On the move: SDSRPC sponsors Transportation Go! conference

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Transportation is essential to South Dakota farmers. Being a mostly agricultural state that exports nearly 40% of its farm products, commodities need to find their way out of the state to trade partners around the world. However, being located in the middle of the country creates some roadblocks.  

“The distance is some of it,” said Derrick Scott, District 2 director and Treasurer of the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (SDSRPC). “We have somewhat of a rail network – it does the job but it’s not as expansive as other states. We don’t have use of our river due to the dam system that is on it, so we aren’t able to transport via water.” 

These issues were some of the topics of discussion at Transportation Go!, hosted by the Specialty Soya Grains Alliance (SSGA) in Minneapolis in March. SDSRPC is proud to sponsor the event. 

“This was my first time there, and I was very happy with the meeting: great group of speakers, great lineup,” Scot said. “They really delved into all different facets of transportation. We’re going to get more members to go next year.” 

With 60% of South Dakota’s soybeans leaving the country, it’s imperative that the soybean checkoff invests in projects and events like Transportation Go! to ensure their products arrive to customers. South Dakota soybeans typically leave the U.S. via the Pacific Northwest for countries in Southeast Asia. To get there, they are shipped by truck or rail – South Dakota has an interstate highway system and direct rail lines to the West Coast. This infrastructure allows products to leave the country cheaper and faster than competitors. 

“South America is our main competitor for soybeans, and they have a lot of issues when it comes to transportation,” Scott said. “The United States is leaps and bounds ahead of them as far as getting our product moved in a safe and in a quick nature. We’re able to get things out of here quickly, and the quality is maintained along that transport chain.”  

South Dakota lawmakers are also active in supporting agricultural transportation. In Washington, D.C., Senate Majority Leader John Thune has supported bills such as the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which was passed into law in 2022. 

“The Ocean Shipping Reform Act was pivotal, as it defined the role of the Federal Maritime Commission as having authority to rule upon and assess penalties upon container carriers on matters for example, relating to detention and demurrage charges without proper information being documented or a process to dispute charges,” Gary Williams, director of transportation and regulatory affairs for SSGA, said. “Shippers’ rights and fairness are now protected by this process of being able to present their case to the FMC for investigation.” 

SDSRPC also invests in organizations like the Soy Transportation Coalition, which seeks efficient transportation for soy shippers and customers.  

Argus Murmurings: Argentina FX change will support exports to US

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Organic soybean imports in March 2025 were estimated at 19,600 MT, down 31pc from the same month in the prior year. Ukraine supplied 16,000 MT and Canada supplied the remaining 3,600t. 

The Argus AgriMarkets Organic and non-GMO service weekly delivered spot price for feed-grade organic soybeans delivered to the U.S. Corn Belt for the week ended April 17, 2025, was $20.29/bushel, which is up $0.15 from a month prior and $0.81 from a year prior.  

The devaluation of the Argentinean peso will make Argentinean organic soybeans more price-competitive in the U.S., market contacts said. The devaluation of the peso will make Argentinean imports cheaper for U.S. buyers and Argentinian farmers will receive more pesos per dollar. 

There are little-to-no-remaining stocks of old crop organic soybeans remaining in Argentina, but the devaluation will affect new crop sales, market contacts said. New crop sales so far were below historical levels because of buyers hesitating to lock in volume before there was more certainty on tariffs. Lower buying activity from typical U.S. importers could leave more organic soybeans to be purchased by other importers. 

Shipments of new crop organic soybeans will begin in June, market contacts said. Argentinean farmers increased their organic soybean acreage because of the low profitability of organic corn. A drought earlier in the season did damage the crop, but yields are expected to be close to historical levels. 

IP Crop Network – April Report

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To those in agriculture, spring is like a breath of fresh air; a clean slate to nurture and grow the next crop that will feed the world. SSGA’s IP Crop Network will be published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both first-hand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports. 

There has been very little planting in North Dakota. A small amount of small grains have been planted, including 10% of spring wheat. Three percent of sugar beets have been planted, slightly below the five-year average.  

Planting in Minnesota is just ramping up, too, with 3% of soybeans planted and 9% of corn planted. Several farmers in various locations around the state planned to start planting this week. 62% of topsoil and 53 of subsoil has adequate moisture. 

