Episode
The Hidden System Behind Every Bushel of Grain: with Mike Steenhoek | Ep. 127
- Podcast
- AgCulture Podcast
- Published
- Jun 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2276
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Summary
Most farmers spend their time focused on production. Plant the crop, raise the yield, deliver it to the local elevator, and move on to the next task. But what happens after that may have just as much impact on profitability as anything done in the field. In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, for a fascinating look at the transportation system that moves American agriculture. From trucks and railroads to barges, ports, and ocean vessels, Mike explains how commodities travel from rural America to customers around the world—and why transportation costs can have a direct impact on every farmer's bottom line. The conversation explores aging infrastructure, rural bridges, Mississippi River bottlenecks, rail transportation, global trade disruptions, and why events happening thousands of miles away can affect grain prices in your local community. If you've ever wondered how a soybean grown in Iowa ends up feeding livestock in China—or why transportation matters more than most farmers realize—this episode is for you. MEET THE GUEST Mike Steenhoek serves as Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC), an organization established by the United Soybean Board, the American Soybean Association, and thirteen state soybean boards to promote a cost-effective, reliable, and competitive transportation system for agriculture.In his role, Mike works with farmers, industry leaders, transportation providers, and policymakers to improve the infrastructure that supports U.S. agriculture. His work spans trucking, railroads, inland waterways, ports, and global supply chains—all with the goal of helping farmers remain competitive in international markets. Mike currently serves on the U…