Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) Director Bob Lindeman hosted eight Cambodian and Nigerian animal nutrition executives at his farm in Brownton, Minn., on Sept. 27, 2018.

These nutritionists were on a trip through Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota as part of the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program and the Northern Crops Institute (NCI), which focuses on helping developing countries find new uses for agriculture products. The delegation traveled the tri-state area to learn more about the products they use to develop feed rations in their respective areas.

“The quality of U.S. soybeans is top of the line,” says Onallo Akpa, chairman of Northcent Foods Ltd. “We are truly impressed with how American farms work and find this to be a fantastic experience.”

The trade team also learned about how MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) support Minnesota farmers, better understanding the support system American agriculture has through its grassroots organizations.

“It was great to see how much they recognized the quality of our soybeans,” says Lindeman, a McLeod County farmer. “It was fun to show them our family operation and teach them about our farm.”

Attends also visited with professors and nutritionists at North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University and professionals in international markets.

MSR&PC invests in NCI and the WISHH program to host trade teams across the state of Minnesota. These visits are important to Minnesota soybean farmers as it allows them to build relationships with international customers and learn more about prospective markets to grow demand for Minnesota soybeans.