Members of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) have gathered in Salt Lake City for the organization’s 64th Board of Delegates Meeting, held from July 29-31. The event brings together industry leaders to discuss pressing issues and future opportunities for the grain and ethanol sectors.
USGC Chairman Brent Boydston kicked off the meeting with a review of the Council’s accomplishments over the past year and a preview of the agenda. “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 began with an address from Utah Senior Advisor of Community Outreach and Intergovernmental Affairs, Matt Mower, followed by an inspirational speech from motivational speaker Matt Booth. A panel discussion featuring staff from the Council’s ethanol department highlighted non-road applications of biofuels, and Council leadership discussed new opportunities arising from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s regional agricultural promotion program (RAPP) funding.
“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.
Attendees participated in seven Advisory Team (A-Team) meetings, each focusing on different aspects of the industry: Asia, ethanol, innovation and sustainability, Middle East/Africa/South Asia, trade policy, value-added, and the Western Hemisphere. These meetings provided a platform for members to offer input and set priorities for the Council’s future actions.
Tuesday’s programming will include a global outlook on sorghum markets, updates on the Council’s corn sustainability assurance protocol (CSAP), insights on geopolitical developments impacting the international grain industry, a panel on U.S. barley quality and versatility, and an analysis of factors affecting U.S. agricultural 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.
