We’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo here at IL Corn by remembering the importance of Mexico as a buyer of corn nationally, and also specifically as a buyer of Illinois corn. Our river transportation system sends much of our corn directly to the Gulf of Mexico, where it makes the short trip to Mexican markets. This should remind us how important our river transportation system is, and with it, the need for repaired and upgraded locks and dams.

Illinois Corn Marketing Board partners with the U.S. Grains Council to expand export opportunities for corn, ethanol, and DDGS. USGC leverages your checkoff dollars with matching dollars from USDA to expand the work. Learn more about USGC’s work in Mexico at www.bit.ly/1zsm5Ml.

Here are some specifics about Mexico as a buyer of corn:

USDA weekly sales info as of 4/23 says Mexico is the top market for U.S. corn this marketing yr, buying 9.5 MMT so far

Mexico imported 10.4 MMT of yellow corn during the 2014 marketing yr, making it 2nd largest market for U.S. yellow corn

Mexico imported more than 1.5 MMT of U.S. DDGS last year, making it the second largest market behind China

A critical trade deal made booming U.S. grain sales to Mexico possible - read more at www.bit.ly/1FKvRuE

Mexico farmers see dramatic results in DDGS feeding trials, building confidence, sales - more at www.bit.ly/1OTJKMM