Cherokee County Farmer Visits China To Talk Soybeans
(Cleghorn) — It has been 30 years since United States farmers set up an office in China to help establish agricultural trade relations, especially with soybeans and soybean products. Tom Oswald, of rural Cleghorn, serves as a director with the Iowa Soybean Association, and recently traveled to China in honor of the anniversary. Oswald explains how important China is to the U-S soybean trade.
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Oswald says the Chinese only recently have started using soymeal as a source for protein for their livestock, poultry, and fish farming needs.
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Oswald says Chinese officials were concerned about the news reports they had heard regarding the U-S drought. Oswald says the U-S delegation informed the Chinese that although the drought had reduced soybean yields, the U-S would still be a reliable supplier of quality soybeans and soymeal.
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Oswald says the Chinese are stepping up their production in aquaculture, water fowl, such as ducks and geese, pork, and dairy operations.
