Whether it is the next international market opportunity or the next generation of agricultural leaders, Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board, is focused on the future. And after representing his state at the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) for 15 years, his outlook for both is bright.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I started as staff, my interaction with the Council was a cooperative partnership and seeing the various programs they undertook,\u201d Brunkhorst said. \u201cAnd I see that partnership as extending the farmers\u2019 reach from their first purchaser into the world market.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of his first travels with the Council took him to Mexico City, where he met with direct customers of Nebraska corn and co-products.<\/p>\n
\u201cRepresenting not only our growers, but also the Council, provided me the opportunity to convey, from a producer\u2019s standpoint, an appreciation for their business if they are already customers and the potential these countries provide in expansion of trade,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
That chance to discuss the value of international trade to Nebraska corn producers has repeated itself over the years, including this summer when the Council, Nebraska Corn and the Nebraska governor together hosted a delegation from Mexico to communicate the state’s support for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a fantastic opportunity to relay our appreciation of their business,\u201d Brunkhorst said. \u201cAs we look at NAFTA, we have and always will be supportive of the trade agreement that was negotiated and ratified 23 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brunkhorst said he values not only these loyal trading partners but also up-and-coming markets. Identifying those areas of growth requires a long-term vision, looking at raw product and also considering how the Council can help work as a conduit to moving those value-added products into the international market.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are those key countries that we need to start vetting and what are their opportunities for the future?\u201d Brunkhorst said. \u201cWhat does their middle class look like? How is that growing? Are their diets changing? Are their incomes changing? How does that all play into the potential for that market to either grow or become a new market for U.S. corn in all forms?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look at the global marketplace and opening doors to new countries and opportunities. We continue to seek out those opportunities, and USGC staff has always been front and center in leading us through those deliberations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nebraska Corn has also invested in the future growth of the U.S. agricultural industry by establishing and expanding an effective internship program that allows Nebraska students to work both in Washington, D.C., and in international marketplaces, including the Council\u2019s global offices.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have been very blessed with the caliber of interns we have sent to the USGC offices in Washington, D.C., and globally,\u201d Brunkhorst said. \u201cThey have really come back with an appreciation of the work the Council does and an appreciation for what the worldwide market has in regard to opportunity for trade.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is easy sell back because for those who are invested in us, these are their sons and daughters that we are investing back into. They will be the future leaders that are going to be addressing issues long after we retire. And there is no doubt we are in very capable hands with the youth of today.\u201d<\/p>\n
That blending of focus on people and resources brings together Brunkhorst\u2019s work over not just the last 15 years, but a lifetime.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy career has fantastically expanded from a little farm boy to now understanding how the international marketplace works and the role the Council plays in meeting the producers\u2019 investment,\u201d Brunkhorst said. \u201cThat connection is fantastic to see.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Whether it is the next international market opportunity or the next generation of agricultural leaders, Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board, is focused on the future. And after representing his state at the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) for 15 years, his outlook for both is bright. \u201cWhen I started as staff, my … <\/p>\n