Transportation Go!, hosted by the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance, took place March 12-13 at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot . Gail Donkers, SSGA Director and vice chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council,  introduced the conference.  

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called Transportation Go!” Donkers joked. Her introduction was inspired by Prince’s song “Let’s Go Crazy” and other Minnesota traditions, since attendees came to Minnesota from across the country and even internationally.  

The annual conference brought together all segments of the soybean industry, from farmer to exporter. Speakers covered topics such as shipping through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System, new technologies in railways and updates from ports across the country. Tariffs were heavily discussed, as trade with Canada and China was at the forefront of the conversation.  

MSR&PC was a premium sponsor of this event and was featured throughout the conference. Tom Slunecka, MSR&PC CEO introduced Joe Jobe, CEO of SABR, and was moderator during the question portion on biodiesel. Joe Smentek, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association executive director, gave an overview of the burgeoning trade partnership Minnesota has built with Uzbekistan.  

“The personal relationship has been huge,” said Smentek, who’s traveling to Uzbekistan later in March 2025.

Minnesota soybeans are the state’s top ag export, accounting for over $2 billion in sales each year. Agriculture trade continues to stay front and center, given the prospects of trade wars with U.S. agriculture’s three largest trading partners (China, Canada and Mexico).  

 Trade is built on relationships, Donkers said.  

“Two out of every three rows of soybeans are exported internationally,” said Donkers, who farms in Faribault. “It’s important to connect with export folks for however we need to get these soybeans out of the state.” 

Robert Primus of the Surface Transportation Board and Daniel Maffei of the Federal Maritime Commission offered high praise for American farmers.  

“We produce the best agriculture in the world,” Maffei said. Primus agreed, and went on to say, “we’ve got to make sure we get those agricultural products out to the world.” 

The next Transportation Go! will be held April 15-16, 2026, in Chicago for the first time.