Wisconsin Corn Hosts Thailand Trade Team Ahead of Export Exchange

Watertown, Wis. [October 15, 2026] - A trade team from Thailand visited Wisconsin this week through the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, getting an up-close look at how Wisconsin corn is grown, processed, fed and shipped before heading to the Export Exchange in Seattle, Washington. The Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board (WCPB) hosted the team.

The visit started with an overview of Wisconsin agriculture with Jacob Leum and the team at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Dr. Kaur, corn agronomist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared how Wisconsin research helps growers raise a consistent, high-quality crop year after year. The team also met with Anthony Goddeman of the USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service. He explained how official grain inspection and grading give international buyers confidence that U.S. corn meets the quality standards in their contracts.

At United Wisconsin Grain Producers in Friesland, the team learned how Wisconsin corn becomes ethanol and the co-products, like distillers grains, that feed livestock here and around the world.

At Trifecta Farms in Fox Lake, the team toured a working dairy and beef operation. They heard from the farm's Vita Plus nutritionist about how corn and co-products fit into rations, and from the family about how they care for the land and stay good neighbors in their farming community.

The team traveled to The DeLong Co. at Port Milwaukee to see how bulk commodities move from Wisconsin to buyers overseas. The visit wrapped up at Reeb Farms in Whitewater with Casey Kelleher, president of the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, who also serves on the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council's Asia Advisory Team. The team was able to get out into the field to see the corn harvest firsthand.

"Thailand is an important market, and visits like this build the trust that keeps Wisconsin corn moving overseas," said Kelleher.

Wisconsin's agriculture is remarkably diverse: corn, dairy, beef, ethanol and more, all connected. Trade teams let international buyers see that whole picture in a few short days, from research plot to port. That connection between Wisconsin growers and export markets helps strengthen demand and support farm income across our state.

"We're grateful to every host who opened their doors as well as the partnership with DATCP for our subject speakers," said Brenda Damrow Gudex, executive director of Wisconsin Corn. "Thank you to Dr. Kaur and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United Wisconsin Grain Producers, Trifecta Farms and Vita Plus, Anthony Goddeman and USDA's Federal Grain Inspection Service, The DeLong Co. and Port Milwaukee, and Casey Kelleher and Reeb Farms. You showed our guests what makes Wisconsin agriculture unique."

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About Wisconsin Corn

Wisconsin Corn serves the state's corn growers through the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board (WCPB) and Wisconsin Corn Growers Association (WCGA). The WCPB utilizes checkoff funds to develop and defend markets, fund research and provide education about corn and corn products. WCGA is a united, grassroots-driven member organization representing growers from across Wisconsin on important state and national agricultural issues in an effort to increase member profitability and opportunity. For more information, visit wicorn.org.