The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recognized Kansas’ Jesse McCurry for his five years of service as a Council delegate at July’s 62nd Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Sacramento, California.
McCurry is the executive director for the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission (KGSC), where he leads the organization’s efforts to develop sorghum’s domestic and international standing as a sustainable crop by supporting trade teams and furthering the public’s knowledge about sorghum.
“The KGSC has been committed to the Council for a long time,” McCurry said. “We are especially excited to translate trade work more directly and often in concert with our partners at the state and national levels.”
A Council mission to China still stands out as a highlight for McCurry. He said he used it as an opportunity to develop his perspective on global markets, passing it on to others in his work back in Kansas.
“Studying the vast infrastructure in China firsthand and learning about the world was special,” McCurry said. “Seeing the Council’s staff adapt and watching its mission evolve with the dynamics of the world is refreshing.”
McCurry said that working cooperatively with state staff and Council employees is always enjoyable, and that bringing in foreign trade teams to Kansas is “fun, educational, and valuable for all involved.” He added that in his discussions with fellow Kansans about Council, he stresses the behind-the-scenes international work that helps farmers move their product.
“Boots on the ground in key countries and markets is critical, and market intelligence with a willingness to sell is key,” McCurry said. “Nobody else will do it for us.”
Outside of his roles with the Council and Kansas Grain Sorghum, McCurry is an avid participant in shooting sports and has recently been learning to paint with watercolors. He has four children – Jackson, Anna, Jett and Cora – with his wife, Rhonda.
Please join the Council in recognizing Jesse for his five years of service!
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.