Strategic Investments Support Emerging Dairy and Feed Demand for U.S. Soy
Missouri Soybeans is celebrating a major success in international market development as strategic investments through the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) help establish new demand for U.S. soy in Cambodia. The development of Cambodia’s first modern dairy operation represents a meaningful step forward for U.S. soybean meal utilization in a market that previously relied entirely on imported milk.
Prior to the establishment of this dairy farm, Cambodia had no domestic dairy production and depended solely on imports to meet consumer demand. Today, that operation sources feed from Agrimaster, a regional feed mill that has partnered with WISHH for many years and uses U.S. soybean meal as a key ingredient. This connection highlights how long-term technical assistance and relationship building can translate into real market demand for U.S. soy.
When quantified, the demand generated by this single dairy operation represents approximately 70,000 bushels of soybeans. While modest in scale today, it serves as an important case study for future growth as Cambodia continues to develop its dairy, aquaculture, and livestock sectors.
“This is exactly how markets are built,” said Denny Mertz, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) director and WISHH board member. “You start with technical support, trusted relationships, and a reliable supply, and over time that foundation turns into demand.”
Missouri Soybeans Investments at Work
Missouri Soybeans has long invested in international market development through WISHH, recognizing that emerging economies offer meaningful growth opportunities for U.S. soy. Funding provided by the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council has supported WISHH’s work delivering technical assistance in feed formulation, animal nutrition, and production efficiency across Southeast Asia, including Cambodia.
Through this valuable collaboration, Missouri Soybeans and WISHH are not only bolstering the market with the hope of sizable gains in the future, but also helping Cambodia produce domestic nutrition for their country.
“We are helping position Missouri soybeans and U.S. soy products as preferred choices in emerging marketplaces,” said Matt Amick, Missouri Soybeans’ director of market development. “These new agreements show that our strategy is working and that Missouri farmers benefit when the industry works together toward shared outcomes.”
While much work remains to stabilize and expand Cambodia’s dairy and livestock sectors, WISHH’s involvement has helped establish a baseline for future growth. Similar progress is being seen through ongoing work in aquaculture and feed development, creating additional pathways for U.S. soy utilization.
As global protein demand continues to rise, Missouri Soybeans remains committed to investing in programs that expand markets and strengthen demand for U.S. soy. Cambodia’s growing dairy and aquaculture sectors represent early-stage opportunities that, with continued support, could develop into meaningful long-term markets.
“This didn’t happen overnight,” Mertz said. “It’s the result of years of consistent engagement, technical assistance, and building trust with partners on the ground. When Missouri farmers invest in programs like WISHH, we’re helping create demand that didn’t exist before.”
While emerging markets take time to mature, Missouri Soybeans sees value in building demand from the ground up. Through continued partnership with WISHH, Missouri farmers are helping ensure U.S. soy remains a trusted and preferred choice in developing markets around the world.
As global market conditions continue to shift, Missouri Soybeans remains committed to expanding demand for U.S. soy through targeted investments, strong partnerships, and practical programming. This paired with the growing populations’ demand for protein, positions U.S. soy and Missouri farmers to be the suppliers of choice.
For more information on market development efforts and trade programs supported by Missouri Soybeans, visit mosoy.org.
