At the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) recently-concluded meeting in Sarasota, Florida, the organization recognized 20 members and staff for their service, citing themes like knowledge, education and dedication again and again.
Founded in 1960, the Council is an inclusive organization of corn, sorghum, barley and ethanol producers and related agribusinesses that share an interest in developing export markets for U.S. coarse grains and co-products.
For two of the members recognized for five years of service to the organization – William (Sparky) Crossman, who represents the Virginia Corn Board, and Les Imboden, who represents the Ohio Corn Marketing Program – these adjectives sum up what makes the Council tick.
“The knowledge that you receive from the Council, whether at meetings or through A-Teams, is fantastic – knowledge that you just don’t have when you’re back on your farm,� Imboden said. “And most of the farmers here are forward thinkers who are quite concerned about where our next crop is going to go, because it’s got to go somewhere.�
Even as he was being honored for his service, Imboden recognized the Council for its ongoing efforts to build long-term trade relationships that are based on mutual advantage, partnership and trust.
“And who better than the Council to lead the charge for more markets. Look at our competitors, and no one is doing what the Council is doing,� he said. “That’s because of the passion that the staff has and the farmers have – because the staff really listens to what the producers here are thinking.�
Around the clock and world, the Council is growing opportunities for U.S. farmers and agribusinesses while delivering on its mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.
“I can’t imagine what my life as a producer would be without the Council. It’s got to be one of the most ‘bang for the buck’ organizations I’ve ever seen,� Imboden said. “It’s a great return on our investment.�
More about the annual meeting is available online at http://grains.org/news-and-events/events/13th-international-marketing-conference-56th-annual-membership-meeting or on social media using the hashtag #grains16.
Photos from the meeting are available on the Council’s Flickr page, here.