The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), with support growers in the key corn-producing states of Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Corn, has conducted a series of studies and technical programming and engaged in other activities to analyze and promote the superior performance of U.S. corn in feed milling when compared to corn of other origins. These focused on the wet milling, feed milling, and broiler production.

In the feed milling space, initial lab results showed U.S. corn’s softer endosperm allowed for superior production while using less energy, creating savings for a feed mill. The increased milling ability can also improve the digestibility of poultry and swine diets. This study recently passed the lab analysis phase and the Council is now in the process of developing trials in Latin America (LTA).

“This study is an important project for the Council because it’s a way to promote the great work U.S. producers are already doing and help U.S. corn’s sales in the global market,” said Alexander Grabois, USGC manager of global strategies and trade.

“International end-users are always looking to improve the efficiency of their operations and by proving U.S. corn’s competitive advantages, it’s a win for all parties. These projects and actions are of key importance in showing that U.S. corn can provide non-price related competitive advantages that would increase return on investment and efficiency. These benefits of U.S. corn can play a role in changing the narrative around the product, from a commodity to a high-quality ingredient.”

In a second phase of this study, the Council also reviewed how U.S. corn performs in animal feeding performance in broilers, conducting a study with Auburn University. Research showed chickens fed with U.S. corn would need less feed to grow to the same size as compared to other origins—or that with the same amount of feed purchases, a producer can increase their broiler capacity. In late 2024, the Council began its first commercial trial in North Africa.

In support of the global wet milling industry, the Council held its third annual Global Starch Conference in Chicago, IL, in June, drawing more than 80 participants from nearly 15 countries. Speaker presentations focused on the fundamentals of corn wet milling, wet milling technologies and enzyme uses, sustainability, grain storage and value-based procurement. Invitees included staff from technical and processing departments of global wet milling plants and procurement managers.

Results from the lab study and commercial trials have real-world applications for the feed milling industry. In August, Grabois traveled to Indonesia and Taiwan to discuss the data from the study and how it affects milling in different climates and markets.

“The findings from the study’s lab and commercial results are indicative of higher starch yields, which can have a significant impact on a wet mill’s yields and overall output. We have taken this opportunity to better understand the specific market challenges in Asia and Southeast Asia and show those already purchasing U.S. corn ways to maximize their production and earning potential,” Grabois said.

“Our studies show that by implementing simple processing changes, yields can increase by several additional percentage points. This, coupled with the higher starch yields of U.S. corn, can translate to multiple millions of dollars of additional annual revenue for wet mills.”