MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, US — Export Exchange 2022, a biennial event returning after it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, is expecting about 500 attendees at the three-day networking event devoted to gathering international customers and domestic suppliers of US coarse grains and co-products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

Co-sponsored by the US Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Export Exchange 2022 will be Oct. 12-14 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US. The event offers attendees a variety of opportunities to meet and build relationships with domestic suppliers of corn, DDGS, sorghum, barley and other commodities. 

“At a time when international trade should be championed by our country’s leaders, Export Exchange is critical for our industry,” said Ryan LeGrand, president and chief executive officer of the USGC. “It is essential for us to strengthen the bonds between suppliers and partner countries, and the connections made next week will not only help propel our industry this year, but for years to come.”

Export Exchange will host business-to-business meetings between the international buyers and suppliers from the US grain supply chain, so prospective customers can ask questions about this year’s corn crop and suppliers can discuss the strengths of the US agricultural supply chain.

“Our industry, and the US rural economy, has so much to offer other countries around the globe, including the 11 million tonnes of DDGS we export to more than 50 countries annually,” said Emily Skor, chief executive officer of Growth Energy. “This year’s Export Exchange offers a unique opportunity to showcase these products we provide and the experts we have in our field. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Minnesota for the first Export Exchange since 2018.” 

In addition to networking opportunities, the conference will feature speakers addressing critical issues facing US agricultural exports, offering customers and sellers in attendance an increased awareness of the benefits of US coarse grains and co-products.

“This event is important not only for its networking and sales opportunities, but also as an educational opportunity for participants to learn more about the high quality and value of US farm and biorefinery products,” said Geoff Cooper, president and chief executive officer of the RFA, who noted US-made distiller’s grains were exported to 50 countries in 2021.

 Scheduled sessions include: 

• “Global View” – Thom Petersen, Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture
• "Policy Opportunities and Challenges” – Jason Hafemeister, US Department of Agriculture
• "World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate Report Overview” – Reece Cannady, US Grains Council
• "Inflation, Monetary Policy and Commodities” – Arlan Suderman, StoneX
• "Shipping and Logistics Overview” – Jay O’Neil, HJ O’Neil Commodity Consulting
• "DDGS Global PS&D” – Matt Fitzhum, CHS
• "Pet Food Outlook” – Lisa Schole, Evolve Consulting
• "Aquafeed Demand” – Ronnie Tan, US Grains Council 
• "Poultry, Pork and Beef Meat Economic Outlook” – Brett Stuart, Global AgriTrends
• “Sorghum – The Right Choice” – Norman Ritz-Johnson, United Sorghum Checkoff Program
• “The Advantages of Buying US Corn” – Dr. Alvaro Garcia, South Dakota State University; Shane Mueller, North Dakota State University; Dr. Vijay Singh, University of IllinoiS
• “High Protein DDGS and Corn Fermented Protein Nutritional Overview” – Dr. Jerry Shurson, University of Minnesota

The conference also will feature a domestic suppliers exposition featuring more than 30 exhibitors.