ISA Participates in U.S. Soy Buyers Outlook Conference in Japan and Korea

Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) Chair Mike Koehne, a Greensburg farmer, recently promoted the benefits of U.S. soybeans to buyers in Japan and Korea. The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted the 2023 U.S. Soy Buyers Outlook Conference Nov. 14-15 in Tokyo, Japan and Nov. 16-17 in Seoul, Korea. Hundreds of crushers, feed millers, soy food processors, and soybean buyers participated in the conferences.

Koehne raises high oleic and food-grade soybeans, some of which are shipped to Japan. He was one of three U.S. farmers who attended the conference and spoke on a panel about harvest expectations, the quality of U.S. soybeans, sustainability and conservation practices used on the farm, and the benefits of soy protein. American Soybean Association President Daryl Cates, a farmer from Illinois, and Ohio Soybean Council Chairman Jeff Magyar also participated.

Koehne said there was strong interest in food-grade soybeans.

USSEC said soy is an integral part of Asian cultural and culinary heritage, and the U.S. Soy industry is working to deliver high-quality, sustainable, affordable soybeans to meet current and growing future demand in those markets.

Koehne said it’s critical to maintain these markets and relationships as Japan and Korea are some of the top importers of U.S. non-GMO food grade soybeans. A first-generation farmer, Koehne said checkoff investments help make it possible.

This is the first time that ISA has participated in the U.S. Soy Buyers Outlook Conference. Ed Ebert, senior director of market development, explained it was valuable experience with good communication between USSEC staff, U.S. farmers, and Japanese and Korean customers.

Pence Group, a Lafayette, Ind.-based agriculture company, was at the conference in Japan to help develop global opportunities for non-GMO soybeans. The company serves producers and agribusinesses with seed, seed processing, farm drainage, and custom hauling solutions. Pence Group provides customers with corn, soybean, and cover-crop seed from several leading brands. The Redwood Group, which has ties to southern Indiana, participated in both the Japan and Korea conferences.