Yesterday, we began a discussion with the American Soybean Association (ASA) about some of the things they are watching on the horizon for producers in 2024. We focused mainly on where things are sitting with the Farm Bill. While that is a very important piece of stability that producers are looking for in the new year, it isn’t the only focus that ASA has going forward.
The trade situation is another hot topic for commodity groups. Staying competitive in the global marketplace is tough, especially when the global economy is not in the best of shape. There are places where soybeans can be found cheaper and in great supply, i.e. Brazil. However, this year the Brazilians are starting behind the 8-Ball in terms of weather, and also, we have to talk about the quality. If you are looking to buy “cheap” beans, you are going to be getting what you pay for.
That is where we pick things up with ASA VP Josh Gackle once again. The North Dakota Producer talks with us about the trade situation from the ASA point of view. It starts back with the Farm Bill situation.
You cannot mention trade without bringing up China. They are our largest soybean customer, and they have also shown us, in recent years, why we need to be diverse in our trade portfolio, and not put all our eggs in one basket.
Generating demand for U.S. soybeans does not just take place outside our borders. We have to make sure we keep demand strong inside the United States as well. That is why it is so important that we keep innovating and developing more uses for the soybeans we produce right here in our own country. That demand takes on many forms, but biofuels are leading the charge.
Gackle says that the American Soybean Association is going to continue to work hard for the American farmer and help drive demand and innovation for your products for years to come.
