Celebrating 65 Years of Trade, Market Growth, and Farmer Impact
As the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) celebrates its 65th anniversary, it's clear that Illinois corn farmers have played a key role in driving global trade success.
Ellen Zimmerman of USGC recently joined us to reflect on the Council’s history, its future opportunities, and why Illinois farmers’ investments truly matter.
A Look Back: 65 Years of Global Impact
- First major success: The USGC flew Iowa hogs to Japan to help rebuild their herd and boost feed demand. Today, Japan remains a top-five corn customer.
- Ethanol in Japan: Illinois corn has been instrumental in advancing ethanol use in Japan from EBT testing to future opportunities like sustainable aviation fuel.
What’s Next: Promising Global Markets
Ellen highlighted several exciting opportunities on the horizon:
- India
- Moving from E10 to E20 ethanol blend.
- Clean cooking ethanol programs that improve safety and affordability.
- Opportunities for corn and DDGS in their livestock market.
- Africa
- First-ever DDGS shipment to Tunisia in 2022.
- Ethanol demand growing in Nigeria.
- Poultry and feed programs opening doors in new markets.
Why Your Investment Matters
- Double the impact: For every checkoff dollar, USGC secures at least one more in federal grant funding.
- High ROI: Market access and foreign development programs return
$24 for every $1 spent.
- New funding: The Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) has brought $33 million in additional resources to expand global programs.
A 51-Year Partnership with IL Corn
- Ellen's connection to Illinois Corn goes back to 2015 when she shadowed staff to learn the ropes.
- Longtime friendships and collaboration have fueled international success stories from Argentina to Marrakesh.
- Leaders like Jim Raben and Collin Watters have represented Illinois well on the global stage.
Final Thought
"If you're contributing to the checkoff, you’re making a huge impact,” Ellen says. “You’re part of the story.”
