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A tug-of-war is brewing between building America's shipbuilding capacity and maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural exports. As Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, explains, this tension stems from recent USTR actions addressing Chinese dominance in global shipbuilding—a position China achieved through 25 years of focused development to capture over 50% of vessel production worldwide.While promoting domestic shipbuilding represents a worthy national goal, Steenhoek argues the implementation timeline creates impossible expectations for critical export industries. "I'd rather have government policy be predictably good than sporadically great," he notes, highlighting how short-term trade disruptions often lead to permanent shifts in global supply chains. When the 2018-2019 trade dispute with China redirected agricultural purchases toward Brazil, it accelerated Chinese investment in Brazilian infrastructure—investments that remain in place regardless of future U.S.-China relations.The immediate effects of current policies are already visible at American ports. The Port of Los Angeles projects a 35% decrease in vessel arrivals compared to last year, with retail inventory shortages expected within 5-7 weeks. For agricultural exporters, the situation threatens both immediate access to shipping capacity and long-term market relationships. When fees remain on vessels both built and operated by Chinese entities—vessels that currently transport substantial volumes of U.S. grain—the available shipping pool shrinks while export demand remains constant, inevitably driving up transportation costs. As Steenhoek aptly summarizes using an aviation metaphor: building domestic shipbuilding capacity requires a runway length appropriate for takeoff, not an aircraft carrier deck that sends the economy plunging into the ocean.Subscribe now to hear more conversations examining how transportation and trade policies affect the competitiveness of American agriculture.
In this Pods for Profit, we'll learn how the Soy Transportation Coalition uses farmer dollars to improve efficiencies across the supply chain. Executive Director Mike Steenhoek explains how the work is sparking infrastructure resilience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On Thursday's AOA, powered by Cenex, we start the show with a look at market action this week with Mike Zuzolo from Global Commodity Analytics. In Segment Two, we discuss issues with rural postal service and more with Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins. In Segment Three, we discuss the fees on Chinese built ships and the impact on agriculture with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. Then we close the show in Segment Four with a look at ag news headlines.
Mike Steenhoek from the Soy Transportation Coalition tells us about proposed port fees for Chinese-owned vessels and its potential impact on the ag industry.
Wednesday on AOA, powered by Cenex, we start the show with some recap and thoughts on the tariff situation and what the buzz was at Commodity Classic regarding tariffs. Then for the rest of the show, we listen back to fresh conversations we had in Denver starting with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. Later in the show, we talked with Emily Skor from Growth Energy during our time in Denver and then we close the show with comments from American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland.
Brownfield's Brent Barnett interviews Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Coalition, at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse talks budget and Farm Bill. We catch up Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition at the Commodity Classic.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.
On Monday's AOA, we start the show discussing potential tariffs, fund positions in the markets, possible rate cuts and more with Darin Newsom, Senior Market Analyst at Barchart. In Segment Two, we take a look at the latest forecast in the U.S. and South America and explore a potential pattern shift ahead with DTN Meteorologist John Baranick. In Segment Three, we have a conversation about logistics, trade, tariffs and more with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director for the Soy Transportation Coalition. We close the show with ag news headlines in Segment Four.
In today's show Mark is joined by Brett Kaysen of the National Pork Board, Andy has a policy discussion with Ben Nuelle of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, and Riley speaks with Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition.
Soy Transportation Coalition executive director Mike Steenhoek joins us to discuss water-based logistics issues regarding shipping. Pro Farmer policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer looks back on the life and administration of former President Jimmy Carter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesday's AOA, powered by Cenex, we start the show with a look at trade, logistics and more with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. Then in Segment Two, we talk about Farm Bill, disaster aid and more with Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). In Segment Three, we learn about a new report from Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) in partnership with U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action (USFRA) titled Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative. Dr. Marty Matlock, co-author of the report from the University of Arkansas, joins us to discuss. Then we close the show in Segment Four with a look at pre-holiday market action as Brian Splitt from AgMarket.net joins the show.
Norborne, Missouri Farmer Nathan White is involved with the Soy Transportation Coalition and is able to have insight about what they do to transport soybeans across the world. White says it is interesting to meet his farming counterparts in Brazil and is excited to learn more about their growing process and what we can learn from them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Moving soybeans in and out of the country can make local Missouri farmers more profitable and marketable. While Nathan White, a Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council board member, waits to transport his crop to market after a successful soybean harvest, he talks with Brownfield about soybean research, new uses, and his involvement with the Soy Transportation Coalition. Listen to this Spotlight on Soybeans Podcast episode to learn more about the competitive differences between U.S. and South American farmers and the goal of the Soy Transportation Coalition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In today's show Andy is joined by Beck's Hybrids agronomist Lee Koenigsfeld, Mark wraps up with Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition about the biggest challenges for grain transport this fall, and Dustin talks grain protectants with Central Life Sciences.
