A delegation of Japanese grain buyers visited Southwest Ohio to see firsthand how the state’s high-quality corn is grown, transported, and marketed, strengthening one of the country’s key agricultural trade partnerships.
On Monday, September 29, 2025, the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council, alongside Ohio Corn & Wheat, led the delegation for tours of Consolidated Grain and Barge (CGB) in Cincinnati and Singleton Farms in New Richmond. The visits offered an immersive look at the entire production cycle of Ohio corn, from farm fields to global shipping.
Congressman Dave Taylor (R–OH, 2nd District), who serves on both the House Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, joined the team for a tour of CGB. Attendees witnessed how the facility, responsible for moving up to 900 million bushels of grain each year, plays a vital role in ensuring U.S. corn reaches customers worldwide. The delegation explored CGB’s delivery and testing methods, as well as its barge and bulk container operations along the Cincinnati Riverfront.
“These missions are an important tool in strengthening trade relationships because they allow buyers to see firsthand the quality and care involved in growing Ohio corn,” said Wendy Osborn, Director of Market Development for Ohio Corn & Wheat. “Ohio-grown corn is among the best in the world, and by building personal relationships with buyers, we create opportunities to expand markets for feed, fuel, and co-products like DDGS.”
Japan is the second-largest importer of U.S. corn. Each year, Japan imports millions of metric tons, offering a critical and steady market for American farmers. Recently, the U.S. and Japan reached a trade deal that reinforced this partnership and helps ensure that American corn retains a strong presence in the Japanese market.
For Ohio farmers, these relationships mean more than just exports; they help maintain stronger prices, stable demand, and new opportunities.
AloJapan.com