Connecting Tennessee Corn to Global Markets
Vietnamese trade delegation visits West Tennessee to explore corn quality, export capabilities and new market opportunities.
The Tennessee Corn Promotion Board welcomed a delegation of 30 procurement managers from Vietnamese trading companies and feed mills to Tennessee October 12–14. Organized in partnership with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, the visit gave prospective buyers a firsthand look at Tennessee’s 2026 corn crop, grain quality, export infrastructure and the people behind our state’s corn industry before the group continued to Seattle for the Export Exchange Conference.
Delegation of Vietnamese grain buyers visits the Port of Memphis to learn about Tennessee’s grain export infrastructure and how corn moves from the state to international markets.
Vietnam represents a promising opportunity for U.S. corn and corn co-products. According to Stella Qian with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, U.S. corn exports to Vietnam grew significantly in 2025, while demand for distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) also reached record levels. As Vietnamese buyers evaluate suppliers and build purchasing relationships, Tennessee has an opportunity to demonstrate the quality, reliability and capabilities our industry can offer.
From the Mississippi River to the Farm
The visit began in Memphis, where the delegation explored how Tennessee corn reaches international customers. Scott Richman with the Renewable Fuels Association provided an overview of the U.S. ethanol industry, while Ken Eriksen discussed commodity markets, trade and export logistics. Randy Richardson, executive director of the Port of Memphis, shared the port’s capabilities and helped lead a tour of President’s Island. The day concluded with a visit to ADM’s grain barge facility, where buyers saw firsthand how grain moves from inland storage to the Mississippi River and onward to global markets.
The following day, Jake McNeal and Ryan Blair welcomed the group to the West Tennessee Research and Education Center for a discussion about Tennessee corn production, crop conditions and grain quality. The conversation gave buyers an opportunity to ask questions about this year’s crop and discuss the quality characteristics that matter to their businesses.
“Visits like this give us the opportunity to put Tennessee corn in front of potential buyers and let them see firsthand what our growers and industry partners have to offer.”
At POET Bioprocessing in Obion, the delegation learned how corn is used to produce renewable fuel and valuable feed ingredients. The group toured the facility, viewed its on-site storage capacity and showed particular interest in corn fermented protein (CFP), a high-protein feed ingredient produced through dry-mill bioethanol manufacturing.
Tennessee Corn Growers Association Vice President Rad McDavid demonstrates farm equipment and precision planting technology to the Vietnamese trade delegation during a visit to Tennessee Tractor in Union City.
An evening dinner at Discovery Park’s Simmons Ag Center brought Vietnamese buyers together with Tennessee Corn Growers Association and Tennessee Corn Promotion Board members. Beyond the tours, these direct conversations gave growers and industry representatives the opportunity to share their own operations, answer questions and begin building relationships with potential customers.
“Visits like this give us the opportunity to put Tennessee corn in front of potential buyers and let them see firsthand what our growers and industry partners have to offer. The conversations that happen along the way are just as important as the tours. We want buyers to leave knowing Tennessee corn is second to none and we are ready to build strong partnerships to serve their needs,” said Shane Burchfiel, TCPB Chairman
Showcasing the People and Technology Behind the Crop
The delegation also visited Tennessee Tractor in Union City, where TCGA Vice President Rad McDavid demonstrated the equipment and precision technology used to produce corn in West Tennessee, including planters, sprayers and combines.
At Tosh Farms in Henry, Jimmy, Jamey and Jonathan Tosh shared the history of their operation and led a tour of the scale house, grain storage facilities and feed mill. The visit highlighted the connections between Tennessee corn production, grain handling, livestock feed and the broader agricultural supply chain.
Building Relationships That Create Opportunity
For Tennessee corn farmers, developing international markets is about more than showing visitors where corn is grown. It is an opportunity to build confidence in our crop, demonstrate the strength of our transportation and processing infrastructure, and establish relationships with buyers who are actively evaluating their supply options.
We appreciate the hosts, speakers, board members and industry partners who helped make the visit possible. By opening our doors and showcasing Tennessee agriculture firsthand, we are working to strengthen partnerships and create opportunities for Tennessee corn in global markets.
Listen to the interview with TN Home & Farm Radio:
Vietnam Market Snapshot
U.S. corn exports to Vietnam surged to $394 million in 2025, climbing from just $22.7 million in 2024
Growing feed demand: Vietnam’s poultry and swine sectors support demand for imported feed ingredients, including corn and DDGS.
Emerging opportunities: Buyers are also exploring products such as corn fermented protein and U.S. ethanol.
View more photos from the Vietnamese trade delegation visit to Tennessee:
