U.S. farmers are best suited to feed the world’s rising population, valuable knowledge Arkansas corn farmer Jon Carroll has learned through his involvement with the U.S. Grains Council and the Arkansas Farm Bureau. The Council recognized Jon for five years of service during its 58th Annual Membership Meeting in Denver earlier this year.
“Taking part in the Council has been enlightening,” Jon said. “Through involvement in the Council’s advisory teams and overseas missions, producers are able to gain a greater appreciation for the resources we have in the United States.”
He explained the connections he has made since joining the Council, particularly through his service on the Asia Advisory Team (A-Team) and the Middle East/Africa A-Team. Both have offered camaraderie and insight he has taken back home to his own farm.
“I did not realize, until serving on these teams, how the projects the Council puts into operation in other countries help us,” Jon said. “I have also really enjoyed getting to know other growers across the country. It is always beneficial to share our challenges and solutions with each other and continue those conversations outside of Council activities.”
In addition to interacting with other corn farmers, he emphasized the power of witnessing the Council’s impact on other countries through experiences like touring the Panama Canal and seeing how grains move across the globe.
“It has been impressive to see the projects USGC has all throughout the world and how they have the real potential to improve lives,” Jon said. “I share what the Council is doing through statewide and county farm bureau meetings. I want others to know the Council uses their money wisely in different countries, helping U.S. exports to continue and grow.”
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.