Earlier this month, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) guided a team of Japanese corn food and feed industry stakeholders on a comprehensive tour of key U.S. corn production and supply chain sites.
Led by USGBC Japan Director Tommy Hamamoto, the delegation visited multiple states to explore regional farming practices and assess the current corn crop’s quality. “This program provided general education for relatively new, less-experienced customers who examined the advantages of U.S. corn in major production areas,” Hamamoto said.
The tour began at Consolidated Grain and Barge’s river terminal in Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by a farm visit demonstrating responsible corn cultivation and transportation. In Denver, the group toured a farm and Colorado State University’s Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center (ARDEC), where experimental farming practices and regenerative agriculture are advancing productivity and efficiency.
Later visits included a feedlot and grain elevator to provide a full view of feed grain production and use. The tour concluded in the Seattle-Tacoma area with stops at an export terminal and the Port of Seattle, completing a showcase of the entire U.S. corn supply chain.
“These key up-and-coming individuals in Japan’s feed corn industry are equipped with a higher understanding of U.S. corn supply and quality,” Hamamoto said. He emphasized that active engagement helps protect U.S. market share against competitors and strengthens long-term customer relationships.
