U.S. Grains Council, Industry Engage International Buyers on U.S. Sorghum—After China announced a 178.6 percent tariff in a preliminary decision on the anti-dumping case just a few weeks ago, ships loaded with U.S. sorghum needed new destinations. An industry-wide effort between National Sorghum Producers, the Sorghum Checkoff, U.S. Grains Council and state sorghum associations to reroute grain has been critical. Read more about USGC and industry efforts and details on shipments here.
Export Report—Exports were firm this week as traders continued rerouting sorghum originally destined for China. Based on relationships built over the past two months, Spain purchased and immediately took delivery of 5.2 million bushels. Mexico committed to purchasing 3.0 million bushels bringing the total number of international buyers of U.S. sorghum to a near-record 10. Export sales are still on pace to reach the USDA target, which remained 245 bushels in yesterday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. As expected, the void created when China departed the market has led to numerous opportunities to interact with new buyers, and several trade missions are scheduled to continue building on these opportunities.
USDA says GMO food labeling rule moving forward, but likely not complete by July deadline—Secretary Perdue said that although the USDA has been working on the required regulation for labeling bio-engineered food, it is unlikely to be completed before the July 29 deadline. Perdue says that the delay is due in part to waiting to hear back from the Office of Budget Management on the draft rule. According to at least one lobbyist, it will likely be the end of 2018 before the draft rule is published. For additional information, click here. This article first appeared on the Ag Law Blog
NSP Board Directors Application Due Today—Applications to the National Sorghum Producers board of directors are due today, Friday, May 11. Candidates for the board must be a member of the National Sorghum Producers and have a passion for working on behalf of sorghum growers through lobbying and fundraising activities. The NSP board is not limited to growers, and there is no experience necessary to apply. If you have a desire to improve the sorghum industry through one of the four available leadership positions, NSP encourages you to apply. Applications are available at SorghumGrowers.com and will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. CST on May 11, 2018. Contact Debra Lloyd at 806-749-3478 if you have any questions.
