Member Profile: Bryan Severs

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Illinois farmer brings farm-fresh perspective to SSGA

On paper, Bryan Severs seems like your typical third-generation Illinois farmer, raising corn and soybeans in the heart of the Land of Lincoln alongside his sons Michael and Nicholas. But dig deeper behind that hearty southern accent and you’ll find a global thinker and leader.

Severs, a grower of food-grade non-GMO soybeans, joined the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) Board of Directors in February 2024 after hosting a group of foreign buyers on his farm as part of SSGA’s Fork to Farm Day.

“I hosted the tour through my involvement with the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and during that event I saw the passion that the SSGA staff and board members had, and it made me want to be a part of that group as well,” said Severs, who currently serves on ISA as soybean production chairman.

Sitting on a board made up mostly of specialty grains buyers and sellers, Severs hopes his experience as a grower can provide a unique perspective to the SSGA team.

“As it pertains to identity preservation (IP), I can provide a first-hand perspective to those end users about what I’m doing to maintain the quality of the crop that they’re purchasing,” said Severs. “I believe that different way of thinking is of value to the SSGA board and our members.”

But Severs doesn’t just value the quality and cleanliness of his soybeans, he cares deeply about the soil and the environment that they’re grown in. He notes that he’s adopted practices such as cover crops and strip-tilling so that his grandkids and their kids have the best opportunity to farm the same soil.

“I want to do the right thing and do my part to keep the dirt around for the next couple of generations,” said Severs. “Conservation also plays a big role in how we sell to our buyers. They like to know that we’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint, to use less fuel and that our farming practices are sustainable.”

Having only served on the SSGA board of directors for less than a year, Severs has had a lot on his plate already, including taking part in a trade mission in August to the Philippines and being involved in the search of their new Executive Director, Randy Duckworth, who begins in January. In the year ahead, Severs, who currently serves as SSGA vice chair, is excited to contribute to the organization’s programs.

“U.S. Identity Preserved really sparks my interest, trying to take the commodity all the way from me as a farmer to the buyers and having that traceability throughout the supply chain so that they feel safe about how their food was handled,” said Severs. “Transportation is a key project as well. We need to try to find a way to make the Great Lakes work for us because that’s a major port for us here in east-central Illinois.”

Member Profile: Eric Kresin

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New SSGA board member aims to connect farmer’s story with end users 

From an Illinois farm kid to a key player in international trading at one of the country’s largest companies, Eric Kresin appreciates the complexities of the supply chain process, making him a perfect fit to serve on the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) board of directors.  

“Most grain trading is transactional in nature, whereas the IP industry is more relationship-driven. It’s about trust and fulfilling commitments to the farmer and end-user,” said Kresin, whose first meeting as a SSGA director occurred in September. 

Kresin grew up on a southeastern Illinois farm that raised corn and soybeans. He studied ag business and ag production in college before launching his career at Consolidated Grain and Barge, where he spent the next two decades in various roles, most notably working with international trade of identity preserved (IP) grains to countries such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Just two years ago, Eric and his family packed up and headed west for Kansas City, Kansas where he now heads up the IP grain and organic trade teams as general manager of specialty grains at Scoular. 

“One of the things I am very passionate about is continuing to promote IP grains, whether that’s corn, soybeans or other, just trying to find different markets for our SSGA members but also for the farm community as a whole,” said Kresin. “When prices are low and markets are tough, being able to find a different market for the farmers and letting them earn more dollars per acre is important.’ 

Kresin feels one of the most unique aspects of the IP industry is the personal connections that are made between the end users and the farmers who grow the crops.  

“When I think about the success of SSGA or its member companies, it’s based on being able to tell our story to the end users who want to buy the product. There’s a personal connection all the way through the supply chain,” said Kresin. “I can go to Japan and Korea and see the product U.S. farmers produced on store shelves and am honored to know we had a role in handling that product to make sure its identity is preserved throughout that process.” 

