FARMERSVILLE, Ohio — Ohio Corn & Wheat (OCW) hosted the U.S. Grains Council and a trade team from the Philippines at the Leis family farm in Farmersville, Ohio, as part of the Philippines Delegation Export Exchange. The Exchange introduces top-level decision makers from Philippines container importers to U.S. exporters and gives them a better understanding of the U.S. grain marketing system and U.S. corn products.

The delegation visited the farm of Nathan and Rachel Leis, where Nathan provided an overview of the operation, sustainability and marketing efforts and harvest progress. The Leis family raises corn and soybeans. Nathan represents Ohio corn growers in District 11, which includes Darke, Montgomery and Preble counties.

“They were in to look at our corn crop and to see the quality of our corn crop, meet with farmers and then also see our supply chain here in Ohio,” said Wendy Osborn, director of marketing development at Ohio Corn and Wheat. “Their primary focus was on animal feed for their poultry and pork industries.”

The visitors got to see the export process first-hand and learn about the nation’s coastal ports. Ohio’s river system is also a major export opportunity. The visiting trade team was able to watch as grain and corn were loaded into containers for export.

“They were also able to see the rail system, to see where corn was put on railcars, and they were also able to visit the Ohio River and see where barges are being loaded,” Osborn added.

The Philippines faces an annual corn deficit of roughly four million metric tons. Its tariffs on U.S. corn imports are substantially reduced through the end of the year, making the Philippines a top candidate for expanding international grain markets.

 “The Philippine population has risen from 53 million to 119 million the past 40 years, and they do grow corn, but not enough to meet their population’s demand for their poultry and pork industry,” Osborn said.

 “The United States is the largest producer of corn in the world. We produce more corn then we consume, and it’s important to have a place for that corn to go. The Philippines is a unique country that consists of more than 7,000 islands. It has a land mass similar to Arizona.”

 With less space to grow corn and other products, Osborn says they rely on exports from other countries like the U.S. to meet the demands of their growing population.

Ohio Corn & Wheat works to create opportunities for long-term Ohio corn and small grain grower profitability and houses two checkoffs and one membership-based organization. The Ohio Corn Checkoff and Ohio Small Grains Checkoff work to develop and expand markets, fund research and provide education about corn and wheat, respectively.