In northwest Wisconsin, soil conditions are quite dry and cool. There have been some early small grains seeded but very little corn or soybean planting has happened. Fertilizer is being broadcast and some light tillage on fields that are fit to be on. Sub-soil conditions are very dry. 

In southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, there are some reports of food-grade soybeans being planted. Ground temperatures are slightly low but as temperatures rise this week, a significant increase in planting activity should follow.  

The southern third of Illinois is very wet. Some planting is occurring on dry ridges and sand, but overall, 10% of the state’s soybeans are planted and 7% of corn is planted. Growers in eastern Illinois reported fast and furious planting of soybeans in the last several days. One eager grower in eastern Illinois planted a small amount of soybeans in mid-March, but with too much moisture, the beans only just emerged a few days ago.  

There are just a few fields of soybeans planted in Michigan at this time. Most fields are a little wet and temperatures are cold. There is rain in the weather forecast but also warmer temperatures. Many growers are hopeful to begin planting the last week of April but will wait for good conditions.  

Growers will continue to monitor conditions and will eagerly begin planting as soon as their fields are ready. Stay tuned for more updates from SSGA throughout the growing season.  View the entire NASS report from April 21 here. 

Randy Duckworth steps into new role as SSGA executive director

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The new year has rolled in with new energy and fresh leadership for the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) as Randy Duckworth took the helm as executive director Jan. 6.

“My immediate focus will be on listening to our members, learning from their experiences and expanding our outreach to both current and potential stakeholders,” Duckworth said.

While Duckworth is ready to embrace the opportunities on the road ahead, his wealth of knowledge paved his journey to this point.

Duckworth has served as a representative to the International Agri-Food Network and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research at Michigan State University. He previously served on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization World Pulses Day oversight committee, is a former member of the USDA Food Aid Consultative Group and former chair of Protected Harvest – a group that promotes and certifies agriculture production and marketing practices.

“We look forward to Randy’s leadership as we continue to realize new opportunities for SSGA members and building creative solutions to our industry challenges,” SSGA Chair Bob Sinner said.

Since graduating from the Seattle University School of Law, Duckworth has specialized in agricultural association management, international food marketing and food assistance programs. He has overseen marketing, promotion and research activities in over 75 countries and specializes in linking producers, processors, exporters and buyers or food manufacturers. He most recently served as CEO of the Global Pulse Federation based in Dubai.

“I am deeply honored to join SSGA as executive director and thrilled to collaborate with Chairman Bob Sinner and the entire board to build upon their impressive legacy of success,” Duckworth said.

With an illustrious career in the agriculture production sector already under his belt, he’s ready to hit the ground running with SSGA.

“I’m committed to pursuing innovative funding opportunities and developing strategic initiatives that will further strengthen and advance the specialty soya and grains industry,” Duckworth said.

As executive director, his duties include overseeing day-to-day operations, providing strategic direction and leadership to advance SSGA’s mission and vision, and cultivating relationships with SSGA members and industry partners. Among his first responsibilities will be finalizing plans for the Identity Preserved International Summit and Transportation Go!.

Duckworth succeeds Eric Wenberg, who retired in September 2024 from SSGA, also known as the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance, after more than five years in his role.

IP Crop Network – November Report

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This feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed to this report.  

Michigan
Soybean harvest is nearly complete in Michigan. Harvest was smooth and efficient this fall with good weather. Some soybean moisture was lower than hoped for at 9-11%, but many others were harvested near ideal at 12-14%. Beans went into storage in good condition.

The November USDA NASS Crop Production Report estimates a state average yield of 51 bushels per acre. This is very good for Michigan as our record state average is 51.5 bushels.

Anecdotal conversations with farmers and elevator operators indicate that a significant portion of the 2024 soybean crop has not been priced as growers are hopeful for better price opportunities in the future.

 – Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee  

 

Minnesota
Minnesota was dry, but early November rains eased drought concerns a bit. If fall rains do not restore soil moisture status, planting in 2025 will prove to be interesting. According to the drought monitor, about 84% of the state is rated moderate to severe drought (D1-D2) status. As reported in the Nov. 4 USDA MN Crop Progress report, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 63% short to very short, 35% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 59% short to very short, 40% adequate and 1% surplus.

