DELAWARE, Ohio — In early January, four Ohio Corn & Wheat (OCW) delegates traveled to Southeast Asia with a U.S. Grains Council delegation to help increase demand and open markets for Ohio grains.
The visit lasted 10 days, where the delegation traveled to the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, assisting with seminars made available to key industry and government stakeholders. The seminars showcased data on harvest quality, promoted discussion on the opportunities related to coarse grains and their co-products and worked to build connections to increased international product demand.
Supported by Wendy Osborn, director of market development at OCW, Nate Bair of Wyandot County, Scott Haerr of Clark County, and Phil Wenig of Wood County led presentations about the U.S. corn crop and their Ohio operations. “Individuals across the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are excited about Ohio-grown corn. I was honored to have the opportunity to meet with them, answer their questions, and pursue additional markets for Ohio growers,” said Wenig.
Asia is not unfamiliar with drought, floods or other extreme weather. As demand for grain continues to grow, local supply cannot always keep up.
“Ohio farmers produce exceptional product, and it is vital, both for Ohio’s economic development and for our farmers’ opportunities, that we expand markets to increase exports,” said OCW Executive Director Tadd Nicholson. “While we often invite trade teams to visit Ohio facilities, it is just as important to meet potential markets where they are. Growing markets in Southeast Asia is beneficial to both Ohio farmers and the importing markets.”
About Ohio Corn & Wheat
Ohio Corn & Wheat works to create opportunities for long-term Ohio corn and small grain grower profitability and houses two checkoffs and one membership-based organization. The Ohio Corn Checkoff and Ohio Small Grains Checkoff work to develop and expand markets, fund research and provide education about corn and wheat, respectively. The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association is a membership organization advocating for supportive public policy on behalf of its farmer members.
For more information, visit ohiocornandwheat.org.
— Ohio Corn & Wheat