The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) is a sponsor of a See for Yourself program. This program is organized by the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA). The program will be in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Aug. 16-18.
The program includes a tour of the Port of Halifax and its related facilities. As a key point of transfer for shipments from the northern plains to European markets, Halifax is an important part of the transportation chain. It also has competitive access to the Midwest by train. It features container lines with low dwell times and truck wait times.
WSMB Vice President Andy Bensend, Wisconsin USB Directors Sara Stelter as well as Nancy Kavazanjian are slated to participate.
“The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board has a strong interest in developing new identity preserved soybean marketing channels for our farmers,” Bensend said. “The development of additional capacities to ship grains to our customers worldwide is a key part of this project. As a farmer, markets for my soybeans are vital to my farm’s success. It also contributes mightily to Wisconsin’s economic growth.”
Shipping out of the north Atlantic is important to Wisconsin soybean growers. Shipping through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway explores options for new and alternative trade lanes. It is vital when supply chain, labor, weather and other issues cause delays on gulf and U.S. coastal ports. Furthermore, the Seaway can be used much more, as it is used at about 50% of its capacity. Expanded infrastructure at the Great Lakes ports, including Duluth-Superior, Milwaukee and others, make this an ideal time to explore how soybeans can move through that waterway.
These visits are an important way to educate growers about the potential for a variety of markets and the opportunities, challenges and other issues related to exporting. By participating in this event, board members will also learn more about how Halifax can play a key role in increasing soybean shipments, including the United Kingdom and the European Union.
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