Jerry Wang, delegate for Living Water Integra Trade Inc., and Russ Hurlbert, delegate for the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation were honored for five years of service to the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) during the organization’s 55th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting held this week in Montreal, Canada.
For both men, their years of service to the Council have brought practical rewards.
“It’s been an excellent experience working with the Council, and especially with the value-added Advisory Team (A-Team),� Wang said. “I learned a lot and also gave a lot of insights I have in the grain industry. The Council always listens to the members’ opinions.�
Working with the A-Teams and hearing from staff and other members is impressive, according to Hurlbert.
“When I look at the relationships with the foreign countries, the trading partners and potential partners, these are very in-depth, long-term relationships that create a comfort level both for those promoting our products and those looking to buy products from the United States,� he said.
Both men cite the value of the contacts they’ve made. Hurlbert noted especially the importance of working relations between the Council, grower checkoffs and producer groups like the Farm Bureaus.
“We’re the group that can do lobbying on issues like U.S. trade policy, so this working relationship is a wonderful tool for serving our growers,� Hurlbert said of his Farm Bureau.
Wang said he sees Council informational materials and weekly reports as another benefit.
Hurlbert and Wang both encouraged others to get involved as Council members.
Citing his Chinese background, Wang said he’s happy to contribute his experience to help the Council promote U.S. coarse grains and co-products in the Chinese market.
Should others get involved? Wang answered, “Always!