With almost every other row of U.S. soybeans exported around the globe, the newly created U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) will be instrumental in maintaining and expanding international markets for farmers here at home. Leading the charge for USSEC will be Dan Duran, the newly hired chief executive officer.

“Dan brings to the table a unique combination of proven excellence in building export markets with a commitment to de-commoditizing commodities,” said Mark Pietz, USSEC interim co-chairman and a soybean farmer from Lakefield, Minnesota. “Considering how unbelievably competitive the global market is, building brand preference for U.S. soybeans and soybean products is the only way we are going to remain number one. Dan is the person to get us there.”

Duran joins USSEC from Galahad International, an sales and marketing company based in Baton Rouge, La., that specializes in building global dairy markets. Prior to Galahad, Duran spent 16 years with Wells Dairy, the largest family owned and operated dairy processor in the United States. During his tenure with Wells, he initiated the first sales to Mexico, eventually growing the dairy’s international customer base to more than 30 countries, the majority in developing markets.

“Just looking at Dan’s track record, you can tell he understands international markets and how to build customer relationships,” said Neal Bredehoeft, USSEC interim co-chairman and a soybean farmer from Alma, Mo. “As a soybean farmer, I want the team representing me around the globe to be absolutely driven in their approach to promoting my crop. I’m confident that Dan will give that commitment to us in his role as USSEC CEO.”

USSEC was jointly created by the United Soybean Board (USB) and American Soybean Association (ASA) earlier this year to implement international marketing and competitiveness activities on behalf of the soybean checkoff and USDA-FAS. In addition to farmer-leaders from ASA and USB, USSEC will be governed by a board of exporters and allied industry partners.

USSEC will focus on a three-pronged approach to international marketing of U.S. soybeans: building preference for U.S. soybeans, building demand by targeting specific markets and addressing market-access issues. Duran will lead a team of professionals based in St. Louis and throughout the world, all representing U.S. soybean farmers.

Duran will begin his position on Oct. 1, 2005, with the official launch of USSEC. He will be located in St. Louis at USSEC headquarters. Duran is a native of Texas. He and his wife have two daughters.