ICYMI: Export Exchange 2018 Scheduled For October In Minneapolis

Export Exchange 2018 has been set for Oct. 22 to 24 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy will host domestic suppliers, international buyers and end-users of U.S. feed grains and co-products at this biennial event to make connections that will build and sustain business in the grain trade for years to come.

“Export Exchange is uniquely focused on connecting international grain buyers with U.S. suppliers,” said Deb Keller, USGC chairman and farmer from Iowa, in a press release about the event. “We are excited to have members of the export industry join us and so many of our customers in Minneapolis this fall to learn the latest about U.S. grain production and how to purchase.”

The event will focus on timely topics related to exports of U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and related products.

“DDGS and other co-products have evolved into a critical component of the global animal feed market and a vital contributor to the U.S. ethanol industry’s bottom line,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen in the release. “The Export Exchange provides an excellent opportunity to connect producers and marketers of these co-products with global customers.”

More than 300 U.S. farmers and agribusiness representatives and an estimated 200 international purchasers and end-users are expected to attend.

Related to the event, the Council sponsors trade teams from more than 30 countries to participate in tours before and after the main conference. The 2016 event hosted 19 Council trade teams, a logistical feat that offered international guests a prime view of corn and sorghum harvest and U.S. export infrastructure in more than 15 U.S. states.

Being part of a trade team provides an opportunity to see firsthand the U.S. grain production and marketing channels as well as ask questions of farmers, ethanol plant managers or representatives from across the value chain. These tours are a crucial part of the Council’s global outreach and facilitate additional sales opportunities throughout the Export Exchange event.

Following Export Exchange 2016, buyers and end-users reported sales of approximately 2.6 million metric tons of grains and co-products worth $460 million traded either at the conference or immediately before or after.

“Export Exchange is an opportunity for the industry to promote DDGS to the world as a high-quality, competitively priced, high protein livestock feed ingredient including key markets such as Mexico, Turkey, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam among many others,” said Growth Energy Chief Executive Officer Emily Skor in the release.

Look for more information about Export Exchange 2018 in coming months at www.exportexchange.org and this newsletter or sign up for a mailing list to automatically receive conference updates by emailing info@exportexchange.org.