Alex Porter, an agricultural student at Oklahoma State University and next-generation soybean farmer from Dexter, Missouri, represented Missouri in the Future Ag Leaders Delegation to China, a joint initiative between the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA).
Porter was one of seven students nationwide selected for the international mission. The delegation engaged with Chinese stakeholders to explore trade relationships, strengthen cultural understanding and gain insight into the strategic importance of the Chinese market to U.S. soy and agriculture. Porter was sponsored by USSEC and nominated by the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, a member and supporter of USSEC. 
During the trip, students visited agricultural facilities, participated in forums with Chinese agricultural leaders, and discussed the role of trade, innovation and diplomacy in global food systems.
“This mission is a unique opportunity to build trust and connection between young ag leaders in the U.S. and China,” said Matt Amick, director of market development for Missouri Soybeans. “We’re glad to see someone with Missouri roots and strong leadership potential representing us.”
Porter joined fellow delegates from Iowa State University, Purdue University, Ohio State University, Michigan State University, Kansas State University and the University of Georgia.
“I learned about the program through Missouri Soybeans and was later nominated by them,” Porter said. “I immediately saw the value in the opportunity because growing up, I always heard, ‘It’s not who you know, it’s what you know.’ But in this case, who I’d get to know would matter — not for personal growth, but for building connections with students from our largest soybean trading partner.”
Porter said the program offered an in-depth look into Chinese culture, agriculture and economic systems and allowed participants to form relationships with emerging leaders in China.
“I learned more on this trip than I could ever share in one interview,” he said. “But it primarily came down to three key areas: culture, economics, and agricultural needs and practices.”
Porter also compared U.S. and Chinese research models, noting that U.S. agriculture benefits from both private innovation and grower-centered public research. In contrast, China’s system relies heavily on government-led research and seed development, often in partnership with companies closely tied to the government.
“This program gave me the knowledge and perspective needed to help secure America’s position in the global agricultural economy,” Porter said. “It granted me an understanding of cultural influences, government systems, consumer preferences, and the strengths and weaknesses of both nations.”
When asked if he would recommend the experience to others, Porter didn’t hesitate.
“If you want to be a future ag leader, you need to understand your counterpart,” he said. “As someone from the Show-Me State, I believe in seeing things for myself — and this program gave me the chance to do just that, in one of the most important agricultural markets in the world. The benefits are too great to pass up.”
Missouri Soybeans looks forward to sharing more from Porter’s experience in the months ahead. His journey reflects the organization’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthening international partnerships.
