U.S soy farmers attended USSEC’s 6th Regional Dairy Nutrition Conference – Middle East North Africa (MENA) September 20 through September 23 in Egypt. USSEC and American Soybean Association (ASA) director Stan Born, past United Soybean Board (USB) chairman Lewis Bainbridge, and current USB chairman Keith Tapp traveled to Cairo to participate in this event.
Ninety participants from the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey were participated in this conference. Participants hailed from major dairy producers and feed millers in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey.
Each of the grower leaders spoke about his farm; sustainable U.S. soy production and farming practices; and his utilization of innovative technology and equipment.
Additional speakers included Marshall Stern, Professor, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota; David Gast, Director, Nutrition & Technical Services, Ag Processing, Inc; Kevin Sinnott, International President, Fornazor International Inc; Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO; Brent Babb, USSEC Regional Director – EU/MENA; Frank Delfino, Delfino Nutrition and Management Inc; and Sirri Kayhan, Consultant - Turkey, U. S. Soybean Export Council.
“This was my third year in a row attending the USSEC Regional Dairy Nutrition Conference and it is always an honor to be invited as a speaker on the program,” Dr. Stern says. “I appreciate the opportunity to address new topics each year and share my research with dairy producers, feed industry representatives, nutrition consultants, professors, and others associated with the dairy industry. Soybean producers and members of USSEC from various sections of the United States gave informative presentations to enlighten us on various methods of soybean production. The presentation on export logistics showed how complex it is to ship soybeans to the Middle East. Exchange of ideas during breaks and at dinner was extremely valuable and initiated future collaborations between soybean producers from the U.S. and the dairy industry in North Africa and the Middle East. This conference continues to grow and get better each year.”
“I have participated in several of these conferences in the past and find each one provides the opportunity to renew acquaintances from previous meetings presents opportunities for new possible markets for U.S. soybean products,” states Mr. Gast. “The USSEC MENA team does a great job developing the program through the selection of informative, timely topics which both aid in promotion of U.S. soybean products and help to enhance the ability of those in attendance to improve livestock performance and productivity.”
“We appreciate all that USSEC does for Fornazor in the MENA region, especially introducing us to potential buyers in the area,” says Mr. Sinnot.
“I am sure all of the participants got a better understanding and appreciation of the quality and sustainability of U.S. soy products from discussion with real U.S. soy producers,” says Mr. Delfino. “I was also glad to see participation from the Senior U.S. Ag Attache, Mr. Beillard.”