U.S. Grains Council

CHINA OFFERS HUGE OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. AG TRADE

usgc — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:27:16 +0000

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S Trade Representative’s office recently led a marketing mission to China. A broad group of people from various areas of the ag industry made up the largest trade mission ever put together. Wendell Shauman - Chairman of the U.S. Grains Council - was on the trip and says the Consulates of Chendu and Shanghai were heavily involved in the mission.

Bryan Lohmar Named U.S. Grains Council China Director

usgc — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:37:04 +0000

The U.S. Grains Council announced today Dr. Bryan Lohmar will be its new China Director. Lohmar has a Ph.D. in Ag Economics and several years of experience in China - according to U.S. Grains Council CEO Tom Dorr.

Food 2040 – Analyzing Future Opportunities for US Ag

usgc — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:56:27 +0000

Everyone knows the world’s population is increasing. The U.S. Grains Council has initiated a report called Food 2040 to look at future food demand and expectations in the Asian market. Thomas C. Dorr - USGC President and CEO - says the report reveals a few things people may have known - but not appreciated or recognized. In the past - Dorr says the U.S. was dealing with countries with political and economic challenges.

USGC CEO Shares Views of Potential in Asian Markets

usgc — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:24:05 +0000

U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Thomas C. Dorr shares his views on Asia’s potential at the Commodity Classic with Ohio’s Country Journal – March 2012. “Most countries look at food security as a something has to be predicated on self-sufficiency … over the next 20 years, there will be a recognition that you can be food secure even though you are not self-sufficient,” said Dorr. Ty Higgins has more.

USGC Releases First Annual Harvest Quality Report

usgc — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:35:15 +0000

The U.S. Grains Council has released its first annual Corn Harvest Quality Report, designed to communicate the quality of the U.S. corn crop being harvested and delivered to international customers. USGC President and CEO Thomas C. Dorr says the report is significant for many reasons.

U.S. GRAINS LEADERS LEARN VALUABLE INFORMATION ON ARGENTINA, BRAZIL TOUR

usgc — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:36:29 +0000

U.S. Grains Council officers recently completed the two-week 2012 Officer Mission through Argentina and Brazil to see production outlook and current infrastructure conditions. Most of the team members had never been to the two countries before - according to USGC Chairman Wendell Shauman - who says the mission was very informative and valuable.

Federal Agency Consolidations Pose Concerns for USGC, Ag Trade

usgc — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:28:42 +0000

U.S. Gets Head Start on Preparing for Increased Competition from Ukraine

usgc — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:26:55 +0000

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.

China Corn Tour Press Conference Oct. 5, 2010

usgc — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:49:59 +0000

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.

GRAINS COUNCIL WRAPS UP CHINA CORN TOUR, MAKES PRODUCTION ESTIMATE

usgc — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:20:10 +0000

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.

Seeing Big Opportunity for DDGS Market Growth, Council Brings Buyers to U.S.

usgc — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:53:21 +0000

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.

Firsthand Look at US Crops Yields Relationships, Purchases in Mexico

usgc — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:27:58 +0000

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.

RFA President Bob Dineen on US DDGS and Export Exchange 2010

usgc — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:27:22 +0000

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.

Terry Vinduska Discusses Export Exchange 2010

usgc — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:24:26 +0000

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.

Interview with Former USGC Chairman Rick Fruth

usgc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:06:49 +0000

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

Interview with USGC Chairman Terry Vinduska

usgc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:53:55 +0000

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.

NCGA CEO Rick Tolman Speaks at the Council’s 50th Annual Meeting

usgc — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:53:47 +0000

Rick Tolman, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association speaks about his relationship with the U.S. Grains Council, the partnership between the Council and NCGA and the status of global exports.

Council Celebrates 50 Years with Upcoming Annual Meeting

usgc — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:09:31 +0000

July 18-21 in Boston, Mass., the U.S. Grains Council will hold its 50th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting. The theme of the meeting is “50 Years of Leadership: Acting on Opportunity.” USGC Vice Chairman Terry Vinduska says it’s time to celebrate.

USGC: China Purchase of US Corn; Beginning of Future Trade Opportunities

usgc — Thu, 13 May 2010 01:55:00 +0000

During a recent visit to China, the U.S. Grains Council saw a growing opportunity of U.S. corn exports to the country. On Wednesday, it was reported that China made its second purchase of U.S. corn in as many weeks. The state-owned company Cofco Limited bought 300,000 metric tons of U.S. corn Tuesday night. According to USGC President and CEO Thomas C. Dorr, it’s possible as many as 15 U.S. cargoes has been sold to the Chinese. “If this is true, and we certainly hope it is an view it as good news, this may be the beginning of future opportunities to trade more consistently with China,” said Dorr.

USGC Sponsors Global Food Security Symposium

usgc — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:09:49 +0000

Thomas Dorr, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), previews this week’s USGC-sponsored Global Food Security Symposium in Tokyo featuring keynote addresses by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and his Japanese counterpart.