July 26, 2024

Illinois Corn leaders elected to USGC

The delegates of the U.S. Grains Council elected Brent Boydston, industry affairs lead at Bayer Crop Science, as chairman of its Board of Directors at its 63rd annual Board of Delegates Meeting held recently in Calgary, Canada. Pictured are Ryan LeGrand (seated from left), USGC president and CEO; Verity Ulibarri, vice chairman; Josh Miller, past chairman; Boydston; Gail Lierer, at-large director; and Mark Wilson, secretary-treasurer; and Curt Mether (standing from left), at-large director; Greg Hibner, agribusiness sector director; Craig Willis, agribusiness ethanol and co-products sector director; Nathan Boll, barley sector director; Jim O’Connor, at-large director; Jim Reed, at-large director; Jay Fischer, corn sector director; and Jean Henning, state checkoff sector director.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Farmers and former Illinois Corn directors Mark Wilson and Jim Reed have been elected to the U.S. Grains Council board.

Together, Illinois Corn and the USGC have played a pivotal role in promoting the state’s corn and ethanol exports, contributing significantly to the local economy and creating numerous job opportunities

Illinois holds a prominent position in the corn industry, exporting nearly 50% of its corn out of state. The value of these corn exports amounts to $1.33 billion.

Additionally, the state’s ethanol exports contribute significantly to the economy, with a value of $245 million.

Wilson

Wilson, a farmer from Toulon, has served as Innovation and Sustainability Advisory Team Lead and more recently as the Corn Sector director on the USGC board.

Throughout his tenure, Wilson has witnessed the impact of numerous joint projects between Illinois Corn and USGC.

Reflecting on this collaboration, Wilson said, “the partnership between Illinois Corn and USGC has been instrumental in opening doors to international markets, allowing us to showcase the quality of Illinois corn and corn products to consumers worldwide.”

“As I take on the role of secretary on the USGC board for the next term, I am eager to continue our efforts in enhancing global trade and promoting the interests of U.S. farmers,” he said.

Reed

Reed, from DeLand, was elected as an at-large director on the USGC board. This marks his first year serving on the USGC board.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Illinois farmers on the USGC board,” he said. “The potential to make a difference internationally with our corn and ethanol exports is immense.

“Working alongside Illinois Corn and USGC, I am confident that we can continue to create growth opportunities for our agricultural community, while also contributing to global food security.”

The longstanding partnership between Illinois Corn and the USGC has been pivotal in driving the success of Illinois agriculture on the global stage.

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