Council’s Winter Meeting Sets Global Trade Strategy For Year Ahead

Members of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) arrived in Savannah, GA, this week for the Council’s 20th International Marketing Conference (IMC) and 63rd Annual Membership Meeting, held Feb. 13-15, where they focused on challenges and opportunities around the world and held a roundtable forum celebrating the Council’s rich history. The event also included several Advisory Team (A-Team) sessions, where experts in various agricultural commodities and markets came together to brainstorm strategies and share experiences relevant to their industry for this year.

“It is my honor to welcome all of our attendees in Savannah to discuss the state of the agricultural industry today,” said USGC Chairman Josh Miller on Monday. “We look forward to collaborating with A-Team members to help shape the Council’s goals and strategies for 2023.”

The first general session offered two panel discussions and a look at the status of this year’s farm bill before Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand delivered his State of the Council address.

“The Council takes pride in offering the latest information on global grain markets to our members at this event,” LeGrand said. “The conversations had here will be a benefit to attendees, staff members and the Council as a whole as we strive to maintain U.S. corn, sorghum, barley and their co-products’ status as the number one option for consumers worldwide.”

The winter meeting is an annual chance for corn, sorghum and barley farmers and members of agribusinesses, who make up the organization’s membership, to meet with Council staff working on behalf of U.S. producers. The guidance and information they offer during this meeting, combined with input from A-Team members, help plan the roadmap for the Council’s near-term strategy.