LANSING, Mich. — Northern Michigan corn grower Ed Breitmeyer was recognized recently by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) for five years of service to the group that focuses on expanding export markets for U.S. grains.

Breitmeyer was honored at USGC’s 10th International Marketing Conference and 53rd annual Membership Meeting in Charleston, S.C., for his five years of service as a council delegate. Since becoming a member, Breitmeyer has attended numerous council meetings and participated in many hands-on assessments of corn production in foreign countries.

In 2012, he was part of the Council’s 16th annual China Corn Harvest Tour, which is comprised of teams of industry experts who visit China’s seven top corn production provinces in the North China Plain and Northeast China. He is also an active member of the USGC’s Membership and Communications Advisory Team.

“After working with Ed for many years as a fellow board member and witnessing his work ethic and passion in support of Michigan’s corn industry, it’s no surprise that he has been recognized for his efforts in helping expand U.S. corn exports,” said Pat Feldpausch, president of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM).

“Ed’s video presentation about the China Tour at the last board meeting was very informative, and gave our growers here in Michigan a good idea of how important our farming work is not only here in the U.S., but globally, as well.”

In 2011, Breitmeyer joined another team of agricultural experts to tour the multimillion-dollar expansion of the Panama Canal.

“Panama is increasing the size of the canal to accommodate the larger post-Panamax ships, which is vital to shipping U.S. grains around the world,” Breitmeyer said. “Providing high-quality grain and high-value export products, like dried distillers grains and corn gluten, are two important components for future success.

“Many countries, like China and Japan who import grain from the U.S., are improving their ports and building facilities to accommodate their increasing needs.”

Headquartered in Lansing, the CMPM is a farmer-funded program that uses 1 cent per bushel of Michigan corn sold, and invests in research, education and promotion of Michigan’s corn industry. For more information, visit CMPM’s website at www.micorn.org