Traveling Overseas?
Don't Make Soybean Rust a Souvenir

Any number of items can make excellent souvenirs when touring farms overseas. The soybean rust pathogen should not be one of them.

The American Soybean Association makes these recommendations to growers who visit rural areas outside the United States:

	Separate field clothes from other clothes in the suitcase throughout the trip (be sure to take large plastic bags).
	Wash all field clothes before returning to the United States.
	Take field shoes that can be washed before returning.
	Be sure to note on the customs declaration that you have visited a farm. The USDA will inspect and sanitize your shoes, so keep them handy.
	After returning to the United States, again wash all clothing.
	Wipe down your suitcase and carry-on bag with bleach to disinfect them.

Overseas travel is a great way to make new friends and learn some unexpected farming tips. Just don't let a well-deserved vacation turn into a potential disaster. When it comes to protecting the domestic soybean crop from soybean rust, a little common sense can go a long way.