U.S. Grains Council (USGC) members are gathered in Salt Lake City, UT for the organization’s 64th Board of Delegates Meeting, held July 29-31.
USGC Chairman Brent Boydston 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, Growing the Future, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current environment,” Boydston 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 officially kicked off with an address from Utah Senior Advisor of Community Outreach and Intergovernmental Affairs Matt Mower and an inspirational speech from motivational speaker Matt Booth. Staff from the Council’s ethanol department participated in a panel discussion on non-road applications of biofuels and Council leadership discussed future opportunities as a result of incoming funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s regional agricultural promotion program (RAPP).
“We are ready, willing and able to do the hard work it takes to keep established markets open, open new markets and keep trade going strong as we head into a bright future beyond today, this year and for years to come,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO.
In the afternoon, attendees spent time in one or more of seven Advisory Team (A-Team) meetings. Each A-Team has a specific focus: Asia, ethanol, innovation and sustainability, Middle East/Africa/South Asia, trade policy, value-added and Western Hemisphere. These meetings allowed members to offer input and set priorities to determine the Council’s course of action over the coming year.
On Tuesday, programming will feature an outlook on global sorghum markets; the latest on the Council’s corn sustainability assurance protocol (CSAP); news on geopolitical developments affecting the international grain industry; a panel on U.S. barley quality and versatility; and an in-depth look at factors affecting U.S. agriculture trade with Mexico.
The meeting will conclude on Wednesday with the election of members to the 2024/2025 Board of Directors and the appointment of new A-Team leaders.
More from the meeting is available on social media using the hashtag #Grains24 or through the Council’s website.
