“The strength of the U.S. Grains Council is an active, engaged membership,” said USGC President and CEO Tom Sleight. “This summer at the 54th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Omaha we will recognize member leaders for five years, ten years, 35 and 45 years of contributions to our efforts.”

The honorees will include Steve Brody, DuPont Pioneer; Corey Jorgenson, Cargill Inc.; and Randy Kron, Indiana Farm Bureau. All three are quick to describe the value they have seen in their five years of Council involvement.

“I expected the Council to be a place where farmers interested in global markets come together with agricultural support companies, grain merchandisers and related industries that share a broad interest in growth,” Jorgenson said. “I found that it’s a central hub where we can debate a lot of issues and at the end of the day, we’re aligned and ready to work toward shared goals.”

He especially values the chance to work with customers on committees, where he can “have conversations without having to schedule appointments.”

Kron says the Council has been a great learning experience: “My task is to be a representative of Indiana farmers and bring information back to our members. The Council does a great job of explaining why exports and international trade are important.

“I’m encouraged by what the Council does, and I see great opportunities to build relationships that show the United States is a reliable, long-term supplier of coarse grains and co-products to the world.”

Brody talks about sustaining DuPont Pioneer’s long history with the Council, citing examples such as Nelson Urban’s and Owen Newlin’s chairmanships, but he is also looking towards the future.

“In the next two to five years, exports will be a critical factor in our ag economy and the success of U.S. agriculture,” he said. “We must continue the Council’s traditional role of building global export markets for U.S. growers.”

Brody, like Jorgenson, appreciates the work of Council Advisory Teams and notes the value of initiatives like MAIZALL. He also tips his hat to Council staff.

“When I travel to key markets, the local USGC representative is always one of my visits,” he said. “They provide critical insights into what is going on in their country.

“The Council’s engagement on issues like biotechnology has been critical for us at DuPont Pioneer, and for me personally, [Council involvement] has been a pure joy.”