend a variety of presentations to learn about the sustainability and quality of U.S. soybeans.

"This event is a great opportunity for U.S. farmers to interface with our customers overseas," says Ray Gaesser, ASA president and soybean farmer from Iowa. "They continue to demand the soybeans we produce, and we continue to innovate to bring higher quality and better beans for them. The relationships we're strengthening here in Milwaukee are a huge part of why soybeans are the leaders in U.S. farm exports."

In the most recent marketing year, U.S. soybean farmers exported more than 1.7 billion bushels of U.S. soy to customers beyond our borders. The value of these exports set a record of more than $28 billion. Representatives from China committed to buy $2.8 billion worth of U.S. soy during last year's U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange in Davenport, Iowa.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

###

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