The Agricultural Supply Chain Asia 2021 conference hosted by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) boasted transactions and negotiations of 1.3 million metric tons (80 million bushels) of U.S. agricultural products with an estimated futures value of $460 million, including 248,500 metric tons (9.8 million bushels) of U.S. corn and 231,000 metric tons (36.8 million bushels) of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).
The event, held virtually from Jan. 26 to 28, brought together nearly 500 guests from 31 countries in Southeast Asia, including 276 importer participants representing 179 companies and 87 exporter participants representing 35 trading companies. Attendees were able to network via three virtual meeting halls featuring 32 U.S. exporter and partner organization booths.
“Our collective goal is to expand the global market for U.S. grains, oil seeds and related products, including here in Southeast Asia,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO during opening remarks.
“We know this goal is best reached when our work serves you, our customers, as much as it does our members, the U.S. farmer, U.S. agribusiness sector and various ag-related organizations. And as we move ahead into 2021 and beyond, our goal in the U.S. is to continue to make our partnership even stronger and remain a consistent supplier to your industry and your customers.”
The North Dakota Soybean Council, South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS), with which both USGC and USSEC participate as cooperating organizations, sponsored the event.
Terry Wehlander, North Dakota Corn Council chairman and a USGC Asia A-Team member, shared his insights on the 2020/2021 corn crop outlook, and Deb Gangwish, Nebraska Corn Growers Association director and USGC Asia A-Team member, reported on U.S. corn growers’ perspectives on new corn crop production and supply.
“Anything I can do to help move grain and put a face to a producer is very important. Interacting with customers is the best way to do that,” said Wehlander. “People want to talk to people, and I am humbled to talk to our trading partners.”
In addition, USGC Manager of Global Trade Reece Cannady offered highlights from the latest 2020/2021 U.S. Corn Harvest Quality Report. USGC Assistant Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania Caleb Wurth presented alongside aquaculture consultant Ronnie Tan results to date for their aquaculture program and shrimp feeding trials in the region.
Other sessions focused on the U.S. and global supply chain for agriculture, policy, economic issues and the weather.
Find more information on the Council’s work in Southeast Asia.
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.