One of his big goals while serving on SSGA’s board is helping develop new markets and ensure they see the value that the IP commodity can bring to their food supply. He’s also looking forward to working with its next executive director, Randy Duckworth, following Eric Wenberg’s retirement in September 2024.  

“It’ll be an exciting time with a new director on the horizon and how we as a board can work with that individual to develop a new approach to SSGA,” Kresin said. “I’m very excited for the future and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this great organization.” 

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. 

SSGA joins USDA trade mission to Vietnam

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SSGA, the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance, joined a group of 23 industry associations, 36 companies and nine state departments of agriculture as the USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission to Vietnam began on Monday in Ho Chi Minh City.

Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick and IP Technical Advisor Hoa Huynh are representing SSGA this week, promoting SSGA member businesses and the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance program and label, during the event, which moves north to Hanoi on Wednesday.

Frederick and Huynh are meeting with food manufacturers and buyers, including a lunch with Vinamilk on Monday. Vinamilk was a gracious host two years ago when SSGA held an international launch of the U.S. Identity Preserved brand in Ho Chi Minh City. That event prompted Vinamilk’s research and development to begin inquiring about and sampling U.S. Identity Preserved soybeans for its products.

Vietnam is the United States’ 10th-largest export market, and the U.S. is Vietnam’s third-largest supplier of agricultural products. According to speakers at the trade mission’s plenary session, Vietnamese consumers are often on the lookout for high-quality, premium products, including those of U.S. origin or with U.S. ingredients, despite higher prices for those American products due to tariffs and other factors. Food safety and hygiene are growing concerns for consumers.

Vietnam and the rest of Southeast Asia holds immense opportunity for U.S. exporters, with rising consumer incomes, growing middle class populations and favorable perceptions of U.S. food and agriculture. In 2023, the United States exported $3.1 billion of agricultural products to Vietnam. As the third-largest supplier of food and farm products to Vietnam, the United States holds sizable market share across several categories, including bulk commodities such as cotton, soybeans and distillers grains, as well as consumer-oriented products such as tree nuts, dairy, poultry and fresh fruit.

Besides meeting with buyers and connecting with other organizations doing business in the region, the trade mission gives SSGA a chance to hear detailed market briefings from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service staff covering Vietnam, as well as Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar, along with industry experts and government contacts.

The trade mission is being led by Alexis Taylor, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

More information: https://fas.usda.gov/newsroom/usda-trade-mission-expand-ag-exports-vietnam-southeast-asia

Strategizing the St. Lawrence Seaway’s potential: SSGA hosts transportation mission to Netherlands, Belgium

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By amplifying the global visibility of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) accomplished a key goal during a first-of-its-kind ag transportation mission to Europe’s largest seaports in Belgium and the Netherlands Sept. 2-6. But a checked box is just a first step in what SSGA has learned in a long, but attainable to-do list ahead.

“What has happened here, is that we’re on the cusp of change,” said Eric Wenberg, executive director of SSGA. “The right people are meeting and talking to each other. This trip is not a trade promotion trip. This is a transportation preference trip. We need to make it clear that the U.S. does have transportation access to these ports and onward to the rest of the world if we need it, but we’re asking the stakeholders to choose a preference from the U.S. and reconsider the Great Lakes.”

Exploring the interconnectivity of commerce

SSGA brought in stakeholders from all over the Midwest, including Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota soy checkoff leaders, the Department of Transportation, USDA and Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, to participate in several networking opportunities and tours to discuss the potential benefits of the St. Lawrence Seaway being chosen as the gateway of choice.

“We need supply chain resiliency and redundancy in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system,” said Peter Hirthe, international trade specialist with the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.

Attendees witnessed how industry leaders stay one step ahead at Hutchison Port ECT, recognized as one of Europe’s leading container terminal operators. The terminal utilizes semi-automatic cranes and automated guided vehicles to move containers, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. That followed with a trip to the World Port Center, Samga grain terminal in Belgium and more, giving SSGA and other leaders from the U.S. the opportunity to learn about the interconnectivity of commerce between Europe and the rest of the world.

“From a business development standpoint, success in business development has relied on finding a need. A lot of times the customer doesn’t know what it is they need and what it is that would make it better. Redundancy and resilience-that’s what a lot of our job is going to be, finding the defined needs and coming up with a creative solution,” Gary Williams, SSGA’s director of transportation and regulatory affairs, said.

Joining forces

Through conversations with colleagues and maritime industry leaders from Europe, feelings of optimism grew during the four-day visit.

“The planning of this and the way this was done was extremely unique, but it worked,” said SSGA Chair Bob Sinner. “It’s hard to know who we should have in the room for these types of discussions. To have a room full of logistics providers made sense because they have a lot of companies that export to the U.S. As a shipper, I’m extremely grateful for the understanding of our history and complexities and how difficult freight can be for companies like us.”

U.S. attendees also made it a priority to highlight the importance of the St. Lawrence Seaway at each of the week’s several networking meetings.

“We shared information about the St. Lawrence Seaway, like the fact that it had 99.4% on-time deliveries, that it is very environmentally sustainable and is a direct path to Rotterdam,” said Gail Donkers, who represents MSR&PC on SSGA’s board of directors. “Our trade mission delegation had time to meet with the transportation specialists to discuss our objectives and look at how each company could benefit from shipping goods along the St. Lawrence Seaway as a back haul.”

Finding a route for success

The visit wrapped up with an opportunity for U.S. attendees to gather to brainstorm, reflect and develop a vision for what the next steps entail.

“What we’ve learned on the trip is that there are billions of dollars being invested in infrastructure,” Wenberg said. “Being here to talk to the U.S. administration, and embassy in these ports along with the St. Lawrence Seaway administration means we can continue to target and support the infrastructure developments we need to support the Lakes system.”

For SSGA, this unique mission is only just beginning in further optimizing the St. Lawrence Seaway and will require collaboration from the region to find success.

“It really is a connection to Europe,” Wenberg said. “Sixty percent of the economy of the EU is within 500 miles of these ports in the U.S. If Europe wants to connect with our consumers in Toronto, Canada and Chicago and our eight Great Lakes seaway states, we have to build this trade force together.”

SSGA set for Manila mission

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The Philippines were one of the first countries SSGA explored to learn about Southeast Asian markets for identity preserved (IP) field crops and the first to participate in the IP B2B virtual business events during the pandemic. Now, the alliance will visit Manila, that country’s capital, Aug. 6-10 for a series of meetings and U.S. Identity Preserved Workshops with food manufacturers to promote high-quality, traceable grains and oilseeds from the United States and the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance plan and brand label program.

The delegation includes SSGA board directors Chuck Kunisch (Michigan Agricultural Commodities) and Bryan Severs (Illinois Soybean Association), IP consultant Rob Prather and SSGA Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick, along with representatives of the organization’s global management team.

“We look forward to the opportunity to sit down with food businesses and not only talk about the U.S. Identity Preserved system, companies and crops, but listen to those companies and better understand how we can assist them in communicating the U.S. IP quality and value message to their own customers,” Frederick said.

SSGA plans meetings with a variety of importing companies, U.S. cooperator organizations working in the Philippines and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, and officials with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service posted in Manila.

SSGA also held a U.S. IP workshop in Tokyo during the FoodEx Japan trade show in March and is planning another for Kathmandu, Nepal, in September, hitting each of its primary target regions – North Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia before holding the second Identity Preserved International Summit Feb. 18-20, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

SSGA’s 2024 IP Workshops have been sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, North Dakota Soybean Council and Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board as part of their support of the Identity Preserved International Summit.

