DAMMAM, SAUDI ARABIA — The US Grains Council (USGC) met in early September with millers and grain buyers in Saudi Arabia to highlight the benefits and opportunities of using US corn co-products in feed diets.

More than 45 participants, including importers, nutritionists, plant managers and company owners, participated in the event. Topics covered included supply and demand of coarse grains and corn co-products; shipping and logistics; distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) manufacturing practices; DDGS use in broilers and layers rations; DDGS as a replacement for alfalfa hay; and grain storage management.

“The workshop aimed to highlight US corn and corn co-products, added value in the feed formula and the good management and best grain storage practices in KSA,” said Ramy H. Taieb, USGC regional director for EMEA. “This was the second conference organized by the council in the Kingdom, which provided additional exposure to Saudi traders, allowing poultry, aquaculture and dairy farmers to get to know the Council and increase their awareness of the benefits of using DDGS in their rations.”

The USGC also met with different customers in Dammam, held storage training sessions, highlighted the benefits of best storage practices and updated procedures and processes for grains in hot and humid climates.

Importers of US corn in the region face significant challenges in maintaining quality during storage due to harsh weather conditions, lack of training and technical support and limited investment in appropriate equipment. By hosting workshops like this, the USGC is working to address these issues and open the door for increased exports of US corn and corn co-products in the region.

The USGC has been active in Saudi Arabia for more than 30 years and has worked to help develop the dairy, poultry and aqua industries. More recently, the Council’s efforts have focused on marketing opportunities for corn, sorghum and corn co-products while educating end-users on where to buy them and how to use them.