In today's show Andy is joined by Beck's Hybrids agronomist Lee Koenigsfeld, Mark speaks with Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition about the biggest challenges for grain transport this fall, and Dustin has more on a poultry company bankruptcy and 1.3 million birds in the custody of IDALs.
Trust in Food technical director Andy Lyon joins us to describe the devastation in Southeast Georgia from Hurricane Helene. Soy Transportation Coalition executive director Mike Steenhoek talks about what we avoided and what we couldn't avoid from the shortened dock workers strike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday on AOA, powered by Cenex, we start the show with a look at the markets amid various global influences with Jim McCormick from AgMarket.net. In Segment Two, we get an update on the impacts of the dockworkers strike to the ag supply chain with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director for the Soy Transportation Coalition. Next up in Segment Three, we take a look at the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer with Dr. Jim Mintert from Purdue's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Then in Segment Four, it is week two of our Sustainable Soy Update Series. We learn about Farmers for Soil Health with Neal Bredehoeft, a farmer leader who serves on the United Soybean Board's Value Alignment Committee from Missouri. Learn more online at https://www.farmersforsoilhealth.com.
Mike Steenhoek from the Soy Transportation Coalition tells us about a strike that could take hold in the next few hours and impact the transportation of goods across the U.S.
Tuesday on AOA, we start the post Labor Day weekend show by asking Barchart Senior Market Analyst Darin Newsom whether or not the grain markets (corn in particular) will continue its uptrend or break people's hearts to start the month of September. In Segment Two, is there risk of frost in the U.S. later this week? DTN Meteorologist John Baranick joins us to share details. Then in Segment Three, we get an update on various logistical challenges heading towards harvest including the Canadian rail situation, low water levels on the Mississippi and more with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director for the Soy Transportation Coalition. Then we close the show in Segment Four by having a conversation with the new chairwoman of the National Sorghum Producers, Amy France of Kansas.
We're in Thayer, Missouri at Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply for Merck Day. We chat with Merck veterinarian Dr. Tim Parks about cow/calf challenges and ways to combat them. Soy Transportation Coalition executive director Mike Steenhoek shares the latest on the Canadian rail industry's challenges with the labor strike. And Kaitlynn Glover, executive director of the Public Lands Council, tells us about an incredible story involving a ranching couple who find themselves in a high-stakes land dispute with U.S. Forest Service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are at the Lazy J Grand Lodge in Ideal, South Dakota at the fourth Sustainable Ranchers Tour from Trust in Beef. Our guests this morning include Trust in Beef's Jimmy Emmons, Mike Williams of U.S. Roundtablefor Sustainable Beef, Jorgensen Land & Cattle CEO Nick Jorgensen, and Ben Veres of Kateri Carbon. We also have a new episode of USB's Soy Checkoff Check-in with guest Mike Steenhoek, executive director at the Soy Transportation Coalition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesday's AOA, we start the show with an update from the Soy Transportation Coalition summer board meeting with Executive Director Mike Steenhoek. In Segment Two, we discuss what is happening in the ag equipment market with Tractor Zoom Director of Insights, Andy Campbell. Next up in Segment Three, we get a look at the commodity, livestock and macro markets as we wrap up the month of July with Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist at StoneX. Then in Segment Four, Jesse Allen reflects on his one year anniversary of taking over as host of AOA and shares a message with our listeners to close the show.
Mike Steenhoek from the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses the impacts of ag product movement across the Midwest amid flooded roads and collapsed bridges.
Kurt Kovarik, vice president, government affairs at Clean Fuels Alliance America, joins us to discuss their petitioning EPA to reconsider RFS volumes. The flooding in the Midwest and higher rivers have damaged some infrastructure, including railroads. Soy Transportation Coalition executive director Mike Steenhoek reports on the situation. And USB CEO Lucas Lentsch wraps up the month of June in this week's episode of the Soy Checkoff Check-in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesday's AOA, powered by Cenex, we start the show discussing the amount of farmer selling of the recent grain market rally with DuWayne Bosse of Bolt Marketing. In Segment Two, we talk the auction market and desire to lease more equipment with Casey Seymour of Moving Iron LLC. In Segment Three, we discuss the potential impact of a rail strike in Canada and more transportation issues with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. Finally In Segment Four, we learn about the new season of FarmHER and RanchHER on RFD-TV with their CEO, Raquel Koehler.
