Kentucky Corn Growers Association Hosts International Guests for Exploration of Dried Distillers Grains

After attending the U.S. Grains Council’s Export Exchange 2024 Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, from October 7-9, 14 participants from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean traveled to Kentucky and Tennessee to tour Green Plains Ethanol Plant, Lowry Farms, Tosh Farms Feed Mill and Swine Production, and Hopkinsville Elevator’s riverport facility.

Kentucky and Tennesee Corn hosted grain and feed buyers, along with operators of animal feeding facilities primarily in the pork, poultry, and grain merchandising sectors. Participants included buyers, general managers, and executive directors from their respective organizations.

By the end of their tour, they followed the grain’s journey from corn farm to distribution, and from ethanol to DDGS.

At Green Plains Ethanol Plant in Obion, Tennessee, the group witnessed the transformation of a kernel of corn into sustainable products used for high-value feed ingredients and low-carbon fuel. They observed how co-products of corn are created by the drying milling ethanol industry, particularly focusing on DDGS. The guests took part in an extensive question and answer session about DDGS and were assured by the Green Plains team that quality products would remain available. 

Keith Lowry of Lowry Farms provided grain buyers with insights into the farm equipment utilized, on-farm grain storage systems, sustainability practices, and the factors contributing to yield improvements over the years. This year, Lowry is celebrating the harvest of his 50th crop, crediting much of his success to his family and dedicated long-time employees on the farm. 

Guests particularly enjoyed exploring Lowry’s tractors, planters, combines, headers, grain carts, and sprayers. Many climbed ladders to sit in the tractor cabs and discover the technology used on farms.