Kirk Leeds

What have been the main drivers behind China’s recent corn and soybean buying spree?

Iowa Soybean Association CEO Kirk Leeds, who has been on 25 Chinese trade missions over the years, says it’s a combination of factors.

“I think some of it clearly is related to Phase One and the commitments they made,” Leeds says. “Certainly, I think, there’s some political value in making the purchases.”

Leeds says China’s own crop shortfalls are also a factor.  But he says the biggest demand driver is the rebuilding of China’s hog herd.

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