The U.S. Identity Preserved program receives support from the Illinois Soybean Association, Michigan Soybean Committee, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, South Dakota Soybean Checkoff and Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, along with funding from a USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion grant and added support from the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

SSGA earns praise at Attaché Seminar

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SSGA had a chance to showcase itself as the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance and differentiate identity preserved (IP) field crops to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) attachés during the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council’s annual Attaché Seminar on July 10-11 in McLean, Virginia.

SSGA sponsored and put on an immersion training session for attachés at the beginning of the conference. During the invitation-only session, SSGA staff and contractors discussed the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance plan and brand mark; talked about retail package labeling; and demonstrated how IP field crops are differentiated through segregation, technical handling and traceability, giving customers choice for the ingredients in their high-quality food products.

Speaking on behalf of SSGA were Executive Director Eric Wenberg, Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick, IP technical experts Raquel Hansen and Rob Prather and ICC global management contractors Susan Weller and Amy Burdett.

The training included hands-on experiences for attendees. Hansen asked the group to soak identity preserved and commodity soybeans in hot water at their tables to demonstrate the impressive consistency of IP beans that buyers appreciate. Prather did a grading sample, putting corn through a sieve to show the difference between a No. 1-graded field crop and a cleaner, “above-grade” IP product ready for specific food uses.

“This was a unique opportunity to introduce or, in some cases, re-introduce SSGA to FAS officers who are posted around the world,” Frederick said. “The more they know about this organization, its members companies and identity preserved crops, the more tools they have to assist companies in their assigned countries and connect them with U.S. exporters who can supply them with high-quality ingredients for their own high-quality food products.”

Additionally, there is a quality and traceability with the U.S. Identity Preserved brand that should resonate not just to the food manufacturer but to the consumers who purchase the finished product.

“Customers want to know where their food comes from and how it’s produced,” Frederick said.

SSGA received high marks for the presentation, according to initial post-session surveys.

Said one attendee: “The useful presentations (gave a) more clear explanation of what SSGA wants to accomplish.”

Said another: “Very informative about a growing segment of U.S. agriculture.”

The U.S. Identity Preserved program was created with USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion grant funding.

During a breakout session of Attaché Seminar, SSGA Manager of Transportation and Regulatory Affairs Gary Williams presented and moderated a panel entitled “A Global Look at Transportation Issues.” The panel featured Williams, Federal Maritime Commission Commissioner Max Vekich and Port of Virginia Director of Strategic Accounts Tyler Bemis.

Current challenges and opportunities and an outlook of global ag shipping were discussed, along with updates on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act that was signed into law in 2022. Williams and SSGA Chair Bob Sinner also visited other officials in Washington, D.C., to update them on programs and priorities of SSGA regarding agriculture shipping.

SSGA also joined USSEC and ASA-WISHH to sponsor the coffee and tea available throughout the seminar.

Member Profile: Tina Lyons, Double River Forwarding LLC

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Sometimes, predicting the future of market prices, crop yield or weather would be helpful.

While “The Simpsons” might be able to see the future, Tina Lyons didn’t foresee a pandemic throwing a wrench in her best laid plans when she founded her company back in 2008.

“I wanted to do something in international (business), and I didn’t quite know how it would turn out,” Lyons said. “It certainly hasn’t been easy. I think if I had known the pandemic was going to happen, I never would have done (this). There’s no way anyone could have known that (a few) years ago.”

She persevered through the challenge as the owner of Double River Forwarding LLC in Portland, Ore., shipping items like soymeal, corn gluten meal, grass seed and more.

“At some point you have to decide where your strengths are, and I had a lot of contacts in the ag industry in the Midwest, so I decided that’s what I was going to focus on, since that made the most sense,” Lyons said of starting Double River Forwarding.

Prior to launching her own business, Lyons started a wastepaper company in freight forwarding.  After working for a few companies, including a small commodity trading company, and seeing how it’s done, Lyons figured she could do it herself.

