This year, a key priority for the U.S. Grains Council is reassuring loyal buyers that the United States remains a reliable long-term supplier and partner. Council teams led by producer members are active in this effort. Delegates who attended the Council’s 10th International Marketing Conference and 53rd Annual Membership Meeting in Charleston, S.C., received reports from the field on several of these outreach initiatives.

The record drought and short crop of 2012 have adversely affected U.S. coarse grains exports, which are projected this year at a 43 year low. Rising competitors have been quick to seize market share. This has protected buyers and limited demand destruction, but it also creates the challenge of winning back markets once U.S. yields return to normal.

Don Fast, USGC chairman, Chip Councell, USGC corn sector director, and Bill Kubecka, USGC sorghum sector director, participated in the rollout of the 2012 Corn Harvest Quality Report in Latin America, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. They noted that the report, though just in its second year, has already gained acceptance and high credibility. Audiences exceeded expectations, and many buyers indicated a strong preference for U.S. sourcing as soon as U.S. availability improves. Buyers also eagerly anticipate the second annual Corn Export Cargo Quality Report, which will be published this spring.

Fast, Councell and Kubecka reported that in every country our export customers appreciate the fact that the United States, in a tough year, remains open for business and transparent in its reporting. Our buyers understand that 2012 was a challenging year. They were encouraged that U.S. crop quality was even better than 2011 in several key metrics despite the lower yields. And they made clear that they are as eager to see U.S. production — and exports — return to normal.

Click here for photos from the meeting.