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US exports based on quality and relationships

A Wisconsin farmer who serves on the U.S. Grains Council board says much of the export business is based on grain quality and good relationships with trading partners.

Shane Goplin tells Brownfield the U.S. has more regulations, leading to higher costs, but the feed efficiency of U.S. corn can make up for the added cost. “It’s been proven that the feed efficiency is a little bit better with U.S. corn versus Brazilian corn, so if you take a large-scale poultry operation in Columbia, it’s more efficient to feed United States corn versus Brazilian corn.”

Goplin says trade agreements allow the movement of ag products, but it’s the one-on-one relationships built with buyers that make a difference in export sales.  He says Japan is one example. “Japan is a very loyal customer on both the corn market, ethanol market, as well as the beef, and there are people going to Japan and Japan coming over here to see our sustainable practices.”

Goplin says he’s not sure he could be a grain farmer today without the promotional efforts of the U.S. Grains Council and his state’s corn promotion board.