Northern Soy Marketing (NSM) is bringing international stakeholders directly to the source of soy quality from Oct. 7-11. The NSM crop tour will visit soybean farms across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and also South Dakota, showcasing the region’s soy production.
“There’s no better way to demonstrate the quality of northern-grown soybeans than showing the care farmers put into growing them,” said NSM Chair Glen Groth.
NSM, founded to promote the quality and consistency of northern-grown soybeans, collaborates with researchers to accurately assess soy quality. By focusing on essential amino acids rather than crude protein, NSM aims to highlight true soy feed quality—starting at the farm gate.
“One key part of NSM’s mission is connecting with international stakeholders through one-on-one visits,” said NSM Market Development Project Manager Katelyn Engquist. “This crop tour offers us a chance to return the favor and also show buyers where northern-grown soy originates.”
The tour begins Monday, Oct. 7, at Wisconsin United Soybean Board Director Tony Mellenthin’s farm in Eau Galle, Wis. Next, the group heads to NSM Chair Glen Groth’s farm in Ridgeway, Minn. On Tuesday, they’ll tour the University of Minnesota’s soybean research plots. They will also visit NSM Director Patrick O’Leary’s farm in Danvers, Minn.
“I enjoy hosting international visitors,” said NSM Secretary/Treasurer Nancy Kavazanjian, who farms near Beaver Dam. “I’m excited to meet the folks from Indonesia, whom I may have met during my trip last winter.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the group will travel to South Dakota, touring South Dakota Soybean Growers Association Director Chad Schooley’s operation in Castlewood, S.D. They’ll also visit the South Dakota Soybean Processors plant in Volga, S.D. The tour will conclude in Washington with a visit to Grays Harbor and AGP’s export facility, followed by a Port of Seattle tour.
“I want participants to understand that farms here are family-owned businesses,” Groth said. “We take great care in producing soybeans that can benefit their businesses and add value to their operations.”
