US Grains Council : Corn Quality Report Outreach Builds Rapport with Western Hemisphere Buyers

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) presented the findings of its 2015/2016 Corn Harvest Quality Report to eager audiences in Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama this week as part of ongoing work to quickly bring the most up-to-date information to purchasers.

The Western Hemisphere is home to some of the most important U.S. grain export markets, many of which benefit from either free trade or logistical advantages. As of Jan. 7, the entire Western Hemisphere region purchased 13.0 million metric tons (512 million bushels) of U.S. corn this marketing year. While this is down slightly from the 14.2 million tons (559 million bushels) of U.S. corn they purchased during the same period last year, the region saw a noticeable increase in Mexico, which purchased 1.2 million tons (47.2 million bushels) more than last year at the same time.

'The strong U.S. dollar and full tariff rate quotas (TRQ) in countries like Peru and Colombia are slowing sales of U.S. corn to the region,' said USGC Marketing Specialist for the Western Hemisphere Luis Bustamante. 'But that just means the timing is right for us to promote and educate buyers on the value of U.S. corn and other commodity grains.'

The Council's crop quality reports help to highlight the transparent marketing system in the United States. However, they are most valuable when presented in the types of rollout meetings held this week, with face-to-face interactions that let customers ask questions and get clarifications on how to contract for the grain they want.

'During these meetings, we provided our customers with information on contract specifications and purchasing power, in addition to answering their questions on quality,' said USGC Director in Mexico Julio Hernandez. 'This is important as it will improve their perception of U.S. corn and create repeat customers who understand the value of the U.S. marketing system.'

The 2015/2016 Corn Harvest Quality Report is the fifth in a series measuring U.S. corn quality by looking at grade factors, moisture, chemical composition and physical composition in corn samples collected at grain elevators.

The Western Hemisphere regional presentations of the corn quality report are some of many such happenings this month around the globe. A companion report, the 2015/2016 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report, will be available in the spring to help educate customers about the quality of U.S. corn as it is loaded for export.

Click here to view a PDF version of the Council's 2015/2016 Corn Harvest Quality Report.