With the productivity of U.S. agriculture growing faster than domestic demand, U.S. farmers and agricultural firms rely heavily on export markets to sustain prices and revenues. And while most of the corn produced in Kentucky stays in the state to be processed for feed, bourbon, food, or ethanol, exports are still a critical factor in the economic success of Kentucky’s corn farmers.
“At the end of the day, a bushel of corn that leaves the U.S. for a foreign marketplace is a bushel of corn that adds value to the corn we grow and process right here in Kentucky,” said Ray Allan Mackey, Hardin County farmer and chairman of the Kentucky Corn Promotion Council. “About 1 in 3 bushels of U.S. corn is exported in some form. Without exports, that corn would stay here in the U.S., creating a huge surplus and depressing prices all across the country, including here in Kentucky.”
> “95% of the world’s population lives outside the U.S. That’s why trade matters to Kentucky ag economy.”
The presidents of 23 state corn grower groups, joined by the president of the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to President Biden yesterday calling for him to take additional steps to address the pending decree by Mexico that would block imports of biotech corn. Joseph Sisk, Kentucky Corn Growers Association President and Christian County farmer, was among the letter’s signatories.
Kentucky Corn Checkoff dollars are invested every day to boost demand through relationships with global buyers. It is important to demonstrate the advantages American grain farmers have over our overseas competitors, like reliable maritime transportation and on-farm investment in grain storage and handling systems.
Members of Kentucky corn and soybean associations and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture joined representatives from the Republic of China (Taiwan) at an event September 16, 2022 to sign Letters of Intent for Taiwan to purchase corn and soybean products from United States farmers over the next two years.
Record-level red meat exports of $18.7 billion in 2021 had a major impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study by the Juday Group. The study quantified the returns that red meat exports brought to corn and soybean producers in 2021 nationally, and at state levels for leading corn-producing and soybean-producing states.
Responding quickly to the freight barrier in Egypt, the Council showed its ability to maintain viable markets for U.S. farmers and exporters when threats and disruptions are presented in the MENA region, especially at a time when the global economy is experiencing significant challenges and when Egyptian buyers have started buying and shipping U.S. corn by the Panamax into the country.
This week, Laura Knoth, Executive Director of Kentucky Corn Growers had the opportunity to join U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff members and representatives from commodity checkoff organizations as they came together for the Global Industry Partners Conference.
KyCorn and the Tennessee Corn Growers hosted a China Embassy team earlier this month to facilitate conversation about American grain production, transportation, and end use. The trade mission was accompanied by the U.S. Grains Council.
31% of gross farm income comes directly from Exports
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and related products, including ethanol and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability.
Red meat exports help put corn farmers in the black.
In 2015, red meat exports added 45¢ per bushel to the price of corn. Based on an average yield of 200 bushels per acre at $3.60 per bushel, that’s an additional $90 per acre in revenue for a corn farmer.
277 Million bushels of corn were exported through poultry and eggs. 4.1 Million of those corn bushels came from KENTUCKY
Through its network of international offices and consultants in key markets around the globe, USAPEEC keeps current on issues that have a direct impact on U.S. poultry and egg exports.
Our vision is to sustainably feed and fuel a growing world.
KyCGA
Our organization empowers corn farmers to elevate their voice in the governmental process.
KY Corn Promotion Council
The Kentucky Corn Promotion Council collects and administers a .0025 checkoff, which is remitted on corn sold throughout Kentucky.
Annual Report
Read the statement from Ray Allan Mackey, 2022 Kentucky Corn Promotion Council Chairman.
Checkoff at work
Overview
The Kentucky corn checkoff makes important market development, promotion, education, and research efforts possible.
Markets
We serve a variety of markets including, Ethanol, Bourbon & Distilled Spritis, Trade, and Livestock Feed to name a few.
Research
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Education
Kentucky Corn supports multiple programs about agriculture literacy and improving agriculture educations.
Sustainability
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Policy
Action Alerts
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Grassroots
For us, grassroots means that corn farmer members are the organization. Our organization is governed by a board of directors who are elected by farmer members.
Resources
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FAQs
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Programs
Read more about all programs offered
Corn farmer checkoff funds go to a variety of annual programming to ensure a strong and vibrant Kentucky agriculture industry and to strengthen the efforts of other organizations toward their missions to enhance the future of our industry.
Core Farmer Scholarship
The CORE Farmer Program is a two-year curriculum designed to deliver classroom-style instructional learning, expand participants’ peer network and gain perspectives from other business endeavors.
News & Resources
Blog, Press, Updates
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Corn Facts
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Agriculture Education
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Classroom Resources
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