The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) hosted its U.S. Soy and the Value of Essential Amino Acids (EAA) course from May 5-9, 2025. The course was held in conjunction with the American Soybean Association (ASA) and WISHH (World Initiative for Soy in Human Health) and was sponsored by the North Dakota Soybean Council (NDSC). The purpose of the course was to provide in-depth training on the value and use of U.S. soybeans, particularly in relation to essential amino acids. This course began in Minneapolis, MN, and ended at the Northern Crops Institute in Fargo, ND, with various tour stops throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. There were 18 participants in attendance from Cambodia and Kazakhstan, and primarily consisted of feed millers from these countries.

Group photo at the International Feed Company

Day one began on the campus of the University of Minnesota with welcomes from both NCI and Alan Poock from WISHH. Northern Soy Marketing presented on the 2024 soybean survey and their results and methods, as well as an introduction to essential amino acids in animal diets. The conversation continued with a presentation on essential amino acids in poultry diets and soybean meal diet research from the U of M. Rob Prather, Trade Relations Specialist with WISHH, shared his insight on how to improve communication with U.S. feed ingredient suppliers and how to use WISHH as a resource. The group then toured the CHS Barge Loading Facility in Savage, MN. This laid the foundation of discussion about the U.S. soy supply chain for northern-grown soybeans. A barge transportation presentation was held at the CHS headquarters in Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Day two began with a Q&A session with MERUS, where they shared about their company and answered questions about container shipping. The group then toured the BNSF Container Loading Yard, learning about the automatic processes that allow them to operate 24/7, 365 days a year. The morning continued with a presentation at the International Feed Company, where the team shared about their company and the future container shipping issues. The final stop of the day was Ag Transfer, a transloading facility which is a subsidiary of Stone Arch Commodities in Minneapolis, MN. Participants then traveled to Fargo for the remainder of the course.

Day three started at the Northern Crops Institute with a welcome and overview of the soybean production in the Midwest from NDSC. Participants then went on a tour of NCI’s newly expanded feed mill and saw an extrusion demonstration. The remainder of the day was spent listening to lectures from Dr. Frayne Olson, NDSU, on commodity future markets and how cash and future markets interact.

Day four started off with presentations further discussing the economic benefits of U.S. soybeans, particularly with regard to higher essential amino acids. The group heard from NDSU’s soybean breeding and production program, and ADM who shared about Green Bison Soy Processing and the crush plant facilities in North Dakota before heading out for tours. The first stop was a farm tour in Casselton, ND where participants learned more about soybean planting and equipment. The group then toured the North Dakota Soybean Processors plant in Casselton. The day wrapped up with a final tour of Maple River Grain and Agronomy.

Day five was the last day of the course. Some of the participants were able to bring soybean samples along to be tested using NCI’s NIR equipment. This opportunity paved the way for discussion on NIR sample comparisons, feed formulations (particularly with Amino acid variations), soybean processing, the soybean grading system, and an overview of the PNW ports. Industry professionals from Evonik, DATACOR, ND Grain Inspection, and AGP, presented on these topics. Lastly, a certificate of completion was awarded to all the attendees who participated in this course.

NCI Hosts U.S. Soy and the Value of Essential Amino Acids (EAA) Course | May 5-9, 2025

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