Carson Klosterman, a corn producer from Wyndmere, North Dakota, traveled to Bangladesh for the U.S. Grains Council’s inaugural Buyers and Sellers Conference and saw international market development create real opportunities for American farmers.
Direct Sales Results
The Dhaka conference brought together more than 100 local buyers with nine U.S. agribusinesses for one-on-one meetings focused on high-quality feed ingredients for Bangladesh’s growing poultry, aquaculture, and dairy industries. The results were immediate—sales were made and confirmed during the meetings.
“A key takeaway for me was seeing the buyers and sellers round table and hearing the connections being made in real time,” shared Klosterman, who serves as North Dakota Corn Utilization Council District 1 Representative. “It was great to hear that sales were generated there.”
Perfect Market Timing
Bangladesh regularly imports competitively priced Indian corn, but that supply is projected to become unavailable as India’s domestic demand grows. This creates a significant opportunity for U.S. corn producers.
Alexander Grabois, Manager of Global Strategies and Trade, presented data showing the increased energy content in U.S. corn, demonstrating its value over competing origins. “By showing the value of U.S. corn to Bangladeshi buyers, we are creating opportunities for U.S. sellers and farmers to sell a higher quality product than their competitors,” Grabois said.
Building Relationships
Beyond conference presentations, participants toured feed mills and aqua ponds, giving U.S. sellers firsthand understanding of Bangladesh’s market potential and challenges. Klosterman enjoyed “meeting with feed mill owners and discussing new ideas with them to help move product.”
The message was clear: “If Bangladesh grows, U.S. farmers win,” said Reece H. Cannady, USGC director in India.
For North Dakota corn producers, the conference demonstrated how checkoff investments in international market development translate directly into sales opportunities—proving that building relationships abroad creates real value back home on the farm.
