After 10 years representing the Corn Producers Association of Texas, Bart Thoreson confesses that when he first got involved with the U.S. Grains Council, he didn’t know that much about it.

Now Thoreson says he’s, “very impressed with how the Council helps other countries learn to use not just corn but all the grains.

“As I learned more, it’s got easier for me to push for more support for the Council from the Corn Producers of Texas.”

He believes state support for exports is especially critical at present because of the uncertainties about funding for USDA programs such as the Foreign Market Development program and the Market Access Program.

“I think the states need to step up,” Thoreson said. “I think we will be very disappointed if we don’t keep the Council in good shape.”

Beyond the need to maintain the Council, Thoreson is focused more on the Council’s future than on past achievements. Currently he is excited about the MAIZALL alliance with Argentina and Brazilian corn growers.

“I think it’s a good project,” Thoreson said. “One of our biggest hurdles has been the GMO issue and I think MAIZALL is going to help us overcome that obstacle.”

Meanwhile, Thoreson plans to continue bringing a Texas Corn perspective to the Council’s board of delegates.

“I want all the exports we can get, but I don’t want to lose any demand in our U.S. livestock industry,” he said.