Speakers at the upcoming the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 60th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting are set to explore shifting global dynamics, focusing on how the Council can “make something happen” in export markets for U.S. farmers and agribusinesses. The meeting is scheduled to take place virtually, July 27 to 29, 2020.
“While in a different format than past meetings, the virtual summer meeting will continue to offer opportunities for you to engage directly with fellow delegates and Council staff on the most important issues facing the global grains markets today,” wrote USGC Chairman Darren Armstrong to delegates when announcing the meeting’s registration is open.
The meeting’s opening general session will feature speakers who will address specific factors influencing agricultural trade. Dr. Dave Kohl, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech University, will provide an analysis of the black swan effects of COVID-19, both for agriculture and for society. He will also discuss how farmers and agribusinesses can best position themselves as the pandemic’s effects continue.
Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist with StoneX Group, Inc., will discuss the outlook for ethanol in a post-COVID-19 world.
On the third day of the conference, Ambassador Craig Allen, president of the U.S.-China Business Council, will follow-up on his presentation to the group in February with updated information on the bilateral relationship between the United States and China.
“Our membership and the industries they represent have seen significant disruptions and shifts to their operations since we last met in Tampa,” Armstrong said. “We look forward to the opportunity to re-center ourselves and work toward the creative solutions needed to stay the course and keep to our mission.”
The virtual summer meeting will also highlight the Council’s work with key partners to build new demand for coarse grains, co-products and ethanol. The Council’s seven Advisory Teams (A-Teams) and sectors will meet to discuss critical issues and provide guidance and priorities to the Council’s leadership. USGC members will also approve the next fiscal year’s budget and vote in new members of the USGC Board of Directors.
“We rely on your guidance to help us uphold our commitment to develop markets, enable trade and improve lives as we serve our customers around the world,” Armstrong said. “We have learned that the more markets change, the more our work to access and develop them remains essential to both our global customers and you, our members.”
The change from a traditional, in-person meeting to a virtual meeting also offers a unique opportunity for new participants who are interested in trade but have never had the chance to attend a Council gathering. All events will be held online and are complimentary.
Questions can be directed to Rebecca Kane, USGC meeting manager.
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.