Two U.S. Grains Council (USGC) consultants, Dr. Gerald Shurson and Dr. Scott Beyer, are in China this week on a trade servicing mission to provide the local industry with technical information about U.S. sorghum and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).
As reported in last week’s Global Update, China continues to be the top importer of U.S. DDGS and sorghum despite the current uncertainties in the local economy and uneasiness about trade with the country in the international grain market.
“Our consultants’ travel to China is timed perfectly,� said USGC President and CEO Tom Sleight. “We have been and will continue to remain engaged in this vital market. This is just one example of our efforts dedicated to maintaining Chinese buyers’ and end-users’ interest in U.S. coarse grains and co-products.�
The work in China began by hosting workshops at which the consultants presented about DDGS and sorghum in Jinan and Changsha in an effort to educate end-users on the proper processing techniques and optimal inclusion rates in DDGS and sorghum rations.
“The presentations provided end-users in China with the opportunity to learn more about sorghum and DDGS use in livestock rations including how to maximize value, how to identify quality, the benefits of these ingredients, and what specific processing requirements may be needed to achieve full feed value,� said USGC Director in China Bryan Lohmar.
“This information has the potential to help expand the customer base for U.S. sorghum and DDGS in China. In addition, it provides technical assistance to existing customers in the area.�
The presentations had an excellent turn-out, an indication of the interest in using U.S. sorghum and DDGS in swine and poultry rations in China’s inland provinces.
This trip to China will wrap up on Friday with a seminar at which both consultants will present again on the feed value of these products for swine and poultry.
This trade servicing mission to China is just one example of the Council’s continued engagement in the market in China. The Council has two additional visits to the country planned later this month to discuss sorghum and biotech traits in corn.
The Council is also planning to bring two teams of Chinese buyers, end-users and policy makers to the United States at the end of the month. These groups will see firsthand how U.S. grain is grown and the advantages of purchasing from the United States.
In addition, the Council will continue to actively track and promote U.S. coarse grains and co-products to buyers in China through its local office there.