Transportation Summit

Iowa soybean farmers enjoy a competitive advantage in the global marketplace because of the superior quality and composition of the commodity we grow. The profitability of soybean farmers is also directly related to the efficient movement of our agricultural products.

The Iowa Soybean Association invites farmers to learn more about this critical issue by attending the 2014 Transportation Seminar on Monday, Feb. 17, from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bev’s on the River in Sioux City. Speakers will include:
• Chris Schaffer, AGP
• Mark Nahra, Woodbury County Engineer
• Mike Steenhoek, Soy Transportation Coalition
• Greg Guthrie, BNSF Railway

Currently, the U.S. transportation infrastructure makes soybeans an attractive option for global buyers. In terms of cost, research conducted by the Soy Transportation Coalition finds two metric tons of soybeans can be shipped from Iowa to Shanghai for every one metric ton sourced from N. Mato Grosso, Brazil.

While building a better bean is, and will continue to be, a priority, we must not ignore the quality of infrastructure. Sadly, time is not on our side. Locks, dams, bridges, roads and railroads are aging and deteriorating. Our infrastructure needs must be systematically addressed - and soon - so soybeans can be competitively transported through our local, state and national systems to access foreign markets.

Addressing the issue of the deteriorating infrastructure is past due. Now is the time to raise awareness and knowledge of the status of our transportation system that serves to move the soybeans we produce from field to market and market to end users.

There is no cost to attend. RSVPs can be made to Carrie Kelly, Iowa Soybean Association Producer Services Regional Coordinator, ckelly@iasoybeans.com or 515-229-2893. Space is limited so make your reservation today.