Grand Rapids, MI – U.S. Grains Council (USGC) members touched down earlier this week for the 65th Annual Board of Delegates meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This meeting will spotlight impactful conversations around new markets and trade policy impacts, a celebration of the Council’s 65th anniversary with discussions led by past USGC chairmen and a highlight of USGC program successes.
USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri welcomed attendees with a summary of the Council’s work over the past year and a preview of the meeting’s upcoming content.
“My theme this year, Cultivate the Future, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current environment,” Ulibarri said. “At this meeting, we gather to discuss issues facing our industry and explore future demand for feed grains and ethanol around the world.”
The conference started with an address from Jamie Zmitko-Somers, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and an update on U.S. agriculture trade by Daniel Whitley, administrator at the Foreign Agricultural Service with the USDA. Former USGC chairmen reflected on their involvement with the Council and the lasting impacts of their work – celebrating 65 years of the U.S. Grains Council.
“The opportunities for developing markets are absolutely endless if the Council and members are willing to grasp them; they exist worldwide,” said Vic Miller, USGC Chairman from 2007-2008. “That is the strength of the Council.”
Cary Sifferath, USGC vice president; Alicia Koch, USGC director of global ethanol export development; and Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategy discussed USGC global program successes in Mexico and Nigeria and initiatives sponsored over five years of ATP funding.
“The relational aspect of how the Council works is critical to ensuring long-term success,” Koch said. “It is not just a transaction; we have personal connections to the people that we work with, and I think that in light of the current trade environment, our relationships are that much more critical.”
USGC President and CEO, Ryan LeGrand concluded the general session with a State of the Council address.
“We are moving the needle for both coarse grains and ethanol… The Council is focused on engagement and partnerships that help find homes for the corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and distillers’ grains that our members produce,” LeGrand said.
The day ended with A-Team meetings where members had the opportunity to make recommendations to the board for consideration on future USGC programs and priorities.
The conference will continue Thursday with a presentation on the importance of American agriculture in an ever-changing world from former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. The day will also include breakout sessions on Mexico, India and Southeast Asia featuring the latest developments and challenges in trade policy.
The conference will conclude on Friday with a USGC Board of Delegates meeting, financial, A-team and sector reports and a vote for the new board of directors.
The 65th Board of Delegates meeting runs through Friday in Grand Rapids. Follow along on social media using the hashtag #Grains25 or find more information about the meeting on our website here.
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.