U.S. Soy Models Smart Agriculture at Symposium in Taiwan

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) participated in the Taiwan Smart Agriculture Technology Symposium for the first time this year. Hosted by the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, the symposium focused on further developing smart agriculture in the region.

Julian Lin, USSEC Taiwan Marketing Director, said U.S Soy is seen as a model for the use of smart agriculture in Taiwan. Smart agriculture is still in its infancy in the region. Over 200 attendees enjoyed learning about U.S. soybean farmers’ precision agriculture techniques and expanding use of technology throughout the event.

In addition to showcasing U.S. Soy, the symposium also introduced the results of current research projects around smart agriculture in Taiwan.

USSEC’s involvement brought a unique perspective to the event. Lin said USSEC presentations helped to share the impact of precision agriculture in the U.S. and promote the sustainability of U.S. Soy, a topic not otherwise discussed.

Participants learned about sustainable U.S. Soy at the symposium.

Grower leaders Pam Snelson of Oklahoma and Ron Moore of Illinois were U.S. Soy’s voice throughout the symposium.

“The U.S. Soy industry has been utilizing advanced technology for many years, which positions our industry to be a global leader in the area of sustainaible agriculture and food production,” Snelson said.

“On my farm here in Wann, we incorporate many technologies that allow us to increase production, while at the same time minimizing impact on the soils and the natural environment. The technologies used on our farm include precision agriculture, best genetic seed selection, crop rotation, no-till farming and incorporating cover crops, just to name a few.”

Pam Snelson of Oklahoma shared about sustainability on her family farm

Snelson also shared the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol with attendees, further explaining the integration of sustainaibility and technology in the industry.

Moore shared a glimpse of his operation, focusing on smart technology and sustainable practices his family uses on their farm.

“Part of the land that our family farms has been in our family since 1913, so I think we've done a pretty good job of taking care of the land,” he said. “We're doing a better job now than we did a hundred years ago. But, we know more now than we did a hundred years ago, and so we’re using that knowledge to preserve our natural resources.”

They utilize no-till planting, computer technology and GPS technology, Moore explained.

“We’re answering the questions that consumers are asking about,” he said. “Am I preserving our natural resources? Am I raising these soybeans in a way that doesn't harm the environment? And answers to all those are yes.”

Through these grower leaders’ perspectives, symposium attendees walked away with a new outlook on the model of U.S. Soy.

Ron Moore of Illinois took symposium attendees on a virtual tour of his farm.