Missouri soybean farmers traveled to Mexico and Panama to strengthen trade ties, explore new market opportunities and solidify their role in supplying high-quality soybeans to key markets.
A delegation of Missouri soybean farmers and industry representatives recently traveled to Mexico and Panama to strengthen trade relationships, engage with key agricultural leaders and explore new market opportunities.
During the visit, farmers met with stakeholders, toured processing facilities and feed mills, and gained insight into how Missouri-grown soybeans support the growing demand for high-quality feed and food ingredients in these countries.
The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) organized the trade mission in partnership with key industry stakeholders and the U.S. Soybean Export Council. The mission reinforced Mexico and Panama’s status as key partners in the U.S. soybean supply chain.
“Mexico remains a top customer for U.S. soy, and this mission allowed us to engage directly with buyers, processors and feed industry leaders,” said Aaron Porter, MSMC past chair and demand committee chairman. “By understanding their needs and demonstrating the value of Missouri soybeans, we can continue building long-term partnerships that benefit both Missouri farmers and Mexican agribusinesses.”
Mexico: A Critical Market for Missouri Soy
Mexico has long been an essential destination for U.S. soybeans. In the marketing year 2023/24, the country imported 4.85 million metric tons of soybeans, equivalent to 179 million bushels, and 1.95 million metric tons of soybean meal, or 91 million bushels. These figures make Mexico the second-largest importer of both products.
A significant portion of this soybean meal supports the country’s livestock industry, with poultry production accounting for 46% of soybean meal use, pork for 39%, cattle for 13% and dairy for 2%.
Missouri’s strategic location and access to the Mississippi River and major rail networks allow for efficient transportation to Latin American markets. Missouri-grown soybeans are an integral part of this trade. In discussions with one major Mexican crush company, the group learned that 26% of the company’s soybean imports are coming directly from Missouri. Missouri Soybeans will strive to continue to protect and grow this market for Missouri farmers.
“Trade missions like this are invaluable because they allow us to have face-to-face conversations with the people who are buying and using our soybeans,” said Robert Alpers, MSMC board member. “By understanding what they need and what challenges they face, we can better serve them and continue to build lasting trade relationships.”
Joining Missouri farmers in Mexico were representatives from Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers in Richmond, Missouri, and Ag Partners Cooperative, which operates in northwest Missouri. During the trip, the delegation met with feed manufacturers and soybean processors, gaining insight into Mexico’s evolving needs and exploring new partnership opportunities, including high-oleic soybeans.
Panama: Logistics and Quality An Advantage for U.S. Soy
In the marketing year 2023/24, Panama imported 240,000 metric tons of soybean products, or more than 10 million bushels, primarily in the form of soybean meal. Due to proximity and reliable logistics, most of these imports come from the United States.
Missouri farmers used this visit to better understand how their product is handled and processed once it reaches Panama. Meetings with processors and industry leaders focused on the consistency and reliability of U.S. soybeans, factors that remain critical in maintaining strong trade relationships.
While sustainability is not yet a major differentiator in Panama’s purchasing decisions, buyers value the peace of mind that comes with U.S. soy’s commitment to conservation and quality assurance.
“We know that cost, quality and logistics are top priorities for international buyers,” said Matt Amick, Missouri Soybeans director of market development. “Missouri farmers have a great story to tell when it comes to raising quality soybeans with conservation in mind. This mission gave us a chance to share that story with key decision-makers in Mexico’s agricultural sector.”
Panama Canal: A Critical Link in Global Soybean Trade
Opened in 1914, the Panama Canal is one of the world’s most significant engineering achievements, enabling global commerce by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in Central America.
With severe drought impacting Gatun Lake, the freshwater source that feeds the canal, transits were reduced, creating bottlenecks in global trade. However, water levels have since returned to normal, allowing up to 40 ships per day to pass through.
Missouri farmers visited the canal and saw firsthand the importance of this transportation route.
“Missouri soybean farmers export nearly half of our annual crop to regions across the world,” said Brad Arnold, MSMC director from Drexel. “In a typical year, the soybean industry moves 600 million bushels through the Panama Canal, making it a critical part of the global soybean supply chain.”
The Road Ahead for Missouri Soybean Farmers
The trade mission to Mexico and Panama was a key step in ensuring that Missouri soybeans remain a staple in global markets. Missouri Soybeans continues to prioritize international market development, working closely with industry partners to promote the value of Missouri-grown soy.
Looking ahead, the lessons learned from this mission will help shape future strategies for engaging with Mexico, Panama and other international markets. Ongoing discussions and follow-up efforts will ensure that trade relationships built during this trip continue to grow.
“At the end of the day, everything we do comes back to supporting our farmers and ensuring they have strong, reliable soybean markets,” said Gary Wheeler, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “Mexico and Panama have been, and will continue to be, key partners for Missouri farmers, and we’re committed to building on that relationship for years to come.”
As the global demand for high-quality, sustainable soybeans continues to grow, Missouri farmers are well positioned to meet this challenge. With strong trade relationships, innovative farming practices and a commitment to sustainability, Missouri’s soybean industry is prepared for a bright future in the international marketplace.
For more information on Missouri Soybeans and its global trade initiatives, visit mosoy.org.