WASHINGTON, D.C., January 27, 2010 – “On behalf of the U.S. Grains Council, I want congratulate John Brewer on his appointment to serve as the new Administrator of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). This appointment comes at a critical time for foreign market development in regards to the increase in worldwide feed and food grains competition, pending free trade agreements and the awaiting Doha negotiations of the World Trade Organization.

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 26, 2010 – The U.S. Grains Council’s agribusiness and U.S. farmer members are heading to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the USGC 7th International Marketing Conference and 50th Annual Membership Meeting Feb. 12-17, 2010. Nearly 300 meeting participants will get the opportunity on Sunday, Feb. 14, to hear the Honorable Carole L. Brookins offer the keynote address.

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 12, 2010 – USDA projects U.S. corn production at a record 13.2 billion bushels. This is up from 12.9 billion bushels projected in USDA’s December forecast and 1 percent above the previous record of 13.0 billion bushels set in 2007. Corn exports are projected at 2.1 billion bushels, unchanged from last month and up from the estimated 1.9 billion bushels exported in 2008/2009. According to USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) released today, U.S. corn yield is estimated at a record 165.2 bushels per acre in 2009. This is up 2.3 bushels from the December forecast and 4.9 bushels above the previous record of 160.3 bushels per acre set in 2004.

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 8, 2010 – The Grains Foundation and the National FFA Organization are now accepting applications for the International Collegiate Agricultural Leadership (I-CAL) program. The 12 undergraduate students for this year’s I-CAL mission will journey to Malaysia and Taiwan from May 16-28, 2010. The I-CAL program is intended for students who wish to continue their future education and career path in agriculture.