Illinois Corn Farmers Fuel Global Success with the U.S. Grains Council

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.”