NCI Hosts U.S. Soy and the Value of Essential Amino Acids (EAA) Course May 6-10, 2024

The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) hosted its U.S. Soy and the Value of Essential Amino Acids (EAA) course on May 6-10, 2024. The course was held in conjunction with the American Soybean Association (ASA) and WISHH (World Initiative for Soy in Human Health) and was sponsored by the North Dakota Soybean Council (NDSC). The purpose of the course was to provide in-depth training on the value and use of U.S. soybeans, particularly in relation to essential amino acids. This course was conducted in-person beginning in Minneapolis, MN, and ended at the Northern Crops Institute in Fargo, ND, with various tour stops throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. There were 8 participants in attendance from Cambodia and Vietnam.

The course attendees primarily consisted of animal feed company leaders from Cambodia. The course/trade team built on a successful trade trip led by ASA/WISHH to Southeast Asia in 2023 that was also funded by NDSC. This year, ASA/WISHH was pleased to leverage USDA Market Access Program (MAP) to bring this international delegation of business leaders to the United States.

Day one began on the campus of the University of Minnesota with lectures from U of MN faculty. The group then toured the CHS Barge Loading Facility in Savage, MN. This laid the foundation of discussion about the U.S. soy supply chain for northern-grown soybeans. A barge transportation presentation was held at the CHS headquarters in Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Day two continued the supply chain theme primarily through the rail lens. The group first toured the BNSF Container Loading Yard. Next they took a look at Ag Transfer, a transloading facility which is a subsidiary of Stone Arch Commodities in Minneapolis, MN. The afternoon consisted of tours and presentations with International Feed Company and Scoular in the Minneapolis area.

Day three brought the group across the border into North Dakota. They arrived on the campus of NDSU at the Northern Crops Institute for a welcome from NDSC. The remainder of the day consisted of a tour of the NCI feedmill and lectures on commodity cash and futures markets. Throughout the discussion, it was highlighted that the intrinsic value of U.S. soybeans and soybean meal outweighs the higher cost when purchasing for value versus price per metric ton.

Day four started off with presentations further discussing the economic benefits of U.S. soybeans, particularly with regard to higher essential amino acids. The group heard from local soybean processors before heading out for tours. The first stop was the Ag Innovation Campus, a new crush facility in Crookston, MN. It was exciting to see the plant in operation, though it is just in its beginning stages with about 240 tons of soybean meal produced per day. Finally, the group toured the Alton Grain Terminal, an elevator in Hillsboro, ND, where they experienced hands-on the process of grain quality grading by the North Dakota Grain Inspection.

Day five was the last day of the course. Some of the participants were able to bring soybean samples from Cambodia along to be tested using NCI’s NIR equipment. This opportunity paved the way for discussion on NIR sample comparisons, feed formulations (particularly with Amino acid variations), soybean breeding, soybean grading, and an overview of the PNW ports. Industry professionals and NDSU faculty presented on these topics. Lastly, a certificate of completion was awarded to all the attendees who participated in this course.

To view and register for NCI’s upcoming courses, visit https://www.northern-crops.com/courses.