U.S. Grains Council (USGC) representatives highlighted the importance of exports and some of largest export markets the organization operates in at its booth during this year’s Commodity Classic event held in New Orleans.
Council staff and leadership had the opportunity to talk with many farmers, industry representatives and agricultural reporters over the three-day period.
USGC staff and leadership in attendance included Chairman Chad Willis; Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO; Kim Atkins, vice president and COO; Melissa Kessler, director of strategic initiatives and engagement; Bryan Jernigan, director of communications; Ellen Zimmerman, director of industry relations; Isabelle Ausdal, manager of ethanol trade policy and economics; Paige Stevenson, manager of global trade; and Emily Sutton manager of communications.
Council staff used the exhibit booth to educate attendees about the importance of commodities trade, offering a “passport” filled with infographics on export markets around the world for the five commodities it represents. Attendees could then take a photo in front of a green screen and choose one of five backgrounds highlighting one of its top markets for grains in all forms.
Activities in the booth were tied directly to USGC Chairman Chad Willis’ theme of Together in Trade, including giveaways featuring the theme logo.
“Commodity Classic brings together farmers and other agricultural representatives from across the country,” Willis said. “Because of this, there was no better place to speak on the work of the Council and my chairman’s theme of Together in Trade than at this event.”
Photos and more moments from the trade show can be found in the Council’s online gallery.
Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. Nearly 7,000 attendees were in person to experience the event in the Big Easy and discover the latest and best advances in U.S. agriculture. Aside from the trade show, educational sessions were also available for those in attendance.
Join the Council at Commodity Classic next year in Orlando from March 9-11 to see the event for yourself!
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.