SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, US — The US Grains Council (USGC) is celebrating its history while setting global strategies for the future during the 20th International Marketing Conference and 63rd Annual Membership Meeting from Feb. 13-15 in Savannah, Georgia, US.

The event includes several Advisory Team (A-Team) sessions, during which experts in various agricultural commodities and markets will brainstorm strategies and share experiences relevant to their industry for this year. 

The Council’s trade policy team will formally launch the Corn Sustainability Assurance Protocol during the board of delegates meeting on Feb. 15, allowing attendees to get a first look at the Council’s latest effort to promote the climate-conscious work of US farmers.

The winter meeting is an annual chance for corn, sorghum and barley farmers and members of agribusinesses, who make up the organization’s membership, to meet with council staff working on behalf of US producers. The guidance and information they offer during this meeting, combined with input from A-Team members, help the Council’s near-term strategy.

“It is my honor to welcome all of our attendees in Savannah to discuss the state of the agricultural industry today,” said Josh Miller, chairman, USGC. “We look forward to collaborating with A-Team members to help shape the council’s goals and strategies for 2023.” 

USGC directors in Mexico, Japan, Southeast Asia and Oceania, and the Middle East, Africa and Europe will give market outlooks from their local perspectives during the opening general session Feb. 13.

A panel of four former USGC chairmen will discuss how the USGC has changed over the years and look ahead to the future of the organization. Joe Outlaw, PhD, a professor at Texas A&M University, will update attendees on this year’s farm bill. Ryan LeGrand, president and chief executive officer of the USGC, will deliver his state of the council address to close out the day.

“The Council takes pride in offering the latest information on global grain markets to our members at this event,” LeGrand said. “The conversations had here will be a benefit to attendees, staff members and the council as a whole as we strive to maintain US corn, sorghum, barley and their co-products’ status as the No. 1 option for consumers worldwide.”

These opening presenters will set the stage for member discussions and A-Team meetings in the afternoon.