A farmer leader team consisting of state and national American Soybean Association (ASA) and United Soybean Board (USB) directors recently toured USSEC’s Southeast Asia aquaculture program in Vietnam.  Participating in the visit were Russ Carpenter (New York - USB board), Bob Henry (Kansas - ASA board), Jared Hagert (North Dakota - USB board), Lawrence Sukalski (Minnesota - ASA board), Terry Vissing (Indiana QSSB), and Kenlon Johannes (Executive Director Kansas QSSB).  The objective of the visit was to provide the team with a comprehensive view of pangasius catfish production from hatchery, feed mill and grow-out through to the processing plant.

Vietnam is the world’s third largest aquaculture producer and the largest producer of pangasius catfish, most of which are exported.  The fish are primarily grown in ponds located in the Mekong Delta.  Two of Vietnam’s largest feed companies, Charoen Pokphand and Proconco, hosted the team during the tour and gave presentations on their operations and the soy-optimized diets they are producing.   Charoen Pokphand is the largest producer/feed company in the world.