SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, US — The US Grains Council (USGC) began planning for the organization’s market development strategies for 2023 while also recalling past successes during the first day of the USGC's 20th International Marketing Conference and 63rd Annual Membership Meeting, Feb. 13-15, in Savannah, Georgia, US.

A conversation during the latter part of the opening day’s program featured former Council chairmen who have led the organization since the 1990s. They highlighted USGC accomplishments and recalled historic moments from over the decades and how they act as a springboard for the future.

“As I look back at where the Council has been and what it’s doing now, I think we’ve done a great job in lifting US agriculture’s profile and sales internationally,” said Eldon Gould, USGC chairman in 1995. “It’s important to remain alert to the challenges and opportunities the Council has with how quickly business can be conducted and information can be shared today.” 

Council Chairman Josh Miller opened the first general session event Feb. 13 and provided an overview of topics to be discussed and his theme for the year: “Live the Mission.” 

“The Council has always sought to build mutually beneficial relationships for domestic producers and overseas buyers alike,” Miller said. “I’m proud of how Council staff has worked toward our mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.”

Ryan LeGrand, president and chief executive officer of the USGC, took the stage afterward to give his State of the Council address, updating participants on overall direction and strategy for the rest of the year.

“The Council’s work is long term,” LeGrand said. “Nothing happens overnight, but we’re committed to having boots on the ground in emerging markets every single day. We want to tell the story of how our farmers work sustainably and show the quality and availability of US agricultural products.”

LeGrand then moderated a panel of Council directors from offices in Mexico; Southeast Asia and Oceania; Japan; and the Middle East, Africa and Europe who discussed the challenges and opportunities facing them in markets around the world. 

Following the conversation with former chairmen, the general session wrapped up with an overview of what to expect in the upcoming farm bill from Joe Outlaw, PhD, Texas A&M University. He said it will require long, difficult negotiations to make any significant progress on pushing the bill through Congress and warned that a deal may not be struck this year.

On Feb. 13 and 14, the winter meeting was to include more than nine hours of Council Advisory Team (A-Team) and sector meetings, topical committees comprised of Council members who help set the direction of the USGC’s efforts over the next year.

On Feb. 15, longtime Council producer members and staff will be recognized for their years of service during the Board of Delegates meeting when A-Team leaders and sector directors will offer their recommendations and set Council priorities for the coming year.