ISA and ICMC driving international trade through summer and fall trade teams

By Anita Sharkey

In recent months, ISA and ICMC have been actively hosting trade delegations in Indiana to showcase this year’s crop and strengthen international collaborations. Since August, industry leaders, buyers, and food company representatives from the Americas, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia visited Indiana on trade missions organized by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and U.S. Grains Council (USGC). The tours encompassed visits to farms and businesses, where participants explored the state’s involvement in soybean and corn production and its impact on global agriculture.

Why Trade Teams Matter to Indiana Farmers

Building international relationships in crucial soybean and corn markets is essential for Indiana’s farmers. These countries exhibit major demand for US-produced corn and soybeans.

 “The representatives who come want to visit farmers. They want to see the crop and how it’s doing,” says Maggie Hancock, Market Development Project Manager for ISA and ICMC. “They want to see how farmers sustainably grow their soybeans and corn. Doing this helps maintain their trust in our farmers and the products we export to them.”

These visits also provide farmers with invaluable insights into the needs and preferences of their international customers. Understanding these demands enables farmers to tailor their practices and crop varieties to meet global standards, enhancing Indiana’s competitiveness in the world market. By engaging directly with country representatives, Indiana farmers are better equipped to adapt and innovate in ways that benefit their international partners.

Key Visits and Activities

During their time in Indiana, the South Korean team visited Kelley Ridge Farms in Brookston, Indiana to meet with ISA Board member, Kevin Kelley. While there, they observed advanced soybean farming techniques and learned about sustainable practices that enhance yield and soil health. The Indonesian team visited ICMC Board Member, Paul Hodgen’s Farm in Roachdale, then made its way to Shelby and Decatur Counties to visit Douglas Farms and eat at Mayasari Indonesian Grill, an experience that celebrated the connection between Indonesian culture and Indiana agriculture. Indiana seed company, S&G Seeds, is at the forefront of producing a specialty soybean ideal for Indonesian tempeh production, attractive to the Indonesian markets.   

The teams also visited ISA Director Gary McDaniel, a farmer from Boonville, Ind., and Howard County Farmer Denny Maple, a former ICGA and ICMC board director. Several farm visits were followed by tours of agricultural businesses including Corteva Agriscience, Pence Group, Kokomo Grain, and Purdue University.

These visits are more than just routine business trips—they symbolize the strengthening partnerships between Indiana’s farming community and users of corn and soybeans in crucial export markets. As these relationships grow, they pave the way for more robust trade agreements to benefit the Indiana economy and the global agricultural landscape. The face-to-face interactions and shared experiences lay the foundation for future collaborations, ensuring that Indiana’s farming community continues to thrive and support international markets.

By welcoming these groups, Indiana demonstrates its commitment to being a leader in global agriculture. This commitment boosts the state’s economy and solidifies its position as a vital supplier in the international markets, with lasting benefits for farmers and consumers alike.