Friday's Second Hour: We continue from the Big Show Garage chatting with Scott Sloan and Shanw Chubb from Garage sponsor Titan Tire! They tell us about today's project getting Bob's Gator fired up and discuss the latest they are involved in at Titan Tire, including a visit to north Dakota and the launch of the FFA Tractor Restoration program for 2024. Pioneer Seeds field agronomist Matt Vandehaar gives his thoughts on readiness for early soybean planting with the warm weather coming up. And Mike Steenhoek from the Soy Transportation Coalition has an update on the reopening of the Baltimore port and shipping through the Panama Canal.
The Iowa Soybean Association conducts a lot of work addressing transportation issues for soy. On this week's episode of Seeds of Success, the head of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses some key priorities they have identified that will benefit soybean farmers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, says the latest numbers from USDA showed that 350-thousand metric tons of soybeans were exported via container from the Port of Baltimore in 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, hear from: Mike Steenhoek with Soy Transportation Coalition on the Port of Baltimore’s impact to agriculture; Drew Spoelstra with Ontario Federation of Agriculture on Temporary Foreign Worker restrictions; A clip from the latest Farm Safety Roundup episode on safety week with Ryan... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, hear from: Mike Steenhoek with Soy Transportation Coalition on the Port of Baltimore’s impact to agriculture; Drew Spoelstra with Ontario Federation of Agriculture on Temporary Foreign Worker restrictions; A clip from the latest Farm Safety Roundup episode on safety week with Ryan... Read More
Dr. Justin Smith is the Animal Health Commissioner at the Kansas Department of Agriculture and he joins us to discuss the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting dairy cows. U.S. Cattlemen's Association president Justin Supper talks about electronic ear tag mandates and the important win in the U.S. Senate against beef imports from Paraguay. And Mike Steenhoek, executive director at the Soy Transportation Coalition, shares information on how the tragic bridge collapse in Baltimore may affect shipping and agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday's First Hour: Iowa State University Extension Dairy Veterinarian Phillip Jardon discusses recent findings of avian influenza in some sick cattle, how they believe the virus is being transmitted, and reminds us of best practices for biosecurity. Mike Steenhoek from the Soy Transportation Coalition tells us about the impact of this morning's shipwreck and bridge collapse in Baltimore on the ag supply chain. Amanda Brill from Total Farm Marketing gets into the commodity markets with us today. And in today's Iowa Farm Bureau Spotlight, Bob is talking with IFBF Senior Investment Manager Adam Koppes about partnering with entrepreneurs across Iowa and providing educational opportunities through the Renew Rural Iowa program.
On Monday's AOA, powered by Cenex Premium Lubricants, we find some early week strength in grains and oilseeds on Monday. We discussed Darin Newsom, Senior Market Analyst from Barchart in Segment One. Next up in Segment Two, we get an update on the weather outlook as we begin the month of March from DTN Meteorologist John Baranick. In Segment Three, we head back to Commodity Classic last week for a conversation with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. And in Segment Four we hear from the new chair of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Lance Rezac, last week at Commodity Classic as well.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition points to recent snowfall and rain in the overall watershed working against the prolonged period of declining water levels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this edition of the Hoosier Ag This Week Podcast: Eric Pfeiffer is on the road reporting from Panama as he joins members of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Soy Transportation Coalition to see first-hand the impact that the Central American drought has had on grain shipments and other ag exports at the Panama Canal. Andy Eubank reports from the Indiana Farm Bureau Convention in Fort Wayne and he chats with new 2nd Vice President Janis Highley of Huntington County, as well as INFB President Randy Kron on legislative priorities for 2024. Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin says temperatures for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be well above normal, but we could see a “Wet Christmas” after Santa has arrived. Plus, Brian Basting with Advance Trading reviews Friday's grain markets and shares his thoughts on planning ahead for more volatility to continue into 2024. All of that and more as part of the Hoosier Ag This Week Podcast!
On this edition of the Hoosier Ag This Week Podcast: Eric Pfeiffer is on the road reporting from Panama as he joins members of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Soy Transportation Coalition to see first-hand the impact that the Central American drought has had on grain shipments and other ag exports at the Panama Canal. Andy Eubank reports from the Indiana Farm Bureau Convention in Fort Wayne and he chats with new 2nd Vice President Janis Highley of Huntington County, as well as INFB President Randy Kron on legislative priorities for 2024. Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin says temperatures for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be well above normal, but we could see a “Wet Christmas” after Santa has arrived. Plus, Brian Basting with Advance Trading reviews Friday's grain markets and shares his thoughts on planning ahead for more volatility to continue into 2024. All of that and more as part of the Hoosier Ag This Week Podcast!
