Global Opportunities Program Pitches in to Help Accomplish New Strategic Plan

Newly appointed USB GO Chair discusses how USB works together on global stage

Laura Foell, 2012 chair of the United Soybean Board’s (USB) Global Opportunities (GO) committee and a soybean farmer from Schaller, Iowa, knows that the checkoff needs to be an industry leader in making U.S. soy the top choice for international and domestic buyers. Here she talks with Beyond the Bean Online about how the GO program helps USB achieve this goal.

Why is there a GO program?

We realize that at least one out of every two rows of soybeans is exported and that domestic poultry and livestock consume a majority of our soybean meal. But even with that knowledge, we still need to be informed and understand the importance of how other things impact our markets and production of U.S. soybeans. It is also important that we know what our competitors in the world market are doing.

What do you hope to see the GO program achieve in the coming year?

We will be looking at domestic and global opportunities for U.S. soybeans while we make sure that all markets – domestic and international – seek out our product as the top choice for protein and oil. These projects will include analysis, education and communications efforts so that our farmers and the entire U.S. soy value chain will be knowledgeable about our industry and we can help accomplish USB’s new long-range strategic plan.

What makes the GO program different from other USB programs?

Each of us who serves on the GO committee represents other USB program areas. This gives us a chance to share what is happening in other areas as well as report back on what is occurring in the GO program. We will be looking at various projects and events within the GO program where we can collaborate with other areas within USB.

As a soybean farmer, I need my checkoff to be a leader in working to make sure that U.S. farmers, end users and others throughout the value chain have the latest and best information. That will help U.S. soy be the protein and oil of choice throughout the country and the world.