Courtesy of the U.S. Soybean Export Council

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) brings U.S. Soy buyers, sellers, growers and visionaries together every year for the premier global industry event: Soy Connext. Against a backdrop of changing trade dynamics and increasing global demand for reliable, high-quality soy protein and oil, the August 2025 event gathered more than 700 attendees from 59 countries in Washington, D.C., with invaluable support from a Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council sponsorship, along with participation from grower leaders.

U.S. Soy is America’s top agricultural export, contributing $31.2 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2023-24 marketing year and traded in more than 80 countries. Fueled by rising global demand for soybean meal to support the expansion of global livestock, aquaculture and poultry production, USDA projects a 4.3% year-over-year increase in global soybean demand in the 2024-25 market year, reaching 346.2 million metric tons.

“About 60% of Minnesota soybeans get exported, including mine, which go to the Pacific Northwest,” says Patrick O’Leary, who farms near Benson, serves as a director for MSRPC and the United Soybean Board, and attended Soy Connext. “This event provides the ability to speak face-to-face with customers and draw connections to our product.”

A Soy Connext attendee learns more about the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council at a dedicated kiosk in the main meeting room.

The Soy Connext agenda featured expert talks, panel discussions focused on sustainability, plant-based protein trends, supply chain insights and global market dynamics. In addition, the Trade Team Invitational connected 315 key buyers and 43 exporter companies to strengthen trade relationships and explore market opportunities.

U.S. Soy customers and exporters value the insights gained during Soy Connext sessions. But opportunities to connect with others in the industry really make the event shine. Attendees got a real-time crop update from a farmer panel during the program. Plus, the “Ask a Farmer” lounge made it easy for customers to meet face-to-face with U.S. Soy farmers.

“Being here, we as farmers reinforce our relationships,” O’Leary says. “We’ve seen them in their countries, and we’ve welcomed them here. We show how important they are to us. Plus, seeing individuals again is exciting, and that brings these relationships full circle.”

In addition to time in Washington, D.C., many international attendees participated in trade team tours before or after the conference. The visits highlighted the U.S. soybean industry’s transparency and readiness to meet global demand, giving international buyers a firsthand look at the sustainable practices, innovation and stewardship that are core to the U.S. Soy value proposition. For example, a trade team from South Korea visited farms, a cooperative, exporters and even the Minnesota State Fair during their time in Minnesota.

MSRPC support is integral to the Soy Connext program and bringing the most important customers to the U.S.

“We see value in building strong relationships with customers,” O’Leary adds. “Soy Connext provides face time with both current and potential customers.”

Minnesota farmers also will see a return on this investment as USSEC emphasizes the consistency, reliability, quality and sustainability of U.S. Soy. As demand for soy foods and soy products grows in emerging, expanding and established markets, the industry is focused on a strategy that builds on U.S. Soy’s reputation in the global marketplace.