U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff met with farmers and other attendees of the 2022 Maryland Commodity Classic in July to share information about the organization’s work and global trade. Engaging and connecting face-to-face with growers and agricultural associations is a pivotal part of furthering the Council’s goal of expanding markets, enabling trade and improving lives.
“Getting to have quality, in-person conversations with members of the agriculture industry is incredibly important, especially after spending so much time in strictly virtual settings,” said Sam Clemence, USGC global strategies coordinator. “These conversations are always energizing and inspiring to everyone at the Council.”
The event kicked off with an educational seminar covering a variety of topics including the evaluation of local small grain cultivars, the uptake of sulfur, boron and nitrogen in corn plants, and the cost efficiency of fungicides.
The exhibit hall was then opened to the public with representatives of dozens of farming organizations and agribusinesses, ranging from nationally recognized brands to local small businesses, setting up tables and answering questions about their roles in the farming world.
Clemence was joined by Will Margerum, USGC communications coordinator, and Emma Dostal, USGC communications intern, as they spoke to visitors and distributed infographics with statistics on grain exports and key U.S. trade partners.
Groups of students also had the opportunity to visit the Council’s booth and learn about its work in international markets. Master’s degree candidates from the University of Maryland and University of Delaware as well as Future Farmers of America student leaders from Maryland high schools stopped to chat and learn more about their prospective career fields.
“It was fantastic to have so many people come out to Commodity Classic and learn more about the Council, especially all the students eager to learn from each and every vendor,” Clemence said. “The future of U.S. agriculture will certainly be in good hands.”
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.