Ready or not, here Northern Soy Marketing (NSM) comes.  

An NSM delegation will be heading to Vietnam in March to tout the advantages of buying northern-grown soy. 

“I’m excited to learn more about their market, understand what our customers need and how our soymeal can best fit their needs,” NSM Chair Glen Groth said. “Vietnam is a growing market, so we want to make sure we maintain a presence there.” 

A collaboration of farmer leaders from Minnesota and South Dakota, NSM promotes the quality, consistency and reliability of northern-grown soybeans and soymeal by working with respected researchers to provide a more accurate picture of soybean feeding quality.  

University of Minnesota soybean researcher Seth Naeve, poultry nutrition consultant Bob Swick and a representative from AGP will accompany Groth in Vietnam, offering their technical expertise. 

“We’re bringing a full contingency of people that can answer any questions that our customers may have,” said Groth, who farms in Minnesota. “We really have the full picture and can answer any questions anyone might have.”  

During the trade mission, the NSM delegation will host its “Understanding U.S. Soy Quality” seminar, inviting feed mill executives, purchasers and nutritionists to learn more about the advantages of purchasing northern-grown soy. 

By the time Groth flies back home to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, he is hopeful that Vietnamese stakeholders will better understand what drives the American farmer.  

“I just want to let them know that we put a lot of care and thought into producing soybeans and soymeal for their markets,” Groth said. “We take a lot of effort to make sure our beans are stored in good conditions and maintain their quality until they’re crushed or transported overseas.”