A group of 10 young U.S. farmers from across the country recently participated in the United Soybean Board's (USB) See for Yourself mission to Honduras and Guatemala. The journey, which took place from February 1-9, provided these next-generation producers with a firsthand look at the global impact of U.S. soybean exports and the soy checkoff's investments in international market growth.
Philip Good, USB Chair and Mississippi farmer, emphasized the mission's significance: "This mission allowed them to see firsthand how their investments grow export markets. The global footprint of U.S. Soy made a lasting impression with this group."
Participants visited key facilities and met with industry leaders, including:
- Guatemala's Minister of Agriculture, Maynor Estrada
- Terminal De Granos Del Pacifico, Guatemala's largest port
- Feed manufacturers, egg producers, and food companies using soy protein
The mission highlighted Central America's importance as a market for U.S. soy, with Guatemala being the 15th-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports and Honduras sourcing the majority of its soybean meal from the U.S.
Farmers shared their experiences through daily blogs and videos. South Dakota farmer April Bowar noted, "It was eye-opening to learn where our grain goes after we take it to the elevator and how different organizations within the U.S. work in Central America to promote U.S. Soy."
The program also included presentations from soy checkoff partners such as USMEF, USAPEEC, WISHH, and USSEC, providing a comprehensive view of U.S. soy's role in global markets and food security.
