Information provided by USSEC

ASA Director Jerry Bambauer (left) inspects soy quality at Skretting Feedmill with other U.S. soy farmers. Photo courtesy of USSEC

U.S. soy grower leaders recently took part in a mission to Ecuador to gain a better understanding of its aquaculture industry, particularly the shrimp industry, and the importance of this market for U.S. soy.

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) held the International Aquaculture Marketing Mission in Guayaquil, Ecuador in late October. American Soybean Association (ASA) Director Jerry Bambauer, from Ohio, joined other U.S. grower leaders and USSEC aquaculture staff on the mission.

This trip took the team through much of the shrimp aquaculture production chain, including hatchery-grow out-processing operations and feedmill operations. The team also had the chance to take part in the annual AquaExpo, which brings the commercial industry together for discussions and a trade show.

During this trip, there was also an opportunity for Aquaculture Program Lead Technical Consultant – SEA Lukas Manomaitis to discuss the updated International Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database (IAFFD) with the grower leaders to show them how USSEC is trying to directly influence the industry to use U.S. soy.

Other participants on this mission included Belinda Burrier, United Soybean Board (USB) director; RJ Campbell, Nebraska Soybean Board; Tony Johanson, Nebraska Soybean Board; Diana Beitelspacher, North Dakota Soybean Council; Andy Tauer, Indiana Soybean Alliance; Tom Griffith, Indiana Soybean Alliance; Kary Claghorn, Iowa Soybean Association; Rolland Schnell, Iowa Soybean Association; USSEC Marketing Director – International Aquaculture and Customer Focus Colby Sutter; and USSEC Project Manager Aquaculture/ Customer Focus Dena Hensel.