Eight agribusiness representatives are being recognized this summer for their membership contributions, and Lyndsey Erb, Council director of industry relations, is quick to point out the wide range of benefits they bring to U.S. Grains Council (USGC) efforts.
Brian Arnold, The DeLong Co., Inc.; Sean Broderick, CHS Inc.; Diaa Ghaly, Mirasco Inc.; Seth King, Pacific Ethanol, Inc.; Steve Moore, Farm Credit Services of America; Larry Pritchett, GSI Group LLC; Thomas Rossmanith, Marquis Grain Inc., and Ryan Sauer, Flint Hills Resources Menlo LLC have each chalked up five years of work with the Council.
Attending meetings, serving on advisory teams and chairing them is just the beginning of their contributions, according to Erb.
“All of them have participated in Council programs directly, whether it’s speaking on behalf of a distiller’s grains product, giving a supply-demand outlook, or working with us domestically to host a trade team,” she said.
“They collaborate with our staff on a regular basis both in D.C. and with our global offices to help guide our programs and set Council priorities.”
One key benefit from such agribusiness members is the hands-on perspective they bring to Council efforts, Erb said.
“These are the people doing business worldwide, so they have excellent information and are very willing to share it. They have strong relationships with their customers and with a lot of the people we work with on a regular basis overseas.”
Working with such a variety of companies also helps keep the Council better informed and Council programs well-rounded.
She emphasized that while each representative must think about his own company, this group also has a track record of thinking on behalf of the broader U.S. grains industry.
“They are not just DDGS or ethanol producers. They are also equipment manufacturers and credit servicers, so this group represents the entire value chain in their work with the Grains Council,” Erb said.
“In five short years they’ve all been dedicated to helping us pursue our mission, and we are very grateful for their dedication and collaboration.”