Redwood County farmer Adam Guetter joined the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) in late November 2025 for a Pacific Northwest (PNW) Exploratory Mission. The delegation connected U.S. Soy producers and exporters with dozens of international buyers to highlight the PNW’s value as a strategic gateway connecting U.S. Soy to high-demand, growing, global markets located across the Pacific Ocean.

“As a soybean farmer, it was a privilege to meet with international trade buyers and talk about the high-quality beans we grow in Minnesota,” said Guetter, one of six Minnesota farmers who serve on the American Soybean Association. “There were a lot of great discussions that I think helped move the needle.”

In 2024, 21 percent of U.S. soybeans and soybean meal exports were moved through the PNW’s 10 regional ports located in Washington and Oregon states, demonstrating the region’s crucial contribution to U.S. Soy’s global reach. The four-day mission included market insight sessions, tours of regional ports and grain handlers and opportunities for importers and exporters to engage in one-on-one conversations.

“USSEC is responding proactively to evolving global trade patterns, offering diversified supply options and building confidence and continuity for international customers – even amid market uncertainty,” said Carlos Salinas, USSEC executive director, East Asia. “Our mission in the Pacific Northwest is to showcase the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of the U.S. Soy supply chain, and make those vital, face-to-face connections between exporters and buyers that build confidence and grow both immediate and long-term sales.”

Specifically, the mission focused on increasing demand for U.S. soybeans and soybean meal in Northeast, South and Southeast Asia growth markets due to rising middle class and economic strength.

“Asia’s dynamic growth and increasing appetite for high-quality, sustainable protein create tremendous opportunity for U.S. Soy,” said Craig Pietig, USSEC Board Director and VP of Ag Products at AG Processing Inc. “Through the Pacific Northwest Exploratory Mission, USSEC is showcasing how world-class logistics and partnerships connect U.S. Soy producers directly with international buyers, making it easier than ever for Asia’s feed and food sectors to access reliable, sustainably grown soybeans and soybean meal.”

While in Seattle, Guetter joined a panel of farmers to discuss the sustainability of U.S. soybean production, sharing how his Wabasso farm is adapting to evolving soybean demand.

“Our buyers see we have better quality in our soybean products, and they want to know how we are doing a better job than our competitors,” Guetter said. “I hit pretty heavy on the sustainability part because I’m an advocate for that and explained how we’re doing reduced tillage on our farm.”