If you’ve followed the Bean There blog over the past few months, you’ve seen that the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has been on the move, literally. From Guatemala to Ghana and the trade hubs of the Middle East, we’ve been hitting the road to connect Illinois soybeans with the global marketplace. It’s all part of our ongoing mission to make sure Illinois soy remains a trusted, top-tier choice for buyers around the world.

As someone who’s traveled alongside our board members, staff and trade partners, I’ve had the privilege of documenting these stories firsthand along with chronicling the travels of others. These opportunities showcase each level of the value chain and the professionals working to build long-term relationships, secure market access and ensure that the quality and sustainability of Illinois soy are recognized far beyond our borders.

Cultivating Opportunity in Guatemala

On a recent trip to Guatemala, ISA At-Large Directors Jeff O’Connor, David Wessel and Scott Gaffner, and American Soybean Association (ASA) Representatives Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare and Daryl Cates, engaged in conversations with local feed manufacturers, government officials and long-standing trade partners. Guatemala is a consistent buyer of U.S. soy, and they’ve come to associate Illinois with high standards of reliable quality, consistent supply and a commitment to sustainability. This trip served as an opportunity to showcase our commitment to the largest market for U.S. soybean meal and soybean oil in Central America. Efficient transportation and a strong market share encourage growth in the market benefiting local poultry producers while putting dollars back in the pockets of Illinois soybean producers.

For more insights from the farmers’ experience in Guatemala, check out Jeff O’Connor’s takeaways from the trade mission at www.ilsoy.org/on-the-farm-and-beyond/.

While in Guatemala, Illinois soybean farmers attended the World Food Security Dialogue, where leaders from government, industry and nutrition sectors gathered to advance sustainable solutions for a more secure food system in the country. Photo Credit: WISHH

Planting Seeds in Ghana

In Ghana, ISA International Markets Specialist Caitlyn Abbey attended a trade mission with WISHH in the capital of Accra. In a country so reliant on their poultry and aquaculture sectors, it’s clear the demand for U.S. soy is set to increase. Caitlyn witnessed how impactful it was for Ghanaian leaders to hear directly from farmers and professionals, who provided education and raised awareness about Illinois soy. It’s more than trade, it’s about partnership, which is the sentiment we carry through every trip both domestic and abroad. Connections with feed formulators, poultry producers and agribusiness professionals are part of a vital first step in growing trade relations in Africa as food security and the broader economic landscape grow in importance.

You can find Caitlyn’s full recap of the Ghana trade mission at www.ilsoy.org/wishh-in-ghana/.

LEFT: ISA At-Large Director Scott Gaffner and ISA International Markets Coordinator Emma Peters recently traveled to Lima, Peru, to participate in the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council’s (USAPEEC) 2025 Strategic Planning Conference, where they laid the groundwork for a renewed five-year partnership between the organizations. RIGHT: Poultry production is a crucial sector within Ghana’s agricultural industry. Driven by increasing demand for chicken meat and eggs, the country has experienced significant growth in domestic poultry production in recent years, which is valued today at approximately $1.2 billion. Photo Credit: USSEC

Strengthening Ties in the Middle East

Traveling to the Middle East with USSEC and representing ISA, a U.S. soy delegation brought the organization face-to-face with some of our most promising markets. ISA Board Director Ryan Frieders visited Saudi Arabia and Turkey, regions where soy demand continues to rise.

At each stop, the delegation emphasized the strength of the U.S. supply chain and the innovation behind Illinois soy production. These conversations were more than business pitches; they were about building relationships grounded in transparency and shared values. Our presence and investments in the region show we’re committed to meeting their needs while building trust face-to-face.

To find more details about the stops Ryan made on his trade mission to the Middle East, visit www.ilsoy.org/a-journey-to-the-middle-east/.

Collaborating with External Organizations

Everything we do at ISA is strengthened by collaboration. Our work wouldn’t be possible without our close partnerships with USSEC, ASA/WISHH, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA), and many more that work on the international level.

These organizations individually develop an annual Unified Export Strategy (UES) before it is combined and adapted across the agriculture industry. It’s a process for U.S. ag trade groups to access funding for export promotion programs, enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products. Each year, ISA sends both staff and farmers to these UES meetings for the chance to share perspectives and offer insight to efforts that will support exports.

These groups open doors, provide valuable technical expertise and help amplify our voice on the international stage. Whether we’re attending a conference in South America, visiting processing facilities in Southeast Asia or hosting buyers in the soybean fields of Illinois, they help ensure that Illinois soy stands out in a competitive global market. Thanks to these partnerships, ISA board members can speak directly to farmers’ interests, helping shape conversations about sustainability, trade and food security worldwide.

For more information about how ISA collaborates with USMEF and USAPEEC, visit www.ilsoy.org/how-poultry-and-pork-exports-boost-illinois-soybean-demand/.

Showcasing Illinois Farms to the World

As important worldwide travel can be, sometimes the most meaningful connections happen right here at home. Hosting inbound trade teams is one of the most powerful tools we have. When buyers come to Illinois, they see the heart of our soybean industry — our farms, our people and our practices.

These visits often include farm tours, elevator site visits and presentations held in the ISA offices. They’re a chance to demonstrate what makes Illinois soy so special. Around the world, people come to Illinois knowing that our farmers are committed to growing high-quality soybeans. From small to large, conventional to specialty and from north to south, each farm is unique.

Just as each farm is different, so are the trade teams. One visit could be educational, and another could lead to a productive business relationship. Although each comes with varying levels of understanding, certain questions always seem to surface. Take a look at the questions visitors are asking in the ‘Trade Visit FAQs’ post at www.ilsoy.org/trade-visit-faqs/.

The Bigger Picture

Our work in international market development is about more than promoting Illinois soy. It’s also about building a resilient, connected supply chain for the future of Illinois farmers. The travels documented on the Bean There blog are just snapshots of a bigger picture: Illinois farmers showing up, sharing their stories and building partnerships that stretch across continents. So whether it’s a conference, a market tour or a farm visit ISA is growing more than markets; we’re growing trust, opportunity and global respect for the soybeans grown right here in our fields. For more Bean There blog content, visit www.ilsoy.org/bean-there-blog/.