Japanese trade team stops in MN
This week, the U.S. Grains Council organized a trip to the United States for a team of Japanese corn millers. The team had several stops in Minnesota before moving on to Washington state to tour an export elevator. While in Minnesota, they visited the Syngenta seed care facility in Stanton, the United Farmers Cooperative export elevator in Brownton, the CHS grain terminal in Savage, and the family corn farms of Gary Prescher and Brian Thalmann.
Thalmann, along with his father and son, spoke of the rich history surrounding their farm and the evolution of farming in Minnesota. The team also learned about improvements in farm technology and how yields have increased significantly in the last 30 years. Thalmann also described his dryer system, and the team was very interested in learning about the process. They had many questions about his farm, sustainability, and the condition of the corn crop this year.
[More: Linder Farm Network highlights the trade visit]
Tommy Hamamoto, the Country Director for the U.S. Grains Council in Japan, explained that the council organized this trip so the Japanese corn millers could be educated on the process of U.S. corn production. Hamamoto says that the team “imports and uses corn every day,” with 60 to 70 percent of it coming from the U.S.
U.S. corn faces competition in the Japanese market from other countries, and Hamamoto reiterated just how important visits like these are to Japan and the U.S. Hamamoto and the team are proud of U.S. corn production and know that they are getting quality corn.
Japan is vital to U.S. corn farmers, as it imports hundreds of millions of bushels of U.S corn annually. Hamamoto stated that although the relationship between the two counties was not always positive, it is changing and has become more friendly in recent years.
The Japanese trade team gained a better understanding of the U.S. corn industry during their visit to the Thalmann farm and will take what they’ve learned back to their country.
Minnesota Corn is proud to support the U.S. Grains Council as part of its effort to maintain and develop markets for U.S. corn growers. Learn more about the council and its work at grains.org.
