During a time when in-person programming was not always attainable, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) found ways to successfully bring staff, members, buyers and end-users from around the world together throughout 2021.

In anticipation of the release of the 2020/2021 U.S. Corn Export Cargo Quality Report, the Council’s offices in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan jointly hosted a rollout event in May to demonstrate the transparency and reliability of the U.S. grain export system to nearly 400 customers. The virtual event allowed customers from all over Northeast Asia to come together and ask questions about the market and meet U.S. corn producers.

Co-hosted by the Council and the U.S. Soybeans Export Council (USSEC), the 2nd Virtual U.S. Grains and Soy Buyers Conference was designed to provide Southeast Asian participants with an enhanced understanding of world grain flows and the key factors driving agriculture today, while promoting the U.S. crop quality advantage. In addition to speaker presentations, attendees were able to network at virtual trade booths – many hosted by Council members – throughout the event.

In Latin America, Council staff offered Evolution Toward E15, a program to help inform policymakers and industry representatives across Latin America about the benefits of transitioning to higher biofuel blend levels. The event acted as an opportunity for USGC’s Latin America office to initiate new discussions with its trade partners on ethanol policies.

Stakeholders across Canada were also able to take part in virtual programming during 2021, as the Council held Opportunities for U.S. Feed Grains in Western Canada, a webinar series that replaced the annual Corn & DDGS Roadshow in Alberta. With a feed ingredient deficit in the country due to drought, the webinar allowed the Council to elaborate on how distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) can factor into cattle and swine rations in Canada.

As in 2020, it was important for the Council to continue to bring information to buyers and end-users around the world in 2021, creating opportunities for connection during a time of travel restrictions.