U.S. Farmers Respond to World Demand, Planting Report Shows

According to the U.S. Grains Council, this increase shows the U.S. farmers’ commitment to meet the increased demand for corn around the world.

1 Apr 2010 --- USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released its 2010 Prospective Plantings report showing U.S. corn acreage at 88.8 million, up 3 percent from both 2009 and 2008. According to the U.S. Grains Council, this increase shows the U.S. farmers’ commitment to meet the increased demand for corn around the world.

“U.S. farmers step up to the plate every year,” said Tim Burrack, Iowa Corn Promotion Board chairman. “U.S. farmers use top-of-the-line technology and modern farming techniques to ensure a high quality product. We meet the domestic needs of the livestock industry and the ethanol industry and are able to meet the needs of our trading partners and customers around the world.”

Ron Gray, Illinois corn farmer and former president of Illinois Corn Marketing Board, said “We continue to hear our Administration’s empasis to expand U.S. agricultural exports. This acreage increase reflects America’s capacity to meet the domestic market demand as well as sustain U.S. market share around the world at a competitive price. Exports are a crucial component to the U.S. economy. They are good for our economy, they are good for the rest of the world.”