In December, USSEC China held the 2012 Soybean Market Seminar and Crop Quality Conference in Shanghai. ASA Director and past President, Rob Joslin, and Minnesota Soybean Research and Production Council (MNSRP) Director Craig Bangasser attended the seminar to meet with the Chinese customers and present the U.S. soybean production in 2012. Two USSEC marketing consultants, David Asbridge and Bob Bresnahan, as well as a local consultant were invited as guest speakers to the event.
As China’s traditional festival approaches, China’s seasonal demand for soybean is expected to surge. Crushers and end users continue to be concerned about soybean supplies due to tight ending stock estimates in the U.S. and the uncertainty over soybean production in South America. Rob Joslin confirmed that U.S farmers will fulfill their commitments to supply soybeans not only to China but also to the world.
USSEC marketing consultants Asbridge and Breshnahan provided their professional insights on world soy supply and demand, and they shared short term price trends with the audience. Joslin and Absbridge talked from their own perspectives as farmers and former crop survey leaders to enhance attendee confidence in the U.S. soy industry. Joslin and Bangasser then awarded the top 10 importers and top 10 loyalty customers of U.S. soybeans in the 2011-2012 marketing year.
Prior to the market seminar, grower leaders and market consultants met with key integrators in Beijing to discuss current soy market situation.  USSEC also hosted an appreciation dinner in Shanghai for the most preferred customers to strengthen the partnership between the industries of both countries.
Agricultural Trade Office-Shanghai Director Keith Schneller presented the opening speech; USSEC China Country Director Xiaoping Zhang and Animal Utilization Technical Director Richard Han presented the Soybean Crop Quality Report. USSEC Marketing Manager Claudia Chong and Marketing Program Assistant Yantian Zeng organized the event and other USSEC staff also attended the event.