By Blair Shipp, ASA State Policy Communications Coordinator

Michigan farmer Janna Fritz has spent her career strengthening the link between U.S. soybean farmers and customers around the globe. As an ASA director and chair of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), she brings both passion and firsthand experience to her leadership roles, rooted in a lifelong belief that strong markets start with strong connections.

Fritz’s involvement with ASA began while working for the Michigan Soybean Committee and Michigan Soybean Association, where she first saw how international demand shapes opportunity for farmers at home. That experience inspired her to take on leadership as a farmer representative.

“It was exciting to learn about the drivers of demand and how we must advocate, through ASA, to expand trade opportunities and increase international export demand,” Fritz said. “U.S. farmers are the best at producing soybeans. We just need people willing to advocate for that product around the world.”

Today, through her work with USSEC, Fritz helps lead outreach that connects global buyers directly with U.S. farmers. For her, the most rewarding moments come when those relationships take root. International customers often share stories about visiting American farms or meeting U.S. producers in their own countries. Those personal experiences, she said, create trust that strengthens trade ties.

“When we can make person-to-person connections, we can educate each other on our respective needs,” she said. “That sharing drives a stronger business relationship.”

Fritz believes those interactions matter because global buyers want to understand who produces their soy and how. “Many are surprised to learn I am a sixth-generation farmer and a woman in agriculture,” she said. “Farmers can simply share their story and help foster connections internationally.”

Michigan soybean farmer and USSEC Chair Janna Fritz addresses attendees of the 2025 Soy Connext conference.

That message will resonate even more as the world prepares for 2026, the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a milestone Fritz is especially excited to champion. “Over half the world’s food is produced by women farmers,” she said. “It is important to highlight the role women play in agriculture today.”

Balancing leadership with farm and family life requires planning and teamwork, something Fritz credits to her strong support system at home. Her husband, father-in-law, and now her youngest son all play key roles in keeping their farm running smoothly when she is traveling. “My family knows the value of the work I am doing to promote U.S. Soy,” she said. “They are very willing to support my efforts.”

Looking ahead, Fritz sees differentiation as the next big opportunity for U.S. soy in global markets. “We offer specialized, high-quality soybeans – non-GMO, high protein, high oleic. Whatever an international buyer needs, U.S. farmers can provide it reliably and at the highest quality,” she said. “As demand for protein grows worldwide, U.S. Soy is ready to meet it.”

From her family’s farm in Michigan to markets across the world, Fritz continues to demonstrate the power of connection, advocacy, and leadership, showing that U.S. soybean farmers not only grow a crop but also relationships that feed the world.