USGC Chairman Miller helps build industry relationships worldwide

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Chairman Josh Miller, a corn and soybean farmers from Anderson, Ind., has stayed busy in his role, joining Council delegations to the United Kingdom and Mexico to grow and maintain vital relationships between U.S. producers and overseas buyers. In May, Miller traveled to Mexico with USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand as they joined staff based in the Council’s Mexico City office to meet with industry representatives who play a role in the Council’s work in the country, while also celebrating the National Association of Feed Manufacturers for Animal Consumption’s (ANFACA’s) 30th anniversary.

“This was a valuable mission for me to take part in during my time as Council chairman,” Miller said. “As our No. 1 trading partner, it is important to continue showing our commitment to the Mexican market and our relationships there.”

While in Mexico, the group visited with Proteina Animal (PROAN), Mexico’s largest integrated feeding operation comprised of egg, swine, beef and dairy production. They had the opportunity to visit PROAN’s swine processing plant and meet with the procurement and logistics departments. Additionally, the group took part in a round table with the Camara Nacional del Maiz Industrializado (CANAMI), Almidones Mexicanos S.A de C.V (ALMEX) and Ingredion to discuss the Mexican corn decree and what the next steps for the industry should be.

“It was very important for our chairman to visit our top corn and DDGS market and to meet the customers driving this robust demand,” LeGrand said. “We have strong partners in Mexico that share our commitment to a rules-and-science-based system that recognizes the benefits of genetically modified crops. Maintaining uninterrupted trade is of utmost importance to the U.S. Grains Council and we remain focused on this area of trade with
Mexico.”

To close out the mission, representatives from across the major grain utilization industry representing roughly 30 percent of U.S. imported grain demand celebrated the 30th anniversary of ANFACA. USGC acknowledged its partnership with ANFACA during the past three decades and committed to continued and future collaboration. Missions like this allow the Council’s elected leadership to experience firsthand the work staff on the ground are conducting daily to promote U.S. grains and co-products globally.

In June, Miller was joined by LeGrand and Council Vice President Cary Sifferath on a journey to London to attend the International Grains Council’s (IGC’s) Grains Conference as part of London Grains Week.

IGC’s annual international conference acts as a platform for dialogue between policymakers, organizations and operators throughout the grain value chain. The conference revolved around seven sessions, including actions to overcome a food security crisis together; improving productivity and sustainability in the grains sector; and a regional snapshot of East Africa, among others.

The second day of the conference offered a deeper look at specific commodities, including corn, wheat, soybeans and rice. To round out the event, participants received an update on the grains production outlook, which evaluated the swings in 2023-24 output.

“I’m always thrilled and honored to be able to represent the Council on its overseas missions, including gathering crucial market data and meeting other industry leaders on our recent trip to London,” Miller said. “Business doesn’t work without a solid foundation of trust, and that’s what the Council seeks to do day in and day out.”