Crop harvest is all but complete in Minnesota. Corn silage, small grains, edible beans, and soybeans have been largely harvested. Corn grain harvest is proceeding rapidly with 95% harvested by Nov. 4. Grain moisture has been sufficiently low that grain drying, so far, is limited in scope. Early on, soybean harvest was slowed due to excessive green stems and overly dry pods/seeds reducing combine speeds. Some farmers are concerned about future crop volunteer corn and soybean issues in 2025 due to excessive harvest escapes. Farmer yield reports vary from “weather impacted” to “about average.”

Field work, soil sampling, tillage, manure, fertilizer applications, etc., continues. Soil temperatures have been excessively high (>50oF), limiting fall N fertilizer and manure applications. When soil temps drop (<50oF), nitrogen, as well as P and K, fertilizers will be going down. An early freeze of surface soils may shut down nutrient applications, an event that would add a lot more work to be done before the 2025 planting season starts. Current soil temperatures make this a doubtful event. Given the recent low river levels around Memphis, there is still some concern expressed about crop input availability in the spring.

 – David Kee, Director of Research, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council  

 

North Dakota
North Dakota had a great soybean production season in 2024 despite disease challenges such as white mold, phytophthora and soybean cyst nematode. According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) report on Nov. 8, North Dakota’s 2024 soybean production is forecast at a record 251 million bushels, up 15% from last year’s production of 219 million bushels. The area for harvest, at 6.6 million acres, is up 7% from 2023. The yield is forecast at 38 bushels per acre, relative to 35.5 bushels per acre last year.

Unlike many falls, we had a relatively warm and dry fall this season that allowed farmers to have a smooth and efficient harvest. The soybean harvest was completed 1-2 weeks ago; the corn and sunflower harvest continues and is close to being done this week.

Now that harvest is almost completed, we need moisture to replenish topsoil and subsoil moisture for the next crop growing season.

 –Miki Miheguli, Director of Agronomy & Research, North Dakota Soybean Council  

 

Missouri
According to the USDA’s NASS, farmers had 4.8 suitable days for field work in the week ending Nov. 3, 2024.

Harvest is starting to wrap up for most of the state of Missouri. Corn harvest is sitting at 91% which is 8% ahead of the 83% 5-year average. Soybean harvest is slightly behind corn at 86% of the crop being harvested but is still 17% ahead of the 69% 5-year average.

The soybean crop was looking very promising for much of the state, until southeast Missouri got hit with rain from Hurricane Helene. This article from state soybean specialist Dr. Andre Froes de Borja Reis details the unusual circumstances that happened in Helene’s path.

Winter wheat planting is well underway as well, sitting at 79% planted, which is 11% ahead of the 69% 5-year average. The crop is looking good so far with 44% emerged and 61% rated as good to excellent.

– Blake Barlow, Director of Agronomy & Research, Missouri Soybeans

SSGA appoints new executive director

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Randy Duckworth brings global perspective  

With global ties to the agriculture production sector and extensive involvement in connecting producers, processors and buyers, longtime association executive Randy Duckworth has been named the new executive director of the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance. 

“Randy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in association work, particularly as it relates to the global food industry,” SSGA Chair Bob Sinner said. “We look forward to Randy’s leadership as we continue to realize new opportunities for SSGA members and building creative solutions to our industry challenges.” 

Since graduating from the Seattle University School of Law, Duckworth has specialized in agricultural association management, international food marketing and food assistance programs. He has overseen marketing, promotion and research activities in over 75 countries and specializes in linking producers, processors, exporters and buyers or food manufacturers. He most recently served as CEO of the Global Pulse Federation based in Dubai.  

“I am deeply honored to join SSGA as executive director and thrilled to collaborate with Chairman Bob Sinner and the entire board to build upon their impressive legacy of success,” Duckworth said. “My immediate focus will be on listening to our members, learning from their experiences and expanding our outreach to both current and potential stakeholders.” 

Duckworth is a representative to the International Agri-Food Network and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research at Michigan State University. He previously served on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization World Pulses Day oversight committee, is a former member of the USDA Food Aid Consultative Group and former chair of Protected Harvest – a group that promotes and certifies agriculture production and marketing practices. 

