For a quarter of a century, William Jesus Perez Pavia has run Lorgam, the Merida, Mexico feed mill his father started 45 years ago. What began as a small company with about 300 tons of production per year today averages 600 tons per month, producing feed for the Yucatan Peninsula’s pigs, chickens, hens and turkeys.
William inherited more than a company from his father; he also inherited his preference for U.S. Soy as a staple ingredient. The U.S Soybean Export Council (USSEC) visited William and his two sons in the Lorgam warehouse last fall to learn why.
Q: What is your experience with U.S. soy?
A: Since the beginning, we have used U.S. Soy and we have been increasing our use of it ever since. Right now, we have a great consumption of U.S. Soy. This is due to our protein requirements; the turkey food uses a lot of soy because of the protein. We have had a very good experience with U.S. Soy because of the protein levels. Our clients have good results in the sizes of their chickens, their turkeys and other animals.
Q: How important are amino acids in your feed formulations?
A: The protein and amino acids are both very important when we produce a feed formula. The amino acids are used by the animals to have a better nutrition; that’s why our food formulas are based on these ingredients. The animal uses the nutrients of the soy.
Q: How would you rank the reliability of U.S. Soy?
A: U.S. Soy is completely reliable. Mexico soy production is small, so the closest market that we have is the United States. The logistics are easier. We can have the soy in less time than if we bought from another part of the world.
Q: Do your clients ask you for proof that you’re providing a sustainable product?
A: The world is changing and right now clients are demanding more certification that the quality and the conditions of the ingredients are good. So we have been improving, searching for better ingredients and more quality in order to satisfy this demand. Right now, it’s almost an obligation to have certification to demonstrate that our ingredients are the best quality and produced in the best conditions.
Q: What opportunities has USSEC given you to learn more about the production of U.S. Soy?
A: We were invited by USSEC to go to Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where we received training in production, the future of soy and other topics important to improving production. U.S. farmers have also come here to talk with Mexican producers to plan together to continue the relationship.
Q: What would you say to U.S. soybean farmers about the product they provide?
A: If I had the opportunity to talk with American farmers I’d say that their product has a very good quality. I’d also ask to work with them to maintain the close working relationship that we have right now. It is important to continue the relationship with the U.S. and also to continue training to improve. Relationships and training are both important for a strong future.
