Attendees of Export Exchange 2024, a major trade conference hosted by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), are reaping the rewards according to overseas grain buyers present at the event. Post-event survey results show 968,030 metric tons (MT) of U.S. corn, sorghum and their co-products worth $242 million were sold as a direct result of Export Exchange’s networking opportunities.
Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were the most popular commodity, with 472,230 MT purchased by companies during or immediately after the event. Corn was close behind with 363,900 MT traded between attendees and sorghum sales totaled 10,500 MT.
Export Exchange 2024 offered participants a unique opportunity to meet and build relationships with domestic suppliers of corn, DDGS, sorghum, barley and other commodities. Nearly 500 international buyers and end-users of coarse grains and co-products from more than 50 countries were gathered in Fort Worth, TX for the conference, held Oct. 7 to 9, and for related tours of U.S. farms, ethanol plans and export infrastructure as part of Council pre- and post-trade teams.
“The sales survey shows why Export Exchange is circled on the calendars of so many agricultural stakeholders as a premier event for networking and the latest updates affecting crop production, international policies and shipping logistics,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO.
“International trade is an crucial for producers, buyers and sellers alike, and we’re proud that Export Exchange 2024 brought the industry together to such resounding success.”
Other grains traded at Export Exchange included 74,500 MT of soybean meal and 25,000 MT of soybeans.
Export Exchange provides an ideal forum for continued relationship building among trading partners. The conference is held every two years and will next be held in 2026. More information about the event is online at www.exportexchange.org.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.