CARTAGENA, Colombia – A delegation of Indiana corn and soybean growers representing the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) experienced how checkoff dollars are used on a trip to Cartagena on July 12-13.

The visit was part of the USMEF Latin American Product Showcase intended to measure progress on checkoff-funded projects managed by the federation. In addition, participants had the opportunity to tour markets and attend trade shows where they forged relationships with international buyers and sellers.

The party included Carey McKibben, a farmer from LaGrange and chair of the ISA Market Development Committee; Ron Hensley, a farmer from Daleville and ICMC board member; Jenna Scott, a farmer from Gaston and ISA board member; Joe Stoller, a farmer from Bremen and ISA board member, and Ed Ebert, ISA and ICMC senior director for market development.

The visitors’ initial thoughts were positive and favorable toward the checkoff fund spending.

“It was nice to speak with the exporters and see their challenges and their successes here in Colombia,” Scott said. “Everybody has nothing but positive things to say about the products and the quality of the meat that they receive.”

McKibben said, “I see the value of the multiple checkoff organizations combining their dollars to showcase the advantage of U.S. products to the exporters and importers.”

Stoller said, “I see this trade show bringing everyone together, the buyers and sellers, they have some awesome displays and really great products they’re showing.”

Hensley added. “I think it’s been very informative what the USMEF (U.S. Meat Export Federation) is doing with the check-off dollars in trying to build relationships with Colombia. They’re doing a very good job.”

Ebert explained how participants were selected. “The first way we tried to balance the invitation list is on corn and soybean checkoff commitments to these programs. Both of those checkoffs’ boards of directors have allocated funds to promote these projects. We also try to get folks that have a direct eye to crop production or with the actual production of animals and livestock products.”

Participants spoke about why they made the trip.

Scott wanted to see a segment she was unfamiliar with. “I wanted to see where the corn and soybeans I grow end up and how all that comes together.”

McKibben focused on product quality. “Seeing the products here and seeing how much they want U.S. quality products and making sure we can consistently deliver the quality.”

Stoller said, “This is the first time I’ve done something with USMEF,” Stoller said. “Just checking up on the group and seeing how our checkoff dollars are spent if they’re spent wisely and efficiently, and it seems to be the case.”

Hensley said, “I’ve been amazed at what the USMEF has done trying to build relationships. They’re not only working for the meat people they’re working for the grain people. Our grain is fed to these animals and they’re helping everybody.”

Sightings in grocery stores included Indiana Kitchen Porkin, a high-end liquor store, and U.S. meat products being sold under the American flag and with flag labels. Another difference mentioned was the detailed labeling on meat packages being sold in stores. “It seems like they have stricter guidelines than what we have in the U.S.,” Hensley said. “So, we’re going to have to be sensitive to what they want to get more product to meet their needs.”

Data for 2022 gives a glimpse into Indiana’s contributions to U.S. beef and pork industries through corn and soybean production.

U.S. beef and pork exports used 35.7 million bushels of Indiana corn. Corn revenue brought back to the state generated by pork exports totaled $241 million. U.S. beef and pork exports contributed $192 per Indiana corn acre.

U.S. pork exports used 7 million bushels of Indiana soybeans. Soybean brought back to the state generated by pork exports totaled $104 million. Pork exports contributed 13 percent of bushel value at $1.94 per soybean bushel value.