Market development is one of the most valuable activities of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council. On behalf of South Dakota farmers, we partner with organizations in order to retain, expand and create marketing opportunities, including:

Ethanol and Co-Products

This safe, renewable and environmentally friendly fuel contributes to our nation’s energy independence and adds billions of dollars to the national economy. Co-products, such as distillers grains animal feed, corn distillers oil, and biogenic carbon dioxide, also add value to the industry’s economic impact.

Livestock Development

While livestock production is important to South Dakota’s ag economy, it also creates demand for corn, both for feed and as ethanol co-products. To help expand livestock production in our state, we conduct research, as well as collaborate with the U.S. Grains Council and the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Export Markets

Through trade and export, American farmers help meet global demand as more than 95% of the world’s consumers live beyond our U.S. borders. Collaborating with our strategic partnerships increases export demand and encourages trade agreements.

Sustainability

We also work with South Dakota corn farmers to protect the land itself with environmental practices to minimize our carbon footprint, while building up carbon levels in the soil. Efforts to reduce soil loss from runoff and erosion have been proven effective. And advanced technology has helped farmers improve operational efficiency and profitability.