Ryan LeGrand

Behind the Scenes with the U.S. Grains Council President and CEO

Ryan LeGrand, a self-professed country boy from rural Oklahoma, has steadily climbed the ranks, transitioning from a grain trader in export markets to leading the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) as its President and CEO.

Through the support of numerous commodity groups, including the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council (SDCUC or Council), the USGC works to develop export markets for corn and related products, such as distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol.

LeGrand asserts, “We’re at the forefront when it comes to opening markets for ethanol, DDGS, and other value-added products, all of which contribute to the economic basis of the United States. Our job is to open, defend, and maintain markets to help reduce excess supply here in South Dakota.”

SDCUC President Jim Ketelhut explains, “Supporting the U.S. Grains Council goes to the heart of what we do as a Council. We exist to develop and maintain new and existing markets, promote new uses, and increase profitability for all South Dakota corn producers. As exports remain critical for corn growers, so does our support for initiatives that drive demand for corn across the globe.”

Beyond advocating for foreign trade, the USGC also provides industry expertise to the U.S. government. “Without our influence, we would likely see product backups in the U.S., which would ultimately drive down commodity prices,” shares LeGrand.

The USGC operates with a staff of 35 in Washington, D.C., and maintains offices in nine countries, with full-time employees in 29 countries running programs in 60 countries globally. Most recently, they signed a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan’s largest state-owned oil refinery, Chinese Petroleum Corp (CPC), to collaborate on research initiatives and technical exchange programs aimed at introducing gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10) in Taiwan.

According to the USGC, the value of South Dakota’s corn exports to the economy in 2022 was $916.5 million, with a total output of over $1.7 billion.

Creating Demand for Corn Across the Globe

“We have many concerns and opportunities. Some countries believe they can achieve self-sufficiency when they realistically cannot, and this disrupts global trade. We see significant opportunities in exporting value-added products, particularly ethanol, which is poised for exponential growth over the next several years,” says LeGrand.

About the U.S. Grains Council

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum, and related products, including DDGS and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes that exports are vital to global economic development and the profitability of U.S. agriculture.