Through Specialty and Soya Grains Alliance (SSGA), she’s made connections and continues to engage with industry leaders around the country.

“I think probably the first conference that I went to was in St. Louis, and SSGA wasn’t in existence yet,” Lyons said. “A lot of people who now are in SSGA were in Midwest Shippers and that’s how I met everybody. They were advocating for so many of my customers in the Midwest, so it made sense to be a part of that and stay connected. That morphed into SSGA. I feel like you can really get a lot done and learn a lot because there’s such a willingness for everybody to help each other.”

After joining SSGA, she was appointed to the Competitive Shipping Action Team and named chair. Lyons said she’s not afraid to jump in to help and build relationships.

“There’s a lot of good people on that committee,” Lyons said. “That’s been a real honor. And that particular group of people, everybody in that committee is really smart and engaged and they show up to the meetings. They contribute by asking questions, and the committee is really moving forward on trying to tackle some of the problems we have in shipping out of the Midwest.”

Since joining SSGA, Lyons said she has seen a benefit to joining every day since.

Lyons said it’s difficult in the tight-knit freight forwarder community to get new business. But when new partnerships are secured, it’s rewarding knowing everyone has challenges and the customer’s business was earned.

“(Being a member of SSGA) gives me some support to make it through some of these hard times that we still seem to be going through, and to know that other people are out there that can help,” Lyons said.

ICC group will enhance SSGA’s international network

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SSGA is pleased to announce the addition of a global management team that will be working on the alliance’s behalf in implementing overseas programs, including promotion of the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance plan and brand, trade services for U.S. exports of high-quality, specialty grains and oilseeds, and other in-country assistance such as training and education and coordination with government officials, including USDA posts.

International Collaborative Consulting (ICC) presented an impressive proposal that covered both the Southeast Asia and North Asia regions, which will enhance SSGA’s overall international team.

Owned and operated by Amy Burdett and Susan Weller, ICC has great experience, background and expertise, as well as an excellent network of contacts, resources and sub-contractors they work with, which will help SSGA build an effective overseas program on behalf of its members. ICC is familiar with SSGA and its mission and strategy and is also very familiar with other USDA FAS-funded programs, which will help SSGA in contracting and compliance.

“The depth and breadth of ICC’s experience will greatly enhance the U.S. Identity Preserved brand and overall perception of high-quality, traceable field crops supplied by our member companies,” said Shane Frederick, SSGA’s manager of strategic programs. “After the groundwork for this program was laid through previous brand creation and technical assistance, ICC is undoubtedly the right team to take things up a notch.”

Burdett and Weller have nearly 50 years of combined experience in U.S. food marketing and international agriculture trade that spans trade organizations, the private sector and federal government. ICC works with several organizations to leverage USDA grant funding to entice global buyer purchases and resolve trade barriers. They connect with producers to explain the benefits and avoid the pitfalls of international exports.

Their international network includes colleagues with expertise in U.S. cooperator programming and activity implementation. The ICC team is at the ready to help with in-market work such as SSGA representation, trade servicing, event coordination, government communications and country program reporting, along with recruiting foreign attendees for the Identity Preserved International Summit that will take place Feb. 18-20 in Honolulu, Hawaii. ICC’s international colleagues have already begun training and getting familiar with SSGA and the U.S. Identity Preserved program. It includes:

  • Japan: Ms. Izumi Amano and Mr. Keiichi (Ken) Tanaka
  • Korea: Ms. Jennie Lee
  • Thailand/Southeast Asia: Mr. Kraipob Pangsapa

Ms. Izumi Amano

Mr. Keiichi Tanaka

Ms. Jennie Lee

Mr. Kraipob Pangsapa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ICC’s previous experience with SSGA includes completing a program evaluation on its U.S. Identity Preserved work in Asia in 2022 and leading the board of directors in a session to assess the alliance’s overall strategy, mission and vision in 2023.

