The U.S. Grains Council recognized three state grower organization executives at its Montreal meeting this week for the years they have worked with the organization: Laura Knoth, Kentucky Corn Promotion Council, for five years of service; Tadd Nicholson, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, for 10 years of service; and Joyce Woodhouse, Corn Growers Association of North Carolina, for 35 years.

State executives play a unique role in the Council’s efforts, providing continuity and a source of information on the Council’s work for growers in their states.

Thinking over her many years of involvement, Woodhouse highlighted the value of personal contact between Council officials, grower groups and leaders like the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina Past Chairman Bill Griffin.

“That personal contact made us realize how important the Council could be even though we are a corn deficit state,� Woodhouse said. “What happens in the rest of the country and the world affects our farmers very much.�

Nicholson cited another important role for state executives – their involvement with Council trade teams visiting the U.S. crop production areas and export infrastructure.

“The teams are an important USGC function that builds relationships with foreign buyers by bringing them to the United States,� Nicholson said. “That’s where state staff can support what the Council is doing. We take great pride in Ohio in making sure the experience is good for any foreign visitor coming through our state.�

He also emphasized the work state staff do to provide growers with information on the value of USGC export programs.

“Exports are not something that most of our farmer leaders feel they have much expertise in,� Nicholson said. “Working with the collective group in the Council gives us a better understanding of just how we can improve the profitability for the farmers we serve through grain exports.

“You realize you really can affect world grain markets through work with the Council.