Claremont, South Dakota farmer leading global U.S. soybean trade

Mike McCranie joins delegations seeking new overseas markets for U.S. producers

Mike McCranie of Claremont, alone in the back row, with Indonesian customers who were working with the U.S. Soybean Export Council feed trials. Courtesy photo.

Living far from major metropolitan areas or foreign countries, the efforts of a Claremont farmer have a significant impact on trade negotiations for soybeans.

Elected in February as chairman of the United States Soybean Export Council, Mike McCranie’s knowledge of the industry comes from his 40 years of growing soybeans and serving on boards related to the industry. The council is the international marketing arm of U.S. Soy. McCranie leads the 16-member board of directors who try to maximize the use, value, demand and access to U.S. soybeans worldwide. It promotes the use of soybeans for human consumption, aquaculture and livestock feed in more than 90 countries.