INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Seventy-three international soybean industry stakeholders visited Indiana farms, agribusinesses and Purdue University as part of the final phase of the Soybean Oil Masters program in May. The program, a partnership between the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) demonstrates why U.S.-grown soybeans are the preferred choice for global buyers.

The program covers various aspects including nutritional benefits, practical applications, production processes and the sustainability of U.S. soybean production.

This year’s Soybean Oil Masters class had 73 graduates from 12 countries. These graduates are buyers and end-users of U.S. soybeans. Since the program was created in 2018, more than 1,500 soybean buyers from 20 countries have graduated. In addition to tours and technical learning, participants engaged with state leaders and experienced Indiana’s food and culture firsthand.

Indiana State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Dist. 39) welcomed the Soybean Oil Masters group during a ceremony on May 22. Lopez highlighted Indiana’s leadership role in producing soybeans and many other farm products. “Indiana views itself as a global player in many industries,” he said. “When it comes to agriculture, and the soybean industry, Indiana is second to none.”

Indiana is the leading producer in the world of high oleic soybeans, which are grown to create a healthier cooking oil that excels in frying and baking applications. To showcase the oil, participants sampled food prepared with it at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during a WNBA game featuring the Indiana Fever, as well as at Victory Field, home of Indianapolis Indians.

This year the Soybean Oil Masters participants came from Chile, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru and Vietnam. The tours through Indiana included stops at ADM in Frankfort, Ind., Beck’s Hybrids, Pence Group, Fischer Food Grade & Seeds, Kroger supermarket in Fishers, Ind.; research sites at Purdue University; a chef-led hands-on culinary demonstration and several Indiana farms.

The Hoosier farmers who hosted tours on their farms included Allen Buchanan, Fowler, Ind.; Adam Sheller, Noblesville, Ind.; Tyler Everett, Lebanon, Ind.; and Chris Eck, Boggstown, Ind.

“Hosting a tour on my farm was a great experience,” said Buchanan, who is a director on the ISA board. “The people on the tour asked good, thoughtful questions, and I believe they learned a lot. This is about building trust between people – between soybean growers and soybean customers.”