Manhattan, KS - Potential grain buyers came to Kansas State University’s IGP Institute to discuss all facets of the soybean industry as part of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Southeast Asia Trade Team.
Eleven participants from Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand came to learn about marketing strategies and other production elements during the week of August 24-31, 2019.
“Through the course we had an opportunity to take a closer look at the U.S. supply chain, it’s processing, and it’s marketing structure.
"We also discussed in detail market activity over the last six months,” says Guy Allen, IGP Institute senior agricultural economist.
Under the direction of Allen, participants heard several presentations on an array of topics including grain standards and production practices, trading and hedging, and exporting practices within the U.S. Participant Evelyn Chai Chua-Fong, CFO for Apena Food Products, Philippines used this course information learn more about obtaining raw materials within in the soybean industry.
“I wanted to be more acquainted and less intimidated by how the whole process works and the elements involved,” Chai Chua-Fong says.
"In addition to the classroom instruction, participants were taken on numerous tours on and off campus, including the Bioprocessing & Industrial Value Added Products Innovation Center.
"The Cargill Grain Terminal in Topeka, Kansas. The Federal Grain Inspection Service Technical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
"As well as a tour of Bob Hazelwood’s soybean farm outside of Berryton, Kansas.
“Overall I thought this week was a success. It was great to be able to meet these individuals and be able to give them a thorough glimpse of the soybean industry and markets in the U.S.,” Allen says.
This is an example of a customized training course offered at the IGP Institute.
In addition to grain marketing and risk management courses, IGP faculty lead trainings in feed manufacturing and grain quality management, and grain processing and flour milling.
For more information, please contact 785-477-4837 or lmoser@ksu.edu