ISA promotes containerized soy

BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Soybean Association is showcasing how containerized soy can make its way around the world in a cost effective way.

ISA had a bright orange container displayed at this year’s Farm Progress Show and the group plans to take it to other shows as well.

“It’s an example of the equipment that we are increasingly seeing used for the export of soybeans, soybean meal, corn, corn gluten meal and DDG’s,” explained Scott Sigman, transportation and export infrastructure lead for ISA.

A customer’s needs can be supplied in an incremental way by putting 10, 50 or 100 of these containers together. Regular shipmens are made each week without having to fill a 5,000 or 10,000 ton ship.

“When you use a container, you are actually loading close to the farm as opposed to going into the bulk system and that maintains quality,” said Sigman.

This allows the movement of grain without getting it blended with oilseeds and other grain from all over the country. Overseas buyers have been known to turn to the U.S. saying they want to buy grain from certain acres. A container holds around 950 bushels.

“The buyers can just about select exactly what they are acquiring,” added Sigman.

Over 20 ISA board members from across the state were at this year’s Farm Progress Show booth highlighting not only containerization but the qualities of Illinois soy, production characteristics and sustainability.