“I’m committed to pursuing innovative funding opportunities and developing strategic initiatives that will further strengthen and advance the specialty soya and grains industry,” Duckworth said. “Together, we’ll work to enhance SSGA’s role as a driving force for growth, sustainability and excellence in the identity preserved agricultural sector.” 

Duckworth’s tenure will begin Jan. 6, 2025. As executive director, his duties will include overseeing day-to-day operations, providing strategic direction and leadership to advance SSGA’s mission and vision, and cultivating relationships with SSGA members and industry partners. Among his first responsibilities will be finalizing plans for the Identity Preserved International Summit and Transportation Go!. 

Duckworth succeeds Eric Wenberg, who retired from SSGA, also known as the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance, on Sept. 30 after serving in that role for the organization’s first 5 1/2 years of existence. 

IP Crop Network – October Report

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This feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed to this report.  

Illinois
Illinois’ harvest is progressing along nicely. Corn harvest is running on the five-year average around 31%, while soybean harvest is running ahead of pace at around 45%. Overall, corn yields are better than expected. Soybean yields are all over the board. Some very good yields, 90-plus, being reported where the August rains fell. And where they didn’t, yields of 35-45 bushels per acre are common. There’s a definite trend on earlier maturity beans being some of the highest-yielding acres. We will see a shift in maturity next planting season with more acres going to late 2 to early 3 and less group 4 beans. 

 – Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l  

 Michigan 

Soybean harvest is well ahead of schedule this fall in Michigan. USDA reports that 40% of our crop was harvested as of Oct. 6. This compares to a five-year average of 21% at this time. Some soybeans have been harvested at very dry moisture content (less than 10%) even when soybean stems are tough to pass through the combine. 

Harvest timing of soybeans is very good for winter wheat planting, but soil moisture levels are so low that germination and emergence are delayed and/or variable. Most soybean growers are pleased with being able to harvest without rain interruptions and grain going directly to storage or not paying drying charges.     

 – Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee  

 Minnesota
After a very wet spring, Minnesota is dry yet again! According to the Oct. 3 drought monitor report, about 94% of Minnesota is in the early stages of drought (rated D0-D1). The Oct. 7 Minnesota Crop Progress Report states topsoil moisture supplies were rated 57% short to very short, 42% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 40% short to very short, 58% adequate, and 2% surplus. 2024 has been a different year. Soil went from excessively dry in March 2024 to excessively wet in June back to dry in October. Rain will be needed this fall to ease drought stress this winter. Without rain, the 2025 planting season will be more than a little interesting. 

With temperature highs consistently in the upper 80s, late August and September were warm and largely dry, allowing the crops to accumulate the heat units needed to mature the crop. Consequently, crop harvest is well underway in Minnesota. The small grains harvest is all but complete, with some growers reporting lower than normal yields. Edible bean harvest is almost complete with more than 86% in the bins. Corn grain harvest has started. What limited reports for corn yields I have varied considerably. Following a delayed planting season due to excessive May rains, precipitation, or lack thereof, from the August thunderstorms were quite impactful. Those sites with deep rooting zones shine, especially in areas adjoining a drowned-out spot. Soybean harvest is in full swing. Excessive weed escape, soybean pod pops and green stems have resulted in reduced combine harvest speed. Farmer yield reports vary from “pretty bad” to “much better than expected!” Given the current dry forecast, harvest should be completed earlier than average. This will leave time to correct some of the field damage created during the wet spring. 

Field work continues, especially on compacted sites and drown-out spots. Tillage happens when resources (drivers and tractors) are available, mostly until the morning dew evaporates. What limited scattered showers we receive are softening some ground. Soil temperatures remain well above 50oF, thus limiting the fall N fertilizer application window. However, ag lime, P and K fertilizers are being applied. There is a great concern expressed concerning soil moisture availability impact on cover crops and winter small grains establishment. Farmers are expressing concern about moisture recharge and soil moisture status for next year’s crops. We will not know the true impact on these issues for some time. 

 – David Kee, Director of Research, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council  

Missouri 

The dry weather continues in Missouri with 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending Oct. 6, according to the USDA-NASS crop progress report. Corn harvest is well underway at 62% harvested which is 17% ahead of the 45% 5-year average. The yields have been exceptionally high from the conversations I have had, and the report confirms that 84% of the crop is rated good to excellent. 

