The South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council has implemented a comprehensive export strategy aimed at increasing international demand for soybeans grown right here in South Dakota. The farmer-directed, checkoff-funded program gives local soybean farmers like Dave Iverson (Toronto, SD) a seat at the table in efforts to build a strong export market that benefits farmers and other ag-related industries across the state.
"Trade is extremely important," says Iverson, who serves as Vice Chairman and District 4 Director for South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. "In South Dakota, we have processing plants and some end users in animal agriculture that use our soybean meal, but a large portion of our soybeans need to be exported."
In fact, roughly 60 percent of soybeans harvested in South Dakota each year end up going to exports, underscoring the critical role trade plays in supporting value for farmers.
Building relationships with buyers
South Dakota Soybean's export strategy is rooted in building relationships with international buyers and feed processors. In recent years, delegations of farmers and industry leaders from the state have visited emerging markets from Mexico all the way to Morocco. Similarly, South Dakota farmers have hosted buyers here on trade visits from several key markets around the world.
"I've been very fortunate to have been on some international trade tours and built relationships with buyers. I have been able to host (buyers) on my farm as well," says Iverson. "For them to come and to see the crops we're growing, the equipment we use, and how we do business, that's important. To build relationships is important no matter where and how you're doing business."
These in-person visits are invaluable in building a more cohesive narrative behind the product being sold. "As a soybean board, we realized the importance of international trade and building those relationships and having long-term relationships with our international buyers," says Iverson.
Helping South Dakota soybeans stand out
While putting a face and a story to the product may be central to nurturing positive trade relationships, the product itself — in terms of quality, consistency and reliability — remains of utmost importance. Fortunately, South Dakota soybeans have earned a strong reputation on the global market.
"The soybeans that we grow are consistently weed-free and of a very good quality," explains Iverson. "Our farmers do the best they can to harvest their crop when it's an optimal time for quality; our oil and protein are very consistent, and even beyond the oil and protein, the whole essential amino acid profile is extremely important."
He also points to the state's proximity to the Pacific Northwest coupled with the role of a strong rail and shipping infrastructure in positioning South Dakota as a reliable source of soybeans, particularly for buyers in East and Southeast Asia. "We have a great export system in place," says Iverson.
Amplifying an emerging sustainability narrative
In recent years, the emphasis buyers place on sustainable practices has increased dramatically. South Dakota farmers are well-equipped to meet demand in this arena, whether driven by policy or consumer influence.
Implementing environmentally friendly practices such as growing cover crops, strip-till and no-till farming, and leveraging precision ag technology have put South Dakota producers at the forefront of global conversations about sustainable agriculture.
"Our sustainability is very favorable when compared to other growers around the world," says Iverson. "We're fortunate in South Dakota. A high percentage of the producers in South Dakota are very quick adapters to new technology, and that new technology has benefits for the environment."
This underscores the aforementioned importance of building relationships with buyers, which creates a suitable space for South Dakota producers to talk about their sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the United States employs a standards-based approach to sustainability reporting. The U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) provides a stamp of approval on responsibly produced soybeans that growers from other countries often lack.
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