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USGC Chair discusses building trade relationships despite challenges
Creating and expanding trade relationships is still a top priority for U.S. Grains Council Chairman Jim Raben.
“Building relationships, building trade” is the theme Raben selected for his term as chairman. He says it has been challenging because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s not what any of us expected this year- we thought we would be visiting countries where our buyers are and meeting them in person,” he says. “I’m a firm believer that you talk to a person eye-to-eye, build that relationship and the other will probably come.”
The southeastern Illinois farmer says he had to learn how to make those connections virtually.
“That was a new thing for me,” he says. “I can’t brag on the staff enough because they are the ones that make it happen and connecting with trade and buyers over Zoom has been good.”
He says he is honored to be serving as US Grains Council Chairman.
Brownfield spoke to Raben during the US Grain Council’s 18th International Marketing Conference and 61st Annual Membership Meeting.
Audio: Jim Raben
