Building Momentum: Missouri Soybean Leaders Pave the Way for Expanding Markets and New Opportunities

Matt Amick, director of market development for MSMC, provides a wealth of updates on the latest market development initiatives that are driving demand for Missouri-grown soybeans. Amick is specifically focused on growing and developing new markets for Missouri soybeans in the areas of domestic crush, domestic livestock, international exports, biofuels, industrial uses and more.

Biofuel is Here to Stay 

The state of Missouri is ranked No. 2 in biodiesel production in the U.S. and has a lot of opportunities to utilization in-state. 

“As demand for soybean oil related to biofuels production has increased, we’ve seen more announcements and expansion of soybean crush capacity in the U.S., and we’ve taken note of that in Missouri over the last several years and continue to look for new opportunities for crush capacity increases in Missouri.” 

Market dynamics are challenging the market right now, but Amick is optimistic about new growth opportunities ahead.

One of the opportunities Missouri Soybeans is working toward is a grant to enhance storage capacity and dispensing capabilities for biodiesel. 

“The Missouri Biofuels Infrastructure Incentive Program (BIIP) grants are through Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority and are available for entities like fuel retailers, terminals, fuel suppliers and fleets to utilize more biodiesel,” said Amick. 

Biofuels are here to stay. 

Our Biggest Customer 

It won’t come as a surprise that livestock is one of the biggest customers of Missouri soybeans, which is why it continues to be an area of priority. 

“We partner with our livestock sector often. Right now, we are working with Missouri Partnership to expand livestock processing through a partnership with Missouri Farmers Care,” Amick shared. 

He explained that Missouri Soybeans, Missouri Farmers Care and MSMC have partnered with Missouri Partnership, a public-private arm of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The goal of the partnership is to expand commodity utilization as new businesses come to the state of Missouri. 

“Missouri Partnership is focused on ways businesses will use more commodities like soybeans in their operations,” Amick added. “As they find new food and ag companies, that helps expand demand for soybeans.” 

“Whether it’s hogs, poultry, dairy or beef, when they’re doing well and expanding, that means more opportunities for soybeans and soybean meal to be used in feed rations for livestock.”