(Shelby, Ohio) – Ohio remains in the spotlight as a global agricultural leader, recently hosting a delegation of milling industry leaders from Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil. Their visit comes on the heels of a high-profile delegation from Vietnam, led by H.E. Do Duc Duy, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, who visited Ohio on June 4, 2025, as part of a multi-state Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony committing to purchase $2 billion in U.S. agricultural products, including corn, soybeans, meat, and timber.
“Ohio has been in the spotlight for global trade for a very good reason,” said Wendy Osborn, Director of Market Development for Ohio Corn & Wheat. “Our farming practices are recognized worldwide for being both innovative and sustainable, and the products grown here are among the best in the world.”
The South American delegation’s stop in Ohio was part of a three-state mission that also included Kansas and Washington. While in Ohio, the team toured The Andersons’ Northwest Ohio milling facility in Maumee, where they observed firsthand the advanced operations used by U.S. millers to serve global markets.
Their visit concluded on June 11 with a farm tour of R&R Niese Farms in Shelby, Ohio. During their time at the farm, the delegation met with leaders from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Corn & Wheat, and local farmers. They had the opportunity to see wheat growing in nearby fields, explore harvest equipment, and engage in discussions aimed at strengthening trade relationships and boosting demand for Ohio’s high-quality soft red winter wheat.
“Any time we have an opportunity to showcase the superior quality of Ohio-grown wheat, that’s a win for farmers,” said Owen Niese, Chair of the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff. “Seeing is believing, and this delegation was able to experience what makes Ohio-grown wheat the best in the world.”
“It’s an honor to have the U.S. Wheat Associates and the South American trade team here in Ohio,” Osborn said. “Opportunities like this allow us to share Ohio’s sustainable farming story and show the world why American wheat is the most trusted on the global market.”
You can experience more about this special mission to Ohio by exploring the full photo gallery from this special event.
Ohio will again take center stage this October, when an ethanol trade delegation from China arrives as part of a U.S. Grains Council mission to explore Ohio’s leadership in biofuel production. The visit will highlight the state’s cutting-edge ethanol facilities, farming partnerships, and Ohio’s role in meeting the growing demand for ethanol fuel.
To learn more about Ohio’s involvement in global trade and future trade missions, visit www.ohiocornandwheat.org.
About Ohio Small Grains Checkoff
The Ohio Small Grains Checkoff is dedicated to creating long-term opportunities for Ohio’s wheat and small grains farmers. Through partnerships with state and national wheat organizations, the Checkoff works to promote the quality of Ohio-grown soft red winter wheat and to advance farmer education, market development, and public awareness. The program supports local growers by addressing key priorities, including export market access, water quality, cutting-edge research, education, and profitability. To learn more, visit www.ohiocornandwheat.org.
