AG EXPORTS MAINTAIN POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Jan 18, 2012  |  Today's News

As was reported in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune, agricultural exports are expected to remain strong for the current fiscal year. That’s especially good news for Illinois corn farmers, who expect more corn as a percentage of their production than any other state.

To enhance corn export opportunities, the Illinois Corn Marketing Board invests some of Illinois corn farmers’ checkoff dollars with the US Grains Council (USGC). Founded in 1960, the Council is a private, non-profit corporation with 10 international offices and programs in more than 50 countries. Its unique membership includes producer organizations and agribusinesses with a common interest in developing export markets. Membership funds trigger matching market development funds from the U.S. government and support from cooperating groups in foreign countries to produce an annual development program valued at more than $28 million.

Read the full article at Agriculture secretary: Exports should remain strong

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told the Chicago Tribune that he expects exports of farm products in fiscal 2012 will be the second or third highest ever, but short of the record $137.4 billion in fiscal 2011.

Vilsack also reported the nation exported $137.4 billion in farm products in fiscal 2011, up $22 billion from the previous year, leading to an agricultural trade surplus of $42 billion, he said.

Demand for corn will remain strong, he said, in part due to the growth of the middle class around the world.