May is World Trade Month

May 02, 2024

Throughout May, celebrated as World Trade Month, we will look at the investments the corn check-off makes to develop markets for corn and corn products. 

Minnesota Corn supports efforts to develop markets through our partnerships with U.S. Grains Council and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) develops export markets for barley, corn, sorghum, and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, USGC operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. USMEF represents beef, veal, pork, and lamb producers and feeders; packers and processors; purveyors and traders; oilseeds producers; feed grains producers; farm organizations; and supply and service organizations. USMEF carries out market development activities in more than 80 countries.

Exports of corn and co-products contribute significantly to Minnesota’s economy. In 2021, exports of corn and its co-products added $5.6 billion in value to the Minnesota economy. Minnesota corn and co-product exports were valued at $2.56 Billion.

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.