In close cooperation with the German Feed Association (DVT) and the German Association of Oilseed Processors (OVID), USSEC recently hosted two all day seminars for the local feed industry and related organizations.
On October 10, in the port city of Hamburg, the morning session included presentations from DVT on the range of current issues in the German feed industry, including the promotion of the European Federation of Feed Industry’s (FEFAC) sourcing guidelines. USSEC’s regional representative Eugene Philhower provided a presentation on sustainable soybean production in the United States and perspectives on current market conditions and trade issues. Other presentations were given on innovations in feed, the current market supply and demand, and IT applications to integrated farm management by representatives from Bunge, Agravis and Agrando. Following lunch, the group of 35 participants visited the feed manufacturing facility of HaBeMa, one of the largest compound feed companies in Germany.
On October 17, in the Bavarian city of Straubing, a similar program was conducted. This time, Brent Babb, USSEC’s Regional Director – EU / Middle East – North Africa (MENA) gave the presentation on sustainable U.S. Soy. Other presentations were made by the managers of the local ADM crushing facility, OVID, and Agrando. After lunch, the group visited the local feed mill operated by DoFu Donaufutter.
These events provide an important opportunity for the German Feed Association to reach out to their members on the current issues and challenges facing the industry and help USSEC promote a greater awareness of sustainable soybean production in the United States.
In 2017, the U.S. exported 1.3 million tons of soybeans valued at $500 million.