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Soybean production depends on expanding market access

Members of the Ohio Soybean Council are emphasizing the importance of export markets in the success of the state’s soybean industry.

West central Ohio farmer Bill Bayliss says export markets drive demand for Ohio soybeans.

“More than 60% of our soy ends up being transported overseas,” he says. “We’re over there trying to develop relationships with the importers, the processors, to open doors and encourage US soybean usage.”

Central Ohio farmer Tom Fontana says despite recent trade disruptions, diversifying market opportunities could create more stability in the marketplace.

“I hope that the market demands that growth because we have increased crush capacity in Ohio,” he says. “From the processing standpoint, it looks really, really good. We’ve just got to make sure we keep building those markets for our soybeans.”

Both farmers say they’re optimistic about the U.S. continuing to expand market opportunities for soybeans and other commodities.

Brownfield interviewed Bayliss and Fontana during Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado.

AUDIO: Bill Bayliss

AUDIO: Tom Fontana