U.S. exporters are well aware of the growing infrastructure problems including a maintenance backlog, the need for modernization, railcar shortages and weather induced delays. Long the envy of the world, U.S. export infrastructure is showing the signs of age. Our customers abroad are starting to feel the effects, and increasingly are voicing their concerns.

Colombia is one example. A close-to-home market, Colombia has been experiencing increasing logistics and infrastructure challenges when trying to import U.S. coarse grains and co-products – challenges that need to be resolved to ensure timely deliveries. The U.S. Grains Council will address this topic with speaker, Juan Jaramillo, vice president of purchases and logistics for Solla, a major Colombian feed miller, at its 54th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 28-30, 2014.

Solla, one of the top three feed millers in Colombia, imports 820,000 metric tons of feed grains and produces 1.4 million tons of feed per year. Colombian end-users, including Solla, have been experiencing delays this year in receiving U.S. corn. With Colombia’s corn imports up more than 2,200 percent from September 2013 to April 2014 over the same time period last year, improvements to the U.S. logistics system needs to be a priority.

“Colombia is an important and changing market,” said Alan Tiemann, USGC secretary/treasurer. “Ratification of the U.S.-Columbia Free Trade Agreement is helping U.S. market share rebound. This is a solid partnership, and one that we want to make even stronger.”

Register today to hear Jaramillo speak on this timely, close-to-home topic. Don’t forget, the hotel room block deadline is June 30.