The 4th annual U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange & Midwest Specialty Grains Conference and Trade Show hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the Midwest Shippers Association (MSA), took place in Indianapolis, IN and is the premiere global soy and grain trade event. Over 700 attendees gathered with 300 of them representing 55 countries around the world, focused on U.S. soy.

The event brought in the North American grain and oilseed industry, international buyers and traders, the transportation community, grain elevator managers, farmer producers, agriculture researchers and many others interested in international agriculture trade and the latest food trends.

It didn’t take me long to grasp a common theme and goal for all in attendance…creating connections and building relationships. Those 300 international representatives were able to put a face on the American farmer, have one-on-one conversations while touching on the nitty-gritty and visit the field to see research and sustainability in action.

During the event I sat down with newly elected Chairman for the USSEC Board, Jim Miller. Going forward he said the boards two main objectives were to build preference for U.S. soy and work on market access issues. He also hit on what this global trade event means for U.S. soybean growers and how it sets the framework for lasting relationships.

Listen to my complete interview with Jim here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/ussec-16-miller.mp3″ text=”Interview with Jim Miller, USSEC Chairman”]

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 US Soy Global Trade Exchange Photos