The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently announced its collaboration with the University of Illinois on a groundbreaking study aimed at evaluating the starch component of U.S. corn compared to varieties from Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine. Mark Wilson, Secretary Treasurer of the USGC, highlighted the significance of this research in potentially boosting export opportunities for American corn producers.
The study, led by Vijay Singh, involved collecting samples from wet mill plants worldwide and conducting comprehensive analyses at the University of Illinois. Surprisingly, the findings indicated that U.S. corn, known for its soft endosperm, exhibits higher starch extractability compared to counterparts with hard endosperm.
Wilson emphasized that this research could offer a competitive advantage to U.S. corn in global markets. Processors may find U.S. corn more profitable due to its superior starch extractability, potentially incentivizing them to choose American corn over alternatives from Brazil, Argentina, or Ukraine.
Moreover, the implications extend beyond grain processing. Livestock producers stand to benefit from the study’s findings as well, particularly in terms of feed efficiency. By leveraging the superior starch extractability of U.S. corn, livestock producers can optimize feed formulations, potentially enhancing productivity and profitability within the industry.