Soybeans are also looking very good, with 72% rated good to excellent. There is slightly more variability in the soybean crop due to the lack of rainfall late in the summer when pods were filling. Harvest is 23% complete, 9% ahead of the 5-year average. 

For our winter wheat, 10% has been planted, and 2% has emerged, which puts us right on track for the five-year average.   

– Blake Barlow, Director of Agronomy & Research, Missouri Soybeans 

Wisconsin 

According to the USDA NASS reports, farmers in Wisconsin had 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Oct 6. The warm and dry conditions allowed for good progress in the soybean harvest and advanced corn maturity. However, soil moisture levels have begun to decline, with 39% of topsoil and 35% of subsoil rated as short. Still, 45% of topsoil and 53% of subsoil are considered adequate. 

Corn is on track, with 95% of the crop now in the dent stage and 70% fully mature. That’s about a day behind last year but a day ahead of the five-year average. So far, 10% of the corn for grain has been harvested, and the corn silage harvest is 80% complete, which is ahead of both last year and the average. Corn condition has dropped by 3% from last week, now standing at 61% rated good to excellent. 

For soybeans, 97% are changing color, and 90% are dropping leaves. The soybean harvest is now 61% complete, putting us 12 days ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of the average. Soybean condition has dipped slightly, with 59% rated good to excellent, down 5% from last week. 

Winter wheat planting is progressing well, with 63% completed, which is two days ahead of both last year and the average. Additionally, 36% of the winter wheat has emerged. 

– Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison  

Speaker confirmations stack up for Identity Preserved International Summit in Hawaii

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When you plan to bring together the world’s leaders in identity preserved agriculture, you need to secure the best and brightest guest speakers and panel guests to set the stage.  

The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) has found the cream of the crop with the announcement of its first set of featured speakers and panelists for the second Identity Preserved International Summit Feb. 18-20, 2025, in Honolulu 

“The global demand for Identity Preserved crops continues to expand. With that comes potential customers hungry for information. This summit is intended to help inform customers and potential customers around the world,” said Bob Sinner, SSGA board chair. “I am confident this lineup of speakers will reflect their interests.”

Included in the most recent lineup of confirmed speakers are Paul Maass, Nicole Atchison, Japnit Singh, Molly Burns, Mr. Takashi Sadakane and Mr. Huy Pham. Learn more about the presenters below. 

Paul Maass – CEO, Scoular 

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Scoular, Paul Maass has been responsible for providing the company with worldwide strategic leadership since joining them in 2016. Scoular is a 130-year-old company with over $10 billion in annual sales that provides diverse supply chain solutions in the grain, feed and food ingredient and biofuels industries from over 100 offices and facilities worldwide.  

Prior to joining Scoular, Maass served as president of ConAgra Foods’ Commercial Foods and Private Brands segment, where he led the creation of Ardent Mills, their milling focused partnership with Cargill and CHS and served as board chairman. Maass is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in agricultural business.  

Nicole Atchison – CEO, Puris 

Nicole Atchison has been CEO of Puris since 2017, helping lead innovation across their company’s portfolio of companies including ingredient technologies, processing technologies, seed genetic strategy and channel strategy. PURIS cultivates a spectrum of plant-based foods and ingredients from U.S.-based organic and non-GMO sources. A native of Minnesota, Nicole holds a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University.  

Japnit Singh – Yamada Consulting & Spire 

Japnit is the Chief Operating Officer at Yamada Consulting and Spire. He specializes in supporting organizations with marketing entry and growth consulting in Asia. With over 15 years of regional experience, he has worked with Fortune 500 companies as well as government agencies from the U.S., Singapore, Spain, Oman and Japan. Singh’s expertise lies in market analytics, business partner matching and go-to-market strategies for multinational organizations as well as small-and-medium-sized businesses. In his career, Japnit has successfully completed over 1,000 market research projects globally.   

Japnit holds a degree in architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, and is a part of the MBM 2004 Batch of AIM. 

