Export Exchange 2024, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), wrapped up Wednesday in Fort Worth as trade teams began visits across the country to key components of the agricultural value chain.

“We are incredibly excited to see the impact that this week will have in the coming year as international stakeholders continue to generate new business within the U.S. value chain,” Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO said. “Export Exchange has proven to be a crucial part in strengthening U.S. relationships with international industry professionals and therefore, strengthening the U.S. agriculture industry for years to come.”

Thirteen trade teams are headed to corn-growing states to see advanced farming operations, explore DDGS production at ethanol plants, view port facilities and more to build their networks with U.S. suppliers.

Export Exchange was developed to allow buyers and sellers of U.S. corn, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), sorghum and other commodities to gather every other year and connect with hundreds of attendees from more than 50 countries.

In the latest Trade Monitor report from RFA Senior Analyst Ann Lewis, U.S. exports of DDGS increased 2% in August to a three-year high of 1.12 million metric tons (mt) amid mixed markets. South Korea was the top market for exports, up 35% from the previous month, while Mexico’s imports fell 34% to an 8-month low of 163,086 mt. Year-to-date DDGS exports have reached 8.09 million mt, 15% higher than the same period last year.