The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) opened its 66th Annual Board of Delegates meeting today in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson welcomed attendees and shared a preview of the meeting’s upcoming content.
“My theme this year, The Time Is Now, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current environment,” Wilson said.
“At this meeting, we gather to discuss issues facing our industry and explore future demand for feed grains and ethanol around the world.”
The morning session was highlighted by a panel on advancing U.S. trade and agricultural priorities moderated by USGBC President & CEO Ryan LeGrand and featuring U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Julie Callahan and U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Luke Lindberg.
The day included addresses from Anastasia Poull, the 79th Alice in Dairyland, and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski. Attendees also heard about strengthening supply chains through the great lakes from Great Lakes Lawerence Seaway Administrator Mike McCoshen.
The general session concluded with an organizational funding update presented by USGBC Vice President Cary Sifferath and USGBC Senior Director of Global Strategies Kurt Shultz and a “State of the Council” address by LeGrand.
“I think the Council’s biggest advantage with new funding is we have been able to hire people who are specialized in very focused areas which will help us continue our global priorities and in developing markets,” Shultz said.
The day’s agenda ended with Advisory Team (A-Team) meetings where members had the opportunity to make recommendations to the board for consideration on future USGBC programs and priorities.
The conference will continue Thursday with insights into the brewing industry, a presentation on sustainable marine fuel and trade policy outlook presentations.
The conference concludes Friday with the Council’s Board of Delegates meeting, financial, A-Team and sector reports and a vote to fill open positions on the Council’s board of directors.
The 66th Board of Delegates meeting runs through Friday. Follow along on social media using the hashtag #Grains26 or find more information about the meeting on our website here.
