By Erin Worrell, Communications Manager, U.S. Soybean Export Council

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) brings U.S. Soy buyers, sellers, growers and visionaries together every year for the premier global industry event: Soy Connext. Against a backdrop of changing trade dynamics and increasing global demand for reliable, high-quality soy protein and oil, the 2025 event gathered more than 700 attendees from 59 countries in Washington, D.C., August 20 to 22, with invaluable support from an Illinois Soybean Association sponsorship.

U.S. Soy is America’s top agricultural export, contributing $31.2 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2023-24 marketing year and traded in more than 80 countries. Fueled by rising global demand for soybean meal to support the expansion of global livestock, aquaculture and poultry production, USDA projects a 4.3% year-over-year increase in global soybean demand in the 2024-25 market year, reaching 346.2 million metric tons.

“About 60% of Illinois soybeans get exported, including mine, which I usually deliver to a river terminal in Quincy or Beardstown,” says Brady Holst, Illinois Soybean Association vice chair, who farms near Augusta and attended Soy Connext. “Putting a face to their products is important to our global customers.”

The Soy Connext agenda featured expert talks, panel discussions focused on sustainability, plant-based protein trends, supply chain insights and global market dynamics. In addition, the Trade Team Invitational connected 315 key buyers and 43 exporter companies to strengthen trade relationships and explore market opportunities.

U.S. Soy customers and exporters value the insights gained during Soy Connext sessions. But opportunities to connect with others in the industry really make the event shine. Attendees got a real-time crop update from a farmer panel during the program. Plus, the “Ask a Farmer” lounge made it easy for customers to meet face-to-face with U.S. Soy farmers.

“I talked with customers interested in crop conditions and my family farm,” Holst says. “They like hearing about what we do and making personal connections. And they feel like they get an inside scoop on the market by talking with us.”

In addition to time in Washington, D.C., many international attendees participated in trade team tours before or after the conference. The visits highlighted the U.S. soybean industry’s transparency and readiness to meet global demand, giving international buyers a firsthand look at the sustainable practices, innovation and stewardship that are core to the U.S. Soy value proposition.

Four trade teams with participants from Belgium, China, Germany, Ireland, South Korea and the United Kingdom explored Illinois. They visited farms, exporters, a river terminal, a Mississippi River lock and dam, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and more. Chinese attendees also participated in a trade-related meeting in Chicago.

Illinois Soybean Association support is integral to the Soy Connext program and bringing the most important customers to the U.S.

“We know the conversations at Soy Connext lead to soy demand and purchases,” Holst says. “Attendees are interested in U.S. Soy and Illinois soybeans, and we value being part of these conversations.”

Illinois farmers also will see a return on this investment as USSEC emphasizes the consistency, reliability, quality and sustainability of U.S. Soy. As demand for soy foods and soy products grows in emerging, expanding and established markets, the industry is focused on a strategy that builds on U.S. Soy’s reputation in the global marketplace.