Export Exchange 2024, a conference bringing together international grain purchasers and end users with U.S. producers and exporters in Fort Worth, Texas, concluded this week after six general sessions across Tuesday and Wednesday. The event was filled with presentations from industry experts and extensive networking opportunities for attending businesses.
The event, held every other year, allows buyers and sellers of U.S. corn, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), sorghum and other commodities to gain a better understanding of the needs of buyers around the world and witness the caliber of supply the U.S. provides.
“We are incredibly excited to see the impact that this week will have in the coming year as international stakeholders continue to generate new business within the U.S. value chain,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO.
“Export Exchange has proven to be a crucial part in strengthening U.S. relationships with international industry professionals and therefore, strengthening the U.S. agricultural industry for years to come.”
Tuesday’s lineup of speakers was headlined by Jason Hafemeister, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) acting deputy undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, who spoke about USDA’s goals for exports and explained the necessity of trade for U.S. agriculture success.
“[Exports] help keep rural American economies strong and vibrant, so we are all in on promoting trade. It is also an important part in our relationships with the rest of the world,” Hafemeister said.
“The United States is a reliable supplier of agricultural products. We want to develop strong relationships with our trading partners, and we think that the flow of agricultural commodities is critical to do so.”
Other Tuesday speakers included information about global feed demand by Ankush Bhandari of Verition Fund Management; updates on the agricultural supply chain and transportation logistics by Ken Eriksen of Polaris Analytics and Consulting; information on contract requirements by Alejandra Castillo and Thomas Erickson from the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA); the advantages of U.S. sorghum by Norma Ritz Johnson from the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP); uses for feed grains in pet food by Kent Cooper with Evolve Consulting Group; an outlook on seafood protein demand by Gary Morrison from Expana; and maximizing value in grain purchases led by Guy Allen with the International Grains Program.
Topics during Wednesday’s general sessions included updates on new co-products entering the market by Joe Ward of the Distillers Grains Technology Council; the latest on the Council’s sustainability promotion efforts by USGC Director of Global Sustainability Carlos Suárez; and a panel regarding the value of U.S. corn that featured Dr. Vijay Singh from the University of Illinois, USGC Senior Director of Global Strategies Kurt Shultz and Technical Sales Manager at CPM Industrial Solutions Doug Kitch.
As Export Exchange ends, 13 trade teams will continue the momentum and head to corn-growing states to see advanced farming operations, explore DDGS production at ethanol plants, view port facilities and more to build their networks with U.S. suppliers, rounding out their time in the United States.
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.