U.S. presidential candidate Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida joins us to discuss his vision for America if elected. We are asking all presidential candidates the same set of questions, including agendas related to U.S. agriculture. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, has just returned from the Panama Canal. He reports on what he saw there plus shares perspective on the situation with the railroad closures at the border with Mexico.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Friday's AOA, brought to you by Cenex Ruby Fieldmaster, we start the show from the NAFB Convention in Kansas City talking with National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust. In Segment Two, we get an update on the Mississippi River, infrastructure and more with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. In Segment Three, we sit down with Brian Jennings and Ron Lamberty from American Coalition for Ethanol to discuss E15/E85 and consumer misconceptions about ethanol. Then in Segment Four, we talk with U.S. Soybean Export Council chair Stan Born.
We are at the Port of South Louisiana in partnership with the United Soybean Board and have conversations with port CEO Paul Matthews, Soy Transportation Coalition executive director Mike Steenhoek, and Louisiana farmer and USB director Garrett Marsh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Episode 144 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek shares the Iowa farm implications of record-low Mississippi River water levels and other avenues for farmers to market their crops. And Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee Chair Vanessa Trampel discusses the challenges and opportunities facing young farmers today. Resources mentioned in this episode Soy Transportation Coalition website Iowa Farm Bureau's new Cash Bid Search tool Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Program webpage Young Farmer Program Facebook page Young Farmer Program regional Iowa Facebook groups Young Farmer Program Instagram page
On Tuesday's AOA, brought to you by Cenex Roadmaster XL, we start the show discussing the impact of low water levels on the Mississippi River on our soybean exports with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. In Segment Two, we have a conversation with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Next up in Segment Three, we discuss ag equipment sales and auction trends with Tractor Zoom Director of Insights, Andy Campbell. Then in Segment Four, we wrap the show with Dr. Brett Terhaar, beef technical consultant with Elanco Animal Health, discussing how beef producers stay one step ahead with their calves this fall.
Mike Steenhoek, the Executive Director for the Soy Transportation Coalition, says that right now our inland waterway system is not operating from a position of strength.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's episode of the Agri-Biz Show, Howard Olson of AgCountry Farm Credit Services talked with us from Washington D.C. ahead of the government shutdown and expiration of the farm bill. Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, shared a preview of what he planned to talk about during the North Dakota Stockmen's Association 94th Annual Convention in Watford City. Checkoff supporters dodged a bullet during debate on USDA's spending bill this week, with House Ag Committee Chair Glenn Thompson helping defeat an amendment offered by Indiana Representative Victoria Spartz. Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition reports that Mississippi River levels are historically low, and that means higher barge rates and increased costs for farmers shipping commodities to export markets. Those stories and more with Rusty Halvorson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Soy Transportation Coalition executive director Mike Steenhoek joins us to discuss issues with the Mississippi River plus we meet Austin Gellings, director of agricultural services at AEM, who talks about efficiency and modern technology. And we have an extended conversation with Karen Bohnert of Farm Journal's MILK about dairy news and upcoming events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, says the inland waterway system is running at very low levels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fluctuations in water levels on our inland waterways system can affect the movement of bulk freight, particularly agricultural products. Low waters, as occurred in the fall of 2022 on the lower Mississippi River, limited the flow of freight and increased shipper costs. To learn more about the causes, consequences, and responses to such disruptions, we're talking with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. Mike is a member of the Department of Commerce Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness, the Transportation Research Board Committee on Inland Water Transportation, and the Iowa Department of Transportation Freight Advisory Council.
Friday, July 28th 1) Geoff Cooper, RFA 2) Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net- 3) Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress Show- 4) Mike Steenhoek, Soy Transportation Coalition-
Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, warned us all last year when Mississippi River levels got so low that farmers and manufacturers couldn't move their wares. Now, the river is unusually high and it's wreaking havoc on the barge industry yet again. Mike walks us through what's going on.Follow the MODES PodcastOther FreightWaves Shows
U.S. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa joins us to discuss his demand to see a document that reportedly alleges then-Vice President Biden accepted bribes in exchange for his influence on foreign policy during the Obama administration. Mike Steenhoek is executive director at the Soy Transportation Coalition and he provides a thorough rundown on the water level situation of the Mississippi River.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chip Flory's back and he catches up with Greg Peterson – Machinery Pete, plus we hear about the Canadian Pacific purchase of Kansas City Southern from Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition, and Chris Bliley of Growth Energy reports on their Executive Leadership Conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.