USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service today released its 2010 Prospective Plantings report showing U.S. corn acreage at 88.8 million, up 3 percent from both 2009 and 2008. According to the U.S. Grains Council, this increase shows the U.S. farmers’ commitment to meet the increased demand for corn around the world.
“U.S. farmers step up to the plate every year,� said Tim Burrack, Iowa Corn Promotion Board chairman. “U.S. farmers use top-of-the-line technology and modern farming techniques to ensure a high quality product. We meet the domestic needs of the livestock industry and the ethanol industry and are able to meet the needs of our trading partners and customers around the world.�
Ron Gray, Illinois corn farmer and former chairman of Illinois Corn Marketing Board, said “We continue to hear our Administration’s empasis to expand U.S. agricultural exports. This acreage increase reflects America’s capacity to meet the domestic market demand as well as sustain U.S. market share around the world at a competitive price. Exports are a crucial component to the U.S. economy. They are good for our economy, they are good for the rest of the world.�
The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit partnership of farmers and agribusinesses committed to building and expanding international markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and their products. The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has 10 international offices that oversee programs in more than 50 countries. Financial support from our private industry members, including state checkoffs, agribusinesses, state entities and others, triggers federal matching funds from the USDA resulting in a combined program value of more than $26 million.
The U.S. Grains Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital/family status. Persons with disabilities, who require alternative means for communication of program information, should contact the U.S. Grains Council.