IARN — Grain exports reached new heights, despite the global pandemic.
Ryan LeGrand, president and Chief Executive Officer at the U.S. Grains Council, says, “The U.S. grain export system is the most reliable in the world, (so) count on us to supply the grain and feed you need.”
“At the start (of the pandemic), there was a lot of concern coming from customers around the world. They were calling and saying, “Is the United States going to be able to perform? Are you going to continue to ship your grains to our businesses and countries?,” LeGrand says. “One of the key messages the U.S. Grains Council has been putting out since the start of the pandemic is: The U.S. grain export system is the most reliable in the world and we are open for business and will remain open for business.”
“…especially if you look at the marketing year we just started, in September. Last year’s exports were low. Towards the end of the marketing year, we saw a strong push on sales and shipments that has carried over in a big way into the current crop year, 2020/2021,” LeGrand says.
China remains a top destination for U.S. grains. Other long-standing partnerships also offered value, says LeGrand.
“Mexico and Colombia (were) well ahead of pace versus last year, so we can’t forget about our traditional partners that have been with us year-in and year-out, and have come to expect the high-quality grains the U.S. ships. South Korea is up there as well,” LeGrand says.
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network
