The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently hosted a delegation of new Japanese feed grain purchasers on a comprehensive tour of the U.S. corn value chain, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Japan as a strong and dependable market for U.S. agricultural products. The visit aimed to deepen relationships, educate young industry professionals, and reinforce the long-standing trade partnership between the two nations.
The tour, which began in New Orleans on September 16, introduced participants to various stages of the U.S. grain supply chain, from production to processing and export logistics. Organized by USGC’s Japan office, the program is part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to defend market share against global competitors and build trust with the next generation of Japanese agricultural leaders.
“Although Japan is already a developed market for U.S. producers, we cannot be complacent in defending it from competitors and building relationships with purchasers and end-users that will pay dividends for future generations of U.S. farmers,” said Tommy Hamamoto, USGC director in Japan. “Furthering the education of this group of young industry stakeholders will aid their professional development while fostering trust and loyalty to U.S. products over the course of their careers.”
Showcasing corn production and supply chain
The tour kicked off at a grain elevator in New Orleans operated by the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (Zennoh), which is the marketing and supply arm of the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives Group (JA). The stop highlighted the strong existing ties between the U.S. and Japanese agricultural industries and underscored the importance of continued collaboration.
Participants also experienced a river boat tour organized by Blue Water Shipping Company, providing them with a first-hand look at how U.S. feed grains travel from American farms to markets worldwide. This segment offered valuable insight into the logistics and infrastructure that support U.S. grain exports, which are crucial for Japanese feed grain importers.
Hands-on experience at farms and ethanol facilities
From New Orleans, the team traveled to Missouri, where they visited a corn farm owned by Missouri Corn Merchandising Council Board Member Brian Willott. The visit offered a ground-level view of typical U.S. corn farming operations, enabling participants to connect directly with American producers.
The group then toured POET’s bioprocessing facility, a USGC member and the world’s largest producer of biofuels. The tour showcased how POET converts corn into ethanol and co-products such as distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and corn fermented protein (CFP), which are valuable feed ingredients for livestock diets.
Mississippi river transport and terminal operations
Continuing their journey, the group visited the Melvin Price Lock and Dam in Alton, Illinois, a crucial transport hub for corn, soybeans, and other grains moving along the Mississippi River. The team also stopped at an ADM river terminal in Illinois, gaining insight into the global supply chain dynamics that connect U.S. farmers to international customers. ADM is a Council member and a leader in animal and human nutrition.
The program concluded with a meeting with representatives from TransGlobe, a Council member and agricultural exporter serving 36 countries. This final session offered a broader perspective on how U.S. grains reach diverse global markets.
Reinforcing trust and understanding in U.S. grain quality
“Participants were eager to learn about the production of U.S. corn and its co-products, and how quality is preserved throughout the shipping process,” Hamamoto noted. “It’s impossible to understate the importance of buyers seeing their product firsthand and knowing exactly what they will receive when they return to Japan. This experience will stay with them for years and years into the future.”
Japan is one of the top buyers of U.S. corn, making it a critical market for American farmers and agribusinesses. By fostering direct engagement and hands-on learning, the U.S. Grains Council aims to strengthen relationships with new and emerging buyers, ensuring that the U.S. remains a preferred supplier in the face of global competition.
As global agricultural markets continue to evolve, such efforts are vital to maintaining the competitiveness and reliability of U.S. grain exports. With initiatives like this tour, the USGC is investing in the future of U.S.-Japan agricultural trade, laying the groundwork for enduring partnerships that will benefit farmers and industry stakeholders for years to come.
