North Dakota Farmer Supports U.S. Soy

By Scout Nelson

Information shared by the U.S. Soybean Export Council showed that U.S. Soy continued to build strong demand in global markets, creating valuable opportunities for American farmers. A recent trade mission to Guatemala and El Salvador gave one North Dakota farmer a closer look at how export relationships supported agriculture.

Cindy Pulskamp, a North Dakota farmer and director with the United Soybean Board, joined the trip as a member of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. The mission was led by USDA Under Secretary Luke J. Lindberg and focused on trade growth and stronger market access.

During a visit to a grocery store in El Salvador, Pulskamp noticed small American flags placed under products imported from the United States. She said the moment showed how much consumers valued U.S. goods.

“The store manager said those are very sought-after items when the flags are displayed,” Pulskamp said. “There was a little bit of pride, honor, and honestly, some emotion in seeing that other countries want your products like that.”

Guatemala and El Salvador remained important buyers of soybean meal. During the 2024-2025 marketing year, both countries imported large amounts, with most supplies coming from the United States. Strong export demand helped support soybean prices, created reliable markets, and offered future growth for farmers.

The trade group met with government officials and industry leaders in both countries. In Guatemala, food companies discussed the value of high-quality U.S. ingredients. In El Salvador, talks focused on port improvements that reduced unloading times and improved product quality.

Pulskamp said trust and long-term partnerships were the reason many countries continued buying U.S. Soy.

“It happened by building those relationships and continuing to strengthen them,” said Pulskamp.

She also said future opportunities could grow as regional ports improved, and trade routes expanded.

“When I go to represent U.S. Soy, I go to represent all of us,” she said. “It doesn’t matter where my product specifically goes. What matters is that we represent soy well.”

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski