The latest trends in animal nutrition, technological innovation, and livestock production were the focus of the “U.S. Soy Experiences Trade Team” mission, organized by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). The trip took place from June 2 to 4 in Iowa, one of the leading soybean and corn-producing states in the United States, and also involved attending the World Pork Expo 2026, the most important event in the global pork industry.
Rodrigo Castañón, business manager of the trade association ChileCarne, represented the organization as part of a delegation of representatives from various countries in the Americas involved in animal production.
The goal of the mission was to raise awareness of the contribution of U.S. soybeans to animal feed, their nutritional and economic benefits, as well as the initiatives of producers, associations, companies, research centers, and universities that are driving the development of the soy production chain.
“The opportunity to see firsthand how agriculture, applied research, and animal production are interconnected allows us to identify trends, innovations, and best practices that can contribute to the development and competitiveness of our industry. Moreover, opportunities like this facilitate sharing experiences and strengthening ties with key international players,» said Rodrigo Castañón.
The itinerary included visits to Insta-Pro International, a company that specializes in soybean processing technologies, and to the Iowa Soybean Association, an organization that brings together producers in the state and carries out industry, research, and technology transfer initiatives. The delegation also toured a farm dedicated to soybeans, corn and livestock, gaining firsthand insight into various aspects of its operations.
Among the topics discussed were dietary strategies for managing heat stress in animals, the impacts of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) on production and animal health, the sector’s economic outlook, and technological tools for improving decision-making. Of particular note was Feed4Profit, a software developed by USSEC and Iowa State University to support animal feed management.
The mission also included a visit to Iowa State University and the Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, a facility dedicated to hands-on student training as well as applied research in animal nutrition and feed formulation. The experience offered a firsthand look at how universities contribute to developing concrete solutions for the livestock sector.
The World Pork Expo 2026 was an opportunity to learn about the major trends, technologies, and innovations that are transforming the global pork industry and to network with key industry stakeholders.
“It was a very rewarding experience because I got to learn about a range of initiatives, from agriculture and applied research to nutrition and animal production. In addition to getting access to cutting-edge technical information, we were able to swap stories with key industry players and learn about trends that are shaping the sector’s future development,” concluded Rodrigo Castañón.
ChileCarne noted that trips like this help strengthen the sector’s technical and strategic knowledge by providing access to international experiences, which in turn help Chilean animal production become more sustainable and competitive.
