Corn Harvest Quality Events Roll On In North Asia

The U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Corn Harvest Quality Report events continue around the world, with seminars recently taking place in Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.

Based on 611 yellow corn samples taken from 12 of the top corn-producing and exporting states, this year’s report highlighted how the 2023 U.S. corn crop was the largest on record with the lowest percentage of broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) to date.

“Japanese buyers were happy to hear about this year’s high protein concentration, lower total damage and moisture content,” said Tommy Hamamoto, USGC director in Japan.

While many of the rollout events follow a similar agenda, each is tailored to the specific market it is taking place in to best meet the needs of customers there.

In Taiwan and Japan, attendees were presented the results of the report in addition to hearing from two U.S. corn producers, Jay Reiners of the Nebraska Corn Board and Scott Haerr of Ohio Corn and Wheat. USGC Vice President Cary Sifferath also provided updates on the global supply chain from the Panama Canal before question-and-answer panels took place at both events.

“Attendees in Taiwan expressed their gratitude that the Council provided the insight on logistical issues and the possible ways to combat those,” said Michael Lu, USGC director in Taiwan. “They were also impressed by the precision farming techniques U.S. corn producers used to reach high efficiency of production and environmental protection.”

Potential buyers in Korea were also given the chance to hear more about the high quality of the 2023 U.S. corn crop during the event held in Seoul. USGC At-Large Director Jim O’Connor of the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council and Brandon Hunnicutt of the Nebraska Corn Board gave attendees insights from the corn field, providing updates on the U.S. crop. A global grain market outlook and presentation on the Council’s Corn Sustainability Assurance Protocol (CSAP) wrapped up the event.

“It is clear that this CQR seminar, attended by 170 people from the feed and corn processing industries, will be a driving force for Korean buyers who are resuming U.S. corn purchases to buy U.S. corn more actively. The Council also promoted the CSAP, which can increase the value and competitiveness of U.S. corn as a major agenda of the seminar,” said Haksoo Kim, USGC director in Korea.

A second Council-produced study, the 2023/2024 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report, will measure corn quality at export terminals at the point of loading and will be available in the coming months.