The U.S. Grains Council hosted a Corn Outlook Conference in Tokyo on Feb. 28, attracting 125 attendees including buyers, feed processors of U.S. corn, traders and government officials. Event participants received detailed information on corn quality and global trends in logistics and grain transportation. This year, more focused discussions on systematic analysis of corn quality, compared to past Corn Outlook Conferences, received favorable feedback from attendees.

Japanese corn users are well aware of the impact of very wet weather in 2010 on harvested corn. One of the key messages in this year’s conference was the assurance by the well known and trusted grain analyst, Arvid Hawk, president of Global Agriculture Consulting LLC., of the current high quality corn being delivered to local elevators. The 2011/12 crop exhibits good test weight, low moisture level, low stress cracks and BCFM, high-crude protein levels and low incidence of mycotoxins. Since buyers and processors are always interested in the most updated information on corn quality, Hawk’s presentation of the Council’s Corn Harvest Quality Report 2011/12 provided critial analysis for attendees. Conference participants expressed particular interest in reading such a well-organized, systematic, quality report on a regular basis in the future.

Later, David Howell, vice chairman of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and leader of the Council’s Asia Advisory team, provided a personal, detailed perspective about farming technology, budget and production costs.

Finally, Logistics & Global Grain Transportation, delivered by Amer Badawi, vice president of Columbia Grain, offered new insight on the dynamic system of the U.S. and global logistics infrastructure, including the expansion of the Panama Canal. Mr. Badawi further added analysis on major grain outlook in production supply and demand, commenting on current trends in the ethanol industry and Chinese demand.