(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)--The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council hosted grain buying groups from Korea and Costa Rica this week to highlight the ability of Missouri's corn producers to provide quality, consistent corn exports.  Organized in partnership with the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), the groups explored U.S. corn production, marketing and export systems and worked to establish direct buying relationships.

“These visits allow foreign buyers the opportunity to see Missouri corn production and handling practices firsthand,” said Gary Clark, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) director of market development.  “Missouri corn farmers work hard to meet the needs of all customers, including the export market.  We want buyers to have complete confidence in our ability to provide high quality, affordable corn.”

The Korean Food and Industrial Corn Import Buyer Team, comprised of five buying managers from Korean grain companies and a USGC country director, visited the farm of Missouri Corn Growers Association President Keith Witt during their 10-day tour.  Focusing on grain quality and handling techniques, the team toured Witt’s grain storage facilities at the family farm near Troy, Mo.

“As a farmer, my goal is to produce a high quality product that buyers demand,” said Witt.  “Utilizing the latest technology in grain storage and handling helps ensure the quality of my crop remains high after it leaves the field.”

Missouri Corn also hosted buyers from Costa Rica this week.  This team was interested in grain quality as well as dried distillers grains, an ethanol co-product.  During their visit, the team met with Missouri Corn leaders to discuss growers’ ability to consistently deliver a high quality product that meets the needs of their country. 

“Exports of corn down the Mississippi River account for 100 percent of my production,” says Jim Stuever, a Missouri Corn board member and farmer from Dexter, Mo.  “Trade missions like the ones we participated in this week are critically important to the success of farming operations in southeast Missouri and statewide.”  

To learn more about USGC programs visit www.grains.org.  Additional information on Missouri corn production can be found at www.mocorn.org.

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Photo Caption:  Missouri Corn Director of Market Development Gary Clark discusses grain quality with Korean corn buyers during a tour of Missouri Corn Growers Association President Keith Witt's family farm.  The team also toured Witt's grain storage and handling facilities.

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Photo Caption:  Korean corn buyers explore grain storage options while visiting Missouri Corn Growers Association President Keith Witt's family farm located near Troy, Mo.  The group also made stops in Louisiana and Illinois during their 10-day tour.

Click here for larger image.