What does it take to connect Illinois corn farmers to global markets, and why does trade policy matter more than most people realize?

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray sits down with Andrew Brandt, Director of Trade Policy for the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, to break down how global trade decisions directly impact U.S. corn demand, farm profitability, and the long-term future of agriculture.

Key Takeaways:
0:00 – Introduction
0:55 – What the  U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council Does
2:10 - How Trade Policy Impacts Illinois Corn Farmers
3:35 - Why Export Markets Matter for U.S. Corn Demand
5:20 - Key Growth Regions: Southeast Asia, India, and Africa
6:45 - China’s Evolving Role in Global Corn Trade
8:10 - The Rise of Ethanol Exports and Biofuel Demand
9:40 - SAF vs. Marine Fuel and the Future of Ethanol Use
11:05 - Bunker Fuel and Cleaner Shipping Alternatives
12:30 - Global Competition and Brazil’s Expanding Production
14:10 - The Value of Checkoff-Funded Market Development
16:00 - Building Long-Term Global Trade Relationships
17:30 - Why Market Development Takes Years to Pay Off
19:10 - Not To Be Corny

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