When I look back at the U.S. Grains Council, they were always active in working on issues related to selling U.S. grain.

As Secretary of Agriculture, and later, when I was running a trade association, my relationship with the Council remained positive.

I was invited to travel to Ecuador and other countries in South America, to open markets and strengthen the U.S. relationship with these countries. In my opinion, farmers realize the importance of traveling down the avenue of forming relationships; however, a single farmer is not going to get much done. But, if you have an organization advocating for U.S. farmers, that’s when things get done. That is exactly what the Council does. It works for farmers.

U.S. grain exports have increased over the years. The United States is exporting at least one third of its agricultural production, even more of some grains.

The United States is efficient in producing grain. As a kid I remember when we had two horses pulling a two-row corn planter and couldn’t even reach a 100 bushel yield. Today, the horses are gone, and we have tractors, machinery, big combines, and now we can pick and shell 100 bushels of corn in seven minutes.

With high production comes the need for markets, and that’s where the Council comes in; helping to develop these markets.

As the United States expanded production, its relationship with other countries has changed. While historically positive relationships exist, some have fallen into disrepair and the United States has dealt with its fair share of controversy.

The United States and the Council must continue to adapt to change and find appropriate export markets.

The Council still has a strong team, working directly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, especially the export wing and the Foreign Agricultural Service, to straighten out any issues that arise.

As Secretary of Agriculture, when I went to my first cabinet meeting with President Reagan, he asked the members of the cabinet if we had any priorities. I quickly said, “Mr. President, you promised in your campaign that you would lift the Soviet Grain embargo. We had sold a lot of grain to the Soviet Union, and would like to continue to do so.�

About one year later, I signed a long-term grain agreement with the Soviet Union, solidifying our trade relationship. Within 100 days, I was called into the Oval Office and given word that the grain embargo was lifted. Similar work has been done in many countries and relationships continue to be formed today.

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic. The United States has already established itself as a reliable global supplier of food and I am confident that demand for U.S. grains will continue to grow.