The ICC team is here for SSGA members. Please reach out if you are traveling to meet customers and potential customers or for events in Asia for assistance. They are here to better connect you to the region! You can connect with them at aburdett@soyagrainsalliance.org or sweller@soyagrainsalliance.org. In addition, SSGA has regional emails for inquiries: North Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan) northasia@soyagrainsalliance.org and Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines) seasia@soyagrainsalliance.org

SSGA celebrates 5 years, holds board elections

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Since its inception 5 years ago, the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) has led the way.

In 2019, the Midwest Shippers Association and Northern Food Grade Soybean Association (NFGSA) merged to form SSGA. Originally coined as the premier business alliance of U.S. companies focused on production, processing and shipping of specialty soya and grains worldwide, SSGA celebrated its accomplishments at its five-year anniversary celebration and annual meeting on March 12.

The meeting kicked off with agronomy presentations from Dr. Bryan Young, Purdue University; Dr. Andrew Scaboo, University of Missouri and Dr. Emily Bick from University of Wisconsin-Madison, who discussed innovations in pest management. Ohio farmer Chad Warner discussed his farm and the challenges and benefits of growing identity preserved in the producer interview.

Bob Sinner, SSGA chair, was joined by past chairs Curt Petrich and Rob Prather for a panel discussing the history of SSGA.

Led by Executive Director Eric Wenberg, the panel recounted the early days of the organization, when staff and board members tested out elevator pitches for what SSGA meant. Or when the newly hired Wenberg pointed out all of the reasons a program to assist with phytosanitary inspections would not work.

2024 SSGA Officers: Bryan Severs, secretary/treasurer; Bob Sinner, chair; Bryan Stobaugh, vice chair

That “impossible” phytosanitary program, now named the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) High Quality Specialty Grains (HQSG) program, launched in April 2023, generating nearly 1,700 phytosanitary certificates for U.S. companies exporting high-quality soybeans in containers. Eighteen companies are accepted to use the program, with several more in the certification process. SSGA administratively supports the HQSG program.

“This is the one organization that I have seen a direct ROI on an activity from,” Petrich said. “It’s created a much more efficient [processing] plant and has decreased costs by almost 70%.”

The trio of chairs also recounted other accomplishments of SSGA, such as the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance protocol and brandmark, SSGA University and SSGA advocacy around container shipping issues.

“SSGA has led the way,” Petrich added. “Without this organization a number of things couldn’t get done in this sector.”

SSGA also awarded its annual Alliance Honors. The Alliance Honors recognizes those who have made significant and sustaining contributions to the U.S. IP industry in 2023. These awards recognize stewardship, as well as advancements in transportation, IP and SSGA as an organization.

The Alliance Honor for Stewardship was awarded to the Illinois Soybean Association for their financial, physical and human resources to SSGA programs and meetings. The Indiana Crop Improvement Association was awarded the Alliance Honor for Advancing IP for its work to implement the U.S. Identity Preserved protocol, qualifying companies in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and others. Dr. Karl Kolb, president and chief technical officer of the High Sierra Group/Ceres University was awarded the Advancing SSGA honor for his volunteer work with SSGA to help a small U.S. tofu manufacturer overcome a difficult audit and inspection of its processing facility. The Alliance Honor for Advancing Transportation was awarded to Pamela Ryan of Stonebridge, Ltd., for leading the Competitive Shipping action team during a renewed shipping crisis.

Elections were held to fill two open seats on the SSGA board. Gail Donkers of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council was reelected to the board and Bryan Severs of the Illinois Soybean Association joined the board.

Severs was later elected by his peers to serve as the SSGA secretary/treasurer. Bryan Stobaugh of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council was tabbed as vice chair and Bob Sinner of SB&B Foods was re-elected to serve as the chair.

“Being able to work with the quality of people we have in the membership and on the board has been an honor,” said Sinner. “I am honored and humbled to serve as the SSGA chair for another year and look forward to what we can accomplish in 2024.”