The Kentucky Soybean Board recently hosted a U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) EU Sustainability Farm Tour at Gajdzik Farms/Mulberry Orchard in Shelbyville. The tour group included key stakeholders and decision-makers from the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain.
The group was interested in learning more about the sustainability of US farms and the conservation practices that US soybean farmers implement. They were especially interested to hear that 98% of US farms are family farms, and how different and diversified every family farm is.
The tour kicked off in Chicago and continued through Indiana before arriving at the Gajdzik farm. Amanda and Matt Gajdzik raise soybeans and corn while operating a thriving agritourism venue.
After a wagon ride tour of the farm, the group enjoyed dinner and discussion with farmer-leaders at Claudia Sanders Dinner House.
The tour also included a stop at CGB in Jeffersonville and another farm visit. The tour concluded with a program at the USSEC office in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Board member Adam Hendricks appreciated USSEC taking the lead on the tour and the Gajdziks for opening their farm to the group.
Hendricks said, "Our partnership with USSEC is a really important checkoff investment that we make every year. The more I learn about how USSEC is investing our dollars into developing markets for our soybeans and increasing other countries' preference for US soy over beans from other countries, the more I appreciate what they're doing."
The farmer-leaders were grateful for the opportunity to share their story with the international visitors and to learn more about their perspectives on sustainability.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Soybeans