As this year’s harvest approaches, coinciding with the beginning of the peak season for holiday shopping, the shipping crisis is in no better shape than it was last October when SSGA first shined a light on the subject. The only difference may be that more and more people are aware of the issue as shipping delays and supply chain disruptions have affected not just ag but products of all kinds, from furniture to bicycles to computer chips.

In a traditional year, Illinois soybean farmers host over 35 international trade teams on their farms. They experience the full agriculture affect, as learning the process doesn’t begin at the time of import.

Partnerships around the globe are helping farmers here at home, in Illinois

The Illinois Soybean Association is committed to discovering new markets worldwide to assist farmers in selling their harvested soybeans. In recent years, Egypt has become one of the fastest growing markets for soybean exports.

Illinois is the leading soybean producing state nationwide with about two-thirds of the soybeans grown in the state exported around the world. These soybeans must have a way of leaving the state, with rivers and trains playing a large role. Illinois is fortunate to have rivers, allowing farmers to expedite soybeans to other countries which is an economical advantage for Illinois farmers.