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USGC leader says outlook for grains is positive
The outlook for grains in 2021 is bright, according to US Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand.
“Corn and sorghum exports have exploded compared to last year and China is leading the way with 17.5 million tons purchased from the United States,” he says. “But, if you look at the other top customers— Japan, Mexico, Colombia, and Korea—they’re all well ahead of last year’s pace and we have 8 million tons in unknown destinations, a record for that category.”
He says USGC is also optimistic in the outlook for ethanol.
“We’d also like to see driving demand come back,” he says. “We think there is a possibility, with vaccines coming out, that we could see increased driving demand and really help ethanol out.”
LeGrand discussed priorities for the new year, including promoting value-added exports.
“We like to see the value-added in the jobs created in the United States and then export that product that’s been processed right here,” he says. “We’re going to continue with our fuel ethanol promotion and then on the feed side, we’re going to continue to promote new uses of distillers grains. We want to adapt to the U.S. industry as it changes and help move those products overseas.”
Brownfield interviewed LeGrand during the virtual US Grains Council International Marketing Conference and Annual Membership Meeting.
