Cornhusker delegation expects dividends from trade mission to Southeast Asia’s Indonesia

LINCOLN — Nebraska meat scientist Chris Calkins held a five-hour workshop recently for more than 70 culinary students in Bogor, Indonesia.

Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly showcased his cooking skills at a beef preparation event at the Grand Indonesia Ranch Market.

They and other Husker trade mission delegates wrapped up one evening checking out Chapman, Nebraska-imported popcorn at the Southeast Asia country’s largest movie chain. They bragged about Nebraska family farm operations to numerous locals and made a host of other stops before returning July 24 from the 10-day trip to the land between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

“This was a remarkable trade mission, and it will reap rewards for Nebraska’s ag producers,” said Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, one of the roughly 20 delegates. “All the face-to-face meetings with new and existing distributors and sales representatives will prove invaluable.”

Led by Kelly, because Gov. Jim Pillen stayed in Nebraska for the Legislature’s special legislative session, state officials said the trade mission was intended to promote state products and market growth in the world’s fourth most populous country, which is one of the top 10 export markets for Nebraska, at $139 million.

The timing and rationale for the trip had been questioned earlier and publicly by a few state senators.

Delegation activities centered around promoting state ag commodities including beef, pork, soybeans, corn and grains. The delegation included representatives from Nebraska’s Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development, the University of Nebraska, and several businesses.

Their schedule included meetings with the U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, the U.S. Grains Council, beef import associations, visits to a feed mill, a fueling station that uses ethanol and a tempeh factory. Tempeh, often prepared with soybeans, is a popular dish in Indonesia, and representatives of the Nebraska Soybean Board said they had productive conversations about export opportunities.

While Indonesia is a top consumer of soybean meal, the U.S. has a small market share, said board member Wesley Wach.

“Nebraska and Indonesia have an encouraging future when it comes to soybeans,” Wach said in a statement.

A visit to the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta led to discussions about Nebraska products aligning with halal certification standards. State officials said more than 87% of Indonesia’s population identifies as Muslim.

Among other highlights, according to a media release from Pillen’s office, was a visit to the Southeast Asian Food Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center at IPB University, a state-run agricultural school. There, the focus turned to student exchanges and other collaborations on research in plant and animal sciences.

Calkins, an NU emeritus meat science professor, said he shared insight into what makes Nebraska beef a desired menu item – a corn diet.

“Planting the seeds of understanding and appreciation in future culinary leaders has high potential for long-term payback,” said Calkins.

Grant Potadle, founder of York Creek Red Angus in Herman, Nebraska, was excited to be a part of efforts aimed at teaching Indonesian chefs and distributors the story behind Nebraska beef.

“Creating that demand inside, out in the marketplace, accompanied by laying a foundation for future relationships will be highly impactful in the long term,” he said.