A ship destined for Asia is loaded with U.S. grain at the Tacoma Export Marketing Company (TEMCO) in Tacoma, Wash. Participants selected for this year’s See For Yourself program will have the opportunity to tour TEMCO and learn more about the export process.

Apply Now! As a South Dakota soybean farmer, you have the opportunity to see how the South Dakota soybean checkoff contributes to export opportunities. This June, the SD soybean checkoff will host 15 soybean farmers on a See For Yourself mission to the Pacific Northwest, a major export region for soybeans from South Dakota. The mission will give participants the opportunity to see how the checkoff works to increase productivity, profitability and demand. South Dakota soybean farmers are encouraged to apply for this year’s See For Yourself mission, June 22 to 26. The checkoff will cover all travel expenses. The See For Yourself trip will highlight the Tacoma Export Marketing Company (TEMCO), the Port of Grays Harbor (PGH), the Imperium Renewables biodiesel plant and Icicle Seafoods Salmon Hatchery. “The facilities the group will visit all play an essential role in the export process. The See For Yourself program is really an opportunity for farmers to witness what happens with their soybeans beyond the elevator,” said Marc Reiner, farmer from Tripp and chairman of the South Dakota soybean checkoff. “With more than 60 percent of South Dakota’s soybean crop exported overseas, it is key for farmers to understand the export process.” Joel Foxley, a soybean farmer from Platte, S.D., is a past participant in the program. “Exports are so important to our operation. Without exports we would not have the market we have. It is imperative for everyone to be aware of how much is moving across our country and into Asia. Until you see it firsthand, you have no idea.” According to Foxley, participating in the program was an eye-opening experience, and he would definitely encourage his fellow farmers to apply this year. “The biggest thing I took out of the trip is finding out how complex the logistics are to move and time everything from trains to ships. It was such a huge eye-opener. The elevators always tell you they get penalized if things don’t go as planned, but it is such a huge impact. I would love to go again, and everyone should take the time to apply.”

If you are interested in the program, you can apply here. The deadline to submit an application is April 16.

If you would like additional information about the program, contact Kelly Nelson at knelson@sdsoybean.org or 605.330.9942.