Introduction to
the Oilseed Industry Training

What I enjoyed most about the course was the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and peers who are facing similar challenges and innovations in the oilseed sector. The presentations were both informative and forward-looking, offering practical insights into emerging trends within the oil space and even recent shifts in global market dynamics. Tara Ryan’s market presentation was wonderful and helped build a strong foundation of knowledge—making the more advanced discussions later on more applicable. By promoting a collaborative atmosphere, NIOP also encouraged open discussion and information sharing. It was a valuable experience that not only deepened my understanding of the industry but also expanded my professional network.

Margaret Butts — 2025 Attendee
Ventura Foods

One of the most valuable aspects of the OIT was the opportunity to meet colleagues and brokers in person. Being able to connect face-to-face allowed me to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones in a more meaningful way. These in-person interactions, from courses to receptions, help to facilitate a better understanding of how we can work together more effectively. It was incredibly helpful, both professionally and personally, to put faces to names and engage in real-time discussions with others across the industry.

Margaret Butts — 2025 Attendee
Ventura Foods

I highly recommend this course to others in the industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of the oil sector, covering the entire value chain from procurement to finished products. The course offers valuable insights into various segments of the industry, helping to build a strong foundational framework for anyone pursuing a career in this field.

Jen Jones — 2025 Attendee
Ventura Foods - Director - Oil Trading

OIT offers a valuable opportunity to network and engage with industry peers, while also delivering high-level insights across a broad range of topics related to fats and oils. The event was also exceptionally well organized, with thoughtfully scheduled breaks that encouraged meaningful conversations and connections.

Jeff Soo — 2025 Attendee
Nisshin OilliO America

The presenters were excellent. The wealth of knowledge that can be shared is invaluable. I enjoyed learning from them, and they each welcome every conversation.

Andrew Madsen — 2025 Attendee
Minnesota Soybean Processors

The most beneficial part, in my opinion, is the opportunity to learn directly from presenters like Derrick and Brian, who each have over 15 years of experience in their respective fields. For someone relatively new to the industry, hearing from professionals with such extensive backgrounds shifts the way you view the agriculture sector. The gap in experience between those just starting out and those with years of expertise is incredibly valuable. To sum it up, the wealth of experience shared by the presenters was by far the most beneficial aspect of the course.

Hector Brea — 2025 Attendee
AgCertain

What I enjoyed most was sitting at our group table and interacting with my peers. We each shared our job titles and insights into our respective industries, which was a great way to gain different perspectives. I always find it valuable to step outside my own industry and see things from others' viewpoints.

Hector Brea — 2025 Attendee
AgCertain

I would highly recommend this course to anyone in the agriculture industry. Although the presenters had limited time and couldn't dive as deep into certain topics as they might have liked, the course was still very well-structured and provided invaluable insights. The instructors were clear, concise, and addressed all our questions with expertise. They did an exceptional job, and I walked away with practical knowledge I can apply immediately.

Hector Brea — 2025 Attendee
AgCertain

The content was top-notch – relevant, well-organized, and presented in a way that was both informative and engaging. The presenters were knowledgeable and passionate, which made the learning experience more enjoyable.

Hector Brea — 2025 Attendee
AgCertain

The most beneficial part for me was the wealth of knowledge that was provided from Industry leaders and professionals. While I was not new to supply chain, I am new to the oil industry and the information that was provided exceeded many trainings I have attended in the past.

Brandon Haywood — 2025 Attendee
MPB Commodities Brokerage

I was able to meet not only new faces, but I was also able to meet several individuals whom I work with very closely on a day to day basis. Being able to meet those individuals really enabled me to strengthen the relationships that were built through technology (teams/email) and provided a fundamental foundation for my success in the industry.

Brandon Haywood — 2025 Attendee
MPB Commodities Brokerage

I would highly recommend this course to anyone in the Industry. This course helped me see the various moving parts throughout the industry and really provided a helpful insight into various areas of the industry. A good example of this (for me) was after the training, I was able to reflect and understand how items like soybean crushing can relate to biofuels and renewable energy.

Brandon Haywood — 2025 Attendee
MPB Commodities Brokerage

The presenters could not have been better. They all provided such in depth information on their designated topics and while this was an introductory course, I feel like I left with a firmer understanding of the Industry as a whole.

Brandon Haywood — 2025 Attendee
MPB Commodities Brokerage

Even with over a decade of adjacent industry experience and now a year at AGP, OIT was an excellent refresh and a valuable opportunity to broaden my perspective, particularly on topics like fats and oils, market dynamics, and processing. In my government affairs role, the agenda deepened my understanding of how market forces interact beyond the policy lens. Most importantly, though, was the opportunity to connect with professionals across the value chain. I made several meaningful connections that I expect will be mutually beneficial as our careers and the industry evolve.

Michael Dolch — 2025 Attendee
Ag Processing

I especially enjoyed hearing directly from subject matter experts representing different segments of the industry. Their real-world insights added depth to the conversation. Engaging with peers, many of whom work outside government affairs, was also a highlight. It’s so easy to become siloed, so broadening my network was incredibly valuable.

Michael Dolch — 2025 Attendee
Ag Processing

OIT is a strong foundational program, ideal for those new to the oilseed industry, or for those like me with some experience. The training offers a well-rounded understanding of the industry and provides context that professionals can build upon, regardless of whether they focus on operations, policy, trading, or marketing.

Michael Dolch — 2025 Attendee
Ag Processing

The structured networking opportunities, including the class reception and informal conversations during breaks and meals, created meaningful opportunities to connect. Meeting counterparts in transportation, processing, and trading gave me added context that will complement my work in government affairs.

Michael Dolch — 2025 Attendee
Ag Processing

The content was well-organized and informative, covering a broad range of topics without becoming repetitive. Each session brought a unique perspective, and the presenters were knowledgeable, engaging, and grounded in real-world experience.

Michael Dolch — 2025 Attendee
Ag Processing

The best part of OIT was having the time and opportunity to learn a lot of fundamental information in a concentrated timeframe. It’s difficult to find time for true learning in a supply chain role, so the dedicated time, away from the office, was really effective.

Margaret Schneider — 2025 Attendee
Flowers Bakeries

The content was more on the basic side, but for me, that was perfect. It gave me enough fundamental knowledge of the space to know where I needed to learn more or ask deeper questions.

Margaret Schneider — 2025 Attendee
Flowers Bakeries