U.S. Grains Council

State corn checkoff executives recently traveled to Ukraine to assess that country’s production potential, trade opportunities and the potential threat to U.S. market competitiveness in the region.

Iowa Corn Promotion Board CEO Craig Floss participated in the U.S. Grains Council’s State Executives mission - and says he was most surprised by the significant progress Ukrainians are making in areas of their agricultural development.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (68)

The U.S. Grains Council’s press conference detailing the recently-concluded annual USGC China Corn Tour.

During the call, the Council announces its production estimates based on a tour of selected corn fields in China, as well as provides an outlook on the China corn market. Leading the discussion is Thomas C. Dorr, USGC president and CEO; Kevin Latner, USGC director in China; David Howell, USGC Asia Advisory-Team leader and participant on the tour; and Mike Callahan, USGC senior director of international programs.

When the Council first began the tour in 1996, it was the only information that was accumulated outside of Chinese government data collection. Complete and factual information on Chinese grain demand, production and carryover stock is difficult to come by through official sources. Tracking the Chinese grain market and performing the Council’s annual corn crop tour adds knowledge that is otherwise neither attainable nor reliable. The Corn Tour consists of two major surveys in the North China Plain and in Northeast China. These two areas represent 71 percent of China’s corn production. The remaining 30 percent is dispersed and difficult to survey.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (112)

The U.S. Grains Council concluded its 2010 fall corn tour in China. This year’s USGC China Corn Tour covered about 71-percent of the country’s corn production area. Based on the samples collected - the Council is not expecting a return to a bumper crop - but is forecasting a 158-million metric ton crop produced on an area of approximately 30-million hectares. The Chinese government currently estimates the crop at 165-million metric tons - while USDA puts the crop at 166-million metric tons. JCI - the Chinese-American joint venture that offers detailed market intelligence on Chinese and global commodities - estimates a crop of 158.7-million metric tons.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (79)

The idea behind the upcoming Export Exchange 2010 is not a new one. Thomas Dorr, USGC president and CEO, says the event, co-sponsored by the Council and the Renewable Fuels Association, is a follow-up to a couple of events conducted during the past six years. But given the emerging demand for distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), Dorr says the Council felt compelled to put a greater focus on U.S. DDGS.

To be held Oct. 6-8, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel in Chicago, Ill., Export Exchange 2010 is an international conference focused around the export of U.S. DDGS and coarse grains.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (97)

The U.S. Grains Council and Sorghum Checkoff recently hosted a group of Mexican grain buyers in Texas. United Sorghum Checkoff Program Marketing Director Florentino Lopez says missions like this are important because Mexico is the number one importer of U.S. sorghum. He says the buyers want to learn more about U.S. grain sorghum and the Council and Sorghum Checkoff are happy to oblige - giving them an opportunity to see U.S. sorghum and talk with those that produce it. 

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (85)

Bob Dineen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, discusses the importance of U.S. DDGS and the growing DDGS market, as well as Export Exchange 2010 to be held Oct. 6-8 in Chicago, Ill.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (80)

USGC Chairman Terry Vinduska discusses the upcoming Export Exchange to be held October 6-8, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel in Chicago, Ill.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (78)

Rick Fruth, past chairman of the U.S. Grains Council, speaks about the dedication of Council members and his predictions for future corn exports.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (75)

Terry Vinduska, newly elected chairman of the U.S. Grains Council, speaks about his experience with the Council, global exports and the growing market in China.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (71)