(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
Trade Team Task Force strengthens soy's international connections
June 30, 2025 | Kriss Nelson
Sam Showalter's work on the Iowa Soybean Association's (ISA) Trade Team Task Force focuses on creating new markets and maintaining strong relationships with U.S. soy buyers.
Showalter, a Hampton-area farmer and ISA District 2 director, has been active on ISA's Trade Team Task Force by hosting trade missions on his farm.
"Soybean farmers need people advocating for them to ensure their checkoff dollars are spent responsibly," says Showalter. "There are a lot of great things those dollars do that return to Iowa soybean farmers and I have seen some of that firsthand through trade missions."
The association's Trade Team Task Force grows and strengthens trade relationships by hosting international leaders on Iowa soybean farms. This program aims to spotlight soybean farmers, showing international trading partners how soybeans are grown here.
"I truly cherish those relationships we have built," says Showalter. "In today's climate, those relationships are especially important for both the reliability of our product and for them to see we are everyday farmers out here producing soybeans. They appreciate the blue-collar mindset and mentality."
In collaboration with AGP, Showalter's family hosted a trade group from Japan and South Korea. The timing of the visit, during harvest, made it special for the visitors.
"They had the opportunity to witness an Iowa soybean harvest and ride in the combine," he says.
Showalter says the group was interested in how he farms in north central Iowa.
"They inquired about all aspects of our operation and were not shy about asking financial questions, including our ROI, where we sell our soybeans, the basis, acres and yields," he says. "I was as candid with them as I possibly could. It was a fun opportunity."
Nurturing relationships
On a trade mission to the Philippines, Showalter met with soybean buyers who prefer U.S. soy.
"Their preference for U.S. soy is not only because of the relationships we have built over the years; it is the proven quality, consistency and reliability we have shown," he says.
Another opportunity took Showalter to Peru and Colombia. This was a combination business/opportunity trip, given Peru's lack of U.S. soy imports and Colombia's substantial demand.
"My visits to the Philippines and Colombia were similar because they both bought U.S. soy. We were there to continue fostering relationships, to ensure we still have a high-quality product to sell them."
The Peruvians purchase most of their soy from Argentina and appear to be very price-driven.
"I think there is an opportunity to sell there," says Showalter. "I think they see the value in our product over South American soybeans, and we worked to showcase the opportunities of delivering soy through the Port of Grays Harbor. The Peru market has received very little attention, and we are working to change that."
Showalter believes cultivating new trade partnerships could help the U.S. lessen its reliance on demand from China.
"We have spoken with legislators about continuing to invest in Foreign Market Development and Market Access Programs through the farm bill," he says. "Those dollars are important for us to leverage with checkoff dollars, to continue to build these relationships and diversify from China. I think that is something everybody wants to be able to do as China is leaning increasingly on South American soybeans."
Serving Iowa soybean farmers
After almost a year serving on the ISA board, Showalter has learned a great deal and appreciates working alongside other farmer directors and ISA staff.
"We have a great staff and a very knowledgeable, educated, passionate board of directors working for Iowa soybean farmers," he says. "We may not always agree on things, but I think that is good. It fosters conversation, debate and critical thinking."
Showalter says he welcomes feedback from fellow farmers.
"I have been elected to serve soybean farmers in my district to the best of my capabilities," he says. "These are farmer dollars being spent, and I want farmers to share their views. I continually want to reassure them their checkoff dollars are being spent in the best way possible."
Written by Kriss Nelson.
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