A few hours after committing to purchase 5.1 million metric tons (MMT) of U.S. Soy valued at $2.1 billion USD, a Chinese delegation visited the Hampton, Iowa farm of United Soybean Board (USB) and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) director April Hemmes.
The October 14 visit followed the soybean contract signing in Des Moines. Guests included Bian Zhenhu (President, CFNA); Zhang Jun (CFNA); Lin Xinyi (Louis Dreyfus Company China); USSEC Country Director – China Zhang Xiaoping; USSEC Marketing Program Assistant Zeng Yantian; USSEC Marketing Manager Xinyun Claudia; ISA Senior Communications Manager Joe Murphy; and USSEC Stakeholder Relations Coordinator Eric Gibson.
Ms. Hemmes said hosting buyers at her farm, along with participating on U.S. Soy missions to China, helps to build strong relationships that solidify the U.S. Soy industry as a trusted supplier and partner.
“I have learned that it’s all about relationships,” Ms. Hemmes stated. “With as big as this world is and the amount of beans they buy, it comes down to that one-on-one relationship and getting to know them.”
Ms. Lin had the opportunity to harvest beans and said driving the massive combine was a highlight of her trip.
“Driving a combine is much more exciting than a car in Beijing,” she quipped. “To have this experience and talk face-to-face (with Ms. Hemmes) gives me more understanding when I buy beans who I’m dealing with.”