Corn, soybean, rice and cotton farmer, Derek Haigwood, is the newly elected vice chairman for the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and calls Arkansas home. I met up with Derek during the 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange to learn more about the organization and how he plans to serve.

Derek said he is honored to work hand-in-hand with USSEC Chairman and CEO developing strategy, longterm strategic plans and doing their best to serve the U.S. soybean grower. “USSEC was founded by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the United Soybean Board (USB) because there was a need for an international marketing firm that would be in control of finding buyers for U.S. soy and taking U.S. soy producers and connecting them to each other.”

In our current market one of the most important things is that connection between buyer and seller. Looking into his service on the Board, Derek said, “We want to develop new relationships and focus on maintaining and enhancing the relationships we have right now.”

The number of relationships built and/or rekindled throughout this global trade event were seen around every corner. Derek said it does wonders to simply sit across the table with someone interested in U.S. soy, get to know each others needs and “make sure we are doing our part to expand the U.S. soybean chain.”

Listen to my complete interview with Derek here: Interview with Derek Haigwood, USSEC Vice Chairman

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 US Soy Global Trade Exchange Photos