Iowa farmers connect with diverse global customers at Soy Connext 2025

September 4, 2025

By Erin Worrell, Communications Manager, U.S. Soybean Export Council

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) brings U.S. soy buyers, sellers, growers and visionaries together every year for the premier global industry event: Soy Connext. Against a backdrop of changing trade dynamics and increasing global demand for reliable, high-quality soy protein and oil, the 2025 event gathered more than 700 attendees from 59 countries in Washington, D.C., August 20 to 22, with invaluable support from an Iowa Soybean Association sponsorship.

U.S. Soy is America' top agricultural export, contributing $31.2 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2023-24 marketing year and traded in more than 80 countries. Fueled by rising global demand for soybean meal to support the expansion of global livestock, aquaculture and poultry production, USDA projects a 4.3% year-over-year increase in global soybean demand in the 2024-25 market year, reaching 346.2 million metric tons.

"Iowa exports about 50% of our soybeans, and because I farm close to the Mississippi, most of my soybeans go overseas," says Tom Adam, president-elect of the Iowa Soybean Association who farms near Harper in Keokuk County and attended Soy Connext. "It's important to be face-to-face with customers. It's good for all of us to know who we are dealing with."

The Soy Connext agenda featured expert talks, panel discussions focused on sustainability, plant-based protein trends, supply chain insights and global market dynamics. In addition, the Trade Team Invitational connected 315 key buyers and 43 exporter companies to strengthen trade relationships and explore market opportunities.

U.S. Soy customers and exporters value the insights gained during Soy Connext sessions. But opportunities to connect with others in the industry really make the event shine. Attendees got a real-time crop update from a farmer panel during the program. Plus, the "Ask a Farmer" lounge made it easy for customers to meet face-to-face with U.S. Soy farmers.

"Soy Connext is a great place to connect with buyers who want to hear our story and learn how we grow soybeans sustainably," Adam says. "They ask lots of details about cover crops, the technology we use, how we take care of the environment and similar topics."

In addition to time in Washington, D.C., many international attendees participated in trade team tours before or after the conference. The visits highlighted the U.S. soybean industry's transparency and readiness to meet global demand, giving international buyers a firsthand look at the sustainable practices, innovation and stewardship that are core to the U.S. Soy value proposition. Trade teams with participants from Bangladesh, China and India explored Iowa. They visited farms, cooperatives, supply chain partners, the Iowa State Fair and more.

Iowa Soybean Association support is integral to the Soy Connext program and bringing the most important customers to the U.S.

"Our group of Iowa farmers met with the China delegation four times over the course of Soy Connext," Adam says. "They are willing to buy U.S. soy if the logistics can be worked out. I learned a lot about trade issues, but I also learned that U.S. soy could gain new customers that lose out as Brazil focuses on China."

Iowa farmers also will see a return on this investment as USSEC emphasizes the consistency, reliability, quality and sustainability of U.S. Soy. As demand for soy foods and soy products grows in emerging, expanding and established markets, the industry is focused on a strategy that builds on U.S. Soy's reputation in the global marketplace."

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