The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board have been actively involved in a tropical grain storage project in Mexico. In collaboration with its partners, the Council has successfully implemented storage management trainings and grain bin monitoring to improve the quality of corn imports in the country. This article explores the efforts made by the USGC in Mexico and the positive impact they have had on grain storage practices.
Proper grain storage is crucial to maintain the quality and integrity of harvested grains. Inadequate storage practices can lead to grain quality deterioration, resulting in financial losses for farmers and reduced nutritional value for end consumers. The USGC recognized the need for improved storage practices and embarked on a project to educate and empower grain storage facilities in Mexico.
Storage Management Trainings
The USGC partnered with two feedlots, Santa Rita and Las Maravillas, and one feed mill, PROVI, to provide storage management trainings. These trainings focused on key practices such as regular monitoring of CO2 levels, proper aeration, and regular fumigation. By implementing these practices, the facilities were able to mitigate grain quality deterioration and ensure the preservation of nutritional value.
The USGC's intervention and guidance have had a significant positive impact on the participating facilities. Representatives from Santa Rita, Las Maravillas, and PROVI expressed their satisfaction with the training programs and highlighted the increased preparedness of their staff in handling storage incidents. The Council's emphasis on building trust and developing key relationships from operational staff to management has been instrumental in the successful implementation of proper storage practices.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of their work, the USGC conducted visits to Veracruz and Mérida in Mexico. These visits provided an opportunity to showcase the outcomes of the tropical grain storage project and foster collaboration with key stakeholders in the grain industry. The Council met with its partners and also engaged with the Cámara Nacional de Maíz Industrial (CANAMI) and officials from the Port of Progreso to discuss the current state of corn imports in Mexico and strategize future initiatives.
Positive Feedback from Partners
Representatives from Santa Rita, Las Maravillas, and PROVI spoke highly of the Council's intervention and guidance. They acknowledged the increased responsibility given to their staff in the grain storage management process and expressed confidence in implementing the storage practices independently. The Council's continuous support and the reliability of its Mexico staff have been vital in raising knowledge levels and encouraging the adoption of proper storage practices.