Molly Burns – Food Export Midwest/Food Export Northeast 

Based in Chicago, Molly Burns is the Branded Program director for Food Export Midwest & Food Export Northeast. Founded in 1969, Food Export Association is a nonprofit organization that collaborates with regional state agricultural promotion agencies and the United States’ Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Burns works with hundreds of suppliers annually to create strong marketing plans and grow internationally. Burns’ and Food Export’s Branded Program reimburses food and agricultural companies for half of their international marketing expenses. She majored in International Studies at Loyola University-Chicago.  

Mr. Takashi Sadakane & Mr. Huy Pham 

The Identity Preserved International Summit is also excited to welcome Japan’s Agricultural Counselor, Mr. Takashi Sadakane, and Mr. Huy Pham, the Vietnamese agricultural counselor to speak on the significant potential of Japanese and Vietnamese markets for U.S. IP soybeans and other special grains.  

Other previously announced guest speakers include Dr. Phanwin Yokying, applied researcher at the East-West Center, and Ken A. Eriksen, founder of Polaris Analytics & Consulting. The Summit will include presentations and panel sessions from industry leaders exploring topics in identity preserved agriculture, such as electronic documentation, quality assurance, supply, crop conditions and more. The event will also include a trade show, networking opportunities and tours.  

The agenda for the Summit is being updated regularly.  

“Our first Summit was extremely successful, and many customers are already committing to this event again coming up in February 2025,” said Sinner.  

Interested in attending the Identity Preserved International Summit in 2025? Register now at usipsummit.com! International attendees may be eligible for complimentary registration. 

Businesses interested in sponsoring and/or exhibiting at this one-of-a-kind conference can view options at this link. 

 

 

 

Strike’s over…?

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By Gary Williams, Director of Transportation and Regulatory Affairs 

With the announcement that the U.S. Maritime Alliance, LTD (USMX) has agreed to a 61.5% wage increase with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), a question is likely turning over in the minds of many: “Is the East and Gulf Coast Port crisis averted or only delayed?” 

The ILA in a letter dated Oct. 5, outlined their current posture. 

“If we were to accept the wage increase now, we would have to sign a no-strike clause. … By extending the contract until January 15th, we keep our ability to negotiate and fight for the other important matters that go beyond economics.” 

The other important matters are stated as Jurisdiction Protections and Automation Protections.    

 Jurisdiction Protections are explained as  “securing and expanding our historical jurisdiction.” Guaranteeing that ILA members continue to handle key tasks at port facilities: manning cranes and servicing equipment, preventing employers from outsourcing these jobs to non-union or automated systems. 

Automation Protections would be to prevent the introduction of any remote-controlled or fully automatic machinery that threatens work jurisdiction. 

There is a third component that the Union points to that is to preserve healthcare benefits along with royalty payments designed to supplement wages. Commonly, it has been thought this is not currently at great risk. 

It is important for members to understand that the contract has been extended to Jan. 15, 2025, but even the salary agreement is on a string if the other components are not agreed upon between ILA and USMX.  

Labor is reportedly working at what appears the normal pace based upon information provided on calls that the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance participated in this week reviewing what has taken place since the ports reopened. 

There currently is no date for resumption of negotiations to begin. 

 

Kunisch becomes SSGA membership lead

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Chuck Kunisch understands the value of becoming a member of the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA). As president of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) board and Food Grade Business Development Director with Michigan Agricultural Commodities Inc, he’s seen firsthand how his SSGA membership delivers for his business. Now in his second year as a board member of SSGA, he’ll have a more active role in telling his story and encouraging others to join after recently being appointed Membership Lead.

For the specialty market industry, it’s all about who you know when you’re looking for resources. According to Kunisch, a big selling point of joining SSGA is the relationships that members can build with fellow industry leaders.

“One of the biggest advantages to becoming a member is the connections you can make with other members and the opportunity to network,” he said. “It’s very altruistic how others are willing to help you, even though you may be competitors, because they want you to succeed.”

Members help keep SSGA thriving by diversifying its revenue streams, Kunisch said.

“There are a couple of different ways organizations such as SSGA survive, such as membership dues, profits from trade shows and/or grants from other organizations,” Kunisch said. “SSGA gets a lot of its support from those grants, which can be hit or miss some years, and so we’d like to be less reliant on that, so that’s why we’re working hard on increasing our membership.”