International Outreach
Our International Outreach focuses on enhancing the market preference, consumption and utilization of Iowa (and U.S.) corn, soybeans and their value-added products for the global grain and feed industry. Efforts include innovative and relevant continuing education and technical assistance programs to strengthen and enhance agricultural trade linkages, develop agricultural systems and value chains, and improve global food security.
Programs are generally coordinated with Iowa, regional and U.S. commodity organizations; the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, GIPSA Federal Grain Inspection Service, and other government agencies; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); international research centers; industry associations; foundations; companies; and other universities.
Our faculty and staff are internationally recognized experts in storage, handling, transportation, purchasing, risk management, processing, nutrition and utilization of U.S. grains, oilseeds and their value-added products. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your international training, market development and technical assistance needs. For more information contact Dr. Dirk E. Maier at +1-515-294-0140 or dmaier@iastate.edu
Recent programs and projects include:
U.S. Grains Council Grain Handling and Storage Manual
- The U.S. Grains Council’s grain handling and storage handbook is aimed at addressing three key concerns operations managers at grain warehouses and feed mills are often faced with when receiving imported corn: (1) moisture content at 14.5 percent, (2) high amounts of fines that make handling and storage more challenging, and (3) presence of mycotoxins. The practical solutions presented in this handbook address how to successfully manage these challenges from the perspective of the operations manager.
- In efforts to expand opportunities and help local feed producers improve the quality of their products, the U.S Grains Council (USGC) utilized a grant provided by the U.S. State Department to create a Center for Feed Manufacturing in Tunisia.
- As part of establishing the Center, the Council, the Tunis National Institute for Agribusiness (INAT) and Iowa State University trained a core team of 10 industry professionals in feed manufacturing. (February, 2018)
- 2018 Feb 26 Tunisia Training Center press release.pdf
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- 2018 Jan 25 Tunisian Center for Feed Manufacturing press release
Rwanda Mycotoxin Assessment and Mitigation in the Dairy Feed Value Chain
- The main objective of this study was to assess and mitigate the prevalence of aflatoxins and fumonisins in animal feeds in Rwanda and to raise awareness among professionals and policy makers in order to better protect consumer health and increase export opportunities.
- A second project phase focused on improving animal-source food production and consumption through improved feed safety and quality. It specifically examined on-farm use of mycotoxin binders/sequesters in dairy feed as a strategy to reduce aflatoxin excretion in milk.
USDA FAS Cochran Fellowship Program
- ISU Cochran Training on Biotechnology and Biosafety – Central America and the Caribbean (October 2015)
- ISU Cochran Training on Grain Logistics to Increase Efficiency and Decrease Technical Barriers to Trade for Ukraine – Eastern Europe and Eurasia (May 2016)
- ISU Cochran Training on Grain Marketing Intelligence and Logistics Management for Indonesia (September 2016)
USDA FAS Food for Progress Program
- Ghana Poultry Layer and Feed Value Chain Project (news release)