Iowa Corn Farmer-Leader Duane Aistrope Elected to U.S. Grains Council
Delegates of the U.S. Grains Council elected Duane Aistrope, a farmer from Randolph, as an At-Large Director during its 58th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Denver on Wednesday. Aistrope currently serves as Iowa Corn Promotion Board President.
“Being able to meet face-to-face with our international customers and form a friendship or a connection with them has been a highlight of my career as an Iowa Corn Promotion Board farmer-leader,” said Duane in his election speech. “After that first mission, I knew that I wanted to be more involved. I am passionate about creating new markets for our grain and that I have a dedication and drive to be a successful member of USGC board.”
Aistrope said he hopes to keep the Council a leader in global trade in developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives by ensuring they have the resources available to allow our International offices to promote our corn in all forms in the most efficient way. Iowa Corn checkoff funds are invested to support market development programs for USGC. The ultimate goal is to build more markets and increase corn consumption throughout the world.
Checkoff Sector Director, Craig Floss (the Iowa Corn CEO) has retired from the board after serving four and a half years. Deb Keller, Chair of the U.S. Grains Council will now serve as Past-Chair for the 2018-2019 year. She is a farmer from Clarion. She said during her address, “We gather at this meeting to discuss the dynamic and developing environment for global grains trade as well as demand opportunities for feed grains and their co-products around the world. Our goal is always to better understand agriculture’s role in world trade and how to maintain good working relationships with our international trading partners while we explore new export frontiers.”
In a global trade environment challenged by tariffs and tensions, emerging markets for grains and ethanol exports provided a bright spot for U.S. farmers, agribusinesses and industry officials attending the meeting. Navigating the new global trade landscape while maintaining and strengthening relationships with key partners, including Mexico and China, was the theme that took center stage during the meeting. Delegates heard from several speakers who talked about potential market opportunities. All agreed the long-term outlook for U.S. grains demand remains positive. U.S. Grain Council’s Chief Economist Mike Dwyer updated the delegates on the Council’s ethanol market development efforts. Dwyer told delegates, “Ethanol is the cheapest octane by far. No other grain-in-all-forms category comes close as a driver of growing corn demand.”
Get a recap of other USGC Annual Board of Delegates activities go to https://grains.org/news-events/newsroom/.
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The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is a 7,500-member strong grassroots-driven organization, headquartered in Johnston, Iowa, serving members across the state, and lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its farmer members to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability. For more information, visit iowacorn.org.